Hand in Hand: Public Policy Advocacy for Early Childhood
This brief describes the experiences of a broad-based coalition of advocates in Washington, DC who were focused on policy. These organizations supported the Birth-to-Three for All DC Act of 2018 through its passage and are now engaged in advocating for additional funding as well as monitoring implementation of the comprehensive road-map laid out in the legislation. The brief also identifies other public policy efforts by the state of Colorado and by the counties of Palm Beach (Florida) and Monroe (New York).
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Leading an Early Childhood Team Through the Quality Improvement Process
Article October 7, 2026
Published in Young Children, this 2024 article provides an operational guide for aligning state QIS requirements with broader national standards, quality grants, and staff incentives.
Much-Needed Changes in Child Care Quality Rating and Improvement Systems Should Promote Equity
Blog October 7, 2026
Blog authors Gina Adams and Danielle Ewen outline systemic flaws in traditional models. This 2024 blog details how traditional QRIS frameworks often inadequately support parents, underinvest in actual center improvement, and inadvertently exacerbate funding inequalities among diverse childcare providers.
Four Trends in Early Care and Education Quality Rating and Improvement Systems
Fact Sheet October 7, 2026
This 2024 brief evaluates Parent Aware (Minnesota's system) and synthesizes interviews across six states (Delaware, Louisiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington). It identifies critical, modern pathways for administrators looking to overhaul and redesign state frameworks.