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High Quality Early Learning Systems Building: State Approaches and Examples

Report
By: VIVA Strategy and Communications, First 5 Association of California November 1, 2017
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First 5 Association of California unites all 58 First 5 county commissions around a common agenda and works to bolster programs surrounding family strengthening, early identification, oral health, quality early learning, and system sustainability. First 5 commissioned this research and report to understand how states have built and expanded early learning systems and to facilitate policy conversations with a policy committee to apply this learning to California. This document offers information on state approaches to early learning systems building, a compendium of state-level policies for early learning quality and access, and an analysis of current trends.

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Head Start Under Threat: What the Field is Saying

Research September 8, 2026

Over the past few months, HHS has advanced two related sets of proposed changes to Head Start. National, state, and local partners across the early childhood field have raised serious concerns about both. This document is a summary of what our partners are saying, followed by concrete actions and resources for you and your organization. The content reflects our partners' own statements and comments — we agree with what they've said and are sharing it here with full source attribution. Updated September 8, 2026.

Where We Stand on Head Start

Blog August 18, 2026

For more than 60 years, Head Start has provided high-quality child care, comprehensive services, and a two-generation approach that helps families furthest from opportunity access early learning, development, health, and family well-being supports.