Investing ARP and PDG funds to address the Early Childhood Workforce Shortage
The Office of Early Childhood Development (ECD), along with the Office of Child Care and Office of Head Start, in the Administration for Children and Families, released a Dear Colleague letter (Investing ARP and PDG funds to address the Early Childhood Workforce Shortage) that urges states, communities, and local programs to take bold actions to invest the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funds and other sources of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) relief funding to address the current early childhood (EC) workforce shortage. The letter includes specific suggestions on how ARP Act funds can be used and an appendix with state and local program examples as well as links to Federal resources that will be highlighted on the ECD website.
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From Barriers to Opportunity: Confronting Systemic Barriers to Early Childhood and Poverty-Reduction Programs
Report December 12, 2024
This report from EdTrust-New York highlights a crisis in childcare availability, with more than 60% of New York classified as a childcare desert. Recent improvements to the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) have not significantly increased accessibility, as families still encounter complex application processes and stringent eligibility requirements. Many parents struggle to find available slots or are unaware of available programs altogether.
Collective Caregiving: A Frame for Talking About What Kids and Families Need to Thrive
Report December 12, 2024
In this brief from Frame Works, you will find an overview of a new framing strategy for building support for kids–focused on collective caregiving–along with three recommendations for putting the strategy into practice. Each recommendation includes specific tips and examples of what it looks like.
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Funding Compendium
Report December 12, 2024
This funding compendium helps states, territories, Tribes, and local communities leverage existing federal resources to address the mental health needs of young children and their families. It outlines key activities in the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) continuum and highlights available federal funding opportunities.