Measuring Up to Our Ideals – A New Vision for Equitable Quality Measurement
This recording is from the webinar Measuring Up to Our Ideals - A New Vision for Equitable Quality Measurement.
When it comes to quality, are we measuring what matters most in early childhood settings? Are we measuring equitably? A new resource from national experts on quality measurement, “Measuring the Quality of Early Learning Environments,” lays out a vision for early childhood measurement rooted in equity and the principles of ideal learning environments. This webinar introduces participants to fresh perspectives and new ideas for policymakers and program leaders to consider when evaluating programs that serve young children and families. The webinar explores how policy decisions about what is measured (in classrooms, programs, and systems), how it is measured, and how the information is used can have significant implications when it comes to addressing or exacerbating inequities within programs and systems. It also shows how the Principles of Ideal Learning framework can help guide a more holistic picture of program quality. Featured in the discussion are a co-author of the report and three experts who contributed to the guide. Panelists share their reflections on its content and its implications for educators, program leaders, and policymakers.
Click here to access the slide deck for this webinar.
Explore More
Meet Monique Fountain Hanna: The BUILD Initiative’s Newest Staff Member
Blog June 30, 2025
The BUILD Initiative is thrilled to welcome Monique Fountain Hanna, MD, MPH, MBA, to our staff as Interim Director of State Services. Monique has over 23 years of experience transforming public health systems; driving health equity; overseeing the development of infant, maternal, and child health-serving systems; and advancing quality standards across the country.
No Place to Grow: Rethinking Homelessness Through a Whole-Child, Whole-Family Lens
Archived Webinar June 11, 2025
Imagine trying to raise your joyful, curious two-year-old in a walk-in closet. There’s no room for toys, no space to play, and every sound echoes too loudly. You’re constantly on edge—not because you’re hiding your child, but because you’re worried that the typical noise of a developing toddler might be too much for the homeowner. The fear of losing even this small, temporary space looms during everyday moments, from enjoying your child’s laughter to dealing with their tantrums. This is what homelessness can look like for families across the country—living in cramped, unstable conditions that threaten not just housing security, but a child’s developmental foundation.
When It’s Too Hot to Play, Sleep, or Learn: Supporting Children and Caregivers in a Warming World
Archived Webinar May 12, 2025
When we think about young children and temperature, we often think about cold conditions and the protections needed to stay warm and safe. But how often do we consider the opposite: extreme heat? As climate change drives temperatures higher, extreme heat is becoming a more frequent and dangerous part of everyday life, especially for young children and caregivers living in under-resourced communities.