Rebuilding and Reinvigorating EC Leadership Capacity Post-Pandemic: Three State Action Plans
One of the impacts of pandemic has been the significant loss of early childhood program leaders — leaders who are critical to the success of early childhood programs and classrooms. Three states have tackled this challenge by accessing existing partnerships and funding strategies. North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina have 1) braided, partnered, and blended funding streams to pay for professional development that includes extensive provider incentives; 2) refined existing database systems by streamlining data collection and tracking, and 3) delivered an online national director credential curriculum.
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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.