The Early Learning Challenge is about systems change. It is not about program expansion: it’s about improving, linking and aligning programs and services to lead to increased access to high quality experiences for vulnerable children. ELC creates an incentive that will lead to increased gubernatorial leadership for 0-5 systems. FROM THE FEDERAL GUIDANCE- USE AS COMMENTARY: Federal Perspective (from the guidance) Does not: create new early learning and development program maintain the status quo Does: support integration & alignment of all early learning and development resources & policies across all State agencies. provide incentives to support high-quality early learning and development programs statewide.
If this were just about dollars, it wouldn’t be a victory. We have lost federal dollars in early childhood…as have most budget areas…The victory is the federal acknowledgment and investment in changing the game. This is something EC funders have sought for more than a decade. Federal funding that invests in systemic change and infrastructure development to create and fuel a system over time. Potential to transform educational opportunities for our youngest children—and those most at risk. Not just a little more money for one program or another, but a chance to redesign, rethink, plan and build the necessary infrastructure for quality, access and sustainability. Supporting states’ focus on quality as a basis for public investment is a critical role for the Challenge. Help states strengthen infrastructure for quality early childhood education including standards, assessment, data systems. Quality Rating and Improvement Systems can provide a mechanism for defining and supporting quality and accountability By linking a professional development system to QRIS we help build an effective, high quality workforce
Go to Heckman.org for supporting information for these citations.
Delete the funding levels except for your own state, if you wish.
Insert your own state’s information/insert slides here.
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