People Serving People’s Post

Our Part B, Section 619 National Survey 2023 describes the results of a survey conducted with 54 Part B, 619 Coordinators in 2023. It provides a national picture of preschool special education programs to inform local, state, and national improvement efforts. https://lnkd.in/eMgi5T9z

The Nebraska Transition to Kindergarten Toolkit and Resource Guide is a great resource, as the school year is not far away. This toolkit presents a shared understanding of developmentally appropriate expectations and practices that support continuity in transitions for young children. Research-based activities, strategies, and resources specific to families, schools, and early childhood care and education providers are outlined to support the transition into Kindergarten for young children. Check out the toolkits here: https://lnkd.in/gYf6-PUK

The Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) is pivotal to improving the quality of early childhood education in this country. This program plays an essential role in making sure child care programs are as effective and efficient as possible. In a nutshell, federal PDG B-5 dollars are used by states to make programs better, building much needed infrastructure and helping multiple systems and agencies get streamlined and work together. The end goal? A system that brings high-quality early education to more working families and helps millions of children have access to safe, quality child care and early learning that can help set them on a strong path for their futures. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dx-7fwQp

A new report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) highlights accomplishments in Massachusetts preschool access, but also showcases that there is still much work to be done.  As the State of Preschool Report notes, through our community collaborations between public school programs and private child care centers, we are working on solutions. Highlights:  📚 Gov. Maura Healey's Gateway to Pre-K initiative, which plans to distribute roughly $39 million between the state's 26 "Gateway" cities and towns to help expand free and low-cost preschool to 4-year-olds by the end of 2026. 📚 The state’s Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, a preschool expansion grant program launched in 2020, is helping more communities stretch their free preschool programs to full 6-hour days. The NIEER State of Preschool Yearbook can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gtgBN2xA

Selecting the curriculum and tools for your early learning center is one of the most impactful decisions you make for your program. Join us on March 5, in conversation with The Pillars Christian Learning Centers, as we explore why The Pillars chose to partner with Teaching Strategies to ensure high-quality early childhood education in its 80 classrooms (and growing). https://bit.ly/3UQwnUX

Such a good read as you head into planning season! If quality is on your agenda, Teaching Strategies, LLC can support every single aspect of your early learning center.

Reminder from Chicago Early Learning: "If you've received a preschool offer from a CPS school, please remember to check your offer expiration date and accept your offer as soon as possible to secure your child's placement. After July 15, offers for schools with waitlists will expire at the end of the 14-day window, so don't wait! You can accept your offer and remain on another program's waitlist. 4 Ways to Accept or Decline Your Placement Offer: •Online by logging into your account at ChicagoEarlyLearning.org •Call our Family Support Hotline at 312-229-1690 •Call the school where your child was offered a seat •Visit the school in-person Remember, CBO offers do not expire, and offers at schools without waitlists will stay open longer." https://lnkd.in/gXjGbsBj

The New Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the importance of early childhood care and education, recognizing it as a critical foundation for lifelong learning and holistic development. Within this framework, the policy advocates for the integration of preschool education (ages 3-6) as part of the foundational stage of schooling. It encourages a play-based, flexible, and activity-oriented approach to early childhood education, focusing on the cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical development of children. The policy also stresses the need for trained and well-equipped educators, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and inclusive practices to ensure equitable access to quality preschool education for all children, including those from marginalized communities. Additionally, the policy underscores the involvement of parents and communities in supporting children's early learning experiences, promoting a collaborative and nurturing environment conducive to their overall growth and development.

From learning about and sharing best practices for children’s early learning to building coordinated, effective state and local systems, our Early Childhood Education experts are dedicated to helping young children and families thrive: https://lnkd.in/eMN2_xnY

Quality teachers = quality education Early education experiences must be of high quality in order to achieve the most positive outcomes, and one of the biggest determiners of preschool quality is teacher quality. But child care workers and preschool teachers are often underpaid and are given little opportunity or incentive to advance their education. This has a very adverse effect on quality of care for children. If more money were invested in early childhood education, the field would attract—and retain—the kind of teachers our children need to succeed.