Abby SchachnerVictoria WangCathy YunSara Plasencia Chris MauermanCordy McJunkinsDeborah Stipek
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Well-prepared teachers are essential during the early years of learning, which form the foundation for lifelong success; and yet fewer than half of U.S. states require teachers to hold a credential. This national landscape highlights the key decisions states and preparation programs face and strategies for strengthening teacher preparation.
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Well-prepared teachers are essential during early years of learning, which form the foundation for lifelong success. A study examining early childhood credentialing programs in Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York sheds light on strategies institutions of higher education can use to promote quality and accessibility of ECE credential programs.
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Well-prepared teachers are essential during the early years of learning, which form the foundation for lifelong success; and yet fewer than half of U.S. states require teachers to hold a credential. State-level policies governing the credentialing of early childhood teachers in Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York illustrate how states can support a high-quality preschool workforce.
Victoria WangMelanie Leung-GagnéHanna MelnickShaakira ParkerMarjorie Wechsler
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California is expanding universal prekindergarten (UPK) to all 4-year-olds and eligible 3-year-olds. Survey data show that local educational agencies have expanded UPK quickly; however, they continue to face challenges related to UPK facilities, staffing, developmentally appropriate practices, resources, and funding, making continued state investment and targeted support critical for success.
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In 2021, California began a significant expansion of PreK, including expanding state funding for transitional kindergarten and a legislative commitment to maintain other federally and state-funded PreK options for income-eligible families. Data show promising increases in enrollment of 4-year-olds, both in absolute terms and relative to trends in other states.
Victoria WangMelanie Leung-GagnéHanna MelnickMarjorie Wechsler
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California’s ambitious commitment in 2021 to expand universal PreK for all 4-year-olds and income-eligible 3-year-olds by 2025–26 is making progress. Evidence provides insights into implementation related to service delivery models, facilities and transportation, instruction and assessment, supporting student needs, workforce development, and technical assistance needs.
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Integrated learning environments can lead to academic and social benefits for children, yet most early childhood education programs are remarkably segregated due to both neighborhood segregation and policy decisions. New research shows how state policymakers can design policies that foster integration rather than segregation.
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Early childhood learning quality depends on educators being fully prepared to meet the needs of diverse young learners—something that can be supported by high-quality coaching. Examples from state and county systems show ways that comprehensive coaching systems can be implemented at scale, types of coaching approaches, and supports offered.
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Racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse classrooms are beneficial for young students, yet early childhood programs can be more segregated than elementary and high schools. Research offers five policy strategies to promote diverse early learning settings.
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In 2021, California committed to providing universal prekindergarten to all 4-year-olds and income-eligible 3-year-olds by 2025–26. Melanie Leung-Gagné and Hanna Melnick write about how schools and districts across the state are progressing on the planning and implementation for this ambitious expansion.
