Early Childhood Education

High-quality early learning provides young children with the foundation for healthy development and academic success. Research finds long-term benefits of early learning throughout school and beyond, including greater educational attainment and life success—especially for children who are English learners and for children who are from low-income households. Ensuring all children have access to the early learning experiences they need to succeed requires:

• access to integrated, inclusive programs from birth through school entry that are affordable for all families and aligned with early elementary grades;
• high-quality programs that include quality curriculum and assessments, well-trained staff, safe facilities, family supports, and wraparound services;
• a well-qualified, diverse workforce supported by adequate compensation as well as high-quality, practice-based preparation and professional learning that recognizes and leverages children’s diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds; and
• a coherent system that is easily understood and navigated by parents and providers and has a clear system of governance.