Early Childhood Policy Matters

In the last episode of our three-part series on the early childhood workforce, we speak with a panel of state and national experts about the early childhood workforce, and how health and wellness str…

In the second episode of our three-part series on the early childhood workforce, host Martine Sadarangani Gordon (ACF) speaks with a panel of state experts about how they are professionalizing the wo…

In the first episode of our three-part series on the early childhood workforce, host Ciearra Norwood (SRI Education) speaks with national experts about the history, progression and evolution of the w…

In this episode we discuss equity, and the work being done in one state to embed equity in all aspects of its early learning system. Host Nancy vonBargen (ICF) sits down with three state leaders from…

In this episode we explore the New Jersey Enterprise Analysis System for Early Learning (NJ-EASEL), an early childhood integrated data system facilitating cross-agency collaboration and supporting ch…

In this episode we discuss Tribal sovereignty, and how it relates to early childhood care and education systems. Host Mandy Reeve (SRI Education) speaks with a panel of federal and state experts to e…

In this episode, we explore Virginia’s unique “Ready Regions” program, designed to bring unprecedented levels of coordination, accountability, and family engagement to early education programs in eve…

In this episode we explore new funding models being piloted in Rhode Island in an effort to expand access to high quality pre-K programs. Host Mary Klute joins two state leaders to discuss the pilots…

In this episode we explore Colorado’s new Department of Early Childhood and statewide voluntary universal preschool program, which were established this spring with support from the Preschool Develop…

In this episode we explore Minnesota’s new state partnerships with American Indian and Tribal Nations, which were established to provide underserved children and families with equitable access to cul…

In this episode we explore First Five South Carolina, a new online portal designed to help families self-navigate through the state’s early childhood system and connect with valuable programs and res…

In this podcast we explore “Our Tomorrows,” an innovative story-gathering tool being used to connect and engage with families in Kansas.

Host Mandy Reeve (SRI Education) speaks with two state leaders…

In this podcast we explore “EC Guides,” an innovative pilot program in Louisiana providing individualized support to families seeking childcare assistance.

Host Laura Kassner (SRI International) sits…

In this podcast, national experts and state leaders discuss best practices and recommended policies that support transitions across systems. Learn about successful strategies and varying state approa…

In this episode, two early childhood leaders in California discuss the development of their Master Plan for Early Learning and Care. The master plan created a roadmap that put into action past recomm…

In this episode, we discuss the implementation of Washington State's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, which increases capacity to the early learning and family support systems in the…

In this episode, hosts Missy Coffey (SRI Education) and Richard Gonzales (Administration for Children and Families) sit down with Dr. Ruth Friedman, director of the Office of Child Care with the Admi…

For decades, Head Start programs have provided mixed delivery services for children and families across the U.S., and offered guidance for states building and growing statewide early care and educati…

How are states using the Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) Initiative to build and grow comprehensive early care and education statewide systems? We look at the work being done…

Federal agencies have set a new course for comprehensive early childhood care and education under President Joe Biden, strengthening existing systems and identifying new opportunities to support chil…