Early Care and Education

Encompassing education supports ranging from birth through third grade, early care and education (ECE) capitalizes on providing high-quality programs and services to build strong foundations for young children. It is also inextricably connected to supporting parents and the economy.

This page includes issues such as child care, early intervention, pre-K, quality rating and improvement systems, school readiness and the ECE workforce.

Ed Note Blog Posts

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Early Education (P-3)

What’s New in the Early Care and Education Governance Landscape?

The years before formal schooling are vital for children’s physical, cognitive and social development. Providing high-quality preschool environments is a pivotal opportunity to prevent developmental disparities that are often already […]

Early Education (P-3)

Six pre-K students sit on around their teacher on a colorful foam mat in their classroom.

How Can State Policymakers Foster Integrated Early Learning Environments?

Integrated learning environments can lead to academic and social benefits for children, however, most early care and education (ECE) programs are largely segregated as a function of both neighborhood segregation […]

Early Education (P-3)

Grandparents sit on a sofa with their infant grandchild on their laps. They are all reading a storybook together.

Building Pre-Literacy Skills in Pre-K Settings

State policymakers have been actively introducing legislation to address literacy development, building on the momentum of the science of reading push in recent years. Despite limited research on the impact […]

Early Education (P-3)

A group of young students sit in front of their teacher mimicking the teacher's movements while playing a game.

Michigan’s Caring for MI Future Through Expanded Child Care Access

Every family deserves access to quality early learning and care — regardless of their zip code, economic status or their children’s ages. But, in Michigan (like nearly every state across […]

Early Education (P-3)K-12

Early Grade Literacy: Is Third Grade Retention Effective?

In 2023, 14 governors noted the importance of literacy in their State of the State addresses. Ten governors specifically highlighted efforts to improve early grade literacy for kindergarten through third […]

Early Education (P-3)High School K-12 Postsecondary

Connect and Strategize at the 2023 National Forum

This summer, we’re excited to invite you to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the 2023 National Forum on Education Policy. Minneapolis, a vibrant and diverse city, boasts an encouraging motto, “En Avant,” […]

Early Education (P-3)

A parent holds their young child’s hand as they walk out of a child care center. The bottom left corner of the image says, “guest post.”

As Federal Relief Funding for Early Care and Education Fades, States Step In

Federal COVID-19 relief funds have been a lifeline for early care and education programs, but this funding is temporary. With deadlines approaching, states have an opportunity to push forward policies […]

Early Education (P-3)

How Music and Play Enhances STEAM Education for Early Learners

My parents noticed early in my life that I had an inclination for memorizing song lyrics. They told me that, before I could speak, I would park myself in front […]

Early Education (P-3)K-12 Postsecondary

3 Reasons to Join Us at the 2022 National Forum on Education Policy

After two years of convening virtually, we’re returning in person for our 2022 National Forum on Education Policy July 13-15, and we hope you’ll join us! Do you have questions […]

Early Education (P-3)

3 States Share Efforts to Improve Kindergarten Transitions

Attendance declines and interruptions to instruction and care have led to a rise in behavioral issues and growing gaps in literacy and math for young children. Given these challenges, the […]

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Policy Levers to Advance Credential Transparency

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Policy Levers to Advance Credential Transparency

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Policy Levers to Advance Credential Transparency

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Early Care and Education

Recently Published Resources

Policy Levers to Advance Credential Transparency