Mission: Readiness’ Post

There are four factors that matter when it comes to early care and education: access, affordability, quality and choice. Find out how your community ranks in the 2023 Closing the Gap report, just released by Early Learning Indiana: https://bit.ly/3vMe74r

Sometimes I hate to be wrong, but we're seeing exactly what I've predicted for the last couple of years: If we don't invest the ESSER/stimulus funds well, Congress will no longer see the point in funding things at the same level. The House Appropriations Subcommittee has put forth the following budget recommendations: (https://lnkd.in/gfZnTJp8) Title I. A decrease of $4.7 billion, or 25%, for Title I grants to states for high-poverty schools. The reasoning, according to a detailed funding summary in the Republican measure is “student test scores continuing to decline despite annual increases to Title I and a $190 billion investment in schools during the pandemic.” Duplicative programs. The elimination of 17 programs that “do not fulfill the core mission, tasks, and functions of the Department, including teacher training programs that send teachers to expensive weekend workshops, programs that support organizations that seek to undermine the unity of our country, and programs that are duplicative or narrowly tailored to a small set of recipients.” This bill is far from law-- but the spending of ESSER funds is having a direct place in the conversation about future federal funding on education. #edleadership #edpolicy

The North Carolina General Assembly convened for an administrative session this week, conducting no legislative business. However, several interim committees met to deliberate issues important to legislators, including #education reform. Click below to read the full update in the latest #NC General Assembly Week in Review: #ncga #ncpol #raleigh #northcarolina

Early Edge California has created a NEW resource that summarizes the relevant #EarlyLearning and Care policy changes included in the final 2024-25 state budget. Learn more: https://ow.ly/ZcAs50SOh5L #CAbudget

The para-educator is crucial for CT's children—Ellington Schools have many amazing paras. The importance of ensuring excellent health care is noble. I applaud CT Comptroller Scanlon's effort, but caution the approach—hoping that long-term sustainability has been vetted to avoid the ever-increasing local municipal fiscal dependence on the State to operate. This dynamic is a long-term losing proposition for all CT citizens. Watch the upcoming biennial budget the Governor will propose. Will the $10 million be increased? What will this line item be in say five years—$45 million? I encourage the State to work with our federal representatives in the Senate & House toward fundamental economic reform to build capacity in all CT cities and towns to fund proper employee benefits without State assistance. I assure you - this is possible and when done will benefit everyone's quality of life—from Hartford to Pomfret to Ellington. https://lnkd.in/eeYBr_Hv

Stay informed! Your 2024 #pn3 legislative landscape recap is here. Each evidence-based step contributes to a system of care that provides the broad supports and targeted interventions critical for all children to thrive. 💼👶Read the brief: https://lnkd.in/gZZ5_cx3

Get to know the Granite Guide to Early Childhood, developed by our SPiP team! This series of seven primers explores topics of what families want, to the cost of care, an equitable system, and more. COUCH FAMILY FOUNDATION, New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute, University of New Hampshire Research, UNH College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) Learn more at NHECE.com

We need a change in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support. The cycle of late intervention, low confidence, and lack of resources is taking its toll. For example, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were meant to provide necessary support for children and families, but with local authorities nearing bankruptcy and schools struggling, the process has become a barrier instead of a solution. Read more about the reforms, upcoming changes, and what providers can do in Emily Hollis MBE MUniv FCCT insightful article. #SEND #EducationReform #InclusiveEducation

As a survivor of institutional care, yesterday’s apology from the Victorian Parliament prompted a deep personal reflection. It was a pivotal moment in acknowledging the profound injustices, neglect, and trauma experienced by countless Victorian children who were placed in institutional care. For too long, the stories of those who suffered within these systems were silenced, dismissed, or buried beneath layers of bureaucracy and societal indifference. The apology signifies a crucial step towards recognition, validation, and healing. While words can’t undo the pain and suffering endured, they have immense power to validate experiences and pave the way for meaningful reconciliation. This apology serves as a testament to the courage and perseverance of survivors who have tirelessly advocated for truth, accountability, and justice. To everyone that spoke up and shared their stories – thank you for your bravery! As a part of Victoria’s Early Years system,  let’s recommit ourselves to fostering environments of compassion, empathy, and support for survivors and their families. May this apology serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, driving us towards a future where every child is valued, protected, and empowered to thrive.

In the ever-evolving landscape of public policy, it's not just the creation of robust policies that matter but their effective implementation. The latest article from New America's New Practice Lab sheds light on the critical steps needed to ensure that well-intentioned policies achieve their desired impact. From aligning stakeholder interests to addressing on-the-ground challenges, this piece is a must-read for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates dedicated to making a tangible difference. Dive into the article to explore key insights and practical strategies for translating policy into action. https://lnkd.in/g8G69RrW #PolicyImplementation #PublicPolicy #EffectiveGovernance #NewAmerica #PolicyPractice #ImpactfulChange