The Boston Opportunity Agenda’s Post

The New Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the importance of early childhood care and education, recognizing it as a critical foundation for lifelong learning and holistic development. Within this framework, the policy advocates for the integration of preschool education (ages 3-6) as part of the foundational stage of schooling. It encourages a play-based, flexible, and activity-oriented approach to early childhood education, focusing on the cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical development of children. The policy also stresses the need for trained and well-equipped educators, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and inclusive practices to ensure equitable access to quality preschool education for all children, including those from marginalized communities. Additionally, the policy underscores the involvement of parents and communities in supporting children's early learning experiences, promoting a collaborative and nurturing environment conducive to their overall growth and development.

In the latest issue of National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE)’s, State Education Standard, Allison Friedman-Krauss and Steve Barnett explore the thorny issues state boards and others must address to seize the opportunities and surmount the challenges for preschool education that will unfold over the next decade. Read more now. https://lnkd.in/efXAT5eY

📈 State spending on preschool has surpassed $11.73 billion, demonstrating a significant investment in early education. With per-child spending exceeding $7000, there's clear momentum towards providing quality preschool for every child. Dive into the '23 State of Pre-k Yearbook: https://lnkd.in/emqpFQxf #EarlyEducation #StateofPreK #EducationEquality

📈 State spending on preschool has surpassed $11.73 billion, demonstrating a significant investment in early education. With per-child spending exceeding $7000, there's clear momentum towards providing quality preschool for every child. Dive into the '23 State of Pre-k Yearbook: https://lnkd.in/emqpFQxf #EarlyEducation #StateofPreK #EducationEquality

There has been a lot of chatter in relation to if preschool is effective over the last few months, especially as more states join in the effort to support free public preschool. While data and research should be at the forefront of teaching and learning, is it fair to judge the effectiveness of a program that is severely underfunded and understaffed? What about the social and emotional benefits of preschool? A lot to unpack in the article below about where NC stands in the mix. Definitely worth a listen! Where does https://lnkd.in/e86RmkDZ

🆕 The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) has released The #StateofPreschool 2023 annual report which tracks #preschool enrollment, funding, and policies state-by-state for the 2022-2023 school year. This year’s report focuses on states emerging from the pandemic, poised to make new progress toward more effective and equitable preschool policies. NIEER's report uplifts California's initiative to provide universal preschool for all 4-year-olds through #TransitionalKindergarten. Read the report: https://ow.ly/7Exu50Rk6I8 #StateofPreK "California remains fully committed to the expansion of Universal Transitional Kindergarten to give all families access to a free, high-quality preschool option. We're excited by the opportunity to give more 4-year-olds access to this program in the coming year and to work with partners across the state to ensure that teachers, parents, and children are supported through the process," said Patricia Lozano, executive director of Early Edge California in NIEER’s California press release. https://ow.ly/7m9150Rk6I5 #UTK

Decades of research show that high-quality early childhood programs can have lasting positive impacts on young children. A new report from the National Academies lays out a new vision for high-quality, equitable preschool curricula. “A large body of evidence shows that early education can influence children’s long-term trajectories and life outcomes, but many children are denied the power and promise of high-quality preschool experiences or receive inappropriate early education that does not recognize and build on their linguistic and cultural strengths,” said Linda Espinosa, professor emeritus of early childhood education at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and co-chair of the committee that wrote the report. “Improving access for all children is a clear need, as well as ensuring program features that capitalize on their talents and promote life-long competencies”. Learn more: https://ow.ly/4bTG50S2czK

Studies show that in the first five years of a child's life they are growing and absorbing everything around them. Learn more about why access to high quality early childhood education sets kids up for the best possible start in life. https://lnkd.in/eEuKWDuu

Accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, this in-demand degree completer program is designed to help remedy a nationwide teacher shortage. It aims to meet Alabama’s goal to serve 70% of eligible 4-year-old children with preschool programs led by accredited teachers. #Education #TeacherShortage #EarlyChildhood

 In the latest issue of NASBE’s State Education Standard, Allison Friedman-Krauss and I explore the thorny issues state boards and others must address to seize the opportunities and surmount the challenges for preschool education that will unfold over the next decade. https://lnkd.in/efXAT5eY