Rhode Island KIDS COUNT - News, Research and Policy Information
September 14, 2010
Special Issue:
Early Childhood Policy Updates

Early Learning Council and Council Work Group Meetings 
The Rhode Island Early Learning Council and Council Work Group continue to work on improving access to high-quality early learning opportunities. Meeting materials and the meeting schedule through June 2011 are posted on the Rhode Island KIDS COUNT website.

The next meeting of the Work Group of the Early Learning Council will be on Thursday, September 16, 2010, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Community College of Rhode Island's Knight Campus, Room 1128, Warwick, RI.

The next meeting of the Rhode Island Early Learning Council will take place on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Community College of Rhode Island's Knight Campus, Room 1130, Warwick, RI.

For more information, contact Leanne Barrett at [email protected] who has been designated as the Coordinator for Rhode Island's Early Learning Council.
Update: Federal Funding for Early Learning Programs
The possibility of expanded federal funding for early learning programs is on the horizon. There has been significant progress on the following fronts:
  • Child Care and Development Block Grant is proposed for a $700 million to $1 billion increase in the federal FY11 appropriations bill to maintain and expand low-income family access to child care subsidies and for critical quality improvement activities.

  • Head Start and Early Head Start is proposed for an $866 to $900 million increase in the federal FY11 appropriations bill to maintain new slots and programs created with stimulus dollars and to maintain cost of living adjustments to support increased staff salaries.
  • A new federal Early Learning Challenge Fund would be established with $300 million through the federal FY11 appropriations bill (Senate version only right now) to support systemic improvements at the state level that would help more young children access high-quality early learning programs.

  • Our nation's key education law, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is scheduled for re-authorization.  The ESEA does not currently include resources to help children access high-quality early learning opportunities - which we know are critical for long-term educational success.  The re-authorization is a rare and unique opportunity to increase the resources available for children to attend high-quality early learning programs, including state-funded Pre-K.
Contact Rhode Island's Congressional delegation to encourage their continued strong support for increased investments in the Child Care and Development Block Grant and Head Start/Early Head Start and to establish the Early Learning Challenge Fund in the final FY11 appropriations bill. Also emphasize how important it is to build a strong foundation for learning during the preschool years and include resources for early childhood education in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act!

Senator Jack Reed: (401) 943-3100

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse:  (401) 453-5294

Visit us at www.rikidscount.org
In This Issue
 
starEarly Learning Council and Council Work Group Meetings
starUpdate: Federal Funding for Early Learning Programs
 
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Rhode Island KIDS COUNT works to improve the health, education, safety, economic security and development of Rhode Island's children.