On November 12, 2013, the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) published this new report that discusses a number of basic developmental needs that are important to ensure the healthy development of young children. Some of these include: the constant care and support of the adults in children's lives; high-quality nutrition, medical and dental care; ongoing opportunities to learn and socialize; a secure emotional attachment to a caregiver; and safety and stability in their homes, schools and communities. The report provides recommendations and detailed strategies in four primary policy areas: (1) provide health coverage and access; (2) support early social, emotional, and behavioral health; (3) ensure school readiness by age 5; and (4) support parents to ensure children thrive. (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center eNotes).

A new two-page policy brief from the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) summarizes a number of facts and findings from the research underscoring the importance of focusing on and learning more about the positive development, adaptation and adjustment of minority children, rather than focusing mostly on maladjustment and adversity. The brief summarizes a longer Social Policy Report, Positive Development of Minority Children (2013), by Natasha Cabrera and the SRCD Ethnic and Racial Issues Committee. (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center eNotes).

The Science of Neglect

The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University has published this new 6-minute video, which explains how significant neglect can harm to a young child's development, including cognitive delays, impairments in executive functioning, and disruptions of the body's stress response. It also looks at why effective interventions are likely to pay significant dividends in better long-term outcomes in learning, health, and parenting of the next generation. The video provides an overview of  The Science of Neglect: The Persistent Absence of Responsive Care Disrupts the Developing Brain (2012), a working paper by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. A  two-page summary is also available. (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center eNotes).

Common Sense Media has published a new report that is based on the results of a large-scale, nationally representative survey on the media use of children age zero to eight. The study replicated the methods used in an earlier 2011 study and documents how children's media environments and behaviors have changed since then. See this infographic for highlights. (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center eNotes).

First Concern to Action Tool Kit 

Autism Speaks has developed a First Concern to Action Tool Kit (2013), which is meant to provide families of children under the age of five with: An overview of early child development; Guidance on what to do if they have a concern about their child's development and; Information about obtaining an evaluation for their child's development and treatment options, if needed. The kit is also available in Spanish. (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center eNotes). 

Five Things to Know about America's Infants and Toddlers 

Child Trends and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation released this comprehensive indicators-based portrait of the 12 million infants and toddlers (ages birth through two years) in the U.S. Drawing on emerging developmental science and new data sources, the report provides a revealing look at this most fragile, and most promising, stage of life. 

Number and Characteristics of Early Care and Education (ECE) Teachers and Caregivers: Initial Findings from the National Survey of Early Care and Education (NSECE)

The Administration for Children & Families has released this report that describes the ECE workforce data developed in the NSECE. The survey focuses on individuals providing direct care and education for children birth through five years and not yet in kindergarten. 

The First Eight Years

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has published a new analysis of 13,000 young children tracked from kindergarten entry through 3rd grade, using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten. The analysis finds that by 3rd grade, only 36% of the children were on track in cognitive development, 56% in physical well-being, 70% in social and emotional growth, and 74% in level of school engagement. The analysis also found disparities between the overall group's well-being and that of black children, Hispanic children, and children living in poverty. (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center eNotes).

More than Baby Talk

This new resource, published by the FPG Child Development Institute and written by N. Gardner-Neblett and K.C. Gallagher, describes ten practices that early childhood teachers can use to foster language and communication skills among infants and toddlers. The guidelines are based on the latest research findings on optimal adult-child interactions for promoting strong language and communication skills among young children. (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center eNotes).

New "Backpack Connection" Resources from TAC SEI

The Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (TACSEI) has recently added multiple new handouts to the Backpack Connections Series to help teachers and parents/caregivers work together to enhance young children's social emotional skills and reduce challenging behavior. New handouts have been added in the following categories: Emotions, Routines and Schedules, and Addressing Behavior. Backpack Connection handouts can be sent home when a new strategy or skill is introduced in the classroom to inform parents about what their child is learning at school and to provide specific ideas on how to use the strategy or skill at home. (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center eNotes).  

Teaching Math to Young Children

This practice guide, released by The Institute of Education Sciences' What Works Clearinghouse (WWC), provides five recommendations for teaching math to children in preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten. Each recommendation includes implementation steps and solutions for common roadblocks. The recommendations also summarize and rate supporting evidence. The guide is geared toward teachers, administrators, and other educators who want to build a strong foundation for later math learning. (Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center eNotes).

Business and Industry Association's Strategic Economic Plan for New Hampshire 

The Business and Industry Association of NH's Strategic Economic Plan has just been released. It includes seeking a high quality lifelong educational system, including pre-kindergarten.  It also includes a goal that "all New Hampshire residents are among the healthiest in the nation and have lifelong access to a high quality, affordable, integrated and preventive health and community support system."