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Early learning's proposed $11.3 million budget includes key programs that help young children--especially those from low-income families--be better prepared for school and life
According to decades of research, early learning is one of the best investments a state can make. Children who experience quality early learning programs start school more ready to succeed. They are healthier, more self-sufficient and less likely to enter the criminal justice system over their lifetimes. Young children from low-income families or with other risk factors benefit most--and Delaware has made tremendous gains in ensuring its vulnerable children have access to high quality early learning experiences.
Research demonstrates that high-quality early learning benefits children, families and communities; developing a future workforce and yielding one of the best returns on investment.When children get a great start in life, we all benefit. Economists estimate a 10 percent return on investments in high quality early education--in reduced health care, special education, incarceration costs, and increased productivity and tax revenues.
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Delaware Readiness Team partners with author on pre-K book, is featured in the Dover Post
A partnership between the South Dover Community Readiness Team and the Capital School
District to promote kindergarten readiness was featured this month in the Dover Post. Towne Point Elementary School Principal Charles Sheppard commented on the project's impact: "It helps us level the playing field. Some of the students come from preschools, but not all of them."
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Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plan For Delaware FFY 2016-2018 Announced
Implementation of the requirements of the CCDBG Act of 2014 will require leadership and coordination between the child care assistance program and other child- and family-serving agencies, services, and supports at the state and local levels. ACF recognizes that each grantee must identify the most appropriate entities and individuals to lead and participate in implementation based on the context within that state or territory. This will include those that manage various components of CCDF-funded activities and requirements (fiscal, subsidy, health and safety monitoring, and continuous quality improvement) as well as other public and private partners. Read the plan HERE.
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New resource on early learning workforce compensation
reform released
Early Educator Central recently published a new resource by Center for the Study of Childcare Employment staff, Marcy Whitebook, Lea J.E. Austin, and Felippa Amanta, Addressing Infant-Toddler Teacher Compensation. The paper discusses the historically low compensation of the infant and toddler workforce, the ways in which this contributes to educators' stress, and implications for research, policy and practice.
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Summary and Analysis of the Early Learning Provisions of the Every Student Succeeds Act
In December 2015, Congress approved, and President Obama signed, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA, P.L. 114-95) to replace the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This latest update to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act includes an array of important early learning provisions, including language authorizing a new Preschool Development Grant program to be jointly administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Education. The act's provisions also aim to promote early learning coordination within communities; greater alignment with the early elementary grades; and early childhood education focused capacity building among teachers, leaders, and other staff serving young children. Download the summary HERE.
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Aaron Loewenberg of New America's Early & Elementary Education Policy program analyzes a new report that illustrates the striking effects that a national pre-K system could have on the achievement gap. Read the report HERE.
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DAEYC welcomes new Executive Director
The Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children (DAEYC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Michelle Shaivitz has joined the organization as Executive Director. They are excited to add Dr. Shaivitz to their team as she brings years of experience working in education, nonprofits, and community engagement. Dr. Shaivitz has worked in a variety of roles, from program development and implementation to education coordination and school improvement. She earned her doctorate degree in Education and Organizational Leadership from Wilmington University, and she's been the recipient of numerous awards, including the coveted Department of the Army Commander's Award for Public Service Medal. Dr. Shaivitz is an accomplished leader with a passion for education. A native of Maryland, she is married and has two daughters. She can be contacted at mshaivitz@daeyc.org.
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May 4: Delaware Early Childhood Council meeting, Dover SCHEDULE
May 4: Delaware Readiness Teams Collaboration and Celebration, Dover MORE INFO
May 4: Early Childhood Advocacy Day, Dover AGENDA
May 5: Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
Visit a participating Rita's on May 5 between 6:00 and 8:00 pm for a free scoop of water ice!
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Final Note
Read about a partnership between the Milford School District and the Milford Community Readiness Team that brought gardens to schools in the most recent edition of Take Note, the Delaware Department of Education newsletter.
Click on link and scroll to fourth story.
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