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What can my state do?

The special challenge of school readiness is that there is no single system of early childhood care and education at the state or national level – as there is, for example, for elementary and secondary education.

Programs for young children and their families typically are scattered across government agencies, funded by various sources, and delivered through a maze of public and private hands at the state and community level.

Policymakers face a difficult task in understanding the complexities of this “non-system” and developing a clear agenda for young children. Based on experiences of other states, governors may want to consider the following recommendations:


Create a vision

The complex concept of “early childhood” cannot be captured in a single program or strategy. Rather, children, parents, providers, and communities need a range of services and supports.

Governors can significantly enhance school readiness by investing in early childhood. The keys to success are:

  • Establish a broad vision for early childhood policy.
  • Develop goals for achieving this vision.
  • Prioritize strategic action steps that will build momentum for long-term success.


Be inclusive

When developing early childhood policy, Governors should involve the range of key stakeholders, including:

  • Advocates
  • Business leaders
  • Policymakers
  • Childcare providers
  • Parents

These groups have significant vested interests in, and influence over, early childhood policy. Long-term success of any early childhood initiative depends on their cooperation, collaboration, and buy-in.

When stakeholders commit to a common agenda, cross-purpose advocacy is avoided. Also, this approach ultimately builds a formidable base of support for the state's initiative.

Governors can appoint collaborative governance structures such as early childhood task forces, commissions, and cabinet councils that involve key voices.


Be decisive

Several key decision points affect the shape of a state’s early childhood initiative. Early in the process, governors should consult with stakeholders and develop a clear agenda. The crucial issues to consider are:

  • Scope: Which services should be included? Preschool, infant and toddler care, home visiting, preventive health services, professional development for providers, parent education, others?
  • Age range: Which ages should receive these services? Birth to five years, three- and four-year-olds, infants and toddlers, other definitions?
  • Who to serve? What is the target population? Low-income families, immigrants, physically or mentally disabled children, all families, other groups?
  • Funding: How will services be funded?
  • Measuring success: How will services be evaluated?
  • Supply: Who will deliver these services? State or local health departments, social services, and/or education agencies? Community organizations, local care providers, Head Start programs, school districts, others?
  • Leadership: Who will govern the decision-making process at the state and local levels? An existing agency, a separate office for early childhood, interagency agreements, local councils, public-private partnerships?


Build public and political will

Long-term success and growth of early childhood initiatives depends upon public and political support. Getting the right messages out to the right audiences can be a challenge. Therefore, partnerships must strategically expend their limited time and resources for outreach and promotion.

Tailor your message for each audience. For instance:

  • The business community may respond more to bottom-line cost/benefit information and positive public relations opportunities.
  • Parents and the public may be energized by education and quality issues.
  • Legislators and public officials may respond to a variety of messages, including education, use of public funds, quality, and accessibility.
  • The media are likely to pay attention to both positive and negative stories related to early childhood initiatives.

 


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Closing the Achievement Gap
NGA Center for Best Practices
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