66.045 - The Road to High-Quality Early Care and Education: Lessons Learned in Going to Scale

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

The objective of this symposium is to generate insights regarding the implementation of high-quality early education programs at scale. Drawing on a range of experiences with research and program implementation, panelists will engage in a moderated discussion of issues that arise in scaling programs, such as recruiting and maintaining a qualified workforce, identifying sufficient and sustainable funding, and finding space for early childhood classrooms. Panelists will explore the expansion of five initiatives: Child-Parent Centers, New Jersey’s Abbott preschool program, New York City’s Pre-K for All, Oklahoma Pre-K, and Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program. While there is no single model for scaling early education programs, the panel will explore the common themes that can guide program expansion across diverse contexts.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Early Education and Child Development

Chair

• Marjorie E. Wechsler, Learning Policy Institute

Papers

• Child-Parent Centers: Scaling a Model of Early Childhood Intervention - Arthur J. Reynolds, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• Scaling While Continuously Improving Quality and Building a Coherent Workforce - Ellen Frede, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

• Getting Bigger and Better: Lessons Learned Implementing New York City's Pre-K for All - Josh Wallack, New York City Department of Education

• Scaling to Universal Pre-K While Building in Quality - Steven Dow, CAP Tulsa

• Building In Quality From the Start - Lindy Buch, Independent Consultant

Discussant

• David Kirp, The University of California-Berkeley