EARLY LEARNING

The Early Learning oval of the Build Initiative web site provides research articles and information on strategies to enhance early learning and care, such as financing strategies, Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS), economic impact studies of the childcare industry, and early learning standards and guidelines.  The challenge for states lies in coordinating the range of supports and policies for different settings and age ranges, and understanding the natural tensions between expanding access and improving quality under conditions of limited resources.

Research shows that quality matters in providing child care – that children require safe and developmentally appropriate environments for their healthy development and learning.  Research also shows that high quality preschool programs for three- and four-year olds, with intentional learning environments and well-trained staff, can benefit all children, whether or not they have other child care experiences, and can contribute to closing current kindergarten readiness gaps evident for low-income and children of color, in particular.

Early Learning Sections:

Early Care and Education | ECE quality | Family Friend and Neighbor Care | Quality Rating Improvement System