Miriam Elena Calderon Special Projects
Young Dual Language Learners (DLLs) are getting more attention than ever before. The Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge required states to be explicit about their efforts to ensure that more DLLs were served in high-quality programs. The prevalence of the use of term dual language learner connotes a greater awareness of the fact that these children are not just learning English they are doing so while also trying to maintain and develop their home language.
Susan HibbardBUILD Deputy Director
Ruth TrombkaProgram Manager
More than a handful of times in the last few weeks, BUILD has received emails or calls that begin with “Maybe I’m missing something, but why are you talking about state-level systems when the Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships (EHS-CCP) initiative is a federal to local funding opportunity?” We have rarely had a response more readily available: Because states have an obligation to our youngest children.
Andrew Brodsky, Principal
Brodsky Research and Consulting
An extensive body of research demonstrates that early childhood interventions are among the most cost-effective public investments we can make. The evidence in favor of high-quality early childhood programming is clear. But converting solid research into policy change can be challenging. Skeptical, recession-weary audiences may be averse to new funding initiatives. Additionally, overly academic discussions of social program details may alienate those who are not experts in the field.
Gerry CobbBUILD Initiative State Services Director
Marsha Basloe
Senior Advisor for Early Childhood, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood DevelopmentACF, HHS
Living in Massachusetts and New York, I am no stranger to cold weather in the winter. I fortunately ... did not weather the frigid cold unprepared! I wish that were true for everyone, especially families with young children. Recent temperatures in the Washington, D.C./Virginia area dipped to single digit numbers, and shelters were full to capacity.
Susan HibbardBUILD Initiative Deputy Director
BUILD's deputy director, who also co-directs the Early Learning Challenge Collaborative, writes about the opportunities provided by the ELC-RTT. She also cites the many ways that the Early Learning Challenge has been a jumping-off point for important work by states in early childhood systems building in the last two years.
Charles BrunerResearch and Evaluation Partner
BUILD Initiative
Miriam CalderonBUILD Initiative Special Projects Consultant
Debi MathiasDirector, QRIS National Learning Network
Linda K. SmithDeputy Assistant Secretary and Inter-Departmental Liaison for Early Childhood DevelopmentACF, HHS
Gerrit WesterveltBUILD Initiative Executive Director
Theresa HawleyExecutive DirectorIllinois Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development