Resources

The State of Preschool 2006: State Preschool Yearbook

 "The State of Preschool 2006: State Preschool Yearbook" is an authoritative and highly regarded annual review of state preschool programs produced by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) , based at Rutgers University.

The 2006 "State Preschool Yearbook" is the fourth in a series of annual reports profiling state-funded prekindergarten programs in the United States. The 2006 "Yearbook" presents data on state-funded prekindergarten during the 2005-2006 school year. The first report in this series focused on programs for the 2001-2002 school year and established a baseline against which progress can be measured over 5 years.  March 2007

Harvard Group Offers Research, Other Resources

The Harvard Education Letter has established a Web site that provides an entire series on early childhood education available in full text (including research, resources, articles, comments from practitioners, etc.) . Additional articles in this ongoing three-year series will be posted as they are published.

The Web site's introduction says:

A growing body of research demonstrates the critical role high-quality early childhood education plays in students’ success, not only in the elementary grades but throughout their lives. The decisions we make now about the ways in which today's preschool and early elementary students are taught will affect our entire society for many years to come. Our hope is that the articles, comments, and resources in these pages will spark thought, discussion, and -- ultimately -- improvement in the education of America's youngest students.

Policy Brief Discusses NCLB and Early Learning

The so-called No Child Left Behind (NCLB) federal education law has no accountability requirements that apply directly to early childhood education programs for children in second grade and below, but there are implications for the early learning field and they are discussed in a new policy brief issued by the Education Commission of the States (ECS).

The policy brief, "No Child Left Behind – Implications for Early Learning," (PDF, 8 pages), notes that "… some early learning professionals are concerned the push for academic accountability in 3rd grade and above will trickle down to younger children, perhaps culminating in inappropriate assessment practices for these children. Others in the early learning field suggest that NCLB provides an opportunity to promote and expand early learning as a critical and viable solution for improving academic achievement, particularly for low-income and minority children. Both positions deserve attention; there are both challenges and opportunities created by NCLB in terms of accountability for early learning programs."  June 2004

NIEER Offers Research-Based Information

The National Institute for Early Education Research supports early childhood education initiatives by providing objective, nonpartisan information based on research.

NIEER works to "produce and communicate the knowledge base required to ensure that every American child can receive a good education at ages three and four. The Institute seeks to provide policy makers with timely information addressing the practical problems they face. The Institute offers independent research-based advice and technical assistance to four primary groups: policy makers, journalists, researchers, and educators."

Video Shows Features of Quality Program

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) has produced a five-minute video, Growing and Learning in Preschool (Part 1), (Part 2), (Part 3) which shows the essential features of a high-quality preschool program. You’ll see how a preschool curriculum based on solid research builds school and life-related skills, why well-qualified teachers are so important, and how play is integrated into learning.

ECS Features Prekindergarten Database

The Education Commission of the States has a Prekindergarten Database and a Kindergarten database. Each provides a variety of information on prekindergarten and kindergarten, respectively, allowing users to find state policy information (statutory and finance) for all 50 states. ECS also offers a collection of reports and studies on Early Learning Issues.