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Early Education

In the last quarter century research has confirmed the importance of early learning:

Early Brain development in the first five years creates an essential foundation for a child’s healthy development and learning.

High quality early education experiences help ensure that children are ready for school and ready for life.

Research shows that investments in high quality preschool education can have a high return on investment.

The Council’s Early Education efforts focus on quality early learning experiences for Wisconsin’s children ages birth to five. The intent is that all early education—no matter what setting—meets critical standards of quality. The Council sees early education as a linchpin for children’s education success in Wisconsin.

71% of Wisconsin’s children under age six have all parents in the workforce, the 4th highest rate among states.

Join the Early Learning Coalition

WCCF is one of 12 statewide organizations working to make high-quality early care and education a priority for Wisconsin's children. Come visit the Coalition's web site:
http://www.readysetgrowwi.org/

Learn about the Coalition's work and sign up for action alerts and the early education newsletter:
http://capwiz.com/wccf/mlm/signup/

Endorse the Coalition's efforts as an organization or individual: http://readysetgrowwi.org/endorse_form.html

Recent News

WCCF has released a policy brief exploring the importance of parent involvement in early education. "Parents as Partners in Early Education" examines research on the importance of parents' engagement in their child's education from an early age, Wisconsin approaches to promote parent engagement, and public policy implications. Options for state policy considerations include increasing requirements and incentives for parent engagement in child care and preschool programs, expanding the Strengthening Families model, and expanding research-based home visiting programs tied to early care and education programs.

Testimony on Early Education: Dave Edie, Early Education Policy Specialist for WCCF, testified November 13, 2007 on the economic benefits of early education. Read the testimony. 2007-09 Budget Increases: 2007-09 budget items for early care and education, all supported by WCCF and the WI Early Learning Coalition: $69 million more for Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program $3 million for 4K start-up grants, with preference for community approaches $400,000 increase for child care scholarships and bonuses

Project Goals

Establish and support a broad-based coalition and alliances to advance new policies to ensure high quality early education

Promote effective policies and practices by disseminating relevant research, policy development, and best practices.

Educate the public, parents, practitioners, and policymakers about the importance of high quality early education
 

Project Staff

David Edie; Early Education Policy Analyst contact