Early Education Archives - Early Learning Nation

Teacher Diversity Is Key to California’s Expanding Public Early Education System

The state has a diverse early education workforce, but experienced educators may face barriers to teaching in its public early education system.

Conor P. Williams·Nov 21, 2024·5 min read

After years of political popularity, public investments in early education have mostly struggled to get traction in recent years. Federal...

Nature’s Classroom: Why Preschoolers Need More Time Outdoors

Most American preschoolers don’t get enough time outdoors, according to a new report from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER).

Karen D'Souza, EdSource·Dec 4, 2024·8 min read

At a forest school, the roof is the bright blue sky, a cluster of ladybugs flying through the air can...

2024 Must-Reads: 9 Stories About Early Care and Education That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Child care funding, the cost and quality of care, and working conditions and pay for early educators, were among the year’s top themes.

Marisa Busch·Dec 17, 2024·10 min read

From Bloomberg Businessweek to The 74, it’s now an annual tradition to share a journalism “Jealousy List” — a tribute...

Mental Health Support for Toddlers Has Lagged in Texas. That’s Now Changing

Lawmakers and child care centers are pushing for a statewide mental health system for toddlers.

Stephen Simpson·Nov 25, 2024·11 min read

It had only been a year since Estelle Sievert and her wife, Jane, joined the foster care program at SAFE...

Good for All Kids, Pre-K Programs Are Especially Beneficial for English Learners

Our divisive politics around immigration lag behind the diverse reality of our schools — and for English learners, early ed is a key to success.

Conor P. Williams·Oct 28, 2024·5 min read

For all the campaign arguments about immigration and the United States border, you’d think that we were embarking upon a...

A Decade Ago, Universal Pre-K Seemed Inevitable. What Went Wrong?

Williams: Politics may have killed universal pre-K but the research, results and family economics that made it such a strong bet are alive and well.

Conor P. Williams·Dec 12, 2024·5 min read

Early in my career — when the world was still young and the nihilistic carnival wing of our politics seemed...

Preschools Teach ‘Hardly Any Math’, Even as Students Struggle in Later Grades

Math advocates say more early math, taught through play or games, can help students later.

Patrick O'Donnell·Dec 11, 2024·8 min read

Preschool teacher Emily Johnson counts the row of green bear figurines Mayeda Alan, 4, has set on a table at...

Michigan Moves Closer to Universal Pre-K — But It’s Not Quite So Universal Yet

More preschool funding faces opposition, but families struggle to pay thousands for private preschool.

Patrick O'Donnell·Nov 19, 2024·6 min read

Michelle Gurgul has a good job as a dental hygienist, but the expense of private preschool for her daughter near...

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