CEC Policy Insider

Congress, Administration Bring Early Learning to Forefront; CEC Early Childhood Leaders Urge Consideration of All Young Children

Coming on the heels of a joint U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Early Learning Listening and Learning Tour held in cities across the country, yesterday the U.S. Senate Education Committee convened a hearing solely focused on early childhood education and the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA, also known as No Child Left Behind). 

Yesterday’s hearing brought early learning to the top of the Senate Education Committee’s agenda, and addressed many of the issues professionals in the early childhood education field have known for years, such as the critical impact early learning has on future developmental, academic, and social success. 

CEC – and its Division for Early Childhood (DEC) – have applauded this long overdue focus on early learning which started in earnest last month during the Administration’s Early Learning Listening and Learning Tour. 

U.S. Department of Education Awards 20 States Grants for Longitudinal Data Systems; Impact on Special Education Unknown

Last week, the Institute for Education Sciences, the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education, announced that 20 states will be awarded grants to design and implement statewide longitudinal data systems. 

FREE CEC Webinar: How ESEA Reauthorization Affects Evaluation & Compensation

  On June 3rd from 4:00 – 5:00pm (eastern) CEC’s Policy and Advocacy Team will host a free webinar focused on ESEA reauthorization and its impact on evaluation and compensation systems.  Recognizing and rewarding effective/highly effective teachers and principals has been a controversial cornerstone of President Obama's "Blueprint for Reform" for the reauthorization of ESEA.

RFP for 2010 Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (TACSEI) Partner States Now Available!

States are invited to participate in an early childhood professional development opportunity designed to support the social, emotional and behavioral development of children ages birth through 5 with a focus on those at risk for or with delays and disabilities served in inclusive or natural environments.

U.S. Department of Education Announces Teacher Incentive Grant (Pay for Performance) Competition

This week the U.S. Department of Education made $437 million in Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) grant applications available for school districts, non profits and states. According to the Department, the goal of this large grant investment is to support local projects that reward teachers, principals, and other school personnel who are successful in their efforts to improve student achievement.  States, districts and non-profits partnering with states or districts are eligible to apply. Applications are due July 6th and grants will be awarded in September 2010.