Early Childhood and Family Education

Click here to see the June 12, 2007, NAEYC Professional Development Institute (PDI) Presentaton "Intentional Connections--Building Policy and Practice to Support Successful Child Development and Continuous Learning from Birth to Age Eight." ___________________________________________________ The early childhood and family education activities at the Council are founded on its standing Policy Statement on Early Childhood and Family Education, adopted in 1999, that supports early childhood education based on the large body of knowledge about our youngest learners and the increasing public awareness of their growing need for quality early education experiences to assure success for all in the K-12 years.  “If all children are to be successful, then the schools must partner with parents and with community organizations that are also part of the support system for children and families. Academic needs cannot be considered in isolation from a child's need to be safe, free from hunger and to be a part of a nurturing family and community. …As America’s chief state school officers…it is our responsibility to collaborate effectively with the other parts of this support system.”          -- From the Vision and Beliefs of the Chief State School Officers "Definition:  An early childhood development system is made up of interrelated parts working together toward a common goal:  to ensure the healthy growth and optimal development of young children in the context of their families."          -- From the Early Childhood Systems Working Group--ppt slides Click here to download this graphic depiction in PowerPoint of this system working together.  The slides were developed by an ad hoc affiliation of early childhood experts who have individually and collectively provided technical assistance to states as they try to optimize these systemic efforts on behalf of young children and their families. Project Staff Jana Lumley Martella, Director, 202-336-7057, janam@ccsso.org Tracy Runfola, Senior Associate, 202-326-8699, tracyr@ccsso.org Kathy Rogers, Administrative Assistant, 202-336-7018, kathyr@ccsso.org

Council of Chief State School Officers
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voice: 202.336.7000 · fax: 202.408.8072

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document last updated 2/5/2008