Policy Pick: Update on the Early Learning Challenge FundDecember 14, 2009 |
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 Earlier this year First 5 LA highlighted the Early Learning Challenge Fund in the Monday Morning Report when it was being considered by the House of Representatives within the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 (H.R. 3221). We are happy to report that the House passed the bill in September. First 5 LA and other advocates are now encouraging the Senate to consider a similar version of the bill soon. The fund would provide the opportunity to further strengthen ongoing efforts at the state and local levels to improve the quality of early care and education sites. It would also provide dollars critical for implementation of a quality improvement system. The grants to states provided through the fund would support early learning standards reform, quality improvement monitoring, professional development, and other components of a comprehensive quality improvement system. Last month in California, as part of a previous act, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger established the California State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care. Among other responsibilities, the council is charged with developing a plan to improve state policies to ensure California meets its maximum potential in accessing funding from the fund. First 5 LA will continue to stay engaged with these efforts as they progress. We encourage you to contact your senators and ask them to consider the Early Learning Challenge Fund soon. To read more about the fund and other efforts to improve the quality of early care and education settings click here for the previous MMR Policy Pick. Please direct questions or comments regarding this article to Aleece Kelly, policy analyst, at akelly@first5la.org. |
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