Federal ECE Policy Watch

In an effort to ensure that our members and partners stay informed about important early care and education policy developments at the federal level, TECEC will be updating the pages listed below weekly with news and important information.  Please check back regularly for the most current updates.

Child Care and Development Fund
Established in 1990, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG) authorizes the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The purpose of the CCDF is to provide funding to assist low-income families, families receiving temporary public assistance, and those transitioning from public assistance in obtaining child care so they can work or attend training/education. (read more HERE )

Early Learning Challenge Fund
If passed into law, over the next 8 years the Early Learning Challenge Fund would dedicate 1 billion dollars to help develop a comprehensive, standards-based system of high quality early learning programs that serves children age birth to 5 years while serving an increased number of disadvantaged children.  The bill encourages reforms to the state’s early learning programs that encourage the healthy development of children, better prepares children for school, and encourages enhanced training and development for early education providers.  (read more HERE )

Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), originally passed in 1965, was most recently reauthorized in 2002 in what is known as the No Child Left Behind Act. ESEA calls for higher standards and accountability and emphasizes equal access to education for all children. The act authorized federally funded education programs that are administered by the states. (read more HERE )

Home Visitation
The American Academy of Pediatrics has reported that home-visitation programs offer an effective mechanism to ensure ongoing, voluntary parental education, social support, and linkage with public and private community services (American Academy of Pediatrics )

The House and the Senate are currently working on reconciling two versions of the health care reform bill, H.R. 3590 and H.R. 3962. Both versions contain provisions for home visitation programs and more information will be available once both versions of the bills have been reconciled. (read more HERE )

Innovation Grants
Innovation grants are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  These grants are one component of the Investing in Innovation Fund, which has allocated $650 million to support local efforts to develop or enhance research-based, innovative programs designed to close the achievement gap and improve outcomes for students.  (read more HERE )

Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation (LEARN) Act
The LEARN Act (S. 2740 and related bill H.R. 4037) will dedicate $2.35 billion for use by states to provide high-quality literacy instruction within improved school-based programs.  The programs are intended to strengthen the literacy skills (reading and writing) of all students.  The Act promotes all-inclusive state and local literacy programs to ensure children ages birth to 18 will have adequate literacy skills and increased opportunities for academic and personal success.  (read more HERE )

Race to the Top
Race to the Top (RTTT) is a $4.35 billion competitive grant program between states, created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by President Obama. RTTT would competitively distribute funding to states to facilitate the improvement of education quality and outcomes. These goals would be achieved through the establishment of rigorous standards and assessments, teacher incentives, promotion of charter schools, the closure of failing schools and the use of innovative approaches to rehabilitate schools that are struggling. In addition, the program will promote the use of data systems to inform decisions and identify and encourage education reform. (read more HERE )

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is an effort geared toward the preparedness of students, teachers, and professionals to pursue careers in areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  This effort was begun due to concerns that the United States is lagging behind other countries in the education and development of young people in the scientific disciplines.  (read more HERE )

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is designed to help low-income families achieve self-sufficiency. TANF funds are distributed by state, territorial, and tribal agencies. (read more HERE )

Title I
Comprised of federally funded education programs and authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title I seeks to improve the academic achievement of the disadvantaged. (read more HERE )