Strengthening State Systems:
A Closer Look at the Early Learning Challenge

Tuesday, January 24
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
B339 Rayburn House Office Building

Watch the full briefing

Read the report, "Stepping Up to the Challenge: Profiles of the 2011 Early Learning Challenge Grant Applications" 

Congress’s bipartisan support for quality early childhood education led to the launch of the Early Learning Challenge, a new competitive state grant program jointly administered by the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services to improve early learning for our nation’s youngest children. Thirty-five states plus DC and Puerto Rico vied for the $500 million allocated to the initial competition, and in December nine states were selected to improve their statewide early learning systems. While those states will begin implementing their ambitious plans, the application process showed the high demand on the part of both governors and states to tackle quality early learning for high-needs children, and is prompting reform and innovation around the country. With Congress continuing its bipartisan support for early learning in FY12, states may again have the opportunity to participate in this important education initiative.

Leading states discussed the first round of the Early Learning Challenge and how a second round will enable more states to continue to build systems and services that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public investments in a time of limited resources.

Welcome:Gerrit Westervelt, BUILD for the Early Learning Challenge Collaborative  

Moderator: Harriet Dichter, First Five Years Fund for the Early Learning Challenge Collaborative 

Panelists:

• Anne Bryan, Senior Policy Advisor to the Governor; Executive Director, Early Childhood Advisory Council, Office of Governor Bev Perdue, State of North Carolina

• Rolf Grafwallner, Ph.D., Assistant State Superintendent, Division of Early Childhood Development, Maryland State Department of Education

• Stephanie K. Siddens, Ph.D., Director, Office of Early Learning and School Readiness, Ohio Department of Education

• Jennifer Stedron, Ph.D., Policy Director, Early Childhood Education, Health and Human Services; Executive Director, Early Childhood Leadership Commission, Office of Lt. Governor Joseph A. Garcia, State of Colorado

Watch the full briefing

Download briefing materials

Invitation
Agenda
About the Panelists
North Carolina presentation
Ohio presentation
Maryland presentation
Colorado presentation
Report - "Stepping Up to the Challenge: Profiles of the 2011 Early Learning Challenge Grant Applications"