Center for Early Learning Systems
AIR's work in early care and education helps foster the development of high-quality early learning programs and the achievement of positive results for young children and their families. The purpose of the Center for Early Learning Systems is to offer practical tools, resources, and methodologies to assist with planning, implementing, and evaluating preschool and other school readiness programs.
AIR's work in early care and education helps foster the development of high-quality early learning programs and the achievement of positive results for young children and their families. The purpose of the Center for Early Learning Systems is to offer practical tools, resources, and methodologies to assist with planning, implementing, and evaluating preschool and other school readiness programs. AIR provides technical assistance to organizations at the local, regional, and state level to
- assess the local supply of and access to early learning programs;
- develop plans for improving and expanding access to quality early learning programs;
- develop options for phasing in preschool and other school readiness programs;
- produce clear and detailed maps to illustrate areas of greatest need for early learning programs;
- estimate the cost of expanding and upgrading early learning services to quality standards;
- identify new early learning funding sources and fiscal leveraging opportunities;
- evaluate the effectiveness of early learning programs; and
- help translate the latest research into practice for policy makers, administrators, and providers.
We thank the David and Lucile Packard Foundation for their support for the development of the website that was the foundation for this Center.
Needs Assessment
Assessing access to early care and education is a key first step in any policy improvement initiative. AIR’s Early Learning Needs Assessment Tool allows subscribers to create custom reports regarding the supply of and demand for early care and education.
Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
Developing a rationale and approach for expanding access to preschool or other early care and education programs is an important part of the planning process. AIR offers tools for planning and budgeting for quality initiatives on a “system-wide” basis, as well as information on finance options.
Evaluation
AIR evaluates early care and education programs and policies at the federal, state and local level. Our evaluations help identify best practices and lead to recommendations for improving program quality and outcomes, with an eye toward system-wide implementation.
