Despite major competing funding priorities for the federal and state governments, one budget item has received almost steady funding increases.  Over the past five years, state-funded preschool programs have received exponential support across the country. Even more growth is projected on the horizon.  There is almost universal agreement among researchers and policymakers across the country that high-quality preschool can positively impact school readiness and help to bridge the achievement gap.  Research has shown that some of the most lasting influences on children occur when their brains are just beginning to develop. These research findings could have huge implications for the District of Columbia as we reach for higher student achievement levels for all District students. How do we measure quality care and education for all children from birth to five, how do we determine which credentials should be required of city-funded care givers and providers, and finally, how do we finance a seamless system of high quality early childhood care and education?

The March policy forum examined the characteristics of a high-quality system of early childhood for school readiness. Forum speakers addressed some of the following policy questions: 

• How do current service options available to parents with children ages zero to five prepare children for school? 
• How are these service programs designed, staffed, monitored, accredited, and marketed? 
• How will the District’s changing demographics impact the city’s early childhood landscape? 
• What are the non-negotiables of high quality preschool programs? 
• How do researchers quantify the potential impact of preschool quality on school readiness, and other economic and social outcomes? 
• What new and creative funding mechanisms are being created by state legislatures for universal preschool programs?

• Sara Watson, Senior Officer, State Policy Initiatives, Pew Charitable Trusts 
• Tammy Mann, President, Zero To Three
• Barbara Kamara, Administrator, Department of Human Services (DHS), Early Care and Education Administration 
• Cheryl Roberts, Executive Director, DCPS School Readiness & Early Childhood Programs   
• Jesse Bailey, Co-Chair, Fenty Education e-Transition Early Care and Education Work Group; Program Director, Pre-K For All Campaign

• Speaker Bios*
• Sara Watson's Presentation* 
• Tammy Mann's Presentation*    
• Barbara Kamara's Presentation*
• Cheryl Roberts' Presentation*
• Jesse Bailey's Presentation*