Build manages the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) National Learning Network and provides technical assistance to states seeking to design and implement effective systems to improve the quality of early learning settings.  The Smart Start Technical Assistance Center is a partner in managing the network.

Build manages the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) National Learning Network and provides technical assistance to states seeking to design and implement effective systems to improve the quality of early learning settings.  The Smart Start Technical Assistance Center is a partner in managing the network.

The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) serves as a resource to all Alliance-funded state and national grantees on issues related to child care, Head Start, and pre-k policy.  In addition, CLASP is developing tools to support the expansion of Early Head Start and profiling ten states with effective policies to improve child care subsidy, licensing, and quality enhancement policies for infants and toddlers.

The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) serves as a resource to all Alliance-funded state and national grantees on issues related to child care, Head Start, and pre-k policy.  In addition, CLASP is developing tools to support the expansion of Early Head Start and profiling ten states with effective policies to improve child care subsidy, licensing, and quality enhancement policies for infants and toddlers.

The Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE) is developing a framework for collecting workforce data on early care and education providers with the goal of creating a high-quality, consistent workforce data system in states. They coordinate their work with NAEYC to enhance NAEYC’s professional development database.  CSCCE is a member of the Early Childhood Data Collaborative, working to support the development of comprehensive, longitudinal early childhood data systems.

The Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE) is developing a framework for collecting workforce data on early care and education providers with the goal of creating a high-quality, consistent workforce data system in states. They coordinate their work with NAEYC to enhance NAEYC’s professional development database.  CSCCE is a member of the Early Childhood Data Collaborative, working to support the development of comprehensive, longitudinal early childhood data systems.

The Center on the Developing Child is launching a collaborative Innovation Project to synthesize new scientific knowledge about child development.  The goal is to develop new theories of change to guide the design and implementation of innovative state policies and programs.  NCSL and NGA are strategic partners in this effort.

The Center on the Developing Child is launching a collaborative Innovation Project to synthesize new scientific knowledge about child development.  The goal is to develop new theories of change to guide the design and implementation of innovative state policies and programs.  NCSL and NGA are strategic partners in this effort.

Child Trends monitors state policy landscapes and communicates research that strategically aligns with the policy debate.  Child Trends is a resource to all Alliance grantees, as well as the media and other national and state-based leaders, providing research syntheses that help them make the case for better early childhood policies.     

Child Trends monitors state policy landscapes and communicates research that strategically aligns with the policy debate.  Child Trends is a resource to all Alliance grantees, as well as the media and other national and state-based leaders, providing research syntheses that help them make the case for better early childhood policies.     

The Committee for Economic Development (CED) is hosting strategic events in Wisconsin, New York, New Mexico, and Michigan to connect business leaders with local advocates.  These events bring together CED trustees, United Way members, and Alliance state grantees. 

The Committee for Economic Development (CED) is hosting strategic events in Wisconsin, New York, New Mexico, and Michigan to connect business leaders with local advocates.  These events bring together CED trustees, United Way members, and Alliance state grantees. 

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) continues to convene its Early Childhood Task Force to provide leadership on birth to five policy issues in k-12 education.  CCSSO is a member of the Early Childhood Data Collaborative (ECDC),a joint project that includes CSCCE, NCCP, NCSL, NGA, Pre-K Now, and the Data Quality Campaign, to identify the policy questions that a comprehensive longitudinal early childhood database should answer, and then launch a campaign encouraging states to build data comprehensive systems.  CCSSO will work with all partners in the ECDC.  

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) continues to convene its Early Childhood Task Force to provide leadership on birth to five policy issues in k-12 education.  CCSSO is a member of the Early Childhood Data Collaborative (ECDC),a joint project that includes CSCCE, NCCP, NCSL, NGA, Pre-K Now, and the Data Quality Campaign, to identify the policy questions that a comprehensive longitudinal early childhood database should answer, and then launch a campaign encouraging states to build data comprehensive systems.  CCSSO will work with all partners in the ECDC.  

The Council for a Strong America (CSA) mobilizes non-traditional leaders as credible messengers to educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of investing in vulnerable young children. The Alliance funds two of its member groups: Fight Crime: Invest in Kids to mobilize law enforcement members in Michigan, Mississippi, and New Mexico; and Mission Readiness to mobilize retired military personnel in Mississippi. The Council coordinates its work with Alliance grantees in these states.

The Council for a Strong America (CSA) mobilizes non-traditional leaders as credible messengers to educate policymakers and the public about the benefits of investing in vulnerable young children. The Alliance funds two of its member groups: Fight Crime: Invest in Kids to mobilize law enforcement members in Michigan, Mississippi, and New Mexico; and Mission Readiness to mobilize retired military personnel in Mississippi. The Council coordinates its work with Alliance grantees in these states.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) serves as a resource to all Alliance grantees on policy issues related to the professional development of the early childhood workforce.  They maintain an on-line database with statutory and regulatory language of state early childhood policies that promote an integrated early childhood professional development system.  They also host a national summit on this topic, and provide technical assistance to states working to implement an integrated system.  They coordinate efforts with CSCCE, who serves on their project advisory board.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) serves as a resource to all Alliance grantees on policy issues related to the professional development of the early childhood workforce.  They maintain an on-line database with statutory and regulatory language of state early childhood policies that promote an integrated early childhood professional development system.  They also host a national summit on this topic, and provide technical assistance to states working to implement an integrated system.  They coordinate efforts with CSCCE, who serves on their project advisory board.

The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) is enhancing its 50-state database on state policy choices to promote healthy early childhood development with new policy variables and new data on the status of young children in states.  NCCP is also conducting research on the coaching/training element of professional development within a quality rating and improvement system.  NCCP is a member of the Early Childhood Data Collaborative, working to support the development of comprehensive, longitudinal early childhood data systems.

The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) is enhancing its 50-state database on state policy choices to promote healthy early childhood development with new policy variables and new data on the status of young children in states.  NCCP is also conducting research on the coaching/training element of professional development within a quality rating and improvement system.  NCCP is a member of the Early Childhood Data Collaborative, working to support the development of comprehensive, longitudinal early childhood data systems.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) continues to track and report on state early childhood legislation, and state appropriations on child care, prek, and home visiting.  NCSL provides technical assistance to legislative leaders and staff, as well as Alliance grantees, on early childhood policy options.  NCSL partners with the Center on the Developing Child to identify new science-driven innovations in early childhood; and is a member of the Early Childhood Data Collaborative, working to support the development of comprehensive, longitudinal early childhood data systems.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) continues to track and report on state early childhood legislation, and state appropriations on child care, prek, and home visiting.  NCSL provides technical assistance to legislative leaders and staff, as well as Alliance grantees, on early childhood policy options.  NCSL partners with the Center on the Developing Child to identify new science-driven innovations in early childhood; and is a member of the Early Childhood Data Collaborative, working to support the development of comprehensive, longitudinal early childhood data systems.

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) is building a peer learning network among their affiliates who focus on early childhood policy.  Through the network, NCLR is enhancing the leadership and strengthening the advocacy expertise of their members. NCLR coordinates its work with Alliance state grantees.

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) is building a peer learning network among their affiliates who focus on early childhood policy.  Through the network, NCLR is enhancing the leadership and strengthening the advocacy expertise of their members. NCLR coordinates its work with Alliance state grantees.

The National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices is hosting a state early childhood policy academy where seven states receive targeted technical assistance to strengthen early childhood policy in the areas of governance, program quality, professional development, and data systems. NGA is leveraging the expertise of Alliance grantees to provide technical assistance to states in the academy. NGA partners with the Center on the Developing Child to identify new science-driven innovations in early childhood, and the Early Childhood Data Collaborative to support the development of comprehensive, longitudinal early childhood data systems.

The National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices is hosting a state early childhood policy academy where seven states receive targeted technical assistance to strengthen early childhood policy in the areas of governance, program quality, professional development, and data systems. NGA is leveraging the expertise of Alliance grantees to provide technical assistance to states in the academy. NGA partners with the Center on the Developing Child to identify new science-driven innovations in early childhood, and the Early Childhood Data Collaborative to support the development of comprehensive, longitudinal early childhood data systems.

The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) surveys state child care administrators to track trends in child care assistance policy.  In addition to basic information about eligibility and reimbursement policies, the survey includes information on the use of ARRA funding and cuts in state funding.  Alliance state grantees are invited to participate in NWLC’s annual child care advocates retreat.

The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) surveys state child care administrators to track trends in child care assistance policy.  In addition to basic information about eligibility and reimbursement policies, the survey includes information on the use of ARRA funding and cuts in state funding.  Alliance state grantees are invited to participate in NWLC’s annual child care advocates retreat.

The Ounce of Prevention Fund (Ounce) provides relationship-based peer consultation and support to state advocacy organizations, and facilitates the bi-annual Peer Advocate Roundtable meetings for advocates and Educare leaders from 15 states:  California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.  They coordinate with Rhode Island Kids Count in Michigan, Mississippi and New Mexico and share information about state advocacy policy priorities.

The Ounce of Prevention Fund (Ounce) provides relationship-based peer consultation and support to state advocacy organizations, and facilitates the bi-annual Peer Advocate Roundtable meetings for advocates and Educare leaders from 15 states:  California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin.  They coordinate with Rhode Island Kids Count in Michigan, Mississippi and New Mexico and share information about state advocacy policy priorities.

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT works in Michigan, Mississippi, and New Mexico to coordinate the multiple advocacy activities occurring in these states.  They work closely with the Ounce and all the national grantees as they monitor and connect technical assistance from national organizations with state advocate priorities so strategic actions advance early childhood policy in the states.

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT works in Michigan, Mississippi, and New Mexico to coordinate the multiple advocacy activities occurring in these states.  They work closely with the Ounce and all the national grantees as they monitor and connect technical assistance from national organizations with state advocate priorities so strategic actions advance early childhood policy in the states.

The Smart Start National TA Center is creating a peer network of state leaders who oversee statewide early childhood initiatives that include a local partnership structure.  The State Early Childhood Leadership Network includes 18-20 top administrators who will receive leadership development opportunities through meetings, conference calls, and coaching.   The TA Center coordinates its work with Alliance state grantees.

The Smart Start National TA Center is creating a peer network of state leaders who oversee statewide early childhood initiatives that include a local partnership structure.  The State Early Childhood Leadership Network includes 18-20 top administrators who will receive leadership development opportunities through meetings, conference calls, and coaching.   The TA Center coordinates its work with Alliance state grantees.

United Way Worldwide works with local United Ways in Colorado, Florida, Kansas, New York, Virginia, and Washington State to actively engage business leaders in improving early childhood policies. UWA is partnering with CED on events in Michigan, New Mexico, New York, and Wisconsin.

United Way Worldwide works with local United Ways in Colorado, Florida, Kansas, New York, Virginia, and Washington State to actively engage business leaders in improving early childhood policies. UWA is partnering with CED on events in Michigan, New Mexico, New York, and Wisconsin.

The Urban Institute, in partnership with Build and the National Academy for State Health Policy, is identifying key health policy issues that influence early childhood development.  They are developing written materials for Alliance grantees and other early childhood policy leaders to give them the information they need to influence debates about state and federal health care policies affecting the development of young children. 

The Urban Institute, in partnership with Build and the National Academy for State Health Policy, is identifying key health policy issues that influence early childhood development.  They are developing written materials for Alliance grantees and other early childhood policy leaders to give them the information they need to influence debates about state and federal health care policies affecting the development of young children. 

Voices for America’s Children (Voices) is tracking birth to five policy advocacy activity among its members, and working to build their capacity on this issue.  Voices also disseminates Alliance materials to its affiliate members.

Voices for America’s Children (Voices) is tracking birth to five policy advocacy activity among its members, and working to build their capacity on this issue.  Voices also disseminates Alliance materials to its affiliate members.

ZERO TO THREE continues to engage infant and toddler professionals in policy change with resources such as the bi-weekly Baby Monitor e-newsletter and other social networking tools. In partnership with CLASP, they are focusing on Early Head Start expansion and will host a state policy action team meeting followed by customized technical assistance to states.

ZERO TO THREE continues to engage infant and toddler professionals in policy change with resources such as the bi-weekly Baby Monitor e-newsletter and other social networking tools. In partnership with CLASP, they are focusing on Early Head Start expansion and will host a state policy action team meeting followed by customized technical assistance to states.

The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) is working in Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Wisconsin to support local CCR&R’s in their efforts to improve child care policies at the state level. The goal is to support statewide advocacy networks where they do not exist and strengthen those that do. NACCRRA works with CLASP and the National Women’s Law Center on child care advocacy.

The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) is working in Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Wisconsin to support local CCR&R’s in their efforts to improve child care policies at the state level. The goal is to support statewide advocacy networks where they do not exist and strengthen those that do. NACCRRA works with CLASP and the National Women’s Law Center on child care advocacy.

Alliance grantees work independently or in collaboration on a number of initiatives in the areas of research, policy and advocacy. Click below to learn more about Alliance funded work by national organizations.

Alliance grantees work independently or in collaboration on a number of initiatives in the areas of research, policy and advocacy. Click below to learn more about Alliance funded work by national organizations.