Early Childhood Summit at the White House - December 10th, 2014

On October 29th, 2014 the White House sent out a press release announcing President Obama's early childhood summit to be help on December 10th, 2014. Stakeholders committed to high-quality early education will be brought together in continuity of Obama's 2013 State of the Union address promise for expanding access to high quality early childhood education for families in America with children ages birth to five years. The proposal includes expanding:

• evidence-based practices
• voluntary home visiting
• increasing access utilizing Early Head Start-Child Care partnerships

with the overall goal of providing preschool for all. 

This call to action was met by over 30 states' efforts to expand access and more than 600 applicants  for federal grants specifically focused on the above goals. On December 10th, 2014, President Obama will announce which states and communities will receive $250 million in Preschool Development Grants and announce the $500 million awards in Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships. These grants are intended to enhance preschool programs and improve access to high-quality infant and toddler care in high-need communities. Partnerships between the government and private sector are also being explored. 

Stay tuned for more information about this national effort to improve access and quality of care for children birth to five years.