Although quality assurance programs may improve the curricula and outcomes of early childhood programs, some U.S. childcare principals are reluctant to participate in these initiatives. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the motivation that guides Texas childcare principals' decision-making regarding participation in the…

There are nearly 1.7 million single-mother students who make up a substantial portion of the undergraduate student population. Only 8% of single-mother students graduate with a degree or certificate within 6 years of enrollment. There are multiple factors identified in the literature that contribute to low success and persistence rates. Factors…

Collaborations between public early care and education programs and private childcare centers offer families of young children high quality education and comprehensive services in addition to full-day, full year care. This case study examined early care and education collaborations in a rural county in a Midwest state. Major research questions…

The deluge of early child development research over the past 20 years has sparked an unprecedented public interest in the first years of children's lives. Research indicates that quality early education promotes the overall development of a healthy child. The Desired Results System, a standards-based accountability initiative of the California…