This tool was prepared for the Early Learning Challenge (ELC) States that attended the Peer Learning Exchange, "Financing and Sustaining Quality Programs and Systems," in October 2017. This Peer Learning Exchange was a collaborative effort by Early Learning Challenge Technical Assistance (ELC TA,) Center on Enhancing Early Learning…

In November 2014, with broad bipartisan support, Congress reauthorized CCDBG [Child Care and Development Block Grant] (the major federal child care program) for the first time since 1996. The new law strengthens CCDBG's dual role as a major early childhood education program and a work support for low-income families. This implementation guide is…

Significant gaps exist in children's mental healthcare, and barriers prevent access to existing services. Current federal initiatives call for state governmental agencies to recognize and resolve deficits in their systems of care. Previous work has acknowledged some of the problems in meeting the mental health needs of children within a system of…

This article examines the process of post-disaster recovery and rebuilding in New York City since 9/11 and in New Orleans since the Hurricane Katrina disaster (8/29). As destabilizing events, 9/11 and 8/29 forced a rethinking of the major categories, concepts and theories that long dominated disaster research. We analyze the form, trajectory and…

Investigated by this study were effects--at state, county, and family levels--of federal cuts and changes on day care services in New York State, focusing on areas outside New York City. At the state level, the study examined policies shaping delivery of day care services to the poor and state systems for tracking changes in funding and children…

This article discusses how the policy to allocate Community Block Grants has changed to the disadvantage of needier communmities as the result of demographic changes and an increase in entitlement communities. Options are presented for policy makers to change allocation so that more distressed communities will be targeted for funds. (VM)

Examines current debate and advocacy efforts to protect Head Start funding in light of congressional budget reductions. Presents appropriation and enrollment figures, and current proposed funding levels. Describes new directions in Head Start, including Early Start, collaboration efforts with public schools, and full day care. Highlights the…

Summarizes issues affecting Black children and child care in Africa as addressed in the 11th Annual Conference of the National Black Child Development Institute. (Author/MP)

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant (Title V of the Social Security Act) has operated as a federal-state partnership since the Social Security Act was passed in 1935. Through Title V, the federal government pledged its support of state efforts to extend health and welfare services for mothers and children. Title V has been…

This Child Care Action Campaign (CCAC) issue brief details an audio conference convened by CCAC and the Child Care Law Center. Issues discussed include changes and implications resulting from the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. Areas covered, in a question-and-answer format, include: (1) Temporary…

This issue brief, which is intended for individuals involved in planning and delivering adult literacy programs, examines several major characteristics of recent House and Senate bills regarding block grants, describes the new requirements of block grants and their potential effects on adult education and literacy services, and suggests actions…

This report describes the history, features, and basis of bulk funding in New Zealand's early childhood services. The report likens bulk funding to a "quasi voucher" system and reviews research studies and evidence of the impact of bulk funding on kindergartens and childcare centers. The review shows that limited funding has pressured…

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant has great potential for funding out-of-school time and community school initiatives. While the flexibility that states have in allocating TANF funds presents significant opportunity for innovation, it also presents a dizzying array of policy options. This strategy brief presents…

This field network study is an account of how three essential features of Reagan federalism affected South Dakota government and programs from 1981-1983: (1) tightening eligibility requirements for entitlement programs to reduce costs; (2) combining 57 categorical grants into 9 block grants, which broadened program goals to permit wider state…

Creating more comprehensive, community-based support systems and reforming early childhood financing systems are critical to advancing the goal of having all children enter school ready to learn. The Finance Project is a national initiative to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of financing for education, children's services, and…