National Institute for Early Education Research
http://www.nieer.org/resources/newsletter/index.php
The Mission Statement of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) is to "conduct and communicate research to support high-quality, effective early childhood education for all young children. Such education enhances their physical, cognitive, and social development, and subsequent success in school and later life" (National Institute for Early Education Research, 2014, p. 1).
Some issues this organizations research team is involved in is to monitor and evaluate national and state progress of early childhood education, and to develop standards and regulations to improve access to quality care. They also find information on the status of early childhood education access and quality, and help to develop research and communication strategies so they can apply scientific knowledge to early education policy. NIEER also partners with other organizations to publicize vital information about early childhood education.
One article that was of interest to me was "Budget Deal Expands Some Early Childhood Programs." This article explained that thousands of young children would be eligible for early childhood programs because of a budget deal decided by lawmakers. These lawmakers are hoping the passage of a universal preschool for four year olds. This budget deal also restores funds that were cut from Head Start. "The deal includes $2.4 billion for a program that provides grants to states for child care assistance for low-income families..." (Hefling, 2014, p. 1). Advocates were encouraging states to create and expand all day preschool programs for low-income children. This budget deal still needs to be approved by Congress, but "Congress is acknowledging the importance of investing in a child's earliest years..." (Hefling, 2014, p. 2).
Reference
Hefling, K. (2014, Jan). Budget deal expands some early childhood programs. Retrieved
from, http://nieer.org/publications/journal-articles.
