Early Childhood Systems

In this seminal volume, leading authorities strategize about how to create early childhood systems that transcend politics and economics to serve the needs of all young children. The authors offer different interpretations of the nature of early childhood systems, discuss the elements necessary to support their development, and examine how effectiveness can be assessed. With a combination of cutting-edge scholarship and practical examples of systems-building efforts taking place in the field, this book provides the foundation educators and policymakers need to take important steps toward developing more conceptually integrated approaches to early childhood care, education, and comprehensive services.

Book Features:

• Provides the only up-to-date, comprehensive examination of early childhood systems.
• Considers new efforts to expand services, improve quality, maximize resources, and reduce inequities in early childhood.
• Offers a forum for the field to come together to frame a set of cogent recommendations for the future.

Contributors: Kimberly Boller, Andrew Brodsky, Charles Bruner, Dean Clifford, Julia Coffman, Jeanine Coleman, Harriet Dichter, Sangree Froelicher, Eugene García, Stacie G. Goffin, Janice Gruendel, Jodi Hardin, Marilou Hyson, Amy Kershaw, Lisa G. Klein, Denise Mauzy, Geoffrey Nagle, Karen Ponder, Ann Reale, Sue Russell, Diana Schaack, Karen Hill Scott, Helene M. Stebbins, Jennifer M. Stedron, Kate Tarrant, Kathy R. Thornburg, Kathryn Tout, Fasaha Traylor, Jessica Vick Whittaker

Sharon Lynn Kagan is the Virginia and Leonard Marx Professor of Early Childhood and Family Policy and Co-Director of the National Center for Children and Families at Teachers College, Columbia University. Kristie Kauerz is the program director for PreK–3rd Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE).

“A veritable encyclopedia of ideas on early childhood system building.”
—Barbara T. Bowman, Erikson Institute

“The authors don't just talk about the work, they participate in the creation of change.”
—Sherri Killins, Commissioner, Department of Early Education and Care, Massachusetts