Related Resources: State Early Learning and Education Standards

Inside the Content of Infant - Toddler Early Learning Guidelines: Results from Analyses, Issues to Consider and Recommendations

Authors:    C. Scott-Little, S. L. Kagan, V.S. Frelow & J. Reid
Published:    Februrary 2008
Description:    This report analyzes the content of Early Learning Guidelines from 21 states to determine what areas of development and learning have been addressed, presents issues to consider, and provides recommendations for improving Early Learning Guidelines. The research brief and full report from the study are available electronically at link below.
Download:    Brief Report [615 KB PDF] Full Report [1.2 MB PDF]

Good Start Grow Smart

Description:    Good Start Grow Smart (GSGS) is an early childhood initiative proposed by the Bush administration. Its goal is to increase the quality of early childhood programs to better prepare children for school entrance. The National Child Care Information Center (NCCIC) provides materials including: an overview of GSGS, presentations, early learning guideline and professional development tools, and links to additional resources related to the GSGS initiative and early learning standards.
Online:    http://nccic.org/pubs/goodstart/index.html#6

ECEA SCASS Resources on Early Learning Standards

Description:   

The following resource document was developed by the Council of Chief State School Officers, a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The following chart includes web-links to early learning guidelines and program standards that states have posted for ages birth to eight.

Online:    http://www.ccsso.org/content/PDFs/State_ECstandardsMATRIX11.27.07.pdf

The State Preschool Yearbook

Authors:    National Institute for Early Education Research
Published:    Annually (latest report for 2008-2009 school year)
Description:    This report profiles state-funded preschool programs in the United States on an annual basis. The series uses the first report (2001-2002) as a baseline for documenting current trends in enrollment, program quality, and state spending. Profiles outlining each state's policies regarding preschool access, quality standards, and resources for the academic year are provided. Recommendations for improving state preschool programs are discussed. Additionally, profiles outlining each state's policies regarding preschool access, quality standards, and resources for the 2004-2005 academic year are provided. Recommendations for improving state preschool programs are discussed.
Online:    http://nieer.org/yearbook/

Selected State Early Learning Guidelines on the Web

Description:    The National Child Care Information Center (NCCIC) hosts a collection of links to current state learning standards for infants, toddlers and preschool children.
Online:    http://www.nccic.org/pubs/goodstart/elgwebsites.html

State Standards Database

Description:    The State Standards Database was created by Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) for the National Institute of Early Education Research (NIEER). The database was developed to illustrate the specific knowledge and skills identified by states as important for prekindergarten education. Content from states' standards documents are organized within a hierarchical structure of domains, standards, and benchmarks which can be compared across states.
Online:    http://nieer.org/standards/statelist.php

Inside the Content: The Breadth and Depth of Early Learning Standards

Authors:    C. Scott-Little, S. L. Kagan, V.S. Frelow
Published:    March 2005
Description:    Early learning standards collected from 36 states were analyzed to determine to what extent they addressed various dimensions, (i.e., cognition and general knowledge, language and communication, social emotional development, and approaches to learning) and indicators of child development and early learning. Findings indicate that standards vary greatly across states, as does the degree to which these standards address important elements of learning and development. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
Download:    Report [1.8MB PDF]

The State of State Pre-Kindergarten Standards

Authors:    Newman, S.B. and Roskos, K.
Published:    May 2005
Description:    This article outlines an argument for early childhood learning standards and benchmarks, such as those required by Good Start Grow Smart and the Child Care Development Grant, to be grounded in research, and reflect age-appropriate outcomes for young children. Research on the predictors of early literacy and mathematic achievement are presented, and recommendations from organizations responsible for studying the quality of K-12 standards are summarized. The current benchmarks and standards of state systems are then examined, and recommendations are made based on the research reviewed.
Citation:    Early Childhood Quarterly, 20 (2) 125-145