On September 8, the CT Early Childhood Education Cabinet and leadership team held a public comment session for early childhood advocates to discuss what should be included in the state's attempt for Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge funding. Connecticut is eligible to apply for up to $50 million.

A new study finds that preschool children who hear sophisticated language in preschool and at home reap rewards years later -- performing well on fourth-grade reading comprehension and word recognition exams.

A discussion with Jacqueline Jones, senior advisor on early education for the US Department of Education when it comes to the third round of Race to the Top funds.

Springfield Massachusetts-area business leaders gathered July 22 to discuss how to improve early care and education for children in The Bay State.

States are trying to figure out how to get a lasting benefit from the newest round of Race to the Top funding.

A new report by the National Association for Elementary School Principals (NAESP) states new, key policies are needed to align early-childhood learning with elementary experiences. The report states that advances in 10 key policy arenas would decrease the number of high school dropouts by building a stronger base -- an aligned PreK-3 system.

A pilot program in Virginia is helping parents find out if their children are meeting healthy social development milestones.

In August 2010, Early Ed Watch blog took a look at different state standards for school readiness. Some states, the author points out, have broad guidelines and assessments -- both of which the author puts Connecticut in. The reason for reposting this article on the blog is because much of the focus for the third round of Race to the Top focuses on early learning standards, assement and school readiness.

Education Week explains what it will take to win funding in the third round of Race to the Top. To win a grant, states will have to develop rating systems for their programs, craft appropriate standards and tests for young children, and set clear expectations for what teachers should know.

Reuters reports that half of the state in the US are closing their budget gaps with spending cuts, and several are going right for education to find those cuts.