With a new grant from the California-based Heising-Simons Foundation, EDC will examine place-based approaches to improving early learning outcomes for young children. Principal Investigator David Jacobson (at left) will work with Kyle DeMeo Cook (at right) to study three types of community partnerships for early education:

• Cradle-to-Career partnerships that bring together community leaders and community organizations around a common vision and common benchmarks
• Community approaches to wrap-around services for preschools and schools
• P-3 Partnerships that support prenatal through third grade alignment

EDC's new study will investigate how leading-edge communities across the country are drawing from the three partnership models as they design integrated approaches to best serve young children and their families. The aim of the study is to inform—through recommendations, guidance documents, and presentations—the work of communities interested in implementing effective community partnerships for early education.

David Jacobson said, "This grant is a great opportunity to learn about the very important work that communities around the country are doing to improve outcomes for young children. The partnerships they have established to coordinate and align programs are very impressive and are leading to positive results."

This research study extends work to develop a P-3 Theory of Action, with 7 associated principles and related practical implementation guidance. The study is especialy closely aligned with Principle 4 ("integrating vertical and horizontal alignment strategies") and Principle 5 ("strengthening neighborhoods and communities by linking P-3 with cradle-to-career initiatives").

• Learn about Heising-Simons Foundation's support for EDC's work to ensure all children have high-quality early math learning experiences that promote school readiness and success.

Last Updated: April 2017