The Future of Early Childhood Education after COVID-19 – Aug 17

Posted by Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity on August 17, 2021

The early childhood education (ECE) sector in the United States is in a period of disruption and transition. Even before COVID-19, the sector grappled with challenges such as extremely low wages for workers and uneven program quality. The pandemic exacerbated existing challenges and created many new ones, including sudden, sharp declines in ECE enrollment and attendance. These challenges carry significant risk, given evidence that early learning experiences can shape children’s educational and life trajectories. On the other hand, this is a period of opportunity for ECE. Innovative local and state leaders have made use of federal funds provided by the American Rescue Plan Act in ways that could produce both short-term and long-term benefits. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has made improving the ECE sector one of its top priorities, offering an assortment of proposals. This includes a proposal for federally subsidized, tuition-free universal pre-K. The fate of these proposals—and the direction of the ECE sector—remains unclear.

The Brown Center on Education Policy at Brookings will host a virtual panel discussion that considers the present and future of ECE in the United States. The panel will consist of experts with backgrounds in ECE policy, practice, and research. It will examine where the sector stands—almost 18 months into the pandemic—and where it might be and should be headed.

This event will take place on Tuesday, August 17 at 2 p.m. Click here to register.