From Vision to Reality: Essential Elements of State Early Childhood Systems
February 18, 2010 11 am to 6 pm (EST)
The new federal administration has added fresh energy and initiative to the early childhood work that has been taking place in states. One example is the proposed Early Childhood Challenge Fund, and its focus on the essential elements within a state early childhood development system. The National Smart Start Conference Online will elaborate on this vision and present promising practices for implementing the essential elements.
Keynote Presentation: The Vision
Joan Lombardi Deputy Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children and Families U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. Lombardi’s presentation will be followed by presentations on the key topics that our federal partners are "studying" as they gear up for helping states implement the challenge fund. These include:
- Data,
- Quality measures,
- Family engagement , and
- Professional development.
Each presentation will feature a national expert and local and state leaders who have demonstrated promising practices in each of these areas.
We will close the day with Stephanie Fanjul, president of The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. She will share reflections, recommendations and next steps.
The conference will be moderated by nationally-recognized experts Jana Martella and Helene Stebbins.
Look for emails in the coming days with more details and stay tuned to www.smartstart.org