Eight policy and practice actions for scaling early childhood coaching systems, from dedicated funding to data collection¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 qualitative), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The report recommends eight actions for state, county, and local policymakers: "Provide dedicated funding for site-based coaching"; provide specialized coaching for site leaders in addition to early educators; "Create coherence between coaching and quality rating and improvement systems"; "Set standards for the expertise and experience of coaches and provide ongoing coach support"; recruit a diverse, linguistically matched regional coaching workforce; develop a state clearinghouse of coaching resources; fund regional professional development systems for coaches; and collect and analyze data to scale what works. Examples include Alabama reserving approximately 8% of state preschool funding for coaching and incorporating paid planning and reflection time into program schedules.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Sufficient funding for reasonable coach caseloads; structures for sustained interagency coordination; qualified coaches with ECE experience and strong interpersonal skills

Constraints¶

• Reported challenges include insufficient funding, lack of paid time for early educators to participate, restrictive policies limiting coaching intensity or focus (e.g., limiting sessions for higher-rated sites), and difficulty recruiting qualified coaches; findings suggest less than 25% of early educators receive coaching

Target Learners¶

• Early childhood educators across mixed delivery systems, including center-based, home-based, and family, friend, and neighbor providers

Target Learning Goals¶

• Educator implementation of evidence-based early learning practices and program quality improvement

Claims¶

• States collected and used data to track participation, evaluate quality, improve programs, and advocate for funding [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Six state policy recommendations to stabilize, support, and expand the early childhood workforce and build diverse TK pathways
• Four-part state policy agenda: coherent administration, universal affordability, a well-qualified workforce, and quality improvement for all programs

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Schachner, A., Yun, C., Melnick, H., & Barajas, J. (2024). Coaching at scale: A strategy for strengthening the early learning workforce. Learning Policy Institute. https://doi.org/10.54300/984.909