The Foundation for Child Development is dedicated to supporting research that provides useful information and leads to meaningful change. We believe in analyzing what works, and what does not work, in early care and education programs and policies.
Effective Systems
Across the birth-through-age-eight continuum, these resources delve into evidence-based approaches and lessons learned that can help build effective child development systems and early childhood programs nationally and locally. High-quality early care and education programs result from an intentional alignment and coordination of multiple systems/components: early learning standards, program standards, comprehensive assessment systems, data systems, family and community partnerships, health promotion, and workforce development.
Designing, implementing, and bringing to scale high-quality early care and education programs that serve children birth to age eight can be done—but the work is complex. Relevant early care systems must be identified, coordinated, and aligned. In addition, there needs to be support for ongoing research in program and policy implementation that has potential to deepen our understanding of why and under which conditions specific subgroups of children can reach their full potential.