Play and Academics: Debunking Either/Or False Choices about Pre-K Curricula
Much of the learning of young children falls on a spectrum ranging from free play to teacher-directed instruction.
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Big ideas, bold solutions. Explore the latest research, analysis, and policy insights from our experts.
Social-Emotional and Cognitive Learning: Debunking Either/Or False Choices about Pre-K Curricula
A high-quality preschool curriculum gives children opportunities to build both social-emotional and cognitive skills as they learn.
Q&A with Elliot Regenstein About Improving State Early Childhood Systems
In a new book, Elliot provides an insider’s guide into the process of how decisions are made in state early childhood systems
How States Are Strengthening Their Early Childhood Systems
A growing number of states across the political spectrum have invested political capital in strengthening their oversight of early childhood
Proposed CCDF Rule Could Further Weaken an Already Fragile Child Care System
A January 2026 rulemaking (NPRM) seeks to rescind many requirements designed to improve child care access and affordability
In 2026, States and Congress Will Need to Mitigate the Damage to PreK-12 Education
What will 2026 bring? Here are the questions we are asking and our recommendations for how Congress and state policymakers should respond.
In a Year of Economic Uncertainty, Differing State Approaches to Spending on Young Children
Some states have opted to reduce funding for early learning programs, while others managed to strengthen their programs.
What Will 2026 Hold for Early Care and Education?
Here are a few questions that rise to the top for our team when thinking about the next 12 months in early education
Inside 2025: A Year of Urgency and the Wins That Mattered Most
New America’s Education and Work teams highlight key advocacy efforts and accomplishments from 2025.
Q&A with RAND Researchers about Findings from the American Pre-K Teacher Survey
The survey provides a better understanding of the perspective of public school pre-K teachers across the country.
Congress Reintroduces Bill to Curb Restraint and Seclusion in Schools
Despite the risks, there is currently no federal law governing the use of restraint or seclusion in schools.
In Vermont, A Decade-Old Campaign Winds Down and Reflects on Progress
Let’s Grow Kids has now officially ended its operations, but that’s not due to a lack of success.
In Boston, Bringing the Best of Pre-K Practices into the Elementary Years
Boston has focused on creating and implementing a curriculum that aligns the content & instructional practices of pre-K through second grade
Stop the Dismemberment of the U.S. Department of Education
Congress should ask the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine how breaking apart ED affects services to students.