WALTHAM, MA | October 4, 2012
EDC will provide support to early childhood specialists in state departments of education nationwide under the auspices of a new national center. Announced Friday by the U.S. Department of Education, the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes is 1 of 23 comprehensive centers across the country awarded a total of $52 million to help districts and schools meet student achievement goals
Working closely with the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University and the Council for Chief State School Officers, the new center will seek to raise the bar in early education by supporting the use of data, authentic assessments, effective professional development, and outstanding instructional practices.
“We are so pleased to help advance this work to support state and local education agencies in improving early learning outcomes for all children, particularly those at high risk,” said EDC Vice President Sheila Skiffington. “We look forward to applying the experience we’ve gained managing other national centers and working with our partners to get started.”
Of the 23 newly announced centers, the one EDC will manage is the only one focusing exclusively on enhancing early learning outcomes. Several centers will provide training and technical assistance to state education agencies in implementing and administering programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and others will provide research-based information and tools.
EDC already plays a key role in three national centers funded by the Federal Office of Head Start: the National Center for Linguistic and Cultural Responsiveness, the National Center on Program Management and Fiscal Operations, and the National Center on Health.
Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC), is a global nonprofit organization that addresses some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic development. EDC manages more than 250 projects in 23 countries. Visit www.edc.org.
