Features of High Quality Pre-K Programs and Systems

The power of early education to shape a child’s future is supported by a growing body of evidence. Public and private stakeholders are looking for high-quality pre-K programs to make this promise a reality for all children. On Thursday, October 6, Mathematica’s Center for Improving Research Evidence and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation co-hosted a policy forum and webinar to discuss the common features of high quality pre-K programs. State and federal policymakers, agency staff, education administrators, and researchers are invited to join us as we explore the evidence base for these programs and discuss the critical policy and programmatic issues related to pre-K education.

Speakers will include:

• Jennifer Brooks, Gates Foundation
• Kimberly Boller, Mathematica Policy Research
• Anne Kaiser, Maryland House of Delegates
• Shannon Rudisill, Administration for Children and Families
• Louisa Tarullo, Mathematica Policy Research

Discussion topics will include:

• Understanding the evidence for specific features of pre-K programs and the policies that support them
• Considering how learning collaboratives can support rapid-cycle innovation and improvement in pre-K programs
• Using evidence of pre-K effectiveness to inform decision making
• Bridging gaps in evidence to improve pre-K education practices and policy

Boxed lunches will be provided for in-person attendees at 11:45 a.m. For more information, please contact events@mathematica-mpr.com.