Early Childhood Strategic Plan: Advancing Education and Collaboration

1. April 25, 2019

2. Executive Director Update

3. National Governor's Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices Grant • Kentucky held a meeting with NGA on April 18th, 2019 to discuss the project plan for the recently awarded $25,000 grant. • Attendees: • Mandy Sorge, Senior Policy Analyst, Early Care and Education • Beth Caron, Interim Executive Director • Tiffany Ferrette, NGA Education • Secretary Brinkman • Secretary Ramsey • Deputy Secretary Putnam • Commissioner Lewis • Deputy Commissioner Ellis • Executive Director, Linda Hampton • ECAC Chair John Roden • Head Start Collaboration Director, Sally Shepherd • Communications Director, Erin Mitchell • Program Specialist, Hannah Coulter

4. Education Freedom Scholarships • Kentucky hosted Secretary Betsy DeVos for a roundtable on Education Freedom Scholarships on April 17, 2019 • Education Freedom Scholarships will provide for a $5 billion annual federal tax credit for voluntary donations to state-based scholarship programs. This proposal would empower students and families to choose the best educational setting for them – regardless of where they live, how much they make, and how they learn.

5. KET Early Childhood Forum • Linda Hampton appeared on KET’s Early Childhood Forum that was set up in a town hall-style conversation with lawmakers, educators, and advocates about early childhood education and what it means to prepare a child for success! • To view or for more information please visit: https://www.ket.org/episode/KJGAP_000106/

6. 2019 Early Childhood Institute June 19 - 21, 2019,  Galt House Hotel, 140 N 4th Street, Louisville, KY 40202 • ECI Scholarship recipients have been notified • ECI Registration closes May 1 • Keynote speakers • Nationally known early childhood experts training high quality sessions • Intimate Round Table

7. School Readiness Summit • The School Readiness Summit will be held: April 29, 2019, 10:00am-3:00pm EST Center for Rural Development 2292 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY. • Participating teams: • Danville Independent • Whitley County • Pulaski County • Somerset Independent • Sciencehill Independent • McCreary County • Hancock County • LaRue County • Boyle County • Wayne County

8. Strategic Plan UPDATE Early Childhood Advisory CouncilApril 25, 2019

9. Strategic Planning • Review Development Process • Timeline • Framework • Definitions • Thought Process/Examples • Present 2019-2024 Strategic Plan • Next Steps StrategicPlan UPDATE

10. Development Process 2018 June ECAC Strategic Plan Kick Off: 1)SWOT Analysis and 2) Mission/Vision Feedback September ECAC developed broad goal areas Oct – Nov Executive Committee developed draft Mission, Vision, and Goal Statements December ECAC reviewed and edited Mission, Vision, and Goal Statements StrategicPlan UPDATE

11. Development Process 2019 January Kentucky awarded PDG February Parent & Business Focus Groups conducted (Needs Assessment) Jan – Mar Executive Committee 1) proposed plan extension to June 30, 2024; 2) drafted Objectives; 3) aligned goals and objectives with Focus Group results March ECAC reviewed draft Goals, Objectives & plan length April Executive Committee 1) aligned plan with current Needs Assessment results; 2) drafted Strategies & Measures StrategicPlan UPDATE

12. Framework StrategicPlan UPDATE

13. Vision Focused, Mission Led Vision: Unifying, Ultimate Aspiration All children in Kentucky will have the foundation that enables school and personal success and are supported by strong families and communities. StrategicPlan UPDATE Mission: Purpose for Being/Why You Exist The Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) (who) provides leadership and direction for the Commonwealth of Kentucky (what) by providing a comprehensive and sustainable prenatal to age five early childhood system (how) that will ensure a strong foundation for all children. (why)

14. 2019 – 2024 Goals • Lofty and achievable outcomes to be accomplished by 2024. • Propel ECAC towards the vision and supports the mission. • Incorporate findings from internal and external environmental scanning (SWOT, Focus Groups, Needs Assessment). • Currently listed in alphabetical order; Prioritization will happen after the Needs Assessment. StrategicPlan UPDATE

15. Strategic Messaging Advance comprehensive early care and education through strategic messaging. StrategicPlan UPDATE

16. Workforce Grow and strengthen the early care and education workforce by providing a career pathway for advancement and professional learning opportunities. StrategicPlan UPDATE

17. Collaboration Increase coordination, program quality, and service delivery by fostering effective collaboration between agencies and stakeholders. StrategicPlan UPDATE

18. Partner with Families Promote a comprehensive framework to effectively partner with families. StrategicPlan UPDATE

19. Data Informed Inform funding and resource allocations, policy recommendations, and programming by consistently applying data driven systems and processes. StrategicPlan UPDATE New

20. Funding Secure new, diverse funding and utilize existing resources more effectively. StrategicPlan UPDATE

21. Objectives & Measures • Objectives are broad statements on HOW the goals will be achieved. • Incorporate findings from internal and external environmental scanning (SWOT, Focus Groups, Needs Assessment). • Measures are designed to define success for the Objectives. • A “stretch” that can be realistically achieved by 2024 • Within your control or influence • Data points measured without any excessive hardships StrategicPlan UPDATE

22. Advance comprehensive early care and education through strategic messaging. Objective 1.1: Conduct an outreach and education campaign on the importance of early childhood learning. StrategicPlan UPDATE

23. Advance comprehensive early care and education through strategic messaging. Objective 1.1: Conduct an outreach and education campaign on the importance of early childhood learning. StrategicPlan UPDATE • Annual 5% increase of 1) parents of young children and 2) state and local community stakeholders who report awareness and understanding of the importance of early childhood learning, as assessed using a statewide parent and stakeholder survey. • At least 51% of identified vulnerable children will be enrolled in high quality early care and education programs. • 100% of counties will increase high quality placements by 5% each year.

24. Strategies • Strategies are more specific statements on HOW you will complete the Objectives. • Incorporate findings from the Needs Assessment. StrategicPlan UPDATE

25. Advance comprehensive early care and education through strategic messaging. Objective 1.1: Conduct an outreach and education campaign on the importance of early childhood learning. StrategicPlan UPDATE Strategy 1.1.1. Develop a comprehensive, strategic communications plan that tailors a unified message regarding the importance of early childhood learning to specific audiences (e.g., families, elected officials, business leaders, etc.) at the state and local level, as well as, targets specific geographic and vulnerable populations.

26. Next Steps • ECAC feedback and approval of the 2019 – 2024 strategic plan • Submit the strategic plan to federal partner • Complete a Tactical Action Plan StrategicPlan UPDATE

27. Tactics/Actions • Tactics are specific actions that can be broken down into an annual plan (i.e., Year 1, Year 2, etc.) • Incorporate findings from the Needs Assessment. • Adjusted as needed throughout the plan. StrategicPlan UPDATE

28. Annual Planning Strategy 1.1.1. Develop a comprehensive, strategic communications plan that tailors a unified message regarding the importance of early childhood learning… StrategicPlan UPDATE

29. Annual Planning Strategy 1.1.1. Develop a comprehensive, strategic communications plan that tailors a unified message regarding the importance of early childhood learning… StrategicPlan UPDATE

30. Facilitation Center at EKU Stefanie Ashley 352 Perkins, 521 Lancaster Avenue Richmond, KY 40475 www.facilitation.eku.edu 1.859.622.8651 Stefanie.Ashley@eku.edu Facilitation Center at EKU

31. Kentucky PDG UPDATE Early Childhood Advisory CouncilApril 25 2019

32. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Requirement 1: Describe how the state defines key terms, including: (a) quality early childhood care and education; (b) availability; (c) vulnerable or underserved; and (d) children in rural areas Requirement 2: Describe the populations of children who are vulnerable or underserved, and children in rural areas Draft definitions: 1. Vulnerable children: existing definitions which tend to focus on POVERTY (or, family status with regard to Federal Poverty Level) • But—in the case of IDEA services—also can reflect special learning or developmental needs Kentucky PDG UPDATE

33. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Draft definitions: 2. Quality ECCE services: All STARS five-star rating scale, comprised of four domains and standards within the domains: 1) Family and Community Engagement, 2) Classroom and Instructional Quality, 3) Staff Qualifications and Professional Development, and 4) Administrative and Leadership Practices. 3. Availability of ECCE services: Every family that wants or needs child care or early education services will be able to secure a placement in a high-quality and affordable setting that meets child developmental and learning needs and aligns with parent work or educational schedules. Kentucky PDG UPDATE

34. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Draft definitions: 4. Under-served: Children or families who have been identified to be in need of services, or who are aware of and desire services, but cannot access the nature, type, or extent of high quality services that are (a) responsive to individual needs and (b) affordable and available, per family circumstances.  5. Rural: United States Census, Office of Management and Budget, Department of Agriculture and Appalachian Regional Commission definitions Kentucky PDG UPDATE

35. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Kentucky PDG UPDATE Population Projections: Ages 0-4 from 2017 to 2030

36. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Kentucky PDG UPDATE Poverty Map 2017

37. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan • Check: • What actions can help focus attention on the needs of vulnerable children, and especially those in rural areas? • Example: Strategy 1.1.1. Develop a comprehensive, strategic communications plan that tailors a unified message regarding the importance of early childhood learning to specific audiences at the state and local level, as well as, targets specific geographic and vulnerable populations. • Possible action: Ensure communications plan targets rural and remote areas of the state Kentucky PDG UPDATE

38. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Requirement 3:Identify the current quality and availability of ECCE, including for vulnerable or underserved children and children in rural areas. Kentucky PDG UPDATE Map of 3-5 Star Quality by County

39. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan • Check: • What actions can help ensure that vulnerable or under-served children can gain access to high quality services that meet their needs? • How do we address child care deserts? • Example: Strategy 6.3.1. The ECAC will identify and support Community Early Childhood Councils and local communities that leverage additional local resources to meet the EC needs of vulnerable families locally. • Possible action: Target CECCs with the highest proportions of vulnerable or under-served children or CECCs or counties that have child care deserts. Kentucky PDG UPDATE

40. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Requirement 4: Identify, to the extent practicable, the unduplicated number of children being served in existing programs and the unduplicated number of children awaiting service in such programs Work in progress—we have annual enrollment counts in preschool, Head Start, and CCAP Kentucky PDG UPDATE

41. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan • Check: • What actions can help identify and target the number and types of children still wanting or needing services? • Including children of working families or children who don’t qualify for subsidies • Address the incidence of child care deserts and consider parent work or educational schedules • Example: Strategy 5.1.1. Create a long-term data plan that aligns with the state’s strategic plan • Possible action: Build ability to track unduplicated counts of children seeking services, by age, location, and family circumstances Kentucky PDG UPDATE

42. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Requirement 5: Identify gaps in data or research about the quality and availability of programming and supports for children birth through five, considering the needs of working families, as well as those who are seeking employment or in job training Requirement 6: Describe what gaps in data or research are most important for the state to fill in order to meet the goals of supporting collaboration between programs and services and maximizing parental choice • What statewide, systematic, and routinely updated data inform the range of services needed by any family with young children? • Focus on data use by a range of stakeholders and programs at state, regional, and local levels • Using data to drive collaboration and build efficiency Kentucky PDG UPDATE

43. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan • Check: • What actions can help develop data systems to track the comprehensive needs of families? • Focus on families who, historically, may not have been eligible for income-defined services • Focus on data that programs can use to enhance collaborations • Example: Strategy 5.1.1. Create a long-term data plan that aligns with the state’s strategic plan • Possible action: Build ability to track family needs over time and by circumstance and location (such as county) Kentucky PDG UPDATE

44. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Requirement 7: Describe the state’s current measurable indicators of progress that align with the state’s vision and desired outcomes • Early Childhood Profiles contain annual updates on: • School Readiness Scores • Overall School Readiness (Cognition, Language, and Physical Development) • Self-Help • Social Skills • Third-Grade Mathematics and Reading Proficiency Kentucky PDG UPDATE

45. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan • Check: • What actions can support the analysis of vulnerable, underserved, and other target populations? • Example: 5.1.1. Create a long-term data plan that aligns with the state’s strategic plan • Possible action: Build ability to track and report school readiness by demographic groups Kentucky PDG UPDATE

46. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Requirement 8: Describe key concerns or issues related to ECCE facilities • Review of data captured during child care and site inspections • Concerns regarding the structure of facilities versus concerns about the quality of programming in facilities Kentucky PDG UPDATE

47. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan • Check: • What actions can help the state plan for future site needs? • Example: 5.1.1. Create a long-term data plan that aligns with the state’s strategic plan • Possible action: Build ability to track facility issues and forecast or plan for capital investments. Kentucky PDG UPDATE

48. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Requirement 9: Include an analysis of barriers to the funding and provision of high-quality early childhood care and education services and supports, and identify opportunities for more efficient use of resources • Complexities of working across agencies and models • Different eligibility requirements that impact participation • Eligibility based on percent FPL • Different operational standards that impact workforce, training, and technical assistance Kentucky PDG UPDATE

49. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan • Check: • What actions can help address opportunities to leverage or blend funds more efficiently? • Example: Strategy 3.2.1. Design blended service program guidance on how to effective use blended service delivery models. • Possible action: Identify counties or sites for guidance or technical assistance on developing a blended model Kentucky PDG UPDATE

50. Aligned Need Assessment and Strategic Plan Requirement 10: Describe transition supports and gaps that affect how children move between early childhood care and education programs and school entry • Variation across the state • Different strategies and activities occurring at the district or local levels • Some counties and districts have more—and some have less • Variation across models • Head Start, preschool, and child care all may be doing different things Kentucky PDG UPDATE