Early Childhood

Investing in Early Education

First Conversations with the Dean webinar explores Massachusetts’ recent push to improve outcomes for children 

Although many states increased funding for early childhood education during the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of the federal government, most of them wound down this supplemental funding after state and national emergency declarations were withdrawn. Massachusetts, on the other hand, has continued to back early childhood education initiatives that bolster the workforce, improve data collection on program effectiveness, build a higher education pipeline, provide trauma-informed care, and improve the registration process for eligible families to receive subsidized childcare. 

On November 30, BU Wheelock Dean David Chard hosted the first Conversations with the Dean webinar, “Early Education Investment.” He spoke with BU Wheelock’s Stephanie Curenton, professor and director of the Center on the Ecology of Early Development (CEED), and Amy O’Leary, executive director of Strategies for Children. Experts in early childhood education and policy, Curenton and O’Leary explored Massachusetts’ recent push to improve the quality of early childhood education, especially for those who experience racial or socioeconomic marginalization.

Highlights from the Conversation

COVID-era catalysts for systems change 

All the systems we take for granted suddenly became more urgent and important, including childhood and early childhood education. The folks who do this work every day, [and] policymakers and funders and elected officials were able to come together and think about the solutions.

Amy O’Leary

The importance of early childhood education 

We’ve doubled down on supporting the most vulnerable families and children, overhauled financial assistance, and brought dignity back to supporting children and families who need the support. Birth to age 5 is such a short time in your life, but it’s critical.

Amy O’Leary

Policymaking isn’t just about passing laws 

We always have to remember that policymaking doesn’t just happen on the Hill. Policy implementation is very critical, and I like to encourage advocates to watch and make sure that these funds are being used and implemented in a way that’s going to be helpful for the kids and families that we’re here to serve.

Stephanie Curenton

Conversations with the Dean are a series of webinars hosted by Dean Chard that explore some of the most pressing topics in education. Learn more about Conversations with the Dean.