Ripeness for Change: An Analysis of States Readiness for Equity Policy Reform

Ripeness for Change: An Analysis of States Readiness for Equity Policy Reform Ripeness for Change: An Analysis of States Readiness for Equity Policy Reform This project aims to systematically identify states ripeness for equity policy action. We will do this by reviewing the current status of states policy work across the early care and education system. The Childrens Equity Project (CEP) recently released an actionable child equity policy agenda with targeted recommendations to Congress, federal agencies, states, and districts to create more equitable early learning systems. The next stage of the work is implementation. Consequently, we are seeking funding to conduct a national analysis of current state policy action and ripeness for change. States that are in the process of developing or revising a key piece of the early care and education system may be better positioned to incorporate meaningful equity reforms into their work. The goal of our analysis is to identify what states are ripe for policy change, in order to build a strategic and maximally efficient advocacy agenda to promote greater equitable policy-making. Specifically, our goals include: Reviewing the state of states policy efforts related to five key policy areas, including: o Quality rating and improvement systems o New federal early care and education grants (i.e. Preschool Development Grants, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships) o Updating or developing new child care licensing standards or regulations o Updating or developing new Pre-K standards or regulations o New or potential state legislation