The COVID-19 crisis has brought unprecedented challenges for young children, families, early educators, and early care and education (ECE) programs. Researchers across the country have completed more than 300 studies and counting to capture these challenges. Scholars at the Urban Institute, the University of Michigan, the University of Virginia, the University of California, Los Angeles, and seven other universities and research organizations conducted a review and synthesis of the highest-quality studies to understand how the pandemic has affected young children's educational experiences and learning outcomes, ECE programs, and the ECE workforce.

Join the Urban Institute and the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy for a virtual discussion of the findings from the synthesis and evidence-based, equity-centered policy solutions to address key issues, as well as a conversation about how the American Rescue Plan can expand access to high-quality ECE programs and address the numerous gaps highlighted by the pandemic.

SPEAKERS

• Miriam Calderon, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Learning, US Department of Education
• Philip Fisher, Philip H. Knight Chair and Professor of Psychology, University of Oregon
• Christina J. Weiland, Associate Professor and Faculty Co-Director, Education Policy Initiative, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan
• Erica Greenberg, Senior Research Associate, Urban Institute (moderator)

MATERIALS

• Speaker Biographies
• Presentation Slides

Support for this event is provided by the Heising-Simons Foundation. For more information on the Urban Institute’s funding principles, go to urban.org/fundingprinciples.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.

Photo Credit: ShineTerra/Shutterstock