Early Edge California recently shared a new research brief written in partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR) regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early learning in California.
California’s Early Learning and Care Providers: Essential Workers Who Need Support shares results from focus groups that the two organizations conducted in May 2020 with Early Learning providers—including administrators, educators, and caregivers—about their needs and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This research shows that the health crisis has taken a significant toll on early learning providers, with particular challenges facing those who support young dual language learners (DLLs). The brief also underscores that early learning programs need more resources to continue.
While early learning providers have shown themselves to be creative and highly dedicated to the families they serve during the pandemic, the early learning system in California faces great challenges now and along the road ahead. The brief outlines a series of recommendations for maintaining and strengthening California’s early learning system.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted—and deepened—cracks in the early learning system. The system is part of California’s critical infrastructure, and responding to these immediate needs is a first step toward filling the cracks and strengthening the system for all children.
