Explores the following aspects of state prekindergarten initiatives: (1) states take varied approaches to prekindergarten initiatives; (2) state policy decisions impact availability of programs; (3) many factors influence program quality; (4) barriers make programs inaccessible to some families; (5) collaboration efforts promote coordination at…

Claims that increasingly, decisions about whether or how resources will be allocated to young children and families will be made at the state level. Explores the questions answered by the policy document, "Map and Track: State Initiatives for Young Children and Families," and the significance of these questions. Highlights findings and…

Surveys some of the issues and practices of state-funded prekindergarten programs. (HOD)

Examines, in detail, the recent events in New York that led to improvements in early childhood (child care and Head Start) teacher compensation. (BB)

Discusses the services that resource and referral agencies and early childhood programs in centers and family child care homes can provide to meet the health and developmental needs of young children. Describes the ways in which reimbursement can be obtained from Medicaid when the services are provided for eligible children and families. (BB)

Discusses new state child care provisions to be implemented as part of the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS Program) for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) parents under the welfare reform bill, the Family Support Act. (BB)