May 5, 2009 Social Innovation Forum Presentation
May 31, 2015
May 5, 2009
Social Innovation Forum Presentation
2
The Foundation believes that the path to high school graduation
begins with high quality early education
and works to ensure that all children start out with a chance
for success
3 / 16Massachusetts is a leader in early education and children’s issues
• Ranks third in Kids Count, a state-by-state assessment of child well-being indicators
• Fourth highest median income for families with
children
• First in the nation to create one department to oversee early education and care (2005)
4 / 16
But Massachusetts is not great for all kids
• Ranks 50 out of 50 states on well-being of low income
children
• Fourth largest disparity between high income and low income residents, and income inequality is growing
• Child care centers serving low income families are of poorer quality overall than centers serving more affluent families
Did you know . . . ?
5 / 16Low income families do not have a level playing field for early care
• Only one-fifth of the 300,000 children who meet low-income eligibility receive assistance
• Almost 20,000 children are on the waiting list, which can be two years long
• Limited funding diminishes accessibility and quality of early education subsidized by this program
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and CareVoucher Assistance for Low Income Families
6
The foundation engages in advocacy and grassroots policy reform activities that focus on access to high quality early
education and care for low income children
Children and families at risk for adverse outcomes
Improved access and increased quality
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES MORE LIKELY TO SUCCEED
Limited access and inconsistent quality
Research
Advocacy and Communication
Policy Implementation
7 / 16
How We Do Our Work
8 / 16
An Example of Our Work
Study findings released, including 19 recommendations for improvements to voucher system
Jan. 06
Dept. of EEC implements automated translation system
Nov. 06
Study confirms success and urges action to support families with Limited English Proficiency
Jun. 08
Dept. of EEC extends voucher certification period from 6 months to 1 year
Dec. 08
Results
Work of BTWCF
Study launched, tracking 3,200 children who receive vouchers
Jan. 05
Follow up study to evaluate impact of policy change
2007
Advocacy work: Op-Eds in newspapers, meetings with legislators, testify at hearings on Beacon Hill
2006 2008
Advocacy work: Op-Eds in newspapers, meetings with legislators, testify at hearings on Beacon Hill
Keeping the Promise:A Study of the Massachusetts Child Care Voucher System
9 / 16
Keeping the Promise:A Study of the Massachusetts Child Care Voucher System
42% of programs reported vouchers are more likely to help families achieve stable employment or schooling
•Voucher certification period extended from 6 months to 1 year
•Elimination of “double documentation” requirement
•Implementation of automated translation system at Department of Early Education and Care
Our Results to Date
10
According to the National Institute for Early Education Research, there is a significant connection between a
well-educated and well-compensated workforce and the
quality of learning experiences for children.
Our Next Phase of Work
11 / 16
Early Childhood Education Workforce Access & Advocacy Initiative
• Barriers to Professional Development and Higher Education
• Need for Increased Compensation
Critical Workforce Issues that Link to Quality
12 / 16
Three- Year Action Strategy: Early Education Workforce Access and Advocacy Initiative
ResearchAdvocacy and Communication
Policy Implementation
2008 Initial research, focus groups, and interviews
Initial Study Findings Released
2009 Conduct 6 regional town meetings to gather data and test assumptions
Produce Policy Paper including set of recommendations for action
Engage in communications to publicize findings and build awareness for critical issues
Based on research and political environment, articulate specific change desired
2010 Conduct Advocacy and Education to achieve change
Monitor results of change to ensure desired outcomes
13 / 16Organizational development has begun, and will expand capacity for the Foundation’s advocacy work
Staff/Office Technology Fundraising
2009 Hire full-time Administrative Assistant
Move into new office
Hire Director of Research
Install computers and basic software
Raise support for dissemination and legislative education for Workforce Initiative
2010 Redesign and update website
Expand Development Manager to full-time position
14 / 16
Sustaining our recent growth will allow us to have greater impact on children
Revenue Sources 2002-2011
$0
$100,000
$200,000
$300,000
$400,000
$500,000
$600,000
$700,000
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
(E)
2010
(E)
2011
(E)
Individuals
Events
Corporations andFoundations
15 / 16
Ways to Invest
Financial Support In-Kind Support
$1,000 – Supports outreach to 500 early educators and families
Printing and marketing support
$5,000 – Funds compilation and analysis of data from grassroots research
Technology – Computers, network infrastructure, IT support, Website Design/Support
$25,000 – Funds follow-up work and accountability studies to ensure that positive results of reform are sustained
Space to convene large – scale meetings and other events
16
The Foundation believes that the path to high school graduation
begins with high quality early education
and works to ensure that all children start out with a chance
for success