May 5, 2009

Social Innovation Forum Presentation

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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)

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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

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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

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How We Do Our Work

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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