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REGENTS draft early childhood policy statement

Early Education for Student Achievement in a Global Community

August 2005

In July 2005, the Board of Regents put forth a revised (draft) early childhood policy statement, "Early Education for Student Achievement in a Global Community", based on current research and large-scale federal and state initiatives grounded in this research. This action by the Regents reasserts their commitment to provide strong and enduring leadership to create a system of high quality early education for all children from birth through grade three. This commitment is based on the belief that the fundamental purpose of New York State’s early education system is to close the achievement gap earlier and to ensure that all young children are prepared to function productively in a global community.

The revised (draft) policy provides clear direction for strengthening early education based on current research and exemplary practice. Upon review of public comment and needed action, the policy will be presented for adoption at the December 2005 Board of Regents meeting.

The Department is planning a series of public discussion forums to engage the broader community in discussing the impact of the revised (draft) policy. An opportunity is being presented to the general public to participate in one of the scheduled public discussion forums and/or to submit written comments and recommendations for implementation of the revised policy. All comments and recommendations will be reviewed and presented to the Board of Regents in an aggregate form at their November meeting.

Questions about the policy or the public discussion forums? Please contact the Office of Early Education & Reading Initiatives at emsceeri@mail.nysed.gov.