Welcome to Features of Effective Early Childhood Programs

Features of Effective Early Childhood Programs is an evidenced-based framework to guide early childhood program managers, government staff, funders, evaluators, policy makers, and others to use as they make decisions that directly impact the lives of children and families.  Reflecting an examination of research and best practices literature on early care and education programs, this document:

1) delineates and defines the elements that comprise effective early childhood

programs;

2) summarizes research on each element; and

3) offers/synthesizes program and policy implications. 

Features of Effective Early Childhood Programs is a living website; as new information from research, best practices, and social expectations continues to accrue, we will refine the website to provide the most up-to-date information.