RESEARCH BRIEFS

Welcome to the EIGHTH ISSUE of Research Briefs in Early Childhood! This newsletter brings you easy-to-read summaries linked to recent news and research focusing on early childhood education and development as part of the Nevada Statewide Comprehensive B-5 Needs Assessment process. In each issue, these monthly newsletters feature topics that inform early childhood system considerations, share Nevada and National News, and more. This newsletter was created with the help of PubTrawlr, which used generative artificial intelligence, such as large language models and other machine learning systems trained on image datasets.

THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WORKFORCE

Better Care Starts with Supporting Early Educators

Recent research highlights the importance of supporting early care and education (ECE) workers to ensure high-quality learning environments for young children. A report from the Center for the Study of Childcare Employment emphasizes the need for improved job standards, including fair pay, adequate planning time, and access to professional development. A study from the Urban Institute shows that teacher qualifications and personal characteristics strongly influence the quality of classroom experiences for young children. A report from the Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation highlights how mental health supports and strong workplace relationships can enhance staff well-being and performance. Finally, a Walden University dissertation suggests that workplace supports, family supports, and personal traits help protect against burnout in the ECE field. Together, these studies indicate that improving working conditions and supporting the well-being of ECE staff are essential for better outcomes for children.

Valuing Language Skills and Life Experiences in Early Childhood Educators

A strong early childhood education system thrives when educators are well-prepared, valued, and supported. Bilingual teachers are especially effective in helping children who are learning English, and creating more flexible career pathways allows these educators to grow and succeed, according to the National Association of State Boards of Education. A report by the Urban Institute on workforce stress and needs finds that early educators are better able to focus on their work in welcoming and stable environments—especially when they feel secure despite challenges such as immigration policy uncertainties. Another Urban Institute report highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of fair pay, professional recognition, and healthy working conditions to retain dedicated early educators. Research from the Learning Policy Institute shows that when training and credentialing opportunities are affordable and supportive, more talented individuals can enter and thrive in early education roles. Children also benefit when they have teachers with shared life experiences, notes a Chapin Hall report. Encouraging these connections strengthens relationships and improves learning outcomes.

EDUCATING THE ECE PROFESSIONAL

Better Pathways for Early Educator Training

Efforts to strengthen early childhood educator training are focusing on clearer, more practical pathways to credentials. A university–community initiative developed stackable credentials aligned with local needs, as described in an article in Collaborations. A report from The Institute for College Access & Success emphasizes the importance of making these credentials fair and achievable, noting that many educators face low pay and barriers to continuing their education. A policy brief from the Committee for Economic Development highlights how Louisiana’s Workforce Investment Credit supports training without increasing costs for families by tying tax credits to professional development.

Building a Strong ECE Workforce

Building a strong early childhood education (ECE) workforce is critical to ensuring high-quality care and learning for young children. Research emphasizes the need for improved recruitment, training, compensation, and support systems for ECE professionals. Low wages, limited benefits, and high turnover rates are common challenges that weaken the workforce. Several sources highlight strategies such as offering career pathways, mentorship, scholarships, and improved credentialing systems to attract and retain workers—discussed in detail by the Education Commission of the States and Education Sciences. Others, like this MDRC article on bulding and sustaining the workforce and another on recruitment and retention, stress the importance of public and private investment to raise salaries and stabilize the workforce. The National Association of State Boards of Education calls for state leadership in recovery efforts, and the Prichard Committee highlights compensation and benefits as critical to workforce sustainability.

EDUCATORS AND FAMILIES

Partnering with Families to Support Every Child

Building strong respectful relationships with families—including those who speak languages other than English—is essential for early childhood teachers. Two dissertations from Gardner-Webb University (including a second dissertation linked here) highlight how educators can better support families by understanding their values and communicating openly. An article in Journal of Latinos and Education discusses the strengths Latino families bring to schools and how teachers can incorporate their knowledge and experiences into the classroom. Another article in Young Children offers practical tips for working with multilingual families, such as using home languages and listening to families’ stories. Together, these sources encourage teachers to collaborate closely with families and create classrooms that are welcoming and supportive for every child.

PDG ANNOUNCEMENT

Attention all Early Care and Education providers: The ECE Workforce Wellness Guidebook is now available! This resource offers practical strategies to support your mental-health and overall well-being. Click this link for more information and to access the PDF Guidebook: Coming Soon! Nevada Early Care and Education Workforce Wellness Guidebook - The Nevada Registry.

Preschool Exploration Essentials: Pre-K is almost here! Many families are asking, what should my 3-year-old know before starting? Good news! The Nevada Preschool Development Grant and NevAEYC are giving out FREE Preschool Exploration Essential Packs this summer. These packs have fun games and helpful tools to help your child learn and grow. They’re a great way to get ready for Pre-K! You can please sign up here.

Are you a community organization who works with families of young children? Then you may be interested in helping distribute the PSEE kits to your community. PSEE materials are aligned with the Nevada PreK standards with the intension of letting families prepare for Pre-K and beyond. The NV department of Ed and NevAEYC would like to distribute the kits during family friendly events, such as story time, playgroups, and local festivals during the months of August - October. To sign up for Distribution please fill out this short Google form.

NEVADA EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVISORY COUNCIL

YOU are Invited to Discover Advocacy with the Nevada ECAC

The Nevada ECAC invites you to become an advocate for your child, your family and your community!

We encourage parents and family members, as well as Early Childhood Professionals and local community members to share their direct experience within the Nevada Early Childhood System. Without hearing your experiences, your perspectives and your needs, we wouldn't be able to advocate for the true needs of the families in Nevada. Join us and use your voice to help others understand the needs of your community, enhance awareness of programs your friends and neighbors may not know exist, and discover emerging community needs.

For more information on the Nevada ECAC, or to get involved, visit us at

www.nvecac.com

JULY AWARENESS TOPICS

July is UV Safety Month

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a time to remind people to protect themselves while spending more time outdoors in the summer sun. UV rays from the sun, including UVA and UVB, can help the body make vitamin D in small amounts. However, too much exposure can cause skin damage, early aging, skin cancer, and serious eye problems. Learn more about the consequences of UV radiation exposure and get tips to protect yourself here.

July is ‘Make a Difference to Children’ Month

July is National Make A Difference to Children Month, a time to bring attention to the challenges some children face, like poverty, abuse, and child labor. It encourages everyone—parents, caregivers, and communities—to take action and support kids in meaningful ways. Helping children now can lead to better outcomes in their future, including improved confidence, health, and success. Even small acts of kindness and support can make a big impact on a child’s life. Find ideas for making a difference to children here.

NEVADA NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS