Gordon Biddle, Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional Instructor Resource
Chapter 16
Early Childhood Education Policies
Education policies have a major impact on all aspects of early childhood education
programs to varying degrees. The federal government has enacted education policies that have
shaped the field of early childhood education. The state departments incorporate those policies
for statewide reform. It is important for educators to understand and have a foundation in both
state and federal policies, as they will impact your role as a teacher. Some of the hallmark early
childhood education policies include the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title I, Head
Start, Even Start, Education of All Handicapped Children Act, Bilingual Education Act, Migrant
Education Program, Indian Education Act, and Improving America’s Schools Act. These policies
were enacted to ensure that all children have access to a high quality education.
Although there is much controversy over the No Child Left Behind Act, it was
implemented to target accountability and standards-based reform in order to guarantee that
children receive quality educational services and strengthen teacher quality. This Act holds
schools accountable for the success of their students, which means having student perform at
proficient levels and ensuring that all children learn to read. A focus on reading instruction, as
well as expanding the common core state standards and early learning standards, will assist
students, families and educators in making sure that students are successful in their
developmental needs. There are also policies that address the families, including child care
policies, health and well-being policies, family literacy policies, and education for homeless
children and youths. As an early childhood education professional this knowledge base will
assist you in engaging in informed advocacy for young children and the profession of early
childhood.
How are Educational Policies Enacted?
• The federal government has enacted many educational policies that have shaped the field
of early childhood education.
Gordon Biddle, Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional Instructor Resource
What are Some Hallmark Early Childhood Education Policies?
• The Elementary and Secondary Education Act has been the most widespread federal
• Title I provided federal funding to both public and nonpublic schools. It began as a
pullout program where an instructional assistant worked with students outside of the
regular classroom.
• The Bilingual Education Act prompted the development of bilingual programs for school
age English language learner students. Schools could provide support to children in their
native language until they transitioned into English immersion classrooms where they
received all instruction in English.
Gordon Biddle, Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional Instructor Resource
How did the No Child Left Behind Act Transform Early Childhood Education?
• The No Child Left Behind Act targeted accountability and standards-based reform. States
were mandated to develop academic standards in reading and math and to align student
assessments with these standards.
o Annual testing was required for students in grades 3 to 8 and once in high school.
o Academic achievement results were to be reported based on specific
disaggregated student subgroups.
o Initiatives were established to improve reading achievement and to close the
achievement gap.
• Participation in high quality programs correlates with positive student outcomes. The
ratio of children to teachers is important to ensure quality during preschool and includes
an emphasis on cognitive, language, social and emotional development, as well as self-
regulation.
• The Head Start Act reauthorization of 2007 contains new requirements for staff
qualifications and professional development, including the requirement of a Bachelor’s
degree or advanced degree in early childhood education or its’ equivalent, with
experience teaching preschool-age children.
Gordon Biddle, Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional Instructor Resource
What are Some Model State Policies for Early Childhood Education?
What are Some Recent and Pending Federal Policies in Early Childhood Education?
• The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed to increase access to high
quality early childhood education for children birth to age 5.
• The Early Elementary and Secondary Education Act is up for reauthorization and has not
passed legislation.
What are Some Policies that Address the Family?
• Children in licensed child care programs do not receive the same level of high quality
care and learning opportunities as children in state-funded preschool programs. Child
care policies will help assure young children receive access to quality care.
Gordon Biddle, Early Childhood Education: Becoming a Professional Instructor Resource