The contents of this guide were developed through SRI Internal Research and Development funds awarded to SRI Education’s Center for Learning & Development. SRI Education, a division of SRI, is helping federal and state agencies, school districts, major foundations, nonprofit organizations, and international and commercial clients tackle some of the most complex issues in education to help students succeed. Our mission is to reduce barriers and optimize outcomes for all children, youth, and families. We do this by conducting high-quality research, supporting use of data and evidence, helping to strengthen state and local systems, and developing tools that improve teaching and accelerate and deepen learning. Our work covers a range of topics, including early learning and development, student behavior and well-being, teaching quality, digital learning, STEM and computer science, literacy and language arts, and college and career pathways.

The Center for Learning & Development conducts research and evaluations to improve policies and programs for children, youth, and families—from community services and school partnerships to statewide early childhood programs and federal special education and disability policies.

The Early Childhood Program at SRI’s Center for Learning & Development helps policymakers, funders, and practitioners improve the implementation and effectiveness of these programs and policies through its early childhood education research services and products. The program also supports accountability efforts to verify that public and private funds are invested wisely.

Acknowledgements

The guide was developed by SRI with essential guidance and input from senior advisors and national experts. SRI gratefully acknowledges the following individuals who contributed to the development of the guide:

SRI is also grateful to the program administrators and center directors who informed the scope and purpose of the guide and provided invaluable feedback on its usefulness.