Preparing the Early Education and Care Workforce: A Guide to Conducting a Study of the Capacity of Higher Education Institutions

Overview & Synopsis

Many states have created professional development systems to support the ongoing and increased education and training needs of early care and education professionals. This guide describes lessons learned in Massachusetts about conducting a study of the capacity of institutions of higher education (IHEs) to prepare the early education and care workforce. The guide presents the components of a capacity study, and provides guidance in defining and understanding the early education and care (EEC) system being studied; describing the workforce; consulting data sources; conducting a survey of IHEs (including identifying EEC higher education programs, survey development and distribution, report writing and distributing finding); and getting the message out. The role of an advisory board is also described. [Funding provided by the National Institute for Early Education Research, with additional funding from Strategies for Children, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and The Boston Foundation.]