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TQEE Statement on Voluntary Pre-k Funding Awards
“High quality pre-k works – students who are enrolled in quality programs have a measurable advantage over their peers who do not attend pre-k. The 2016 reforms approved by the Tennessee General Assembly, including the introduction of competitive grants for
TN Voluntary Pre-k Makes Quality Strides
With recent news that the State of Tennessee Department of Education (TNDOE) has granted funding for Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) classrooms in 138 school districts, it’s important to underscore that investment in high quality Pre-K is vital if Tennessee is going
Legislative Support Signals Commitment to Improve Tennessee early education
Media Release: Early education advocates across Tennessee are cheering results of the 2019 Tennessee legislative session that include a slate of approved policy proposals aimed at boosting learning prior to third grade as a strategy to improve Tennessee’s public education system. Highlights
The Art of Appreciating Special Teachers
High quality teachers impact lives. We see it everywhere from the most advanced academic studies all the way down to the look on a child’s face when that child begins to learn. May 6-10 is Teacher Appreciation Week and something we
Early Home Visiting Programs: Compassionate and Cost-Effective Policy
Backed by compelling data and amazing personal success stories, Tennessee Senator Steve Dickerson and Speaker Pro Tempore Bill Dunn are advancing an important solution to help parents develop the skills they need to give their young children a great start
More about Home Visiting
You have probably noticed we talk a lot about home visiting. That's because it works! Unfortunately, even though the evidence continues to show the benefits of evidence-based home visiting, less than 2% of eligible Tennessee children have access. Put another
Mayors Say Early Education a Springboard to a Vibrant Workforce
Tennessee’s city and county mayors are lining up in support for stronger early childhood education programs. More than 60 mayors from across Tennessee have joined TQEE's mayors coalition. The group recognizes that high quality early education is a dynamic, strategic force
Spring a Great Time to Get Kids Moving
Spring is a welcome season here in Tennessee with the budding of new flowers and the emergence of warm weather. The season is typically filled with delight for young children as they participate in egg hunts, picnics, and outdoor play,
Food for Thought
TQEE Policy Director, Lisa Wiltshire, is our expert on early education. She's a former kindergarten teacher, previous director of the Office of Early Learning at the Tennessee Department of Education, and a graduate of the prestigious Bank Street College of
Unsung Heroes Make All the Difference In Children’s Lives
Each year, as part of its mission to help foster good child development in at-risk situations, Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee (PCAT) honors three caregivers -- one in each of the state’s grand divisions. This year, the "Unsung Hero" awards went to
