Who We Are:
E3: Elevate Early Education is a nonpartisan issue-advocacy organization that advocates for policy initiatives and state funds to be invested in early learning through third grade. Our work focuses on improving equitable access to high quality for all children to build a strong foundation for later learning.
The Problem:
- 42% of Virginia’s kindergarteners are not ready for kindergarten in literacy, math, social skills and self-regulation (VKRP, Fall 2021).
- The gaps are widening for Black, Hispanic, economically-disadvantaged, English learners and students with disabilities (PALS, Fall 2021).
- The reading and math gaps are widening (VKRP, Fall 2021).
- More children in K-2 are at high risk for reading difficulties. This will impact third grade reading for years to come (PALS, Fall 2021).
- Third graders not reading on grade level are more likely to drop out of school (National Conference of State Legislators, 2019).
The Research:
- 90% of a child’s brain is developed before the age of five. Early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed.
- The “soft skills” (attention, building relationships with teachers and peers, collaboration, critical thinking, cooperation, empathy, focus and persistence) set the stage for learning and life.
- Children through third grade are learning to read; after third grade they are reading to learn.
- Parents are a child’s most important teachers.
- Investing in quality early learning through third grade benefits ALL children, families, communities and society.
The Solution:
- Make equitable access to quality a top priority for all children.
- Improve quality in the classroom along the early learning continuum (preschool to 3rd grade).
- Invest in children, teachers and classrooms.
- Equip and empower teacher and families with tools to help children succeed.
- Measure impact from early learning through third grade.
- Build strong accountability and continuous improvement models.
- Support parents and families.
The Policy Initiatives:
- Preserve historic and transformative policy changes.
- Protect the dedicated funding (40% of net profits) from the sale of marijuana. This funding will help at-risk children have access to quality programs.
- Improve the funding formula from early education on up and increase flexibility.
- Bridge the gap for middle income families that do not qualify for publicly funded programs.
- Increase funding for the G3 program for early educators.
- Provide high quality curriculum, professional development and coaching to improve teaching and learning in the classroom.
- Build out the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) to third grade.
- Replicate & scale The New E3 School’s STREAMin3 model developed by UVA in the school.
- Advocate for our children, families, programs and schools.
A Call to Action for Governor Youngkin
