Advancing the Early Learning Workforce through State Policies

Although children’s earliest years are widely acknowledged as critical for achievement in school and in life, the bar for joining the US preschool workforce is low. One-third of preschool teachers in childcare centers or public school programs hold bachelor’s degrees, and most preschoolers are likely to end up with a teacher who is not trained in early learning. This NASBE policy update examines this skills gap and outlines ways state boards can strengthen policies to advance the early education workforce and ensure a high-quality education for preschool learners.