# Appendix B Letters (clean) {#appendix-b-letters-clean .Appendix-Title}

Lead Letter to Parent (Personalized) [3](#__RefHeading___Toc157591603)

Lead Letter to Parent (Generic) [4](#__RefHeading___Toc157591604)

WECEP Notification Letter [5](#__RefHeading___Toc157591605)

WECEP Notification Letter -- Legal Guardian Version
[6](#__RefHeading___Toc157591606)

WECEP Center-Based Lead Letter [7](#__RefHeading___Toc157591607)

WECEP Center-Based Lead Letter -- Legal Guardian Version
[8](#__RefHeading___Toc157591608)

WECEP Home-Based Lead Letter [9](#__RefHeading___Toc157591609)

WECEP Home-Based Lead Letter -- Legal Guardian Version
[10](#__RefHeading___Toc157591610)

WECEP Center-Based Thank You Letter [11](#__RefHeading___Toc157591611)

WECEP Home-Based Thank You Letter [12](#__RefHeading___Toc157591612)

Letter to Parent to Collect WECEP Permission Forms (Phone Interview)
[13](#__RefHeading___Toc157591613)

Letter to Parent to Collect WECEP and Teacher Permission Forms (Phone
Interview) [14](#__RefHeading___Toc157591614)

Thank You/Incentive Letter to Parent (Phone Interview)
[15](#__RefHeading___Toc157591615)

Letter 1: Letter for Broken Appointments
[16](#__RefHeading___Toc157591616)

Letter 2: Letter for Child Assessments
[17](#__RefHeading___Toc157591617)

Letter 3: Letter for Parents Who No Longer Want to Participate
[18](#__RefHeading___Toc157591618)

Letter 4: Letter for Non-Contact Situations
[19](#__RefHeading___Toc157591619)

Letter 5: Letter for Busy Parents [20](#__RefHeading___Toc157591620)

Letter 1: Conversion Letter for WECEP Center Directors
[21](#__RefHeading___Toc157591621)

Letter 2: Conversion Letter for WECEP Broken Appointments
[22](#__RefHeading___Toc157591622)

Letter 3: Conversion Letter for WECEP Non-Contact Situations
[23](#__RefHeading___Toc157591623)

Letter 4: Conversion Letter for Busy WECEPs
[24](#__RefHeading___Toc157591624)

Teacher Notification Letter [25](#__RefHeading___Toc157591625)

Teacher Notification -- Legal Guardian Version
[26](#__RefHeading___Toc157591626)

Letter to Parent to Collect Teacher Permission Forms (Phone Interview)
[27](#__RefHeading___Toc157591627)

Letter from NCES [28](#__RefHeading___Toc157591628)

Cover Letter for Teacher SAQ Packet #1
[29](#__RefHeading___Toc157591629)

Teacher Thank You/Reminder Letter [31](#__RefHeading___Toc157591630)

Cover Letter for Teacher SAQ Packet #2
[32](#__RefHeading___Toc157591631)

District Superintendent/Chief State School Officer Notification Letter
[34](#__RefHeading___Toc157591632)

School Principal Notification Letter [36](#__RefHeading___Toc157591633)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591603 .anchor}Lead Letter to Parent
(Personalized)

\[Date\]

\[Panel_info\]

\[Parent Name\]

\[Address\]

\[City\], \[State\] \[Zip\]

Dear \[Parent Name\]

Over the past few years, you and \[child(ren) name(s)\] participated in
the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study -- Birth Cohort (ECLS-B)
sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) at the
U.S. Department of Education. As we mentioned in our letter to you in
the summer, we would like to visit your family again. An interviewer
from RTI International will be contacting you in the next several days
to schedule an appointment to interview you. (The interviewer's name is
at the bottom of this letter.) As you may recall, the study is helping
researchers and policy makers to learn about children's development and
their readiness for school. Hearing what families have to say when their
children are about six years old is of great importance to the study.
The home visit takes about two hours, and we will give you \[\$30/\$60\]
in thanks for your time.

If you have any questions about ECLS-B, please contact our hotline at
1-800-247-6056 (a toll free number). If you would like to schedule an
appointment, please call the phone number listed underneath the name of
your interviewer.

Thank you for your support of this important research.

Sincerely,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.4194444444444445in"
height="0.6118055555555556in"}

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

RTI International

Your field interviewer's name is
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_­­­­­­\_\_\_.

Phone number to schedule an appointment:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591604 .anchor}Lead Letter to Parent (Generic)

Dear Parent:

Over the past few years, you and your child(ren) participated in the
Early Childhood Longitudinal Study -- Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) sponsored by
the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) at the U.S.
Department of Education. As we mentioned in our letter to you in the
summer, we would like to visit your family again. An interviewer from
RTI International will be contacting you in the next several days to
schedule an appointment to interview you. (The interviewer's name is at
the bottom of this letter.)

As you may recall, the study is helping researchers and policy makers to
learn about children's development and their readiness for school.
Hearing what families have to say when their children are about six
years old is of great importance to the study. The home visit takes
about two hours, and we will give you \$30 for one child or \$60 for
twins in thanks for your time.

If you have any questions about ECLS-B, please contact our hotline at
1-800-247-6056 (a toll free number). If you would like to schedule an
appointment, please call the phone number listed underneath the name of
your interviewer.

Thank you for your support of this important research.

Sincerely,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.4194444444444445in"
height="0.6118055555555556in"}

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

RTI International

Your field interviewer's name is
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_­­­­­­\_\_\_.

Phone number to schedule an appointment:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591605 .anchor}WECEP Notification Letter

Fall 2007

Dear\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_:

(Child Care Provider)

Recently, my child and I participated in the Early Childhood
Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, which is being conducted by the
National Center for Education Statistics. I have given them permission
to contact you and to ask some questions about your care of my child.
You will receive a letter soon explaining the study and asking you to
participate. An interviewer from RTI International will contact you
either in person or by phone to provide you with additional information
about the study.

This notice is to let you know that my child and I are taking part in
this study and that I did give the study team permission to contact you
about participating as well.

Sincerely yours,

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(Name of participating parent)

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(My child's name)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591606 .anchor}WECEP Notification Letter --
Legal Guardian Version

Fall 2007

Dear \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_:

Recently, \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ participated in the Early
Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort.

(Name of child)

The National Center for Education Statistics is conducting the study. As
the child's legal guardian, I have given them permission to ask you some
questions about your care of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.

(Name of child)

You will receive a letter soon to tell you about the study and to ask
you to take part. An interviewer from RTI will contact you either in
person or by phone to give you more information about the study.

This notice is to let you know that I did give the study team permission
to contact you about participating as well.

Sincerely yours,

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(Name of legal guardian)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591607 .anchor}WECEP Center-Based Lead Letter

\[DATE\]

\[PANEL_INFO\]

\[NAME OF ADMINISTRATOR\]

\[ADDRESS\]

\[CITY\], \[STATE\] \[ZIP\]

Dear NAME OF ADMINISTRATOR,

As you may already know, (MOTHER) and (CHILD) (and (TWIN)) are taking
part in an important research study called the Early Childhood
Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). We will be interviewing
parents and children. We are also interested in the important role that
early care providers/before- or after-school program teachers play in
children's lives. We would like to see how children relate to their
providers/ before- or after-school program teachers and what kinds of
things the children do while in your program.

The ECLS-B is being conducted by RTI International for the U.S.
Department of Education. This study will give us information about
children and their families. Policymakers will use the information to
help our nation's families and communities. We know that child care
providers and before- or after-school program teachers play an important
role in children's lives. The data we collect in this part of the study
will help us better understand many issues related to the care and
education of young children.

We would like to interview you and (CHILD)'s (and (TWIN))'s
provider/teacher(s) over the telephone. We will ask about the care and
education of (CHILD) (and (TWIN)) and about (his/her/their) learning and
behavior. Enclosed with this letter is a copy of (MOTHER)'s permission
form for (CHILD) (and (TWIN)) to take part in the child care part of the
study. This interview with you will take about 10 minutes. We will ask
you about the program and staffing at the center/school. The interview
with (CHILD)'s (and (TWIN))'s provider/teacher(s) will take about 30
minutes. We will ask about their care and education, how the
provider/teacher gets along with the study child, the child\'s learning
and behavior, the provider/teacher's background, and his/her ideas about
working with young children. We will send your program \$20 to thank you
for your time.

What you and (CHILD)'s (and (TWIN))'s provider/teacher(s) tell us in
this study will be kept private to the fullest extent allowed by law. We
will use this information for research reports. No study information
will be given to the child\'s parents, to you, or to other child care
staff.

An interviewer from RTI will either call you by telephone or visit you
soon to schedule a time for the interview. The interviewer will show you
his or her personal interviewer identification card.

If you have questions about the study, you may ask the interviewer, or
you may call the RTI study hotline at 1-800-247-6056 (a toll-free
number). The information you give will help make the study a success. We
thank you for your help.

Sincerely yours,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.4194444444444445in"
height="0.6118055555555556in"}

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

ECLS-B Principal Investigator

RTI International

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591608 .anchor}WECEP Center-Based Lead Letter
-- Legal Guardian Version

\[DATE\]

\[PANEL_INFO\]

\[NAME OF ADMINISTRATOR\]

\[ADDRESS\]

\[CITY\], \[STATE\] \[ZIP\]

Dear NAME OF ADMINISTRATOR,

As you may already know, (FOSTER MOTHER) and (CHILD) (and (TWIN)) are
taking part in an important research study called the Early Childhood
Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). We will be interviewing
parents and children. We are also interested in the important role that
early care providers/before- or after-school program teachers play in
children's lives. We would like to see how children relate to their
providers/before- or after-school program teachers and what kinds of
things the children do while in your program.

RTI International is conducting the ECLS-B on behalf of the U.S.
Department of Education. This study will give us information about
children and their families. Policy makers will use the information to
help our nation's families and communities. We know that child care
providers and before- or after-school program teachers play an important
role in children's lives. The data we collect in this part of the study
will help us better understand many issues related to the care and
education of young children.

We would like to interview you and (CHILD)'s (and (TWIN))'s
provider/teacher(s) over the telephone. We will ask about the care and
education of (CHILD) (and (TWIN)) and about (his/her/their) learning and
behavior. Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the legal guardian's
permission form for (CHILD) (and (TWIN)) to take part in the child care
part of the study. This interview with you will take about 10 minutes.
We will ask you about the program and staffing at the center/school. The
interview with (CHILD)'s (and (TWIN))'s provider/teacher(s) will take
about 30 minutes. We will ask about their care and education, how the
provider/teacher gets along with the study child, the child\'s learning
and behavior, the provider/teacher's background, and his/her ideas about
working with young children. We will send your program \$20 to thank you
for your time.

What you and (CHILD)'s (and (TWIN))'s provider/teacher(s) tell us in
this study will be kept private to the fullest extent allowed by law. We
will use this information for research reports. No study information
will be given to the child\'s parents, to you, or to other child care
staff.

An interviewer from RTI will either call you by telephone or visit you
soon to schedule a time for the interview. The interviewer will show you
his or her personal interviewer identification card.

If you have questions about the study, you may ask the interviewer, or
you may call the RTI study hotline at 1-800-247-6056 (a toll-free
number). The information you give will help make the study a success. We
thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.332638888888889in"
height="0.5784722222222223in"}

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

ECLS-B Principal Investigator

RTI International

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591609 .anchor}WECEP Home-Based Lead Letter

\[DATE\]

\[PANEL_INFO\]

\[NAME OF CHILD CARE PROVIDER\]

\[ADDRESS\]

\[CITY\], \[STATE\] \[ZIP\]

Dear NAME OF CHILD CARE PROVIDER,

As you may already know, (MOTHER) and (CHILD) (and (TWIN)) are taking
part in an important research study, called the Early Childhood
Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). We will be interviewing
parents and children. We are also interested in the important role that
caregivers play in children's lives. We would like to see how children
relate to their caregivers and what kinds of things the children do when
in your care.

The ECLS-B is being conducted by RTI International on behalf of the U.S.
Department of Education. This study will give us information about
children and their families. Policy makers will use the information to
help our nation's families and communities. We know that caregivers like
you play an important role in children's lives. The data we collect in
this part of the study will help us better understand many issues
related to the care young children receive.

We would like to interview you over the telephone. Enclosed with this
letter is a copy of (MOTHER)'s permission letter for (CHILD) (and
(TWIN)) to participate in the child care part of the study. This
interview would take about 25 to 30 minutes. You will be asked questions
about the care you provide, how you get along with the study child, the
child\'s learning and behavior, your background, and your ideas about
caring for children. We will send you \$20 to thank you for your time.

What you tell us in this study will be kept private to the fullest
extent allowed by law. This information will be used for research
reports. No study information will be given to the child\'s parents, to
you, or to other child care staff.

An interviewer from RTI will either call you by telephone or visit you
soon to schedule a time for the interview. The interviewer will show you
his or her personal interviewer identification card.

If you have questions about the study, you may ask the interviewer, or
you may call the RTI study hotline at 1-800-247-6056 to speak with a
study coordinator. The information you give will help make the study a
success. We thank you for your help.

Sincerely yours,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.4006944444444445in"
height="0.6104166666666667in"}

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

RTI International

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591610 .anchor}WECEP Home-Based Lead Letter --
Legal Guardian Version

\[DATE\]

\[PANEL_INFO\]

\[NAME OF CHILD CARE PROVIDER\]

\[ADDRESS\]

\[CITY\], \[STATE\] \[ZIP\]

Dear NAME OF CHILD CARE PROVIDER,

As you may already know, (FOSTER MOTHER) and (CHILD) (and (TWIN)) are
taking part in an important research study, called the Early Childhood
Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). We will be interviewing
parents and children. We are also interested in the important role that
caregivers play in children's lives. We would like to see how children
relate to their caregivers and what kinds of things the children do when
in your care.

The ECLS-B is being conducted by RTI International on behalf of the U.S.
Department of Education. This study will give us information about
children and their families. Policy makers will use the information to
help our nation's families and communities. We know that caregivers like
you play an important role in children's lives. The data we collect in
this part of the study will help us better understand many issues
related to the care young children receive.

We would like to interview you over the telephone. Enclosed with this
letter is a copy of the legal guardian's permission for (CHILD) (and
(TWIN)) to participate in the child care part of the study. This
interview would take about 25 to 30 minutes. You will be asked questions
about the care you provide, how you get along with the study child, the
child\'s learning and behavior, your background, and your ideas about
caring for children. We will send you \$20 to thank you for your time.

What you tell us in this study will be kept private to the fullest
extent allowed by law. This information will be used for research
reports. No study information will be given to the child\'s parents, to
you, or to other child care staff.

An interviewer from RTI will either call you by telephone or visit you
soon to schedule a time for the interview. The interviewer will show you
his or her personal interviewer identification card.

If you have questions about the study, you may ask the interviewer, or
you may call the RTI study hotline at 1-800-247-6056 to speak with a
study coordinator. The information you give will help make the study a
success. We thank you for your help.

Sincerely yours,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.4097222222222223in"
height="0.6104166666666667in"}

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

RTI International

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591611 .anchor}WECEP Center-Based Thank You
Letter

![](media/image2.png){width="2.001388888888889in" height="1.2in"}

\[DATE\]

\[PANEL_INFO\]

\[NAME\]

\[ADDRESS\]

\[CITY\], \[STATE\] \[ZIP\]

Dear \[NAME OF CHILD CARE PROVIDER\]

We want to thank you and \[CHILD NAME\]'s teacher for taking the time to
be interviewed for the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort
(ECLS-B). The information you gave us will be very helpful in
understanding the important role that caregivers play in children's
lives. Please accept the enclosed gift as our way of thanking you.

Sincerely yours,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.4194444444444445in"
height="0.6118055555555556in"}1-800-247-6056

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

RTI International

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591612 .anchor}WECEP Home-Based Thank You
Letter

![](media/image2.png){width="2.001388888888889in" height="1.2in"}

\[DATE\]

\[PANEL_INFO\]

\[NAME\]

\[ADDRESS\]

\[CITY\], \[STATE\] \[ZIP\]

Dear \[NAME OF CHILD CARE PROVIDER\]

We want to thank you for taking the time to be interviewed for the Early
Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). The information you
gave us will be very helpful in understanding the important role that
caregivers play in children's lives. Please accept the enclosed gift as
our way of thanking you.

Sincerely yours,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.4194444444444445in"
height="0.6118055555555556in"}1-800-247-6056

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

RTI International

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591613 .anchor}Letter to Parent to Collect
WECEP Permission Forms (Phone Interview)

![](media/image2.png){width="2.001388888888889in" height="1.2in"}

Dear \[INSERT PARENT NAME\],

Thank you for your recent participation in a telephone interview for the
Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). Your input is
greatly appreciated! When we spoke with you by telephone, you agreed to
let us interview your child's before- or after-school program teacher or
child care provider. The *Child Care Fact Sheet* included with this
letter may answer any questions you have about this interview.

Before we can talk to your child's before- or after-school program
teacher or child care provider, we need you to sign and return two
forms:

[Child Care Provider Notification Letter]{.underline}: This letter will
be mailed to your child's before- or after-school program teacher or
child care provider. It will let him or her know you have agreed to let
us conduct the interview. Please sign your name at the bottom of the
letter on the line marked "Name of participating parent."

[Permission to Contact the Wrap-Around Early Care and Education
Providers (WECEP)]{.underline}: This is the permission form we need you
to sign. It will allow us to contact your child's before- or
after-school program teacher or child care provider. In the middle of
the form, we have written your child's name. Below your child's name,
please print your first, middle, and last name on the line provided.
Then sign and date the form. You may keep the back (pink) copy of the
form. The other 2 copies should be mailed back to us.

Please put the signed Child Care Provider Notification Letter and
Permission forms in the stamped, pre-addressed envelope. Mail it back to
us at your earliest convenience.

If you have any questions about the forms, please call me at the number
provided below. Otherwise, thank you for agreeing to the before- or
after-school program teacher/child care provider interview.

Sincerely,

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

RTI International

I can be reached at: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591614 .anchor}Letter to Parent to Collect
WECEP and Teacher Permission Forms\
(Phone Interview)

![](media/image2.png){width="2.001388888888889in"
height="1.1979166666666667in"}

Dear \[INSERT PARENT NAME\],

Thank you for your recent participation in a telephone interview for the
Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). Your input is
greatly appreciated! When we spoke with you by telephone, you agreed to
let us interview your child's teacher and child care provider. The
*Child Care Fact Sheet* included with this letter may answer any
questions you have about the child care interview.

Before we can talk to your child's child care provider and teacher, we
need you to sign and return four forms:

[Child Care Provider Notification Letter]{.underline}: This letter will
be mailed to your child's child care provider. It will let him or her
know you have agreed to let us conduct the interview. Please sign your
name at the bottom of the letter on the line marked "Name of
participating parent."

[Teacher Notification Letter]{.underline}: This letter will be mailed to
your child's teacher. It will let him or her know you have agreed to let
us conduct the interview. Please sign your name at the bottom of the
letter on the line marked "Name of participating parent."

[Permission to Contact the Wrap-Around Early Care and Education
Providers (WECEP)]{.underline}: This is a permission form we need you to
sign. It will allow us to contact your child's child care provider. In
the middle of the form, we have written your child's name. Below your
child's name, please print your first, middle, and last name on the line
provided. Then sign and date the form. You may keep the back (pink) copy
of the form. The other 2 copies should be mailed back to us.

[Permission to Contact Teacher:]{.underline} This is another permission
form we need you to sign. It will allow us to contact your child's
teacher. In the middle of the form, we have written your child's name.
Below your child's name, please print your first, middle, and last name
on the line provided. Then sign and date the form. You may keep the back
(pink) copy of the form. The other 2 copies should be mailed back to us.

Please put the signed Notification Letters and Permission forms in the
stamped, pre-addressed envelope. Mail it back to us at your earliest
convenience.

If you have any questions about the forms, please call me at the number
provided below. Otherwise, thank you for agreeing to the teacher/child
care provider interview.

Sincerely,

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

RTI International

I can be reached at: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591615 .anchor}Thank You/Incentive Letter to
Parent (Phone Interview)

![](media/image2.png){width="2.001388888888889in" height="1.2in"}

\[DATE\]

\[PANEL_INFO\]

\[NAME\]

\[ADDRESS\]

\[CITY\], \[STATE\] \[ZIP\]

Dear \[NAME\],

We want to thank you for taking the time to be interviewed for the Early
Childhood Longitudinal Study - Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). The information
you gave us will be very helpful in understanding the important role
that parents play in children's lives. Please accept the enclosed gift
as our way of thanking you.

Sincerely yours,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.4194444444444445in"
height="0.6118055555555556in"}1-800-247-6056

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

RTI International

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591616 .anchor}Letter 1: Letter for Broken
Appointments

\[INSERT DATE\]

Dear \[INSERT PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME\],

Recently, someone from RTI International contacted you about the Early
Childhood Longitudinal Study---Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). This is a
federally-funded study by the National Center for Education Statistics.
At that time, you agreed to take part but could not keep the interview
time. I am writing to tell you more about this important study. I hope
you will set up a new appointment.

The ECLS-B helps researchers and policy makers learn about children's
health, development, care, and education from birth through
kindergarten. Many things that help children do well in school take
place before they start school. Children's families, child care
providers, and communities play a part in their early growth and
learning. Each child and parent is selected for the ECLS-B to represent
thousands of others. Responses from everyone selected will give us a
full picture of how children learn and grow.

We know you are busy caring for your child and your time is important to
you. However, you can help us learn about children's development and how
ready they are for school. Your input means a lot to the study. We can
work with your schedule to find a good time for the interview. The visit
can be during the day, in the evening, or on the weekend. We can also do
your interview and your child's assessment a little at a time or on
different days, as your schedule allows.

Everything you tell us will be kept private. By law, we must keep
anything that identifies you or your child, such as name and address,
separate from your answers. Study results will be released in summary
form only, so individuals' responses cannot be identified. You can
refuse to answer any questions you do not want to answer.

As a thank you for your time, you will get \$30 when you complete the
interview. Your child will get a book.

We hope you will set up a time to take part in this important study.
Someone with the study will call on you again soon. Meanwhile, if you
have any questions, concerns, or would like to reschedule, please call
my toll-free phone number at the bottom of this letter. Thank you.

Sincerely,

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

Field Supervisor name:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Field Supervisor phone number:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591617 .anchor}Letter 2: Letter for Child
Assessments

\[INSERT DATE\]

Dear \[INSERT PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME\],

Recently, someone from RTI International contacted you about the Early
Childhood Longitudinal Study---Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). This is a
federally-funded study by the National Center for Education Statistics.
At the time, you did not want your child to take part in the child
assessments. I am writing to ask you to reconsider. I want to tell you
more about the study and how important it is for your child to take
part.

The ECLS-B helps researchers and policy makers learn about children's
health, development, care, and education from birth through
kindergarten. Many things that help children do well in school take
place before they start school. Children's families, child care
providers, and communities play a part in their early growth and
learning. The study results will help policy makers and communities
create programs to help our nation's children and families.

You and your child are important to the study because you took part in
at least one prior round. The child assessments can help us understand
how your child is developing. They can also help us learn about your
child's language, reading, math, and motor skills. Seeing your child
over time gives us a better picture of how children learn and grow. No
other child can take the place of yours. Every child is selected for the
ECLS-B to represent thousands of others.

All we learn about your child will be kept private. By law, we must keep
anything that identifies you or your child, such as name and address,
separate from your answers. ECLS-B results will be released in summary
form only, so individuals' responses cannot be identified. You can
refuse to answer any questions you do not want to answer. As a thank
you, your child will get a book after the child assessment.

We hope you will let your child take part in this important study. If
you have any questions or concerns, or would like to set an appointment,
please call me at my toll-free phone number at the bottom of this
letter. Thank you.

Sincerely,

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

Field Supervisor name:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Field Supervisor phone number:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591618 .anchor}Letter 3: Letter for Parents Who
No Longer Want to Participate

\[INSERT DATE\]

Dear \[INSERT PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME\],

Recently, someone from RTI International contacted you about the Early
Childhood Longitudinal Study---Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). This is a
federally-funded study by the National Center for Education Statistics.
At the time you did not wish to take part in the study any longer. I am
writing to ask you to reconsider. I want to tell you more about the
study and how important it is for you to take part.

The ECLS-B helps researchers and policy makers learn about children's
health, development, care, and education from birth through
kindergarten. Many things that help children do well in school take
place before they start school. Children's families, child care
providers, and communities play a part in their early growth and
learning. Study results will help policy makers and communities create
programs that will help our nation's children and families.

This is a unique chance for you and your child because you have already
taken part in at least one previous round. If you stay in the study, we
can track your child's development over time. This helps us learn more
about children than just seeing them at a single point. Each child and
parent is selected for the ECLS-B to represent thousands of others.
Having responses from everyone selected during each round gives us the
best picture of how children learn and grow. We know you are busy. We
will hold the interview visit at a time that is best for you.

All we learn about you and your child will be kept private. By law, we
must keep anything that identifies you or your child, such as name and
address, separate from your answers. Study results will be released in
summary form only, so individuals' responses cannot be identified. You
can refuse to answer any questions you do not want to answer.

As a thank you for your time, you will get \$30 when you complete the
interview. Your child will get a book after the child assessment.

We hope you will choose to take part in this important study. If you
have any questions or concerns, or would like to set up an appointment,
please call me at my toll-free phone number at the bottom of this
letter. Thank you.

Sincerely,

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

Field Supervisor name:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Field Supervisor phone number:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591619 .anchor}Letter 4: Letter for Non-Contact
Situations

\[INSERT DATE\]

Dear \[INSERT PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME\],

Recently, someone from RTI International tried to contact you about the
Early Childhood Longitudinal Study---Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). This is a
federally-funded study by the National Center for Education Statistics.
We have not been able to reach you after several calls or visits. It is
very important that we talk with you right away. I am writing to tell
you more about this important study and to tell you how to reach me. I
hope you will call and let us set up an interview visit.

The ECLS-B helps researchers and policy makers learn about children's
health, development, care, and education from birth through
kindergarten. Many things that help children do well in school take
place before they start school. Children's families, child care
providers, and communities play a part in their early growth and
learning. Each child and parent is selected for the ECLS-B to represent
thousands of others. Having responses from everyone selected gives us
the best picture of how children learn and grow.

We know you are busy caring for your child and your time is important to
you. However, you can help us learn about children's development and
being ready for school. Your input means a lot to the study. We can work
with your schedule to find a good time for the interview. The visit can
be during the day, in the evening, or on the weekend. We can also do
your interview and your child's assessment a little at a time or on
different days, as your schedule allows.

All we learn about you and your child will be kept private. By law, we
must keep anything that identifies you or your child, such as name and
address, separate from your answers. Study results will be released in
summary form only, so individuals' responses cannot be identified. You
can refuse to answer any questions you do not want to answer.

As a thank you for your time, you will get \$30 when you complete the
interview. Your child will get a book after the child assessment.

We hope you will take part again in this important study. Someone with
the study will call on you again soon. Meanwhile, if you have any
questions, concerns, or would like to set an appointment, please call my
toll-free phone number at the bottom of this letter. Thank you.

Sincerely,

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

Field Supervisor name:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Field Supervisor phone number:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591620 .anchor}Letter 5: Letter for Busy
Parents

\[INSERT DATE\]

Dear \[INSERT PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME\],

Recently, someone from RTI International contacted you about the Early
Childhood Longitudinal Study---Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). This is a
federally-funded study by the National Center for Education Statistics.
At that time, you were very busy and concerned about spending time on
the interview. I am writing to tell you more about this important study.
We can set up the interview visit at a time that is good for you.

The ECLS-B helps researchers and policy makers learn about children's
health, development, care, and education from birth through
kindergarten. Many things that help children do well in school take
place before they start school. Children's families, child care
providers, and communities play a part in their early growth and
learning. Each child and parent is selected for the ECLS-B to represent
thousands of others. Responses from everyone selected will give us a
full picture of how children learn and grow.

We know you are busy caring for your child and your time is important to
you. However, you can help us learn about children's development and
being ready for school. Your input means a lot. We can work with your
schedule to find a good time. The visit can be during the day, in the
evening, or on the weekend. We can also do your interview and your
child's assessment a little at a time or on different days, as your
schedule allows.

As a thank you for your time, you will get \$30 when you complete the
interview. Your child will get a book after the child assessment.

We hope you will set up a time to take part in this important study.
Someone with the study will call on you again soon. Meanwhile, if you
have any questions or concerns, or would like to schedule an
appointment, please call my toll-free phone number at the bottom of this
letter. Thank you.

Sincerely,

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

Field Supervisor name:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Field Supervisor phone number:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591621 .anchor}Letter 1: Conversion Letter for
WECEP Center Directors

\[INSERT DATE\]

Dear \[INSERT CENTER DIRECTOR NAME\],

Recently, someone from RTI International contacted you about the Early
Childhood Longitudinal Study---Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) because a child in
your center, \[INSERT CHILD NAME\], is participating in the study. This
is a federally-funded study by the National Center for Education
Statistics. At that time, we were not able to schedule an appointment
with you. I am writing to tell you more about this important study. I
hope you will set up an appointment.

The ECLS-B helps researchers and policy makers learn about children's
health, development, care, and education from birth through
kindergarten. Many things that help children do well in school take
place before they start school. Children's families and communities play
a part in their early growth and learning. Their child care centers,
providers, and teachers play a unique role, which is why your input is
so important. Each child care provider or teacher selected for the
ECLS-B, and the centers they work in, represents thousands of others who
do not take part. Responses from everyone selected will give us a full
picture of how children learn and grow.

We know you are busy with work, and that your time is important to you.
However, as someone who works with children, you and the child's teacher
or provider, can provide a unique perspective on children's development
and being ready for school. Your input means a lot. We can work with
your schedule to find a good time. The phone call can be anytime during
the day that's convenient for you, or even in the evening, or on the
weekend. We can even do the interview in pieces, as your schedule
allows.

Everything you tell us will be kept private. By law, we must keep
anything that identifies you or your center, such as name and address,
separate from your answers. Study results will be released in summary
form only, so individuals' responses cannot be identified. You can
refuse to answer any questions you do not want to answer.

As a thank you for your time, your center will be sent \$20 for
completing the interview.

We hope you will set up a time to take part in this important study.
Someone with the study will call on you again soon. Meanwhile, if you
have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment,
please call my toll-free phone number at the bottom of this letter.
Thank you.

Sincerely,

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

Field Supervisor name:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Field Supervisor phone number:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591622 .anchor}Letter 2: Conversion Letter for
WECEP Broken Appointments

\[INSERT DATE\]

Dear \[INSERT ECEP/WECEP NAME\],

Recently, someone from RTI International contacted you about the Early
Childhood Longitudinal Study---Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) because a child in
your care, \[INSERT CHILD NAME\], is participating in the study. This is
a federally-funded study by the National Center for Education
Statistics. At that time, you agreed to take part but could not keep the
interview time. I am writing to tell you more about this important
study. I hope you will set up a new appointment.

The ECLS-B helps researchers and policy makers learn about children's
health, development, care, and education from birth through
kindergarten. Many things that help children do well in school take
place before they start school. Children's families and communities play
a part in their early growth and learning. Their child care providers
and teachers play a unique role, which is why your input is so
important. Each child care provider or teacher selected for the ECLS-B
represents thousands of others who do not take part. Responses from
everyone selected will give us a full picture of how children learn and
grow.

We know you are busy with work, and that your time is important to you.
However, as someone who works with children, you can provide a unique
perspective on children's development and being ready for school. Your
input means a lot. We can work with your schedule to find a good time.
The phone call can be anytime during the day that's convenient for you,
or even in the evening, or on the weekend. We can even do the interview
in pieces, as your schedule allows.

Everything you tell us will be kept private. By law, we must keep
anything that identifies you, such as name and address, separate from
your answers. Study results will be released in summary form only, so
individuals' responses cannot be identified. You can refuse to answer
any questions you do not want to answer.

As a thank you for your time, \[INSERT "you" "OR "your center" DEPENDING
ON WHETHER HOME BASED OR CENTER-BASED\] will be sent \$20 for completing
the interview.

We hope you will set up a time to take part in this important study.
Someone with the study will call on you again soon. Meanwhile, if you
have any questions, concerns, or would like to reschedule, please call
my toll-free phone number at the bottom of this letter. Thank you.

Sincerely,

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

Field Supervisor name:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Field Supervisor phone number:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591623 .anchor}Letter 3: Conversion Letter for
WECEP Non-Contact Situations

\[INSERT DATE\]

Dear \[INSERT ECEP/WECEP NAME\],

Recently, someone from RTI International tried to contact you about the
Early Childhood Longitudinal Study---Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) because a
child in your care, \[INSERT CHILD NAME\], is participating in the
study. This is a federally-funded study by the National Center for
Education Statistics. We have not been able to reach you after several
calls. It is very important that we talk with you right away. I am
writing to tell you more about this important study and to tell you how
to reach me. I hope you will call and let us set up an interview.

The ECLS-B helps researchers and policy makers learn about children's
health, development, care, and education from birth through
kindergarten. Many things that help children do well in school take
place before they start school. Children's families and communities play
a part in their early growth and learning. Their child care providers
and teachers play a unique role, which is why your input is so
important. Each child care provider or teacher selected for the ECLS-B
represents thousands of others who do not take part. Responses from
everyone selected will give us a full picture of how children learn and
grow.

We know you are busy with work, and that your time is important to you.
However, as someone who works with children, you can provide a unique
perspective on children's development and being ready for school. Your
input means a lot. We can work with your schedule to find a good time.
The phone call can be anytime during the day that's convenient for you,
or even in the evening, or on the weekend. We can even do the interview
in pieces, as your schedule allows.

Everything you tell us will be kept private. By law, we must keep
anything that identifies you, such as name and address, separate from
your answers. Study results will be released in summary form only, so
individuals' responses cannot be identified. You can refuse to answer
any questions you do not want to answer.

As a thank you for your time, \[INSERT "you" "OR "your center" DEPENDING
ON WHETHER HOME BASED OR CENTER-BASED\] will be sent \$20 for completing
the interview.

We hope you will take part again in this important study. Someone with
the study will call on you again soon. Meanwhile, if you have any
questions, concerns, or would like to set an appointment, please call my
toll-free phone number at the bottom of this letter. Thank you.

Sincerely,

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

Field Supervisor name:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Field Supervisor phone number:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591624 .anchor}Letter 4: Conversion Letter for
Busy WECEPs

\[INSERT DATE\]

Dear \[INSERT ECEP/WECEP NAME\],

Recently, someone from RTI International contacted you about the Early
Childhood Longitudinal Study---Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) because a child in
your care, \[INSERT CHILD NAME\], is participating in the study. This is
a federally-funded study by the National Center for Education
Statistics. At that time, you were very busy and concerned about
spending time on the interview. I am writing to tell you more about this
important study. We can set up the interview by phone at a time that is
good for you.

The ECLS-B helps researchers and policy makers learn about children's
health, development, care, and education from birth through
kindergarten. Many things that help children do well in school take
place before they start school. Children's families and communities play
a part in their early growth and learning. Their child care providers
and teachers play a unique role, which is why your input is so
important. Each child care provider or teacher selected for the ECLS-B
represents thousands of others who do not take part. Responses from
everyone selected will give us a full picture of how children learn and
grow.

We know you are busy with work, and that your time is important to you.
However, as someone who works with children, you can provide a unique
perspective on children's development and being ready for school. Your
input means a lot. We can work with your schedule to find a good time.
The phone call can be anytime during the day that's convenient for you,
or even in the evening, or on the weekend. We can even do the interview
in pieces, as your schedule allows.

As a thank you for your time, \[INSERT "you" "OR "your center" DEPENDING
ON WHETHER HOME BASED OR CENTER-BASED\] will be sent \$20 for completing
the interview.

We hope you will set up a time to take part in this important study.
Someone with the study will call on you again soon. Meanwhile, if you
have any questions or concerns, or would like to schedule an
appointment, please call my toll-free phone number at the bottom of this
letter. Thank you.

Sincerely,

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

Field Supervisor name:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Field Supervisor phone number:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591625 .anchor}Teacher Notification Letter

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(Date)

Dear\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_:

(Teacher)

Recently, my child and I participated in the Early Childhood
Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, which is being conducted by the
National Center for Education Statistics. I have given them permission
to contact you and ask you to complete a questionnaire that asks
questions about my child, how s/he learns and behaves, and the education
my child receives.

This note is to let you know that my child and I are taking part in this
study and that I did give the study team permission to contact you about
participating as well.

Sincerely yours,

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(Name of participating parent)

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(My child's name)

Note: My permission is good for the entire 2007/2008 school year.

**\*Gold and Yellow -- FedEx to RTI with audiotape and booklet**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591626 .anchor}Teacher Notification -- Legal
Guardian Version

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(Date)

Dear\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_:

(Teacher)

Recently,\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ participated in the Early
Childhood

(CHILD NAME)

Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, which is being conducted by the
National Center for Education Statistics. As the child's legal guardian,
I have given them permission to contact you and ask you to complete a
questionnaire that asks questions about
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, how s/he learns and behaves, and

(CHILD NAME)

the education s/he receives.

This note is to let you know that I did give the study team permission
to contact you about participating as well.

Sincerely yours,

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(Name of legal guardian)

Note: My permission is good for the entire 2007/2008 school year.

**\*Gold and Yellow -- FedEx to RTI with audiotape and booklet**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591627 .anchor}Letter to Parent to Collect
Teacher Permission Forms (Phone Interview)

![](media/image2.png){width="2.001388888888889in" height="1.2in"}

Dear \[INSERT PARENT NAME\],

Thank you for your recent participation in a telephone interview for the
Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). Your input is
greatly appreciated! When we spoke with you by telephone, you agreed to
let us contact your child's teacher by mail and ask that teacher to
complete a mailed questionnaire.

Before we can contact your child's teacher, we need you to sign and
return two forms:

[Teacher Notification Letter]{.underline}: This letter will be mailed to
your child's teacher along with the questionnaire and a copy of the
signed permission form. It will let him or her know you have agreed to
let us send the questionnaire. Please sign your name at the bottom of
the letter on the line marked "Name of participating parent" and print
your child's name on the indicated line.

[Permission to Contact the Child's Teacher in the ECLS-B Kindergarten
Round]{.underline}: This is the permission form we need you to sign. It
will allow us to contact your child's teacher. In the middle of the
form, we have written your child's name. Below your child's name, please
print your first, middle, and last name on the line provided. Then sign
and date the form. You may keep the back (pink) copy of the form. The
other two copies should be mailed back to us.

Please put both copies of the signed Teacher Notification Letter and the
gold and yellow copies of the Permission form in the stamped,
pre-addressed envelope. Mail it back to us at your earliest convenience.

If you have any questions about the forms, please call me at the number
provided below. Otherwise, thank you for agreeing to the teacher
questionnaire.

Sincerely,

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ECLS-B Field Supervisor

RTI International

I can be reached at: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591628 .anchor}Letter from NCES

Dear \[Superintendent/Principal/Teacher\]:

The mission of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is to
collect, analyze, and disseminate information about the condition of
education in the United States and other countries. In the early 1990s,
NCES added several new data collection systems that focus on an area of
early learning and education that had received less attention until that
time. One of these was the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, or ECLS.
It was designed to provide detailed information about children's
development and learning as they prepared to enter school for the first
time and during their first years of formal schooling.

The ECLS comprises two related cohort studies: a kindergarten cohort
(ECLS-K) and a birth cohort (ECLS-B). Both of these studies involve the
participation of national samples of children and data are collected
about these same children at regular intervals. The ECLS-K is providing
new information about kindergarten in the U.S. The data from the ECLS-K
are being used to study differences between children who attend a
full-day versus a half-day kindergarten program, the outcomes for
children who are retained in grade, and the achievement gap over the
first six years of school. Copies of reports prepared by NCES on these
and other topics can be ordered or downloaded at the study website
(<http://nces.ed.gov/ecls>).

The ECLS-K provides rich data about children at the start of
kindergarten and across the elementary school years. The ECLS-B, on the
other hand, provides data about children in the years leading up to
kindergarten, and offers a picture of what it is like to grow up in the
U.S. in the early part of the 21^st^ century. The first report released
by NCES using data from the ECLS-B describes these children at 9 months
of age; another report describes children at about 2 years of age. These
reports can be ordered or downloaded at the same website.

Some of the children participating in the ECLS-B will be entering
kindergarten starting in Fall 2007. As children experience this critical
transition, it is important that information about their first schools
and teachers be added to the information that NCES has compiled about
these children's development, family life, health care and early care
and education over the first six years of the study.

A staff member from RTI International, or RTI, will be contacting school
administrators to see whether there are any questions regarding the
ECLS-B program. If you would like to talk to someone about the study you
may call either RTI's ECLS-B Principal Investigator, Kyle Snow, at
800-334-8571 x4605 (a toll-free number), or you may email your questions
to <ECLS@ed.gov>.

Sincerely,

![](media/image3.png){width="1.5298611111111111in"
height="0.4736111111111111in"}

Valena Plisko

Associate Commissioner, Early Childhood, International & Crosscutting
Studies, NCES

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591629 .anchor}Cover Letter for Teacher SAQ
Packet #1

Date

Teacher Name

Address

City, State Zip

Dear \[Teacher Name\],

I am writing to ask for your participation in a research study called
the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study -- Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). The
goal of this study is to provide people with information about
children\'s early learning experiences. The National Center for
Education Statistics (NCES) of the U.S. Department of Education and
several other federal agencies are conducting this study. RTI
International, a research company in North Carolina, is collecting the
data. Your participation would involve completing and returning the
enclosed questionnaire. We have told the school administrators about the
study and our request for you to participate.

We are doing this study to see how children's early learning experiences
affect how well they do in school. This national study collects
information from approximately 11,000 children born in 2001. We
interviewed the parents and assessed the children in their homes when
the children were 9 months old, two years old, four years old, and five
years old. We will interview families again when the children enter
formal school.

The family of a child in your class, \[STUDENT FIRST NAME LAST NAME\],
is participating in the study. They identified you as \[CHILD\]'s
teacher and gave us permission to contact you (permission form
enclosed). The enclosed questionnaire asks for information about you,
\[CHILD\], \[his/her\] classroom, and school. It will take about 15-20
minutes to complete. We are giving you a gift card to thank you for your
time. You will probably only have one study child in your class, but if
you have another child, we will give you another gift card for the extra
time you spend. Although your participation is important to this study,
you do not have to take part. Your participation is voluntary. You may
choose not to answer any questions that you do not want to answer.

We will keep private all the information we get on this study. We will
not use any family, teacher, or school names in our study reports. We
will use a special version of the study data without any names, and we
follow very strict rules to protect your privacy.

We have included the following items for your information:

-   A letter about the study from the NCES program official;

-   A brochure describing the study; and

-   A copy of the permission form signed by \[STUDENT FIRST NAME\]'s
    parent or guardian allowing us to contact you and ask you to
    complete this questionnaire and a note confirming their permission
    to contact you.

After completing the questionnaire, please return it using the enclosed
postage-paid envelope. If you have any questions, please contact Tabitha
Hendershot at 1-877-834-7065 (a tollfree number) or e-mail at
<tph@rti.org>. If you have questions about your rights as a study
participant, please call the office of the Research Ethics Review Board
at the National Center for Health Statistics, toll-free at
1-800-223-8118.  Please leave a brief message with your name and phone
number. Say that you are calling about Protocol \# 2004-08. Your call
will be returned as soon as possible. Thank you very much for being part
of this study.

Sincerely,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="2.3465277777777778in"
height="1.0131944444444445in"}

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

RTI Principal Investigator

Early Childhood Longitudinal Study -- Birth Cohort

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591630 .anchor}Teacher Thank You/Reminder
Letter

Date

Teacher Name

Address

City, State Zip

Dear \[Teacher Name\],

I recently wrote to you to ask you to participate in a research study
called the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study - Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). 
A questionnaire was enclosed with my letter to you, along with a
postage-paid envelope.  If you have already completed and returned it to
us please accept our sincere thanks. If you have not yet had the
opportunity to complete the questionnaire, please do so today. Although
you do not have to take part, we would like to hear from you. Please
return it in the postage-paid envelope that was enclosed.

 

If you have any questions or need another copy of the questionnaire sent
to you, please contact Tabitha Hendershot at 1-877-834-7065 (a toll-free
number) or e-mail at <tph@rti.org>. Thank you for your assistance on
this important study.

Sincerely,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="2.3465277777777778in"
height="1.0131944444444445in"}

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

RTI Principal Investigator

Early Childhood Longitudinal Study

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591631 .anchor}Cover Letter for Teacher SAQ
Packet #2

Date

Teacher Name

School Name

Address

City, State Zip

Dear \[Teacher Name\]:

I wrote to you a few weeks ago to ask for your participation in a
research study called the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study -- Birth
Cohort (ECLS-B). At that same time, the school administrators were
informed about the study and our request for you to participate. If you
have already returned your questionnaire, thank you very much. If you
have not, please take a few minutes to complete it and return it to us
in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.

The goal of this study is to provide people with information about
children\'s early learning experiences. The National Center for
Education Statistics (NCES) of the U.S. Department of Education and
several other federal agencies are conducting this study. This national
study collects information from approximately 11,000 children born in
2001.

The family of a child in your class, \[STUDENT FIRST NAME LAST NAME\],
is participating in the study. They identified you as \[CHILD\]'s
teacher and gave us permission to contact you (permission form
enclosed). The enclosed questionnaire asks for information about you,
\[CHILD\], \[his/her\] classroom, and school. It will take about 15-20
minutes to complete. We included a gift card to thank you for your time
in our first mailing. You will probably only have one study child in
your class, but if you have another child, we will give you another gift
card for the extra time you spend. Although your participation is
important to this study, you do not have to take part. Your
participation is voluntary. You may choose not to answer any questions
that you do not want to answer.

We will keep private all the information we get on this study. We will
not use any family, teacher, or school names in our study reports. We
will use a special version of the study data without any names, and we
follow very strict rules to protect your privacy.

We have included the following items for your information:

-   A letter about the study from the NCES program official;

-   A brochure describing the study; and

-   A copy of the consent form signed by \[STUDENT FIRST NAME\]'s parent
    or guardian allowing us to contact you and ask you to complete this
    questionnaire and a note confirming their permission to contact you.

If you have any questions, please contact Tabitha Hendershot at
1-877-834-7065 (a toll free number) or e-mail at tph@rti.org. If you
have questions about your rights as a study participant, please call the
office of the Research Ethics Review Board at the National Center for
Health Statistics, toll-free at 1-800-223-8118. Please leave a brief
message with your name and phone number. Say that you are calling about
Protocol #2004-08. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Thank you very much for being part of this study.

Sincerely,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="2.3465277777777778in"
height="1.0131944444444445in"}

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

RTI Principal Investigator

Early Childhood Longitudinal Study---Birth Cohort

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591632 .anchor}District Superintendent/Chief
State School Officer Notification Letter

Date

\[Superintendent/Chief State School Officer\]

Address

City, State Zip

Dear \[Superintendent/Chief State School Officer\],

We are reaching the end of a 6-year nationwide research study called the
**Early Childhood Longitudinal Study -- Birth Cohort** (ECLS-B). The
study is being led by the U.S. Department of Education, National Center
for Education Statistics (NCES). The ECLS-B examines children\'s health,
development, and experiences from birth through entry into kindergarten.
You \[may have/have\] a few children in your \[district/state\]
participating.

The ECLS-B is predominantly a home-based study examining the importance
of children\'s early experiences to their later school success. The
study is collecting information on approximately 11,000 children born in
the year 2001. The children were assessed in their homes and their
parents interviewed when the children were 9 months old, two years old,
4 years old, and 5 years old. The children and their families are being
visited again during the 2007-2008 school year when they are
approximately 6 years old and some are entering or repeating
kindergarten.

During the home visit parents are asked for permission to contact the
child's teacher. If they agree, we will send the teacher a
self-administered questionnaire that will take only about 15-20 minutes
to complete. The questionnaire asks questions about the child's academic
performance and social skills, the learning environment, and teacher
attitudes regarding school readiness.

These are some key points for your consideration:

-   We expect on average only **one** participating child per school.

-   We have parental permission to contact the kindergarten teacher. The
    teacher receives a signed copy of this form and a letter from the
    parent in the questionnaire packet.

-   Teachers can complete the questionnaire in about 15-20 minutes at
    their convenience. They receive a \$10 gift card in appreciation for
    their time. Teachers can choose whether or not to participate and
    can skip any question they do not wish to answer. **There is no
    other burden on the school or other school personnel.**

-   ECLS-B study procedures were reviewed and approved by the Ethics
    Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics. All
    data are confidential. No child, parent, teacher, or school name
    will ever be associated with the data.

    For your information, we are enclosing the following items:

```{=html}
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-   A letter regarding the study from the NCES program official;

-   A brochure describing the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth
    Cohort.

We appreciate your cooperation with our planned teacher contact for this
important research. The study will provide decision makers, researchers,
school administrators, teachers, and parents with detailed information
about children\'s early life experiences. RTI International, a research
firm in North Carolina, is collecting the data. If you have any
questions, please contact Tabitha Hendershot at 1-877-834-7065 or
e-mail: <tph@rti.org>. Thank you very much for your cooperation with
this important endeavor.

Sincerely,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="2.3465277777777778in"
height="1.0131944444444445in"}

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

RTI Principal Investigator

Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc157591633 .anchor}School Principal Notification
Letter

Date

Principal

Address

City, State Zip

Dear Principal,

We are reaching the end of a 6-year nationwide research study called the
**Early Childhood Longitudinal Study -- Birth Cohort** (ECLS-B). The
study is being led by the U.S. Department of Education, National Center
for Education Statistics (NCES). The ECLS-B examines children\'s health,
development, and experiences from birth through entry into kindergarten.
You \[may have/have\] a child in your school participating.

The ECLS-B is predominantly a home-based study examining the importance
of children\'s early experiences to their later school success. The
study is collecting information on approximately 11,000 children born in
the year 2001. The children were assessed in their homes and their
parents interviewed when the children were 9 months old, two years old,
4 years old, and 5 years old. The children and their families are being
visited again during the 2007-2008 school year when they are
approximately 6 years old and some are entering or repeating
kindergarten.

During the home visit parents are asked for permission to contact the
child's teacher. If they agree, we will send the teacher a
self-administered questionnaire that will take only about 15-20 minutes
to complete. The questionnaire asks questions about the child's academic
performance and social skills, the learning environment, and teacher
attitudes regarding school readiness.

These are some key points for your consideration:

-   We expect on average only **one** participating child per school.

-   We have parental permission to contact the kindergarten teacher. The
    teacher receives a signed copy of this form and a letter from the
    parent in the questionnaire packet.

-   Teachers can complete the questionnaire in about 15-20 minutes at
    their convenience. They receive a \$10 gift card in appreciation for
    their time. Teachers can choose whether or not to participate and
    can skip any question they do not wish to answer. **There is no
    other burden on the school or other school personnel.**

-   ECLS-B study procedures were reviewed and approved by the Ethics
    Review Board (ERB) of the National Center for Health Statistics. All
    data are confidential. No child, parent, teacher, or school name
    will ever be associated with the data.

    For your information, we are enclosing the following items:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   A letter regarding the study from the NCES program official;

-   A brochure describing the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth
    Cohort.

We appreciate your cooperation with our planned teacher contact for this
important research. The study will provide decision makers, researchers,
school administrators, teachers, and parents with detailed information
about children\'s early life experiences. RTI International, a research
firm in North Carolina, is collecting the data. If you have any
questions, please contact Tabitha Hendershot at 1-877-834-7065 or
e-mail: <tph@rti.org>. Thank you very much for your cooperation with
this important endeavor.

Sincerely,

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="2.3465277777777778in"
height="1.0131944444444445in"}

Kyle Snow, Ph.D.

RTI Principal Investigator

Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort