Data gathered is strategically disseminated through electronic and print media to educate policymakers and the public. Their reliance on foundation funding provides flexibility and allows them to document trends and convene stakeholders as a neutral expert. The central gains affecting child care came with the 1998 passage of Starting Right, a comprehensive 3-year early childhood education law. Lessons Learned Never underestimate the power of trustworthy data. Reliable, accurate data are invaluable to understanding issues, analyzing public policy options, and establishing credibility among policymakers and the public.
Partnerships pay off .
Keep children s issues in the spotlight. This sustained attention has built momentum for implementing supports for children during a time of economic opportunity. This information was developed as part of the Child Care Partnership Project, a multi-year technical assistance effort funded by the Child Care Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Partnership Project is providing a series of technical assistance resources and materials to support the development and strengthening of public-private partnerships to improve the quality and supply of child care.