Question 1

Describe each of the following public funding sourcesandits intended purpose. Responses should be a least 1 paragraph in length for each funding source.

a. Head Start

b. Child care subsidies

c. Child care tax credits

d. Title 1

e. Early childhood special education (IDEA)

f. State-funded pre-kindergarten

Question 2

Read the descriptions of the two early childhood learning centers below. Both Checkers andSmart Start will be seeking funding from one of several sources: Head Start, child care tax credits, Title I, or early childhood special education (IDEA).Determinewhich funding sources aremost appropriate for each center and explain why. Your response should be 4-6 paragraphs in length.

Checkers Early Childhood Learning Center

Checkers Early Childhood Learning Center is a comprehensive program providing a full range of services to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years and their families. There are several locations throughout Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Checkers also provides a full range of educational,social,and health services to children and families who are low income. Services for adults and families are available through family medicine and mental health. Licensed professionals provide comprehensive evaluation, early intervention, and therapeutic services.

Smart Start Early Childhood Learning Center

Smart Start Early Childhood Learning Center provides a secure, nurturing, and stimulating preschool environment that helps children to understand themselves as individuals as well as members of a community. We believe that a good early-school experience can set the tone for a lifetime of learning.

Through daily lessons, community involvement, and self-exploration, we strive to spark and encourage creativity and imagination in each child.

Our preschool programs strive to establish comfortable environments for each child to reach new developmental milestones. Services for the community are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to families who meet income guidelines.

Question 3

In addition to public funding, both Checkers Early Learning Center and Smart Start Early Learning Center have decided to pursue funding from private sources.

Research private funding sources that would be applicable for each of the centers. Choose one source for each center and explain why the center is a good candidate for receiving this funding.Explain the process for obtaining the private funding sources you identified. The response should be 6-8 paragraphs in length.

Question 4

Read the following reports about Universal Pre-K and its funding implications.Answer the questions that follow. Your response should be 4-6 paragraphs in length.

Barnett, W. S., & Hustedt, J. T. (2011). Improving public financing for early learning programs (Policy Brief Issue 23).

Citizen's Budget Commission. (2013). The challenge of making universal prekindergarten a reality in New York state.

a. Explain the challenges New York is experiencing in funding universal pre-kindergarten.

b. Describeat least three potential funding sources for Universal Pre-K described in the Citizens Budget Commission report.

c. How might policies like universal pre-kindergarten impact funding for early childhood centers and the children and families they serve?