Examining early childhood education through the lens of stakeholders: A statewide needs assessment

A southeastern state engaged in a systematic landscape study to identify needs and priorities for young children and their families. Early childhood and research methods experts, representing five Institutions of Higher Education (IHE), along with equity and family engagement experts developed three strategies to collect data from various stakeholders throughout the state to inform the needs and priorities related to the education of young children. A total of 4615 parents/caregivers, organizational representatives, and community members participated in regional meetings, an online survey, and focus groups. A mixed-methods convergent study revealed the accessibility and affordability of high quality early care and education and kindergarten readiness as common priorities. Stakeholders also valued professional culture, empowering families, and support for children with special needs. This study also found that families of different sociodemographic backgrounds prioritized different aspects of early learning and education.