Exemplary Early Childhood Programs

History Of Exemplary Programs

In 2001, the Center for the Study of Social Policy asked individuals across the country to nominate exemplary early care and education programs that support families as well as children. More than 100 program nominations were received from 38 states. After extensive review of the 100 programs, 25 programs received intensive 2-day site visits. More than 250 parents in programs across the country participated in focus groups. As a result of this research, 21 exemplary programs were identified.

The exemplary early childhood programs participating in this study have formed a learning network, which had its first meeting in Miami in October 2003.

Exemplary programs build protective factors around children to reduce child abuse and neglect. These early childhood programs intentionally strengthen families as well as educate children.  For detailed information about these exemplary programs, click the links below and download pdf site summaries. To learn more visit the Center for the Study of Social Policy web site.

Exemplary Program Profiles

 Addison County Parent / Child Center
 Calvary Bilingual Multicultural Learning Center
Carole Robertson Center for Learning
City of Albuquerque Child Development Program
Children of the Rainbow Child Care Center
Early Childhood Mental Health Project / Parents Place
The Educare Center / Ounce of Prevention Fund
Fairfax-San Anselmo Children’s Center
 Family and Children Educational Services (F.A.C.E.S.)
Fort Belvoir Child and Youth Services Program
 Haitian Center for Early Care and Education
Leelanau Children’s Center
 Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, Youth and Family
 Maui Economic Opportunity Program
 Montclair Community Pre-K
Palm Beach County Head Start
Parents and Children Together / Early Head Start / Head Start
 Region 19 ESC Head Start Program
 Sauk Rapids-RIce Early Childhood Family Programs
 The Sheltering Arms: Child Development and Family Support Centers
 South of Market Child Care, Inc. (S.O.M.A.)