Sustainable, Scalable Initiatives in Early Childhood: What’s Next for Funding and Quality Improvement?

January 30, 2025

Three children are sitting at a table. The two on the left are raising their hands enthusiastically, while the child on the right is focused on writing. Colorful shelves are in the background.

Sustainable, Scalable Initiatives in Early Childhood: What’s Next for Funding and Quality Improvement?

Status: On Demand
Duration: Not specified

As early childhood education leaders navigate a maze of federal and state funding sources—PDG B-5, CCDBG, CLSD, ARPA—the real challenge lies in transforming those dollars into sustainable, scalable initiatives that truly improve access, quality, and workforce outcomes.

In this webinar, state leaders from Ohio and Tennessee share how they’ve successfully implemented impactful programs like LENA Grow, using data-driven coaching and technology to support:

  • Quality improvement
  • Workforce development
  • Literacy advancement
  • Family engagement

The panel offers practical insight into choosing the right programs:
✅ Evidence-based
✅ Sustainable
✅ Workforce-supportive
✅ Scalable within current systems

Topics Covered:

  • How states are leveraging grant funding strategically
  • What makes a professional development program truly scalable
  • Data-informed approaches that support early educators and children
  • Lessons learned from statewide implementations

Panelists:

Five professional headshots of Todd Barnhouse, Heather Hicks, Kelly Slade, Jodi Whiteman, and Rachael Moore, each with their names, job titles, and organizations displayed below their photos.
  • Todd Barnhouse, Chief Executive Director, Ohio CCR&R Association (OCCRRA)
  • Heather Hicks, Chief Officer of Statewide Initiatives & Director of TN CCR&R, Signal Centers
  • Kelly Slade, Professional Development Coordinator, Ohio CCR&R Association
  • Rachael Moore, Project Manager, Preschool Development Grant, Ohio Department of Children and Youth
  • Jodi Whiteman, Director of Partnerships and Growth, LENA