Policy & Practice December 2017

range of professional development activities that includes teachers from all of the city’s publicly funded preschools working collaboratively across programs. Alignment of cur- riculum is also a goal. While much progress has been made, we continue to strive for a system that is fully aligned, comprehensive, accessible, equitable, and of high quality that results in the best possible outcomes for Alexandria’s youngest residents. Kate Garvey is the Director of the Department of Community and Human Services for the City of Alexandria, VA.

understanding of the gaps and opportunities in existing funding streams and discover ways to better combine and optimize funding for a more equitable system. Early care and education providers shared significant information about their funding, demonstrating trust in the process and a belief that a shared funding strategy would be effective. „ „ THE QUALITY COLLABORATIVE: The Quality Collaborative is a shared professional development pilot involving all publicly funded early childhood programs in the city that is focused on improving teacher– child interactions. Now in its third year, the project has included a

survey—including broader commu- nity input—to identify priorities for creating stronger connections. „ „ DATA STEWARDSHIP: The ECEW is working to identify and share data that will help illustrate progress, trends, and gaps in the system. Data collection and analysis will help guide project priorities and work plans. Multiple program partners distributed a family survey devel- oped by the ECEW at the end of the school year to gather baseline data on awareness of and access to early care and education services in the city. „ „ COMMUNITY AND FUNDER MOBILIZATION: A fiscal mapping study was carried out to increase

7

December 2017   Policy&Practice