Judith Kieff

Special Publications: Funding, Assessment, and Universal Pre–K and K: Innovative Ideas for Education

LEARNING BETWEEN SYSTEMS: Adapting Higher Education Financing Methods to Early Care and Education. Teresa Vast. Lumina Foundation for Education, 2001. 67 p p . This document summarizes findings from a two-year study, funded by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, that was designed to consider how several higher education financing methods could be adapted by the early care and education field. Four key features of an early care and education financial aid system would be standard application form and processing, standard needs analysis methodology, financial aid administration policies, and high-quality care and educational programs. The author acknowledges that a sound financial aid system is not the only solution to the quality and financing crisis that plagues early care and education, but stresses that it is a key component. Other important components are fund development and distribution, licensing and accreditation standards, professional development, data systems, and dedicated public and private funding sources. Copies are available from Lumina Foundation for Education, P.O. Box 7039, Indianapolis, IN 46207-7039; 800-834-5756; Web site: wwwhmina fbundation.wg.