Trust for Learning

09/17/2026

What does a high-quality 2-K program in New York City look like?

NYC has an opportunity to build an early learning system that reflects what we know about how young children develop.

Check out this first brief in a series of briefs from "What Will It Take to Fulfill the Promise of 2-K?", a policy and research forum organized by Bank Street College of Education's Straus Institute, New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, and Trust for Learning on June 16.

The event provided a structured, nonpartisan space to address the opportunities and challenges surrounding NYC’s expansion of public care for two-year-olds (2-K).

09/15/2026

Head Start could look very different under the proposed changes to its federal standards.

Head Start families, programs and advocates are gathering on Capitol Hill today to highlight what’s at stake for children, families and communities.

The proposal would substantially change the federal standards that guide Head Start programs and could mean:

❌ Fewer hours of Head Start

❌ Bigger classrooms and less individual attention

❌ Fewer supports for children’s needs

❌ Changes to important standards for education, health, family engagement and other comprehensive services

Trust for Learning is paying close attention to these proposed changes because strong Head Start standards help ensure children and families– including the 11,000 served by the Early Head Start and Head Start programs that are part of the Ideal Learning Head Start Network– receive high-quality, comprehensive services in communities across the country.

Watch the September 15 press event live (start time is 10 AM ET): https://www.youtube.com/live/AXTJ2B5sv2g

Head Start Press Conference 9/15

09/14/2026

It is no surprise that pedagogies that center the developmental needs of children are seeing an increase in interest from parents, education leaders, funders, and policymakers. The science is clear on how children learn, through:

- relationships
- play
- exploration, independence, and interactions
- personalized instruction
- supported educators

A great read from Erin Hudson at Bloomberg News, and a nice shoutout to the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (Sara Suchman), Public Montessori education, and Waldorf!

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-09-11/nyc-la-montessori-schools-limit-ai-as-families-flock-to-low-tech-classrooms?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc4OTE4MDY3NiwiZXhwIjoxNzg5Nzg1NDc2LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUSktMUEhLSkg2VjQwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJBQ0IyQUUyRkU1RTU0QkY4QjVDOTk3NDQyNTc1NEMyNCJ9.XnLGVIWIw3P_cpTG6Gjqj_nDlMDqltSwnqh3uCETm0Y&leadSource=article-gifting

US schools across the nation are curbing their use of technology amid mounting parental concerns. This is happening as districts look to boost enrollment and cut costs while grappling with a dwindling pool of students.

09/01/2026

As schools around the country welcome back students into their classrooms, here's a helpful reminder: "Children are born learning... Anywhere we have a child, the child is learning."

So, what makes for a high-quality early learning environment for young children?

In an episode of CaseyCast, Ellen Roche talks with Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Lisa Lawson about what young children need to thrive, including caring relationships, inclusive and welcoming learning environments, and well-supported educators. https://www.aecf.org/blog/nurturing-young-minds-the-power-of-relationships-and-ideal-learning-environments

08/31/2026

It's Maria Montessori's birthday! What's your favorite way to celebrate?

08/27/2026

Together, We Can Shape What Comes Next
See how our ideal learning community is mobilizing to respond to the threat to the Head Start Program: https://mailchi.mp/trustforlearning/july-2026-newsletter-18243516

07/30/2026

This Month in Ideal Learning: High-quality Kindergarten | Assessment Tools | Parents Learning Toolkit | Grants & Jobs - https://mailchi.mp/trustforlearning/july-2026-newsletter

07/27/2026

What an inspiring story of how outdoors/nature-based ideal learning opportunities can bring back to children the joy of learning and playing 🌱🌳

In this Community Playthings article published in 2023, Julie Bookwalter and Veronika Vicqueneau account a group of school-age boys with persistent, escalating behavioral challenges and what happened when they were given unstructured time in an overgrown field of branches and tree stumps.

While the story is a few years old, the takeaway message remains relevant – unstructured and uninterrupted time in nature has an incomparable power to support children in their growth and development.

Read the article at bit.ly/StumpPile to discover how the natural environment can be a catalyst for regulation, cooperation, and learning.

07/27/2026

Happy Parents’ Day! 💙

From bedtime stories and morning routines to helping with homework and navigating big emotions, parents and caregivers shape a child’s world in countless everyday moments. Across Colorado, these small, consistent acts of care and connection help children build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for the future.

Today, we want to celebrate you.

Has an early childhood program, educator, provider, or home visitor made a difference in your family's journey? Or are you a parent with a story about how CDEC programs have impacted your child?

✨Share your story: bit.ly/CDECStories
🏆Know an incredible parent making a difference? Nominate them as an Early Childhood Champion: bit.ly/EC-Champ

Your experiences help inspire others and celebrate the people strengthening early childhood across Colorado.

Happy Parents’ Day!

07/12/2026