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Lawmakers Respond to COVID-19 with Extraordinary Recess
On March 19th, the Legislature met its constitutional duty and passed an emergency state budget. Following the 14-hour session, lawmakers recessed until a time uncertain leaving much unfinished business. Among the early education legislation not considered are bills about pre-k expansion, child care, unspent TANF funds and most notably Governor Lee's $68 million early literacy proposal. These are critical issues leaving children,
Despite Recess, Early Learning Policies Make Progress
TQEE proposed our most robust policy agenda at the start of 2020. Legislation to expand pre-k, increase high quality child care seats and address unspent TANF funds progressed through the committee process. Those bills remain poised for action by the committees if the legislature reconvenes this year. If the legislature does not return for an extended period, the process starts all
Early Childhood Advocates Rock State Capitol
We came. We saw. We did a lot of good for Tennessee kids. On February 19th, TQEE advocates from across the state joined together to stand for policies to increase the number of high-quality, affordable childcare seats, expand Pre-K and improve early literacy proficiency, to name a few. As Mayor Julian McTizic of Bolivar put it: “The future of our community and the future
PreK Leaders Share Tips to Defeat COVID ‘Cool Down’
Parents and caregivers are usually a child’s most important teacher, but school closures associated with the COVID-19 spread adds even more meaning to the phrase “parents as teachers.” Parents and teachers are all too familiar with the term “summer slide” – when children forget or lose what they learned in the school year, while on summer break. The COVID “cool down” has
Mayor Jeff Griggs – Lexington, TN – On Early Education, PreK and Child Care
Jeff Griggs, Mayor of Lexington, TN was a welcome supporter at this year’s TQEE Day on the Hill. He joined dozens from across the state advocating for legislation that will provide our children with improved early education. Mayor Griggs echoes our passion for equipping Tennessee's youngest learners with the strong foundation they need for future academic success. Video: Mayor Griggs -Involvement in
A Bold, Urgent 2020 Agenda for Early Learning
We released our 2020 legislative agenda today! It's bold, and urgent and needs your support! From expanding PreK, to setting a new course for affordable, quality child care, to doubling down on early literacy programs - the stakes are high! Read the summary HERE! You might also be interested in: Serve and Return: How Child Development Starts at Home
Tennesseans believe early education is key to ‘right track’ for public education
New poll of Tennessee voters shows overwhelming support for policy proposals to improve early learning outcomes birth to third grade. In the current partisan environment, Tennessee Republicans and Democrats often agree on very little. But when it comes to education, they’re strongly united in the view that the state’s public education system is on the wrong track. They are also united in
$1 Billion and Change
How could this be? Why didn't Tennessee policymakers know? What should we do with all this money? Those are questions being asked in response to a recent report issued by the Beacon Center, a conservative Tennessee think tank. In October Beacon reported that Tennessee has amassed a $732 million surplus reserve of federal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) funding. They noted
TQEE Day on the Hill 2020
It's that time of year again! Time, that is, to take our case for kids to the Hill, and we're doing it on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Mark your calendars to join us and RSVP here now! Your support at TQEE Day on the Hill 2019 made a big difference for Tennessee's young children!! Because of you we sent a strong message to legislators
Mayors Appreciation Luncheon Links Early Education and Workforce
Mayors from West and Middle Tennessee gathered at Natchez Trace State Park in September to celebrate early education successes and learn more about the link between early education and a highly skilled workforce. Headlining the event was Tennessee's Commissioner for Labor and Workforce Development, Jeff McCord. Joining Commissioner McCord was Dr. Jared Bigham, the Senior Advisor for the Tennessee Chamber of
