Connecting research, systems, and practice.
Advancement of Learning for the Enrichment of Lives
Early Childhood Associates helps states, communities, and school districts understand complex early childhood systems and turn evidence into action.
We combine research and evaluation, needs assessment, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and implementation support to identify needs and inequities, strengthen systems, and improve outcomes for young children, families, and the professionals who serve them.
How We Work
Understand the System → Listen & Learn → Identify Priorities → Develop Strategy → Support Implementation & Improvement
Our work begins with evidence—but not with data alone. We bring together research, data, and the experiences of families, educators, providers, leaders, and community partners to understand what is working, where gaps exist, and what practical changes can strengthen the system.
Research & Evaluation
ECA designs rigorous, practical evaluations and needs assessments that help clients understand programs and systems—not simply determine whether something “worked.” We integrate quantitative and qualitative evidence to identify patterns, explain findings, understand the experiences behind the data, and inform decisions about what comes next.
Systems Building &
Strategic Planning
ECA helps states and communities move from information to action. We work with partners to understand complex systems, identify needs and gaps, engage stakeholders, establish priorities, and develop practical strategic and implementation plans that strengthen services for children and families.
Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
ECA helps organizations define what quality looks like—and build the structures needed to achieve and sustain it. Our work includes quality frameworks, assessment and monitoring tools, coaching and technical-assistance systems, professional learning, and data-informed continuous improvement.
Selected Work
Early Childhood Special Education Program Evaluation
ECA evaluates early childhood special education programs and service delivery using quantitative and qualitative methods. Areas of focus have included assessment and eligibility processes, IEP development, least restrictive environments, access and participation, and supports for preschool children with disabilities.
Maine Preschool Development Grant — Evaluation & Systems Learning
A statewide, multi-year evaluation spanning approximately two dozen initiatives, moving from individual initiative evaluation to cross-cutting analysis of the early childhood system.
New Hampshire Early Childhood Strategic Plan
Statewide strategic planning that translated needs-assessment findings and stakeholder knowledge into priorities, strategies, implementation plans, and measures for strengthening New Hampshire’s early childhood system.
Massachusetts CPPI — Community Needs Assessment & Strategic Planning
Needs assessments and strategic planning with Massachusetts cities, towns, and school districts focused on preschool access, locally aligned quality, special education and inclusion, workforce, families, and stronger public-private partnerships. The work moves communities from needs assessment to an implementation roadmap.
Connecticut OEC — Quality Assurance System
Development of an integrated framework for defining, measuring, monitoring, and continuously improving the quality of professional learning, coaching, and technical assistance.