Early Childhood Associates

PROJECTS

ECA supports projects that span the Birth to Grade 3 system. This work reflects our commitment to the well-planned outcome and implementation research, quality assurance models, universal pre-k planning, workforce development including educator and TA competency development and approaches, strategic planning, and access to high-quality inclusive programs for individuals with disabilities. Our approach embodies a commitment to build the capacity of those who request our services while learning from them and ultimately translating knowledge into meaningful products that improve people’s lives.

ECA knows what quality looks like as evaluators and technical assistance providers but from the inside – like public school and early childhood teachers and leaders.

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.

Research & Development

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.
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Strategy & Planning

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.
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Quality Assurance

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.
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