A report from the nonpartisan Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities highlights that poor coordination among Nevada’s early childhood systems hampers resource use and restricts access for those in need.
To tackle fragmentation and inefficiency, the report suggests that Nevada would benefit from a centralized governance structure within the governor’s office to oversee the state’s early childhood systems. These systems encompass child care, nutrition, and health care programs funded by both state and federal government sources.
Currently, over 60 state entities cater to early childhood needs in Nevada, with funding drawn from 40 different state budget accounts. Anna Colquitt, the Guinn Center’s director of education policy, raised concerns about the authority and decision-making processes within this complex framework. “When you have this many entities, who has the authority? Who is doing the decision-making?” she asked during the report’s presentation.
Colquitt also emphasized the challenges families face while navigating these numerous systems. “Imagine a family trying to navigate this incredibly complex set of systems. You have to figure out how to access all these services with little coordination among agencies,” she said.
Todd Butterworth, a senior research analyst at the Guinn Center, noted that inadequate coordination among various early childhood programs can overwhelm parents and result in missed opportunities for vulnerable children. Low-income families often find themselves struggling to access essential services like nutrition and child care.
The report, titled “From Crowded to Coordinated,” reveals concerning participation rates in early childhood programs: only 16% of eligible four-year-olds are enrolled in Title I or Nevada Ready programs, and just 5% participate in Head Start. Additionally, less than 1% of eligible children access the Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting programs, which assist low-income parents in obtaining nutrition and healthcare services. Participation in the WIC program is also low, with only about 25% of eligible children taking part.
“There are many reasons for this low utilization of programs,” Colquitt said. “But if we are going to offer these programs, we want those who need them to use them.”
The report stresses the need for a centralized governance structure to facilitate effective decision-making and coordination among various entities. It also highlights the importance of aligning early childhood services with K-12 education and addressing nutrition and early intervention needs.
Due to the fragmented nature of Nevada’s early childhood programs, low-income parents often navigate a complicated system without support. Butterworth suggests creating a single entry point for early childhood services to simplify access for children and families.
A centralized governance structure could lead to more efficient collaboration among early childhood programs, according to the report. Researchers recommend establishing an interim office for early childhood systems within the governor’s office, improving data systems, and enhancing workforce development in child care and service provision. They also propose strategies like universal applications and a “No Wrong Door” approach to boost service utilization.
Other states, including Colorado and Vermont, have successfully implemented similar models. Colorado established a Department of Early Childhood in 2020, consolidating programs from its Department of Human Services and Department of Education. Vermont has similarly centralized governance for early childhood programs, providing agencies with clear roles and responsibilities.
The Guinn Center’s research indicates that states with universal Pre-K programs see increased participation in other early childhood services.
Furthermore, the report advocates for reforms in funding mechanisms to enhance compensation and professional development, which could help reduce staff turnover and ensure high-quality services. Colquitt mentioned that lawmakers are already considering the report’s findings as they draft new education bills and reforms.
The report was commissioned by the Children’s Cabinet and funded by the Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Child Care and Development Program.
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