Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., introduced a bill yesterday that creates a grant program to provide principals with professional development and mentoring programs to strengthen their knowledge of early childhood education. The purpose of the bill is to help principals create a seamless continuum of learning experiences from pre-K through grade 3 by providing a delivery system to train principals how to provide appropriate early learning environments. Language for the bill was developed in conjunction with NAESP, which has continuously advocated for dedicated funding for professional development and mentoring for principals.

Research shows that children who begin formal schooling behind their peers are likely to stay behind and are more at risk of dropping out of school. Principals who engage in training and professional mentoring programs are more successful in setting a shared vision for high-quality early childhood education and can therefore provide young students with the necessary building blocks on the journey toward becoming lifelong learners. 

If amended to the reauthorized ESEA, the bill would provide funding and guidance for professional development programs that instruct principals on effective transition programs from pre-K to elementary school by providing skills and knowledge about:

• Developmentally appropriate practices for young children;
• Successfully bridging the gap between prekindergarten opportunities and the primary grades;
• Supporting K-3 teachers and staff; and
• Building a school’s culture around supporting the learning of young children.

NAESP is working to enact this legislation, which is poised to become a significant path toward strengthening the capacity of the nation’s schools and thereby ensuring the success of all children.