Past Projects and Initiatives
Missouri Child Care Subsidies
Total Funding: $303,422
This research project examined provider and parent perspectives on different approaches to child care subsidies, including the types of subsidies available and how they were delivered. The project also explored child care subsidy systems in other states to identify approaches that could help inform Missouri’s system and better serve families. Key Area: Enhancing Early Childhood Development, Care, and Learning.
Interested in learning more about this work or exploring opportunities for future collaboration? Explore the links below to learn more about the project team and their areas of expertise.
Missouri Child, Youth, and Family Homelessness
Total Funding: $920,778
This research project examined the needs, challenges, and available supports for children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness across Missouri. Findings highlighted barriers related to funding, transportation, resources, and coordination of services, informing recommendations to strengthen support systems. Project outcomes included a research report, information briefs, and professional development training for educators and other professionals serving children and families experiencing homelessness. Key Areas: Enhancing Early Childhood Development, Care, and Learning; Supporting Youth, Families and Communities.
Interested in learning more about this work or exploring opportunities for future collaboration? Explore the links below to learn more about the project team and their areas of expertise.
MU Child Care Collaborative Network (MUCCCN)
Total Funding: $7.6 Million
The MU Child Care Collaborative Network provided ongoing support to child care providers across a range of settings through quality assessments, coaching, on-site consultation, and individualized training. The network also connected providers to share experiences and approaches tailored to the needs of their communities, with a particular focus on strengthening access to resources and professional learning in rural areas. Key Area: Enhancing Early Childhood Development, Care, and Learning.
Interested in learning more about this work or exploring opportunities for future collaboration? Explore the links below to learn more about the project team and their areas of expertise.
Opportunities in a Professional Education Network
Total Funding: $5.49 Million
Opportunities in a Professional Education Network (OPEN) supported professional development for practitioners working with children in early childhood and before- and after-school care settings across Missouri. The initiative supported systems for tracking professional training and progress toward core competencies, with the goal of strengthening professional growth and the quality of child and youth care. Professional support for the Missouri Professional Development (MOPD) System is also included with the OPEN initiative project. Key Area: Enhancing Early Childhood Development, Care, and Learning.
Interested in learning more about this work or exploring opportunities for future collaboration? Explore the links below to learn more about the project team and their areas of expertise.
Rural Early Childhood Institute
Total Funding: $16.9 Million
The Rural Early Childhood Institute (REACH) grew from a 1994 needs assessment focused on child care in rural Missouri. As the statewide Educare program, Project REACH supported, educated, and provided resources to child care programs and preschools serving Missouri children receiving subsidized child care, with a particular focus on rural communities. Key Area: Enhancing Early Childhood Development, Care, and Learning.
Interested in learning more about this work or exploring opportunities for future collaboration? Explore the links below to learn more about the project team and their areas of expertise.
S.H.E.D. Grief Tools
Total Funding: $100,000
S.H.E.D. (Surviving, Healing, Evolving through Death and Loss) Grief Tools provided resources and professional development to support children experiencing grief, loss, and major life changes. The program included grief toolkits and training for professionals working with children in a variety of settings, including educational environments where supportive relationships can help children navigate adversity. Key Area: Strengthening Relationships and Families.
Interested in learning more about this work or exploring opportunities for future collaboration? Explore the link below to learn more about the project lead and their areas of expertise.