Early childhood is a critical time of physical, intellectual and social–emotional development for children. Yet, early childhood care and education are often under-resourced. We leverage our deep understanding of interventions, learning and behavior, and complex, interconnected systems to strengthen the early childhood workforce and improve early childhood settings and systems.
From 2023-25, evaluators from Butler utilized surveys and interviews with early childhood educators at Denver Preschool Program (DPP) sites to examine their experiences, career paths, working conditions and well-being. They also explored educators' perspectives on their compensation, financial stability and professional development, highlighting both the workforce's strengths and areas for improvement. This project is ongoing, and we are currently utilizing short-term, targeted surveys to examine and respond to various workforce topics.
Beginning in 2024, Butler partnered with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) to develop sustainable onboarding processes for Nurturing Connections Colorado, the state's early childhood mental health (ECMH) unit. Evaluators utilized a series of interviews and focus groups to create and refine 8 weeks of onboarding content for individuals in the ECMH consultant role. Currently, we are using a similar model to create annual reporting practices that assist Nurturing Connections Colorado in understanding their performance so they can set goals to improve performance.
In this blog, Butler Institute for Families'Jessica Francisdiscusses the benefits of teaching mathematics in preschool. She shares five examples from teachers she has observed who have organically fostered children’s math development in early childhood classrooms. Learn how you can work simple mathematics activities into your daily classroom routines.
Butler Institute for Families' Research Associate Lindsay Shields discusses early childhood mental health (ECMH) consultation and how this prevention-based approach can be implemented to help the adults in children's lives build the capacity to create supportive environments for children.
Laricia Longworth-Reed, a senior research associate, shares her experiences working in programs for children, youth, and families, emphasizing what motivates her in her role at the Butler Institute for Families.
Introducing Kayleigh Roach, Research Associate at Butler Institute for Families. Kayleigh sheds light on her journey to early childhood work at Butler, delving into current projects she is passionate about and highlighting how Butler initiatives are instrumental in supporting educators and addressing their challenges.
Meet Jessica Francis, the Senior Research Manager at the Butler Institute for Families, guiding the Early Childhood team. Discover Jessica's extensive background and her role in leading projects that focus on the workforce and contribute to informed decision-making for future workforce development initiatives.
