This blog provides an update on how states are using the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funds as of January 2022. The ARP Act allocated $39 billion in dedicated child care relief funding to states, with funds reaching states in spring 2021. This funding is broken down into two distinct streams: 

You can find the first two blogs here, and here.

In this third blog of our Virtual Coaching series, the focus is on how leaders can build a virtual coaching system that is both responsive to early childhood educator’s and stakeholder needs, as well as sustainable in the long term. When implementing any new system there may be other elements of the day-to-day organization that need to change. Those changes are best implemented and sustained when they are supported by senior leadership and have buy-in from all involved. This includes funders, early childhood educators, coaches, supervisors, and technology staff that may be impacted as virtual coaching is put into practice. To build and promote a successful virtual coaching model some business policies and practices may also need to be re-examined, e.g., use of virtual platforms, confidentiality, equipment usage, staff time, and compensation. Updating these policies and practices can lead to successful planning and implementation, and ultimately result in the sustainability of the new program.