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The ECAC

Children's Book List

that Embeds Race Equity and Social Justice

Early childhood is a powerful time to support children’s identity development while scaffolding their understanding of and commitment to equity and social justice that they build on throughout their lives.

In a child's small world books and stories expand their understanding of the value for people who are different from themselves. This is a great first step to ensure that we all appreciate the richness of diversity and a world where everyone is valued.
ECAC Research Questions

The ECAC Membership have developed a working list of research questions. We welcome faculty and students to utilize the list to develop early childhood research.

Explore the Research Questions

ECAC Research Questions

The ECAC Membership have developed a working list of research questions. We welcome faculty and students to utilize the list to develop early childhood research.

Explore the Research Questions
Equity Statement:

The Early Childhood Advisory Council holds a deep commitment to social justice and racial equity, as a process and a goal, as evidenced by our work across the state. We recognize that, in order to uphold our vision and mission to support young children’s development, we must actively, critically and continuously work to disrupt and dismantle systemic inequities due to race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, legal status and family structure. It is our responsibility to address the inequities impacting the lives of children and families on individual, interpersonal, institutional and structural levels. In doing so we build systems that provide all young children and their families with equitable access to the services, resources and experiences that they deserve in order to thrive.
What is the ECAC?

The New York State Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) was formed in 2009 to provide counsel to the Governor on issues related to young children and their families.

The ECAC is comprised of experts in education, health care, child welfare and mental health. Members represent state agencies, advocacy groups, foundations, higher education, unions and other key organizations concerned with the wellbeing of young children and their families, as appointed by the Governor.
A Smart Investment

“Economically speaking, early childhood programs are a good investment, with inflation-adjusted annual rates of return on the funds dedicated to these programs estimated to reach 10% or higher. Very few alternative investments can promise that kind of return.” - Ben Bernanke, Chairman, Federal Reserve

Investment in early childhood education isn’t just good for children – it’s also good for New York’s economy. Every dollar invested in high quality early education returns up to $14 in savings, by reducing remedial and special education; juvenile justice services and welfare support.
Helping Children & Families Succeed

The New York State Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) is working to create a comprehensive early childhood system in New York that provides every child with the support and services necessary to succeed in school and in life. In turn, this success will ensure stronger families, a more competitive workforce and a brighter future for New York’s economy.

The vision of the ECAC is to ensure all young children are healthy, learning, and thriving in families that are supported by a full complement of services and resources essential for successful development.
The Power of Early Learning

Brain research shows 75% of brain growth and 85% of intellect, as well as personality and social skills develop before age five?

A child’s brain develops 700 synapses –neural connections that transmit information – every second?

At age four, a child’s ability to pay attention and complete a task strongly predicts the likelihood of graduating from college by age 25?

The ECAC identifies six levers for change as critical for strengthening the early childhood system and providing an infrastructure to support the grounding of this work in social justice, removing barriers to access services, and facilitating equitable child outcomes.

The levers are:
1) Family Engagement
2) Data
3) Quality Improvement and Assurance
4) Workforce Development
5) Finances
6) Research and Evaluation

With the young child and family as the focus these levers guide the work of the ECAC across four essential elements 1) Providers and Practitioners; 2) Comprehensive Health, Community, and Education Services; 3) Standards, Regulations and Statutes; and, 4) Policy and Governance. These levers and elements are intertwined and their alignment is necessary in order to support families’ access to the equitable, comprehensive, and culturally relevant services, thereby ensuring healthy development.