In the spring of 2008, the Herr Research Center began work on statewide evaluation of the Illinois State Board of Education's (ISBE) Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG) initiatives.

The Illinois Birth to Five Evaluation will study key questions related to access, quality, and outcomes in the four ECBG-funded programs:

• Preschool for All
• Prekindergarten Program for Children At Risk of Academic Failure
• Prevention Initiative
• Parental Training

The project has subcontracted with SRI International to collaborate on data collection and analysis.

ISBE has appointed an advisory committee  comprised of state early childhood education experts and stakeholders to advise and assist in the evaluation design and planning process. Data collection is expected to begin in fall 2008, with preliminary results anticipated in summer 2009.

View the Birth to Five Evaluation fact sheet.