Education
Generations United promotes education policies that expand access to quality pre-k and early childhood education programs, facilitate the transition of more schools into intergenerational shared sites, assist and include grandfamilies, support multigenerational and civic engagement opportunities, and promote partnerships with older adult organizations to promote intergenerational programs and connections.
Early Childhood Education: Head Start, Pre-K, and Child Care
Generations United is committed to expanding access to intergenerational connections through child care, Head Start, Early Head Start, and pre-K. Quality child care, pre-k, and Early Head Start are crucial for brain development, with significant progress established by age five. Studies show that participation in pre-k programs leads to better educational outcomes, higher high school graduation rates, and increased postsecondary education enrollment. Investing in quality pre-k yields substantial returns, saving taxpayers up to $7 per dollar invested through higher earnings, increased tax revenues, reduced crime, and lower special education needs.
Head Start, established in 1965, serves low-income preschool-aged children and their families with a comprehensive approach that includes health, education, social services, and parent-community involvement, which has intergenerational benefits for society.
These programs also provide opportunities for older adults to volunteer, offering additional support to children. Substantial and sustained increases in federal funding are necessary for these programs to reach their full potential and expand access.
Elementary & Secondary Education
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was passed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 as part of the “War on Poverty.” The law emphasizes equal access to education and establishes high standards and teacher accountability. The law authorizes federally funded education programs that are administered by the states. In 2002, Congress amended the ESEA and reauthorized it as the No Child Left Behind Act.
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaced No Child Left Behind, providing more flexibility to states while maintaining accountability standards. As part of the next reauthorization process, there is a unique opportunity to build upon the successes of ESSA and introduce changes that will have a significant impact across generations, including:
- Federal Funding for Early Childhood Education: Prioritize high-quality pre-kindergarten programs and early childhood education from birth to age five.
- Intergenerational Shared Sites: Develop schools that foster interactions between older adults and young students for mutual learning.
- Support for Grandfamilies: Ensure local education agencies implement strategies to support the unique needs of grandfamilies for educational success.
- Multigenerational Curriculum Engagement: Promote opportunities for multigenerational and civic engagement within the student curriculum.
- Partnerships with Older Adults Organizations: Encourage collaborations between schools and organizations serving older adults to create intergenerational programs, such as joint meal initiatives.
Resources
Grand Partners in Education Project
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
2024 State of Grandfamilies & Kinship Care Report