The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread operational challenges and unprecedented disruption in America’s early childhood education sector. But can it serve as a learning opportunity?

A new policy brief from researchers and partners at the University of Michigan, the Harvard Graduate School Of Education, MDRC and Boston Public Schools highlights the impacts of COVID-19 on Boston’s universal pre-K program, and shares some important lessons learned.

Coauthors Christina Weiland (University of Michigan) and Annie Taylor (Boston Public Schools) join CPRE Knowledge Hub managing editor Keith Heumiller to discuss the brief, and offer some research-backed recommendations for early childhood stakeholders across the U.S.

Featured Research: Rosada, Paola Guerrero; Weiland, Christina; Taylor, Anne; Penfold, Louisa; Snow, Catherine; Sachs, Jason and McCormick, Meghan; “Effects of COVID-19 on Early Childhood Education Centers: Descriptive Evidence from Boston’s Universal Prekindergarten Initiative.” EPI Policy Brief. March 2021. Retrieved from www.edpolicy.umich.edu.