The Department of Health and Human Services recently put out requests for solicitation for four new national centers it plans to establish. All four will focus on assisting state and local governments with aspects of their youth and family services portfolio.
The four centers HHS plans to establish:
National Center on Parent, Family and Community Engagement
The Center will disseminate high-quality, research-informed resources and provide training and technical assistance associated with family well-being, effective family and community engagement, and children’s school readiness.
National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness
The Center’s resources and technical assistance will address services to pregnant women and the health, safety and school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool children (from birth to age five).
National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning
The Center’s work will include, but not be limited to, professional development for the infant/toddler and preschool workforce; evidence-based curriculum; early learning standards; effective transitions; screening and assessment; culturally and linguistically age-appropriate practices; enhancing teacher/child interactions; supporting networks of infant/toddler practitioners; supporting children with disabilities and using data to improve practice.
National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment
The Center’s aim is to support states, territories, and tribes to expand supply and access to after-school and summer learning and development opportunities for school-age children, particularly those in low-income families.
