ECAC

In 2009 the Council was established by an executive order signed by Governor Gibbons, which was continued by Governor Sandoval in 2011. During the 2013 Nevada Legislature Governor Sandoval signed Assembly Bill 79 establishing the Council in statute. The Council works to strengthen state-level coordination and collaboration among the various sectors and settings of early childhood programs. In cooperation with the State Board of Education, the Council is responsible for establishing guidelines to measure the school readiness of children. Members are appointed by the Governor. The Council adopted the following vision shortly after its inception.

“Nevada’s children will be safe, healthy, and thriving during the first eight years of life, and the system will support children and families in achieving their full potential.”

• For more information, please visit the Nevada ECAC website by clicking here.

Additionally, the Council adopted the following goals/outcomes for Nevada’s children:

• All children are supported and ready to make a successful transition to school.
• All children have access to early childhood services that are accredited or meet national standards.
• Parents know child development.
• Parents know what to expect from programs and advocate for their children or self.
• Families partner in decision making at all levels and are satisfied with the services they receive.
• Families with young children are supported in their communities (employment, education, etc.)
• All children have access to medical home and health insurance.
• Social, emotional, mental health and developmental needs of young children and their families are supported by community-based services.
• Early childhood service provider workforce stabilizes.
• Early childhood workforce receives professional development to ensure quality services for all children (e.g. mental health, disabilities, early childhood education, etc.)
• More families report that community-based services are organized so they can use them easily.

Reports and Additional Information

• School Readiness Definition
• Silver State KIDS Plan March 2013
• Kindergarten Entry Assessment - Needs Assessment 2012
• Statewide ECE Data Systems - Needs Assessment
• Assessment of Center-based Quality of Care 2012
• Nevada Early Childhood Advisory Council Members - December 2013