Governor's Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) The Governor's Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) was formed as a result of the Head Start Reauthorization Act of 2007. Council Mission The mission of the Council is to help ensure that all children and families in Wisconsin have access to quality early childhood programs and services. The Council responsibilities include: Conducting a periodic, statewide needs assessment concerning the quality and availability of early childhood education and development programs. Identifying opportunities for, and barriers to, collaboration and coordination among Federally-funded and State-funded child development, child care, and early childhood education programs and services. Develop recommendations for increasing the overall participation of children in existing Federal, State, and local child care; and early childhood education programs including outreach to underrepresented and special populations. Develop recommendations regarding statewide professional development and career advancement plans for early childhood educators in the state. Background Information Early Childhood State Advisory Councils (SAC) work to improve the quality, availability, and coordination of programs and services for children ages birth to five. These councils are designated by each state's governor to facilitate the development or enhancement of high-quality systems of early childhood education and care, which are designed to improve school readiness. Below are links that explain the history and background of the formation of these councils across the United States, and specifically in Wisconsin. Head Start Act of 2007 Administration for Children and Families - State Advisory Councils Information Executive Order 269 to Create the ECAC - October 30, 2008 Executive Order 6 to Continue ECAC - January 21, 2011 Annual ECAC Report to the Governor 2022 ECAC Annual Report Smart Investment 1 - Investing in Early Care and Education Workforce through Child Care Counts Smart Investment 2 – Investing in the Health and Well-Being of Families Smart Investment 3 – Expanding Access to Family Support Services through Family Resource Centers 2020 ECAC Annual Report Smart Investment 1 - ECE Investment Smart Investment 2 - Family Support Smart Investment 3 - Suspension and Expulsion If you wish to view prior ECAC Annual Reports, please email the Early Childhood Advisory Council and request the specific year.
