The Center for District Innovation and Leadership in Early Education (DIAL EE) supports school districts to align early education and K-12 systems to ultimately realize the best outcomes for all children, from early childhood through high school graduation.

The California education ecosystem has many groups, such as school districts, charter schools, professional organizations, early education stakeholders, advocacy groups, research centers, funders, and more, that make up the early education and K-12 systems. School districts with early learning programs must navigate and operate within these two complex systems and set of regulations from the Federal and State governments. Some districts identify innovative ways to work within both systems and governance frameworks to develop effective early education programs. However, leaders in these districts primarily operate in relative isolation, limiting the diffusion of innovation and lessons. DIAL EE acts as a convener and facilitator between school districts and various groups to align and integrate early education and K-12 systems.

Frameworks

DIAL EE is guided by the following frameworks:

• Whole Child
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Measurable impacts
• Early education strategy within local education authority setting

Strategies

DIAL EE has two sets of strategies to achieve its goals:

1. Visible governance through research, communication, collaboration and policy
2. Leadership development