On behalf of ECD Measure, a research group hosted at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and in partnership with USAID and the Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC), I am happy to announce Phase 2 of the Consortium on Pre-Primary Data and Measurement in Africa! We learned and grew during our first phase, and we’re excited to share plans for Phase 2, from 2020 through 2022.

First, going forward we’ll be called, “Together for Early Childhood Evidence: Consortium on Pre-Primary Data and Measurement.” This addition to our name emphasizes the essence of our work: building collaborations to promote evidence in early childhood education (ECE). These collaborations among researchers, NGOs, government officials and other early childhood stakeholders are even more critical as COVID-19 threatens to undermine years of effort to support young children and families.

Second, please check out our new website at together4ece.org! Our ask to you, in whatever part of the world you live:

• Connect with us on social media via Twitter and LinkedIn
• Send us your latest news and blog posts
• Share updates from your countries

We love to hear from you and look forward to sharing your important work across our network.

In Phase 2, ECD Measure will continue to support country teams in sub-Saharan Africa to use evidence for improvements in ECE. We are excited to welcome two new country teams, Tanzania and Zambia. They will work closely with our continuing Phase 1 teams in Ethiopia, Liberia, Rwanda and South Africa to identify the greatest needs and opportunities to leverage efforts. Our recent assessment of country needs has reinforced both the enthusiasm and growing priority of ECE, and the many challenges still to be addressed.

As country-level plans unfold, we’ll keep you informed through our newsletter, the country profile pages and other updates on our website. We’ll also share insights and resources that emerge from the exciting work we have planned, including webinars, examples of using evidence to inform policy and practice in ECE, and other resources. We’re also delighted to continue our important partnership with the Africa Early Childhood Network (AfECN) and the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), focused on placing our work within the larger dialogue on ECE in Africa.

The ECD Measure team includes Rebecca Sayre as Lead Project Manager, Jem Heinzel-Nelson and Dawn Davis as Technical Advisors, and Kate Anderson, Mari Ullmann and Daniela Ukuni of Unbounded Associates, supporting on communications and stakeholder engagement.