Drawing on the federal USDHHS guidance (USDHHS, 2019-b), the PDG B–5 Needs Assessment has multiple objectives including to:
• Define the B–5 system and other key terms
• Describe the population of vulnerable children and underserved areas
• Identify the current availability and quality of early childhood care and education (ECCE) and other B–5 services
• Assess barriers to the funding and provision of high-quality ECCE
• Address supports and gaps for transitions between B–5 services and school entry
• Assess ECCE facilities and facility-related concerns
• Examine other topics including governance, financing mechanisms, and data linkages
• Identify gaps in data or research and strategies to fill the gaps. (author abstract)