1. Two-Generation Implementation & Policy Issues Working Poor Families Project State Policy Academy June 27, 2014

2. 2 MISSION: Ascend at the Aspen Institute is the national hub for breakthrough ideas and collaborations that move vulnerable children and their parents toward educational success and economic security. Ascend at the Aspen Institute Ascend at the Aspen Institute June 2014

3. Hard work. Equal pay. Optimism. The American dream… Ascend at the Aspen Institute April 2014 BUT Major shifts in family demographics; Polarized debate among policymakers and advocates; Today’s economy requires new skills and education; Technology is changing how we work and live; and Growing unease about the future, for parents and their children.

4. 4 Almost HALF of all children in the U.S. live in low-income families. ROI in education for children AND their parents is high. Why a two-generation approach? Ascend at the Aspen Institute May 2014

5. 5 Two-generation approaches provide opportunities for and meet the needs of children and their parents together. What is a two-generation approach?

6. Core components

7. 7 Programs Policies Research Applying two-generation approaches Ascend at the Aspen Institute June 2014

8. Mobilize empowered two-generation organizations and leaders to influence policy and practice changes that increase economic security, educational success, social capital, and health and well-being for children, parents and their families. Ascend Network 8

9. 9 58 Network members span the country 24 states and the District of Columbia.

10. Platforms for Scale: Head Start Community colleges United Ways Women’s funds & community foundations Community Action Agencies Promise Neighborhoods State Policy Innovations: Early childhood Human services Adult and Postsecondary education Measuring impact Evidence Building: Executive function Cultural competence Technology and apps Justice-involved families Ascend Network themes 10

11. 11 Two Generation State Policy: CO HB14-1317 Ascend at the Aspen Institute June 2014 Child Care reform that increases access, decreases red tape, and incentivizes quality. Highlights for families include: Allow job seekers and those enrolled in postsecondary education or workforce training to be eligible for CCCAP. Remove barriers to the application process by allowing presumptive eligibility and aligning income verification with other programs, among other things. Adjusted co-payment requirements and tiered co-pay increases to mitigate the “Cliff Effect”. Highlights for small businesses include: An increased floor for provider reimbursement rates. Holiday and absence policies tied to program quality ratings. Tiered reimbursement so providers can afford the costs of providing higher quality care.

12. 12 Two Generation State Policy: CT SB14-340 Ascend at the Aspen Institute June 2014 Directs the Office of Early Childhood to establish a two- generation school readiness plan.  School readiness for children  Adult education and workforce training for parents  Plan deadline: December 1, 2014

14. Early Childhood & Human Services 1. Head Start & Early Head Start: Strengthen family supports & increase emphasis on parents’ role as breadwinners as well as caregivers. 2. Child Care Development Block Grant: Increase access & quality of early childhood settings & ensure greater access to job training and education for parents. 3. Home Visiting: Increase efforts to support economic security outcomes. 4. TANF: Redesign it to focus on employment, education, & economic security outcomes. 5. Child Support: Strengthen family connections through support & promotion of work opportunities for non-custodial parents.

15. Postsecondary Ed/Workforce, Health & Well-Being, & Social Capital 6. Bundled Services: Promote cross-system collaboration between human services agencies & community colleges to increase benefits access for student parents. 7. Financial Aid: Increase college access & completion through financial aid policies that more accurately reflect needs of student parents. 8. Health Care Coverage: Increase access, recognizing it is a major factor in family well-being, economic stability, and a host of positive life outcomes. 9. Mental Health: Maximize opportunities for whole-family diagnosis & treatment. 10. Social Capital: Support research agenda on application of social capital to improve cognitive, behavioral, & academic outcomes for children, & boost education and economic outcomes for parents.

16. 16 Guiding Policy Principles Ascend at the Aspen Institute June 2014  Capitalize on Current Levers  Encourage Evidence-Building  Capture the Continuum  Be Intentional in Implementation  Support the System  Ensure Equity

17. For more information Jennifer Stedron Senior Program Manager, Ascend The Aspen Institute Jennifer.stedron@aspeninstitute.org 303.547.6381 Website: ascend.aspeninstitute.orgascend.aspeninstitute.org Twitter: @aspenascend@aspenascend