After more than 18 months of study, the findings of a task force convened by the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the ING Foundation were released last week outlining steps for transforming the nation’s early education system.

The report, “Building and Supporting an Aligned System: A Vision for Transforming Education Across the Pre-K—Grade Three Years,” grew out of a task force of researchers, policymakers, community organizers and practitioners. The participants were charged with examining the entire early learning landscape to better inform the work of principals and other stakeholders.

The report suggests 10 steps to ensure a standards-based and well-resourced pre-K-3 system that gives all children and families access to high-quality learning and care.

The steps are:

1. Better integrate federal policy, regulation and funding to help local communities create coherent pre-K-3 systems.

2. Coordinate and streamline state and local governance.

3. Expand funding for pre-K through 3rd grade learning, with a focus on ensuring at-risk children have access to high-quality, full-day learning experiences across the continuum.

4. Direct funds to high-quality programs.

5. Leverage and integrate private funds with public resources.

6. Create an aligned continuum of research-based, age-appropriate standards for young children that focus on social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical development, as well as academic skills and creative learning.

7. Build an effective, well-compensated early learning workforce through high-quality teacher and administrator preparation programs, professional development and continuing education. Ensure educators are well-versed in the full continuum of early childhood education.

8. Develop and administer age-appropriate assessments to guide teaching and learning and increase program effectiveness.

9. Develop state and local longitudinal data systems that include pre-K program and student information.

10. Research and evaluate models of early learning integration and alignment. In this tough economy, wise investments in early learning can help ensure the development of a new generation of successful learners, workers and citizens.