System Transformation for Equitable Preschools (STEP Forward with Data) Framework
The System Transformation for Equitable Preschools (STEP Forward with Data) Framework is designed to help leaders use data to promote greater equity at every step of the early childhood system. In using this Framework, leaders will better understand the experiences of children, families, or workforce members within their systems to begin identifying potential inequities and examine root causes that could be addressed. The Framework organizes 20 essential questions into six system steps. The steps align with points at which a child, family, or workforce member may face inequities and at which a leader could make actionable changes to improve quality and access to equitable early learning experiences.
Explore the STEP Forward with Data Framework
Supply
Q1. Does existing supply meet the needs of families from focal populations?
01 of
Outreach
Q2. Do outreach methods improve knowledge and understanding of program options among families from focal populations?
02 of
Enrollment
Q3. Do eligibility processes allow families from focal populations to attend programs they want?
03 of
Q4. Do enrollment procedures help families from focal populations attend programs they want?
04 of
Q5. Are children from focal populations enrolled proportionate to or higher than their representation in the community?
05 of
Q6. Are children from focal populations enrolled in programs rated as high-quality proportionate to their representation in the system?
06 of
Q7. Do children from focal populations have consistent attendance?
07 of
Learning Experiences
Q8. Are identities of children from focal populations and families reflected in programs?
08 of
Q9. Do workforce members receive training in supporting the needs of children from focal populations and families?
09 of
Q10. Do children from focal populations receive positive behavior supports?
10 of
Q11. Do children from focal populations have the learning accommodations they need?
11 of
Q12. Does the program offer or connect families from focal populations with whole family services?
12 of
Q13. Are multiple forms of evidence used to understand the developmental progress, strengths, and needs—across domains of development—of children from focal populations?
13 of
Q14. Are facilities structured and maintained to support the well-being of children from focal populations?
14 of
Transitions
Q15. Do transition activities meet the needs of families from focal populations?
15 of
Q16. Are children from focal populations reaching developmental and learning milestones when transitioning to kindergarten?
16 of
Administration
Q17. Are families from focal populations and workforce members engaged in shared leadership?
17 of
Q18. Are there funding mechanisms to support equitable experiences for children, families, and workforce members?
18 of
Q19. Is there system-level guidance for how to support equitable experiences for children, families, and workforce members?
19 of
Q20. Are there mechanisms to support equitable experiences for workforce members from focal populations?
20 of
We updated this page on March 6, 2026 to shift language from “preschool” systems to “early learning” and “early childhood” systems. While some resources still use the term “preschool,” the STEP Framework supports broader early childhood systems in addition to preschool settings. We also added a new resources page to make it easier to access materials.
The STEP Forward with Data Framework was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The content contained within this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect positions or policies of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Learn how to use the STEP Forward with Data Framework
Click HereSuggested Citation: Lin, V., Hackett, S.E., Richards, D., King, C., & Bredeson, M. (2024). System Transformation for Equitable Preschools (STEP Forward with Data) Framework. Child Trends. https://doi.org/10.56417/7986y3601e