How are research based standards being implemented into early childhood education?

The area that I chose to research was that of  how are research based standards being implemented into early childhood education?

My 3 areas that I chose to focus on are: 

·  The differences in early childhood education standards from state to state?

·  How does research support using research based standards for all 4 year olds?

·  What is being done to raise the standards for early childhood programs?

            I chose this topic as I currently teach kindergarten and 1^st grade in the public school system here in Florida.  Year after year I watch students take the giant step from preschool to kindergarten without the necessary skills to be successful in their new classroom setting.  With high stakes standards being set for all of our students once they enter the public school system, I feel that it is crucial that these skills begin in the early years.   In my state preschool standards are used and we do offer public pre-k to all 4 year olds.   The problem seems to be the lack of quality within the programs, as well as care givers who do not have the necessary training.  With a high turn over rate in our day cares and preschools, in part due to low pay, children are often not receiving the level of instruction that they need.  I would like to find out more about what is being done to bridge the gap for students leaving preschool and entering public school.   I believe that by using research based standards achievement gaps can be narrowed.  I would like to see if research supports this versus traditional curriculum, which is selected by the classroom teacher.  The lack of programs in all states is something that I also am very passionate about.  With Common Core Standards being used across the nation providing much needed early childhood programs seems only fair,  if we truly want to level the playing field for all students.   

I look forward in deepening my knowledge about research based standards as well as the various ways in which they are being implemented across our nation.