This is the book I’ve been waiting for. Children at the Center includes many voices expressing the importance of high-quality early learning and illustrating how it can be achieved. The Boston case study demonstrates the brilliance of the social justice framework that sustains the vision over time–and highlights the complexity of the dynamic, essential relationships with teachers, principals, community organizations, funders, politicians, and school administrators. After reading this book I am both inspired by possibilities and energized to pursue the transformations still required to best serve all of our children. — Valora Washington, CEO, Council for Professional Recognition

With joyful, purposeful activity as the core value and priority for children, teachers, and even the district’s central office staff, the story of Boston Public Schools stands apart from the overarching tone of education reform across the country. Children at the Center presents a clear picture of how to navigate the false dichotomies of play versus rigor, and policy versus practice, not only in preK, but also in the primary grades. — Kristie A. Kauerz, director, National P–3 Center, University of Washington/University of Colorado Denver

The book blends local history, innovative educational theory, and vivid classroom examples to chronicle the emergence of the city’s high-quality pre-K program. — Alyssa Haywoode, Eye on Early Education (blog)

[Children at the Center offers] a delicious taste of what a promising early childhood education program can offer. — Matthew Lee, Journal of School Choice