On the Zero to Three website an article regarding the literacy of low income young children drew my attention. The article states, "Many low-income children arrive at school already behind in communication and language, a disadvantage that only persists over time"(Zero to Three, 2011). The article goes on to detail how this disadvantage later on effects our economy due to low skilled workers being forced into a competitive workforce. The Zero to Three article mentions the need for reform of programs to include collaboration between all early childhood educations from Birth to a K-12 setting in addition to greater support and resources for parents. It is a challenge to see the need, know that programs exist to fulfill the need, yet due to legislation, funding, and lack of other resources the children are still being left under represented and unserved. It is such as great leap from legislation to action. I recognize a need for accountability, especially in terms of fiscal responsibility with tax payer money. I just wonder at what point children and education will be adequately represented in the national budget.
References:
Zero to Three (2011). Early language and literacy development.
Retrieved from: http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/infant-toddler-policy-issues/positive-early-learning.html
http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/infant-toddler-policy-issues/positive-early-learning.html
I agree that legislators are quick to put early childhood programs on the chopping block. But I don't often hear about cutting funding of prisons. Reversing the preponderance of funding to the preventative strategies of early childhood programs would be a positive investment.
ReplyDeleteWell put! It is a great leap between legislation and action. One that I fear many are not willing to wait for. I have been in the field for over 15 years and from the very beginning we have been talking about bringing more awareness and more competitive wages to the field. While we have made some strides we are still in an up hill battle. I have seen a number of very talented ECE teachers leave the field not because they wanted to but because they had to in order to make ends meet.
ReplyDeleteMandy,
ReplyDeleteI recently read an article that suggested that the entire early childhood field was in need of major reform. I believe in terms of the article you read this would be appropriate. The economy is tough and those in poverty, or close to it can get a step ahead. There is too much a demand to meet the needs. We are underfunded, understaffed, under trained, and the list could go on and on....thanks for sharing!