I think there is a progressive shift by the United States public in the understanding that the early years of a child’s life are the most influential in regards to health and development along with beginning a foundation for education. Perhaps it is because of my newer role in the early childhood field as a parent educator, but I am noticing more advocates for beginning education programs and strengthening health and development for infants and toddlers as early as possible. While many mothers have stayed home with their children for many years in the birth-five age range, I have begun to notice that many parents are taking advantage of the help from early childhood professionals as well as public health initiatives even if they are a stay at home parent or a working parent. As we are discussing every day, the public is gaining the understanding of the importance of the early years. Even President Obama has stated in his State of the Union addresses that there is a need to strengthen the services for children and families during the early years, showing the understanding of crucial development factors from birth.
I hope over the next five years this public opinion continues to grow to support the early childhood field and the importance of a child’s health and development within the critical first 3 years. I hope policies will continue to improve the early childhood services offered and that the economic factors will shift toward increasing funding for early childhood services. I believe that the early childhood field is gaining support from the public and elected officials and will continue to grow in a positive way. I also believe whole-heartedly that if the support from all strands of the early childhood field work together and recognize the power that exists among this field, the future for all factors will show a positive shift toward healthier children with a strong family foundation as well as sufficient funding for necessary education systems.
Terri,
ReplyDeleteGreat point that you made about the strands working together. I agree with you that by working together, the five strands of early childhood services will create a strong force fighting for young children and their families. I hope to be a part of this force!
Terri, you have really summed this week's blog up. We have the opportunity to really come together as one in supporting quality education and advocacy within our country. Also, we have the support of our president in supporting our children during the early years and the profits made in support of this process is statistically proven.
ReplyDeleteTerri,
ReplyDeleteGreat and thoughtful post. I too hope policies will continue to support Early Childhood Education
Terri,
ReplyDeleteI am also hopeful that the public awareness of early childhood continues in order for funding to early childhood to increase. I am currently a preschool teacher in a private preschool, but looking into the possibility of different roles in addition to teaching to make a difference. I am learning that awareness needs to be raised and more people need to realize how investing in early childhood affects us all.
Hi Terri,
ReplyDeleteI really hope that as the years past by more people will understand just how important it is for children to have access to services that optimize their growth and development.
Hey Terri,
ReplyDeleteI agree that public opinion is growing more supportive of early childhood education. In both states that I have taught Pre K in, I have seen both government and public support for funded preschool programs that are accessible to more people. I also think, however, that we have a long way to go before the support starts to be backed up by money. I think that, when the rubber meets the road, funding for our programs still take a back seat to many other issues. Many people agree that we need this type of care, but few have any successful ideas on how to implement it.