This week we have explored individuals in our field of study that have pioneered new theories, expounded on new practices, and contributed knowledge and experience to early childhood education. These people come from different sectors of the industry, such as research, Head Start, and public early childhood education. I chose to profile Janet Gonzalez-Mena, an author and educator, and Art Rolnick, a business man who has taken interest in the dire importance of investing in early childhood education. In an interview in 2010 with the Star Tribune, a local Minneapolis newspaper, he stated that "We're way under-investing in early education. There is all kinds of research to say that if you provide a healthy environment for our children starting as early as prenatal, so that kids when they start kindergarten are healthy and cognitively ready and socially ready to learn, our children are much more likely to be successful in life." That about sums it up! My hope is that we are beginning to move in the right direction, despite the struggling economy. Investment is preventative action to ensure that the future holds success for our youngest citizens.
In addition, Louise Derman-Sparks, a champion for diversity in the field said that "teachers must figure out who they are." When a teacher views a class of children, he or she must know his or her own temperament, views, biases, and culture in order to effectively reach and understand each and every child there. It is a difficult undertaking, but beneficial to the teacher, the children, and the families they are working to teach.
I absolutely love your quote by Art Rolnick. I wish we could get policy makers to see that, the mnoney that is invested in early childhood education is minimal considering the impact that good early care has. Another of the things I believe is that as much as early care is important, I also believe a mother staying home with her babies as long as possible, yet there is no money invested in that. What benefits are there for stay-at-home moms? I am curious to know what others think about that, what kind of options there could be.
ReplyDeleteStay at home moms are so valuable. In recent years I have explored and learned more about attachment disorder and, though I am an advocate for early childhood education, the importance of an infants bond with the mother, or a primary caregiver are vital to the following years emotional success. It is a difficult issue because our modern economy often requires parents to work to provide the basic needs for their children. I am interested in exploring benefits for families that can take the first year or two to teach their child. They will require support in that venture so that is an entire other topic! So much to do and learn!
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