Saturday, September 22, 2012
Uplifting Research Option 2
If
I had the means and possessed the knowledge to conduct a research study about
any topic in the early childhood field without restriction of present realities
I would probably focus on equity issues surrounding early childhood
professionals. I have always believed
that the early childhood field and its professionals are not recognized as a
valuable part of the education system. If
the early childhood field is included in the public school system and its
teachers receive the benefits and support of this inclusion (retirement, fair
wages, public support, resources, etc.) it could potentially have major
positive outcomes for the education system as a whole and the well-being of
children and their families. One
positive outcome would be higher rates of stability early childhood programs
and lower teacher turnover rates.
Another positive outcome might be the true availability of preschool for
all, helping families financially to some extent. There is also the potential
then to conclude that there may be higher rates of academic success for more
children who now have access to programs.
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Hi Crystal,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for a research study! I agree that early childhood professionals are not treated as a valuable part of this profession. In my past several years I have worked closely with Maryland Public Policy and Licensing agency. I have seen the strides they are taking to try and improve the qualifications and backgrounds of early childhood teachers with more training and educational requirements. All looks good on paper but they are unable to consistantly provide the funding teachers need to meet these requirements. What do you think we can do as earlychildhood advocates to help policy makers see the need to provide funding as well as other avenues to allow ECE teachers the education and recognition they need to be realized as an important part of developing our children's future?
Linda
Unless and pre-k teacher works for the public school system then they are not afforded the same benefits. I feel this will be one of the struggles that I face when establhing my own early childhood center. I hope by this time there will be a plan in place to better benefit the early childhood teachers outsied the public school system.
ReplyDeleteCrystal,
ReplyDeleteI studied special education, and ended up in early childhood. As a special education public school preschool teacher, I commend and agree that equity for all early childhood educators is not only fair it should be mandatory. The classroom I taught in was a dual program, I served children who were Head Start eligible. I attended workshops with some of the educators who worked for Head Start. I often felt a bit guilty. They worked just as hard as I, were amazing educators, yet their compensation, retirement, was much less then mine. I hold great respect for them. I learned then, the importance of equity for all!
Your convictions and thoughts and drive, I feel will benefit many. This is a great idea for a research project!!!
Millie