In an article I found online in regards to NAEYC, it had a section on how to implement high quality programs in the early childhood field. I find this an important professional development topic for myself. The artcle mentions how certain types of funding are being used in various states to achieve a high quality program.
In Connecticut, the School Readiness Program can be funded only if it meets current NAEYC Accreditation requirements.
In Massachusetts, their "universal pre-k program requires recipients of classroom quality grants to be accredited by NAEYC' (NAEYC, 2010). They have the most accredited prekindergarten programs in the nation.
Another initiative being used are tax credits. Arkansas and Maine both give families a tax credit if their child attends an accredited program.
Through funds/initiatives of private and public sectors a program can become accredited. Again these programs ensure a high quality environment for our children.
After reading the article, it made me stop and think about how our early childhood programs could be if it was required for all to be accredited. I know from my own experience that NAEYC is very structured and strict with their practices. I wonder if this would be a good thing for all the states to mandate. Massachusetts feels that it is a great opportunity for their youngsters. It surprises me that other states have not followed them.
This contributes to my understanding of how economists/neuroscientist/politicians support ECF in that we have private and public sectors that are willing to help fund these programs. One organization that was mentioned by name was United Way. I feel that these organizations are not going to spend funds if they feel they are not worth while. It is obvious to me that groups/organizations are willing to help our young children. The accreditation process is expensive and time demanding.
Reference:
NAEYC. (2010). State and local quality improvement support efforts. Young Children Vol. 65(1) January, 2010. Retrieved from www.oldweb.naeyc.org
WoW! That was a good read Alisa. Thank you for sharing really good information. I never knew it was so demanding to start to school. I believe it would be a good thing for school in all states to be mandated. But, my question would be for poor child in some areas that are not even use to going to the zoo. What do you do with them when they start your program and not able to meet the guidelines for that school. Will there be other schools they can attend? Poor child that do not have the basic needs every night when they go to bed is not going to be able to meet certain guidelines to enter school that require you know so much before you can enter their doors. Again thank you for this post it really gives us all something to think about.
ReplyDeleteAlisa,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing so much information. I think that standards should be mandated. Every child deserves to have the opportunity to attend a high quality early childhood program.
Alisa-
ReplyDeleteIn MN, the United Way has recently partnered with our local MNAEYC to fund the facilitation project that supports programs pursuing accreditation. Their goal is to see 350 programs in the Minneapolis metro area accredited in the next three years!
Thank you for your post!
Katherine