The organization I chose is: Pre[K]Now: A Campaign of the Pew Center on the Stateshttp://www.preknow.org/.
The focus of this organization is: The vision is a nation in which every child enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. To collaborate with advocates and policy makers to lead a movement for high-quality voluntary prekindergarten for all three and four year olds.
The organization has current information that details the importance of pre-k across the United States and how early childhood professionals can get involved with state and local officials, to provide the best possible early education to young children.
I learned that there are many states that have pre-k and that there are many educators who know and believe the imprtance of a high quality education is very important at an early age. In my judgment, pre-k must be made into a universal program to provide all children an opportunity to learn and be successful.
I think you chose a great organization to follow. It can provide great insight on standards and policies being implemented to empower our programs. My only concern is the issue with funding. Our governor fought for funding progams just like the ones you mentioned to ensure every at risk child between the ages four and five would be given the opportunity to gain access to a high-quality program living in the Hampton area. This was an awesome program for the first two years, but then funding was pulled and some of the programs had to shut down. It would be nice to have a policy in place that guarantees funding for these programs, but I guess that's wishful thinking...
ReplyDeleteLori,
ReplyDeleteI agree that all children need access to Preschool. I often become frustrated in our area because I know so many people who do not qualify for Head Start, or who are on their waiting list. Some families do not qualify based on their income yet there is no possible way financially for them to pay for quality preschool services. Others are on the waiting list and are at the mercy of waiting for an opening. I know this is not just a local problem for our area and that it affects our children on a national level. Thank you for sharing this resource.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the key to children being successful is providing them with a quality early childhood experience. All three and four year olds would benefit from such a program, however children who are less likely to experience the necessary developmental skills in their homes would benefit the most from high quality early childhood centers. I look forward to reading more about the Pre-K Now program.
Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer Jones
Great resource. Having a high quality pre-k program is really important for the success of a child as they enter grade school. I like that the site offers information to parents about the importance of a Pre-K education. I also like that this organization advocates for the right of all 3 and 4 year olds to get this education. It is not fair that some children get pre-k education while others do not. They children who do not go to a preschool or Pre-k are surely at a disadvantage.
ReplyDelete