This week preknow.org had a lot of discussion about many of the issues that are going on with pre-K across the nation. I have been working with Georgia Lottery Pre-K since 1993 and because of the changes that Governor Nathan Deal and his committee have brought forth, as of the Fall of 2011, I may not be working in a Pre-K classroom, unless I am approved to be the Lead Teacher. Starting in the Fall of 2011, the Lead Teacher for a Pre-K classroom in a Public school, does not have to be certified, so what will happen to the children in those classrooms? I have a BA in Social Work and an Associate in ECE, so I am waiting to see if I meet the requirements to become a Lead Teacher, I sure do hope I can be a Lead Teacher, because I love Pre-K and the children that enter into the classroom.
The ideas from this week made me think about what will happen to the children that are in a Ga. Lottery classroom, if the person hired doesn't have experience with children particularly four year olds. Most children in pre-k have never been on a school setting, so they need extra love and support and teachers have to build a strong relationship with parents, because you as the teacher are responsible for their baby. I love meeting the parents during our home visits and starting a relationship that can last a life time.
There were several economists and politicians that were against Gov. Deal's proposal to make Georgia pre-K half day, so all parties got together and talked with and Gov. Deal decided to keep pre-k the full 6.5 hours, due to parents having to find and pay for after school, especially for those children that would have attended a public school pre-k classroom.
Pre-k programs are essential and every young child deserves to attend a program, so that he or she can play, develop social skills and learn the skills necessary for kindergarten and future years of education. I hope that all of the people that are in office and decide what is best for our children's education, make the right decisions and do what is best for each individual child.
In my judgment, pre-k is a successful program and many children have benefited from the program. I have enjoyed working with pre-k and watching all of the children throughout my years, grow and become successful. Every child deserves only the best.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog, you can hear the passion in your tone ((: I really hope that you are awarded the opportunity to become the lead teacher, because I believe you have a lot to offer.
My program is accreditated through NAEYC and all of our lead teachers are required to have a CDA or an Associates degree in ECE. However, requirement is going to eventually change to a BA degree. We try to promote their professional growth by funding their CDAs and we've partnered with one of the colleges so that they offer courses in our program after hours. We purchase their course material and they usually receive grants to pay for the course. Our goal is to ensure all of our teachers obtain the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of individual children and their families.
I wish you the best Luck Lori, in regards to the need of pre-k programsb for our children are important and valuable. Currently is the suburb I work in which serves 90% of hispanic and african american children from high risk families are struggleling this year, because the pre-k program that served around 240 children had to close down its program due to lack of fundings. My husband has one of several teachers that lost their job because of this.
ReplyDeleteSo, what we have is 240 children ages 3 to 5, sitting at home doing nothing and watching tv. for the most part, how can we expect these children to succeed if we don't provide them with the tools to do so.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteYour passion is evident in your posting, and I hope also that you will be approved as a lead teacher. Young children and their families need dedicated, passionate, educators like yourself. I was also glad to hear that the Governor changed his thinking on half day preschool. My state does not have state funded preschool, we only have Head Start which of course cannot meet the needs of all children. We don't even have enough spots for all of the at risk children in our area. It is my hope that one day all children will have access to quality childcare and education.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteIt is great to hear how committed you are to this field! I really enjoyed reading your posts because I could tell you are very interested in this matter. It is important for early childhood teachers to be supportive and passoinate, and you display this in your post.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI used to work in the More At Four program in NC! That was the first two years that I taught and the program was new to NC. I believe that those two years were the best years in my teaching career! That is also why I decided to get my Masters in Early Childhood Education.
I am sorry to hear that there are cuts in your area, and that you are in lingo waiting to hear about your status. I am surprised that the governor changed the policy to a non-certified Lead Teacher. This seems a little backwards to me. When I taught in More At Four the teachers all had to be certified staff. I am interested in the logic to support this and how is the public school system allowing uncertified teachers in a public school class?
I am planning to open a Preschool in the near future and I am excited! The learning that takes place in Pre-K is so exciting and rejuvenating, I know that this is where my heart is.
Wishing you the best.
Jennifer Jones