Chapter
Two
The Field of Early Childhood Education and Care
The
Early Childhood Education Field in the
United States Today
Principle Purposes for Early Childhood Education Programs
To support the learning and development of young children
To care for children when families and adults are working and in training
Facilities and Sponsorships
Centers and Schools
Homes
Public
Private
Trilemma
Quality of the program
Compensation of the staff
Affordability for families
Sometimes called “QCA”:
quality – compensation - affordability
High Quality Early Childhood Education Programs
Safe and Healthful Care
DAP and Stimulation
Positive Interactions with Adults
Encouragement for Social/Emotional Growth
Positive Relationships among Children
Positive Long Term Effects of High Quality ECE Programs
Gains in social, emotional, and cognitive development
Higher school readiness and language development
Higher IQ
Less special education
Fewer grades repeated
Fewer behavioral problems; less criminal justice intervention
Improved health
Economic self sufficiency
Universal
P-K Programs
Research & Reflection
what are the issues and ideas surrounding development of Universal P-K for your State?
Head Start
Comprehensive educational & support service program
Children of low income families
Nutrition, mental health, physical, dental, education, social, and emotional development components
Strengthen families – connect communities