Web Resources & Articles

NIEER - National Institute for Early Education Research, www.nieer.org
NIEER  "conducts and communicates research to support high-quality, effective early childhood education for all young children".  They support and oversee state and national progress in early education including supporting legislation, standards, regulations, and policy.  This organization has a wealth of information to help anyone stay informed on current events and hot topics in the field of early education.  There are many blogs and forums that individuals can follow and provide feedback.

Check out the latest Hot Topic : Early Education in the President's FY15 Budget Proposal.
Volume 15, Issue 5: Friday, March 7, 2014  http://nieer.org/publications/online-newsletters/volume-13-issue-5 

This article proposes funding to be used that will support early childhood education programs, not only programs for children who are four and will be entering kindergarten next year, but for very young children as well through Early Head Start initiatives and home visiting programs.  

With all this talk on preschool being available to all children, one must contemplate if that is really what is best.  A supporting article by the Department of Education states, "the importance of early learning is clear. Studies prove that children who have rich early learning experiences are better prepared to thrive in kindergarten and beyond" (Department of Education http://www2.ed.gov/documents/budget/2015/early-learning-2015.pdf  ). I agree that rich early childhood experiences prepare children, not only for learning in school but for many life experiences.  I believe early childhood is the time to set the foundation and love for learning in the future.  I also believe that many of these experiences can happen in the child's home.

Who are we to say that every child should attend a quality preschool?  Why should children leave their home at four years old where they can receive rich experiences with a loving parent, where they can receive more individualized attention compared to the 1:10 - 1:16 ratio four year old preschoolers receive.  Why should they be exposed to the attitudes, beliefs, actions, and words of other children, teachers, volunteers, and other community helpers in a classroom setting? 

Now, I am not speaking of children who need to attend a full day child care/preschool service because they do not have a parent in the home during the day, but to the children who are fortunate enough to have a parent who is home with them during the day and can give them time and attention.  Will these children not have the opportunity to have "rich early learning experiences"?  When we speak of universal pre-k or free preschool for all four year olds, are we not sending the message that every child needs and will benefit from preschool services.  I beg to differ.  Many four year olds are right where they belong... home with a parent or loving caregiver who can provide them all the love, attention, and experiences they need to prepare them for school. 

Yes, there are the children, those who do have a parent at home who are not providing the best environment for their kids.  I get it.  But please, let's not look at universal pre-k as the answer to our educational system getting better.  Let's not allow all this news and topics to blanket the need for early childhood education in a center or group setting.