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$10 Billion for Early Childhood Education?
December 19, 2008
I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity.
-Eleanor Roosevelt
-Eleanor Roosevelt
- "In the presidential debates, he twice described it as among his highest priorities, and his choice for secretary of education, Arne Duncan, the Chicago schools superintendent, is a strong advocate for it."
- "Despite the recession, Mr. Obama has emphasized his interest in making strategic investments in early childhood education. Asked if the financial troubles might force him to scale back, Jen Psaki, a spokeswoman for the transition, said, 'We simply cannot afford to sideline key priorities like education.'"
- "It is not as though Mr. Obama is running against the wind. Major philanthropists including Bill Gates; Warren Buffett’s children; and George B. Kaiser, an Oklahoma oil billionaire, are financing education efforts for the very young. And the chairman of the Federal Reserve and many governors have said that expanding early childhood education should be a national priority."
- "Now that new initiatives seem likely, experts are debating how best to improve America’s early childhood system, which they call fantastically fragmented, unconscionably under-financed and bureaucratically bewildering. Some hesitate to use the word 'system' at all."
- "Debates cut many ways. Some advocates want the nation to start by expanding services to all 4-year-olds. Others say improving care for infants and toddlers cannot wait. Some insist that middle-class and wealthy children must have access to public preschool. Others say the priority should remain with the poor. Mr. Obama’s platform, which Mr. Duncan helped write, emphasizes extending care to infants and toddlers as well, and it makes helping poor children a priority. It would also provide new federal financing for states rolling out programs to serve young children of all incomes."
- "Outright opponents are fewer, and certainly less influential than they once were. In 1971, President Richard M. Nixon vetoed a bill that would have underwritten child care for everyone, arguing that the bill 'would commit the vast moral authority of the national government to the side of communal approaches to child rearing over against the family-centered approach.' For years after that, conservatives blocked many early childhood initiatives, but resistance has diminished in recent years."
In 12 days, the discounted Early Bird Registration fee for the 2009 World Forum on Early Care and Education expires. On January 1, 2009 the regular registration fee takes effect. Register today and save!
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Comments (6)
Displaying All 6 CommentsRenton, WA, United States
Well, it's about time that the importance of Early Learning is getting the recognition it deserves in this country! I have been an early learning professional for almost 40 years, and I am thrilled that we have so many new friends in high places and potential funding sources. It's important for us to remember that all this new attention puts us under the microscope, and our committment to best practice, quality improvement and professional development is more important than ever.
the grand child care center
chicago, IL, United States
I am in child care field for almost 25 years- and immegrant from India. Government is thinking about young children more than ever befor shows a good intention. But as in Gujarati there is a saying,' No matter what you do but nails will always be away from the fingers!' Meaning if you polish your nails - which will make your finger nails look very nice and pretty , but it will not give any benifite to your finger tips! All the funding to educate young children will not bring the result untill you educate the young parents. And hold them accountable for their child raising philosophy.I have seen many young parents , keepig baby in crib almost all the time, toddler in front of the T.V.! Change should come from root level and that root is parenting skills at home and not the child care centers.
Tresures Family Child Care
Davidsonville, Maryland, United States
I have more questions than anything at this juncture. Where will the money come from for this huge initiative. Why is this a responsibility of the federal government and not of the private sector and local government?
Will lowering the age of public education further force the closings of existing quality family child care programs that are already offering a rich learning environment for our children? Will these public programs start up only to fail in the not too far future for lack of funds? Will government sponsored programs exist primarily to justify their own existence and continued funding as many other government programs have in the past?
Creedmoor Road Baptist Preschool
United States
Our children are our GREATEST resourse.
DARE to AFFIRM
Pitman, NJ, United States
As we approach a New Year, this article gives me a great sense of optimism and hope as WE ALL WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT OUR VERY YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES...and each other!
It will be wonderful to have an administration that has us- BEGINNING WITH BABIES- as a national priority - and hears our voices!!
Peace, Healing and Blessings to All.
Richland Community College
Dallas, TX, United States
Having been an Early Childhood educator
for 43 years, I welcome the recognition of the importance of Early Childhood by President Elect Obama. Hopefully, Congress under his leadership will recognize the importance also & agree to the initiative.
At last, somebody in government gets it!
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