ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

I think that one of the issues that we must deal with is that Early Childhood Education has had its 15 minutes of fame. I don't think that we had the most of our time 15 years ago, so now we are going to have to re-acquaint the general poplulation with the critical needs of our field. That we should be turning out the best prepared children entering kindergarten in the history of the world, and we are not giving who are most vulernable ready, in spite legislators passing "No Child Left Behind" without adequate monies to make it happen is shameful. I don't believe that money would solve all of the problems, but spread out to those who need help (parents, programs, and schools) to give these children an opportunity to progress.

We are living in a 2 step society, with the have's and the have nots, and the gulf between the two is drifting further apart.

Although the Vision sounds wonderful, I am surprised that the list of participants involved in the development of this vision did not include the higher education group that prepares teachers to educate and care for children from birth to age 8, and which also does much research about educating children from birth to age 8 - NAECTE - the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators. I find this shameful! Do not leave us out of the process!

I found the introduction of this policy vision the most inspiring session of the recent NACCRRA Symposium. There are more groups and individuals other than those listed here that have given input and/or signed on to this. The level of collaboration is breathtaking, and what they've achieved together is monumental. Warm thanks to all the sisters and brothers at NACCRRA for having this vision and pulling it off.
Now it's Congress' turn.