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Why Air Opposing Views?
August 28, 2008
As each of us embraces the natural strength of heart that exists within us, we express our inborn courage and become a message of hope in our own sphere of influence, which creates a ripple effect in our bigger world.
-Elyssa Nelson
-Elyssa Nelson
Some may question why we should provide coverage to critics of our profession. Over the years, we have provided many stories reporting research bolstering the value of the work we do. We all need to know about this research to improve our practice, to motivate people who work in this field, and to educate parents, politicians, funders, and regulators.
However, there are many who believe that children should not participate in preschool programs and are vigorous opponents of any public support for early childhood education. We need to be just as cognizant of what our critics are saying about our field as we are of what our supporters are saying. We need to be prepared to counter their claims — some of which may be specious, and some of which may be well grounded.
ExchangeEveryDay is not designed to promote the views of the editors of Exchange Magazine or to favor any other viewpoint. Rather, the purpose of ExchangeEveryDay is to share a wide range of viewpoints, news, and ideas in order to stimulate dialog and reflection. When you see that we are veering away from this purpose and using our editorial license unfairly, please let us know. And, if you think we are offering a valuable service, you can best show your appreciation by encouraging your colleagues to subscribe to ExchangeEveryDay.
The Exchange Job Opportunity Service now lists director, teacher, and sales positions in California, Washington, New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland, Texas, Illinois, Oregon, New York, and Pennsylvania. Check them out if you are considering a change of scenery, or post your jobs if you are looking for new team members.
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ExchangeEveryDay is the official electronic newsletter for Exchange Press. It is delivered five days a week containing news stories, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.
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Comments (17)
Displaying 5 of 17 Comments [ View all ]the grand child care center
chicago, IL, United States
I applaud the editors of the 'exchange everyday ' magazine for their zest to share the wide range of view points. .'Exchange' is like a 'One -a -day ' vitamin' for me and for my child care career. it's very convenient to read as it comes directly in my mail box , keeping me up date with current child care issues. It was interesting to know about opposing views on preschool as working as a day care center director for 20 years , I had almost forgotten to look at the child care issues from other way around! I read almost all the comments . Definitely it will be a topic to discussion in my next staff meeting! And I think it will be a good idea to discuss some of the concerns to the parents of the new children who are starting preschool for the first time.
Bronx, NY, United States
Without having seen the studies on which this opinion is based, it is impossible to know how much validity the opinion has.
There are so many factors involved. Preschools vary widely in their quality -and in their definition of quality in preschool education. Elementary teachers have varying expectations.
There is no doubt in my mind that poor quality preschool education has the potential contribute to a child's difficulties in elementary school just as high quality preschool education can contribute to success.
Lack of support for preschool education means that recruiting, educating, and retaining qualified teachers is extremely difficult. Research, I am told, shows that the quality of preschool teachers has been declining over the past 20 (at least) years.
The part of our role that requires us to be advocates for young children gets more and more difficult as politicians decide that testing is necessary and recess, physical education and arts education are unimportant. Not to mention how difficult it is to be a child without time to move about or to express oneself.
We need to be kept aware of how the non-professionals are thinking,, about our field. To quote Judith Martin (Miss Manners) Teaching is cursed with being one of the jobs ... that every layman is certain he could do better than the professionals.
Covington, KY, United States
Thank you for presenting both sides of the issue. This is one of the reasons I appreciate ChildCare Exchange. Why should we not want to know what "everyone" feels about this issue. Thankk you for the work you do.
Las Cruces, NM, United States
I appreciate that Exchange Every Day is committed to presenting both sides of an issue. I don't always have the time to do well rounded research, and it's nice to have a synopsis delivered to my inbox. I remember talking with a friend who worked for a political group doing community education about the amount of research she did to get information about opposing points of view. Her take was, "You always have to know what the opposite viewpoint is and what the opposing team is doing to share their message. It makes me really think about my messages and actually helps me to make my message stronger." As someone else commented, knowledge is power. To make our point of view strong, we need to understand the opposition.
Moorpark/Simi Valley Neighborhood for Learning
Oak View, CA, United States
Bravo! The "Opposing View on Preschool" article was much needed. Everyone's voice needs to be heard! It's important not to just dig in our ECE heels and ignore the realities of opposing views. Of all people we ought to know that there are no absolutes when it comes to child development. Children are raised in a such a wide range of family dynamics, cultures & communities, economics, etc. that it is unwise to believe that just one system model is the best answer for everyone.
We must continue to seek to understand each other's positions, share our stories and knowledge to create new and better solutions for the challenges of providing high quality early childhood care and education. Keeping the children and families at the heart of the conversation will keep us all moving forward.
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