The National Association for the Education of Young Children has recently written a new position statement on advancing diversity and equity. This is the explanation they placed on their website on June 18, 2018:
"If you are a parent or an early childhood educator, you have already hugged a child this morning. You know the lengths you would go to in order to protect your kids. But you don’t have to be either a parent or an educator to understand that separating children from their families—and putting them in a place where they cannot be hugged, touched, or loved—causes harm. And not the kind of harm that is easily repaired. This is the kind of harm that is significant and long-lasting, interfering with positive child development and well-being.
That is why, as an active member of the Protecting Immigrant Families Campaign, NAEYC is working in partnership with our allies in early childhood education and beyond. On June 7, we joined 540 national and state organizations, including many NAEYC affiliates, in writing a letter to the Department of Homeland Security clearly stating our opposition to actions that are separating children from their parents at the U.S. border. We restate that opposition here. There are no ends that justify these means.
The research is clear, and so are our core values. We have relied on them both to respond to this issue, just as we have relied on them to create the draft of our new position statement on advancing diversity and equity, and the stated obligation to create and advance policy solutions that support child well-being and strengthen the bonds between all children and their families."
Source: naeyc.org
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Comments (6)
Displaying 5 of 6 Comments [ View all ]Rainbow River
Los Angeles, Ca, United States
I agree with Jean Wolff. We are diverting resources from our citizens to help other countries deal with their challenges. We have 50,000 homeless in the city of Los Angeles alone. What about those children? What about the children of citizens who are separated from their parents who are in prison for drug and addictions and other criminal problems.
Spirit Child Yoga & ECE Consulting
Toronto, ON, Canada
Thank you for standing up and speaking up on this important issue. We know the child development. We know what is right and what is wrong. To paraphrase a famous quote, when good people do nothing, bad prevails. Thank you and NAEYC for being the good people who do something.
McKor Shalon Nursery
Cherry Hill, NJ, United States
An urgent and very interesting article that is duly noted as a cry for help for many children in this world.
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Thank you so much. Your leadership on this important issue helps me feel not so alone. We know what happens to children's health (both mental and physical) when they are separated from their parents or caregivers. Please continue to speak out!
Beautiful Minds Child Care
Eau Claire, WI, United States
Why would NAEYC take a position against the laws of the United States when there are so many American children who need our help. With all of the issues facing our industry, I don't understand why NAEYC would spend resources getting involved in this issue.
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