Pre-K in the Public Schools Status Report

04/15/2003

Pre-K in the Public Schools Status Report

Few minds wear out; more rust out."
–Christian N. Bovee

PRE-K IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS STATUS REPORT

The May 2003 issue of Child Care Information Exchange included an Exchange Trend Report, "Update on Child Care in the Public Schools." In this article Dwayne Crompton, Executive Director of KCMC Child Development Services in Kansas City, Missouri (and President-Elect of NAEYC) observed:

"Public school teachers may not be prepared to work with preschool children. A 1998 nationally representative survey found that 78 percent of kindergarten teachers have professional credentials in elementary education, not in early childhood education. Without specialized training in early childhood education theories, practices, and research, elementary school teachers may not equate professional preschool practices --more individualized activities with time for children to develop their interests and abilities at their own pace--with real teaching. Additionally, teacher credentialing and compensation differences may contribute to tensions and hinder collaboration between public schools, Head Start, and childcare programs. State laws require licensed teachers for children in public schools but no professional credentials in public preschool programs."

The insights of one hundred early childhood professionals were used to shape this trend report. You can read the complete comments from all 100 respondents by going to ....

http://mail.ccie.com/catalog/free_articles.php

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.