I've been thinking about Reggio Emilia and how this small town in Italy started their preschool, which eventually became funded by their government. They had a vision as to what they wanted the children in their community to experience. The community looked for an expert, namely
Loris Malaguzzi, to help them develop their vision and turn it into a reality. With talk of universal Pre-K and preschool for all, many of us are frightened of our government mandating what is best for children. So, as early childhood experts and citizens of the U.S., what do we want? Now is the time to be the influential voices in our community and help shape what may become inevitable. I believe that there will always be room for private, non-profit, and parochial schools. Speaking globally, I think that all of us need to contribute our ideas to something that will have this big an impact on our society. So, name your top three wishes for government funded early care and education!
Mine are:
1. Freedom for communities, together with early childhood experts, to develop curriculum based on developmental milestones.
2. New buildings and infrastructure that would provide adequate space for small groups of children from preschool - 2nd grade.
3. Funding for living wages for all staff and faculty.
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Jenny James
Director
First Lutheran Preschool
Ellicott City MD
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