Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  NAEYC's Statement on #FamiliesBelongTogether

    Posted 06-26-2019 04:59 PM

    In the past week, our country has learned devastating details about the living conditions of young children being held in custody by our government at the U.S. border. From the onset, NAEYC has stood with our partners in early childhood education and beyond in opposition to the separation of children from their parents. We have relied on decades of research and our code of ethical conduct to respond to this issue-recognizing our collective ethical responsibility to fight against and work to change policies that are "emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children." 

    In light of the details about the trauma being inflicted on babies and young children as they are denied even the most basic of necessities, we are building upon our previous statements to restate our opposition to policies harming children and families. We reaffirm our commitment to all children, and to helping them thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential. This commitment is why, this past Monday, we endorsed the HELP Separated Children Act and Help Separated Families Act, which was introduced by Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard to codify protections for children and help keep immigrant families together.

    We recognize the power of our individual and collective voices and ask that you join us as early childhood educators and allies speaking out in support of children and families. Call your members of Congress and ask them to support the HELP Separated Children Act and Help Separated Families Act to:

    •  ensure parents can make decisions about their children's care before being detained or deported
    •  require agents who come into contact with children during enforcement actions receive training to minimize trauma; and
    •  require child welfare agencies to have protocols in place to help children in the system reunify with detained or deported parents.

    Regardless of where you stand on issues of immigration, we implore you to set politics aside. Early childhood educators have a professional obligation to advance the well-being of children, and we must act on that obligation today and always. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to standing up for children and families in your communities, and beyond.  



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    National Association for the Education of Young Children
    Washington DC
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  • 2.  RE: NAEYC's Statement on #FamiliesBelongTogether

    Posted 06-27-2019 07:15 AM
    Thank you for for using our collective voice to speak for the children! This is why I'm a member. Keep up the good work!

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    Emily Hefko
    Pardeeville WI
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  • 3.  RE: NAEYC's Statement on #FamiliesBelongTogether

    Posted 06-27-2019 08:54 AM
    It would help us all to have the Bill Number.  Is there a corresponding Bill in the Senate?

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    John Surr
    Peace Educators Interest Forum
    Charlottesvle VA
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  • 4.  RE: NAEYC's Statement on #FamiliesBelongTogether

    Posted 06-28-2019 04:55 PM

    I appreciate NAEYC's Statement on #FamiliesBelongTogether. It is professionally written, but for me personally, it does not contain the sense of outrage that is so needed to bring attention to these unbelievable and horrific actions against children and their families.



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    Helen Wallick
    Member
    PEACE
    Redlands CA
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  • 5.  RE: NAEYC's Statement on #FamiliesBelongTogether

    Posted 06-29-2019 06:49 AM
    Oh, yes, Helen.  While crying at home--I can't wait to scream and yell in the streets. I am deeply ashamed.  We have in our history so many shameful instances of enslaving and/or capturing and incarcerating Black and Brown people, Native and Asian people.  Here we are again.

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    Aren Stone
    Child Development Specialist
    The Early Years Project
    Cambridge, MA
    she/her
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  • 6.  RE: NAEYC's Statement on #FamiliesBelongTogether

    Posted 06-30-2019 04:59 PM
    I too an ENRAGED that (so called) humans can treat innocent little people, this way.  I just want to go to those children and hug them, read to them, sing with them and give each a stuffed animal or blankie. It bring tears to my eyes every time I hear about it (and now).
    Who, in the administration of these programs, doesn't understand the life changing effect this has on children (and parents) of all ages, but especially the youngest. This level of stress changes a person's brain and DNA which effects immunity, development, and much more for generations to come. We've seen what PTSD can do to adult military tough guys (and gals), what will it do to these children (and their adults)? WE will need to provide mental, physical  and other health services to them for years to come or deal with the consequences.  The people who run these programs are hurting US as a society when they purposefully and needlessly handicap a segment of our population. 
    Does anyone know if there is anything a citizen can do to help? (besides call your congress-people)  I heard people showed up with blankets and toothbrushes and were told that the program didn't accept donations.  AAAAAHHHHH!!!!

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    Vicki Knauerhase M.Ed.
    Child Development Specialist (retired)
    Weston OH
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