Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Three Wishes--What should government-funded early care and education look like?

    Posted 06-11-2021 11:37 AM
    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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  • 2.  RE: Three Wishes--What should government-funded early care and education look like?

    Posted 06-17-2021 11:50 PM
    Hello Jenny,

    Thank you for bringing this topic up in the Hello Community.  I agree with you and have designed a new preschool that addresses the issues you brought up and solves a few more.  There are solutions but it seems like people don't know what to do, and I know what to do but don't know how to find the right people to talk to about it.  Like who do you contact is my question?  I seriously have solutions and have written it as it is being copywritten process now.  

    So one solution to the universal preschool for all concept is easy, just make it be universal preschool tuition grants for all.  That's like going to college you get a grant or loan and pick what college to attend.  The same has to be an option for parents, they need to be able to select where they want their child to go to preschool, and just need help to pay the tuition.    
    I know it is a different idea but seriously would be easier than trying to build government toddler classrooms.  We agree on the problems with universal classrooms for young children.  Let's make it easier for everyone.  I have more ideas and look forward to sharing them in the future.
    Sincerely,







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    Melanie Smith
    The Preschool Doctor
    thepreschooldoctor.com
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  • 3.  RE: Three Wishes--What should government-funded early care and education look like?

    Posted 06-25-2021 08:45 PM
    "A feature peculiar to 20th century dictatorships was their concern with reaching the juvenile mind. Youth was to be trained, educated and organized by the State."

    Urvashi Goutam, "Pedagogical Nazi Propaganda"

    With that in mind, with cradle-to-college education in mind, I think public-funded early education is something we need to watch out for. We can't just sit back and "let" it happen. I know that the kids in my community deserve more. Look at our public K-12 schools. Why would we even "think" about opening that door to our most vulnerable?

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    Lindsay
    Billings, MT
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