Sunday, April 6, 2014
The Political Will to Improve Early Childhood Systems
A strategy that I have discovered as I worked on the assignments in this course, particularly this week, that is currently being used by advocates and organizations to influence the political will toward improving early childhood systems in order to foster the well-being of young children and their families, is the involvement of parents/families in paving the way for policy changes. Bringing in personal stories and the help of families is the best way to make a lasting impression on policy makers and political figures. Solid and feasible evidence is the most effective way to make people listen. Making meaningful and personal connections with families and children is the most appealing aspect of the work to me. I am an emotional person with a need to connect with others on a deeper level, making these connections with families and sharing their stories is what I live for in my line of work. To use their experiences as proof as to why early childhood education and care are so crucial is what motivates me everyday.
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3 comments:
Amber,
Yes I totally agree in bring personal stories to policy makers and political figures. But I can tell you that recently in Georgia parents and advocated were in the capital building lobbying for medical marijuana and autism for children with severe seizures and the bill still didn’t pass. It is a great idea but to educate these politicians, but I believe we as educators need to become policy makers because we have the experience of working with children and families.
Hi Amber,
y
You are on the right track with the personal stories of early childhood educational success stories being related to the policy makers and the political figures. However in my opinion that is only the beginning. As early childhood educators and child care providers we need to educate the policy makers, the politicians, and anyone else in charge of donating funds to early childhood education. We need to also as educators provide genuine care and quality in our education endeavors through accessing new curriculum's that is reflective of the most current information of the latest educational technology. Scientific research suggests that experiences during the first years of life have a lasting impact on how the brain develops. This information promotes healthy learning and development. More creative and specific methods of using computer centers need to adjust to student's learning style. (Current Issues and Trends in Assessment in Early Childhood ...). Through educating the people who are in charge of the funds for early childhood education, and getting them to understand how important up to date learning accessories such as lap tops, computers and other technological learning equipment is, then maybe the funds will continue to flow towards the children's early childhood educational knowledge.
Amber,
Personal stories are a powerful way to build political will. In previous classes I have brought attention to the efficacy of allowing children to advocate for themselves. Anyone who cares just a little bit about children will be moved by a child who can testify firsthand the differences being school has had in their lives. Or teenagers being able to stand up and be advocates themselves. That is truly powerful. Your strategy has proven to be effective.
Annie P.
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