Sharing Web Resources--Excellence and Equity

I continued to investigate the Zero to Three website. This week I researched information and links that involved early child care and education. The website has an entire section devoted to “Early Care and Education”. This section is divided into three parts: child care, family friend and neighbor care, and school readiness interactive birth-3. It does discuss issues related to this week’s theme-excellence and equity. Children spend the early years of their lives in the care of other adults that aren’t their parents. This care given by other adults should be high quality. High quality programs are loving, responsive, respect each child’s individuality, and are stimulating. It gives tips for parents on how to choose the best program for their children. The site encourages adults to go to the program and observe their interactions with children. Here is a list of questions parents should consider when choosing the best early childhood educational program?

ü  Do they respond to each child’s needs?

ü  Do they talk and interact with children consistently and effectively?

ü  Do they listen to each child and take into consideration their needs and ideas?

ü  What certification do the adults have in dealing with children?

ü  Is there a schedule posted within/outside the room?

ü  Are the toys and materials located where children can reach them safely? Are hazardous materials out of reach and placed in a safe place?

ü  Does the environment and caregivers accommodate children with special needs?

ü  Are each child’s language, culture, and values respected?

ü  What discipline policy is in place?

ü  Is the environment clean, safe, and appeasing?

ü  Does the teacher-child ratio seem acceptable for your child’s age group?

ü  Is it a licensed program?

ü  Would you feel comfortable leaving your child here for an extended period of time without you?

These questions will help guide parents in choosing a high quality program. This site also gives tips, examples of what consists of quality programs, and ways to prepare your young ones for preschool. Separating from parents can be a big deal for some children. Reassuring children that preschool, or any other early childhood program, is fun and exciting can help the process flow smoothly. It offers a variety of actions that parents can do in order to prepare their children for the big change in lifestyle. I don't have any children at this time, but this website would assist in choosing the correct program for my child and help me prepare me and my child for education outside my home.

Resource

http://www.zerotothree.org/early-care-education/