Web Resources Part 2
What specific section(s) or information seemed
particularly relevant to your current professional development?
The ZERO TO THREE policy agenda for the Administration and 113th
Congress was relevant as it discusses school readiness for infants and
toddlers. Too many infants and toddlers lack the key resources needed for a
good start on the school readiness path. Zero to Three (2013) stated, “The
solution: public policies that ensure children are ready for school and life by
incorporating the infant-toddler years as an essential part of the birth-to-8
continuum. ZERO TO THREE applauded the President for making babies and toddlers
a priority in his 2014 budget proposal, with a substantial investment in early
learning. This matter is of high importance and one that much research has been
placed on. We need to start early with
consistent, high-quality, evidence-based supports that match what parents need
and help parents nurture the early development of their babies and toddlers.
Which ideas/statements/resources, either on
the website or in an e-newsletter, did you find controversial or made you think
about an issue in new ways?
Early experiences influence whether this important foundation
will be strong or fragile. The early years thus present a prime opportunity to
positively influence the course of a young child’s life. The best investment is
in early childhood.
What information does the website or the
e-newsletter contain that adds to your understanding of how economists,
neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field?
Supporting early
development is a wise investment:At the same time that science reveals the importance of development in the earliest years, program evaluation research is able to highlight effective strategies to improve the lives of at-risk children and their families. Strong relationships can help buffer children from the toxic stress that can undermine healthy brain development. Proven approaches—some beginning during the important prenatal period—can help diminish the gaps and promote stronger social-emotional foundations. “Economists estimate that for every dollar invested in early childhood programs, saving $3.73 to $17.07 can be expected in future expenditures, in part by reducing the occurrence of negative educational and life outcomes” (Zero to Three, 2013).
The Policy of Zero to Three:
“The ZERO TO THREE (2013) Policy Center promotes good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences for all infants and toddlers, with special emphasis on those who are the most vulnerable and in need. The Policy Center advances public policy solutions and investments for the health and development of very young children and their families. In doing so, the Policy Center synthesizes and disseminates knowledge, cultivates advocacy leadership, and engages policymakers.” This website is full of information pertaining to the importance of supporting children and families in helping get them off to a great start.
Zero to Three (2013). Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/
Hi Kerrian,
ReplyDeleteGood post. Indeed the Zero to three website presents some articles that clearly explain the perspectives and support criteria of the economists, politicians and neuroscientists. I think that it is great that The budget includes $1.4 billion to expand the comprehensive supports offered to the most vulnerable families through Early Head Start – which for almost 20 years has proven it improves both child and parental outcomes. The plan would provide $200 million in 2014 specifically to create more high-quality child care options for babies and toddlers with working parents, using Early Head Start’s quality benchmarks, expertise, and resources. Looking ahead, the budget proposal provides for $7 billion over 10 years to ensure young children and families have access to high-quality child care.
Kerrian,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I really like what the Zero to Three website has to offer. It is very informational and presents information for everyone. I also appreciate the fact that they focused on school readiness for infants and toddlers. A strong foundation will lead young children towards success in the future. Great post!
Hi Kerrian,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the many interesting thoughts and points that you posted. I read an article from the Harvard developing child global initiative which was called The Foundations of Lifelong Health Are Built in Early Childhood which touched on many of the same areas that you talked about. From this article I also learned how early childhood events whether physical or emotional can have long lasting and often permanent effects on the child. In this article it dealt with the national forum on early childhood policy and programs which were concerned with issues dealing with the fact that any adverse events or memorable experiences that occur early in child- hood can have lifelong consequences for both the physical and mental well-being of the child. One point that the author made in this article that I found very interesting and promising was that if it were possible to provide a way to enhance the healthy development of young children by reducing the disruptive effects of significant adversity on developing biological systems certain adult diseases might be avoided. Progress toward this goal include the study of (1) the biology of health; (2) the foundations of health; (3) caregiver and community capacities to promote health and prevent disease and disability; and (4) public and private sector policies and programs that can influence health outcomes by strengthening caregiver and community capacities.
Reference
The Foundations of Lifelong Health Are Built in Early Childhood
Graduate School of Education; Professor of Pediatrics,. Harvard
developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/download_file/-/view/700/
(http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/