According to Decker, Decker, Freeman, & Knopf, 2009, the growing appreciation for the potential benefits of quality programs of early care and education has strengthened funding agencies' and policy makers' commitment to ensure children's development, growth, and learning. These benefits can be realized, however, only in the high-quality programs with characteristicsd linked to positive outcomes for children.
What is considered a quality program in the State of Hawai`i? Why? If there are quality programs, what makes it a quality program?
I agree that there is a need for quality programs. For me, I believe that a quality program is developmentally age appropriate, engages children, encourages social and emotional development, provides learning opportunities, encourages children to be involved, encourages parent involvement, and promotes literacy.
For the past 7 years, I have been working as a Early Childhood Education Teacher. I love my job! I love seeing children learn. Each morning they will greet you with a hug, then they are waiting, wanting, and eager to learn.
The chapter mentions their is a demand for child care. However, in the state are we providing enough programs for our keiki? Or on our island of Kaua`i?
I do think that we do need more.
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Hi U`ilani,
ReplyDeleteInteresting question -- are we providing enough programs for the keiki of Hawaii? I think you have begun a conversation that includes ideas of cultural relevance and quality. Would it be okay to have corporate-run programs (as described in the Kilderry article) if there were enough spaces for all in the keiki? Do we compromise something in the quantity of programs?
This brings me to quality. Who decides what quality is? Does quality take n different meanings in different communities? Would a quality preschool be the same in Hawaii and New York?
I wonder hoe the text might influence your discussion.
Jeanne
hi u'ilani,
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree Hawai'i needs more affordable and "quality" preschools. Due to our economy, many parents are struggling to meet ends meet. Sometimes, instead of sending their child to preschool, they are forced to leave them home with a family member or friend.
How many preschools does Kauai have?
~suzanne~
Aloha Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI am not sure what you are asking me, could you clarify your question? How many preschools does Kaua`i have all together?
Aloha,
U`i
hello!
ReplyDeleteSorry for the confusion! Just was wondering how many preschools you guys have on the island?
Thanks!
Aloha Jeanne,
ReplyDeleteI do think that Hawai`i is trying their best to provide for keiki. However, I still think that the government should do more. By this I mean, there should be more programs funded by the government that provides adequate services in preparing children for school. Like public schools servicing K-12, they should do the same for preschool.
I think their are privately runned coporate programs, but those programs are privately funded.
No, I don't think that programs should be a like a big business such as Australia. What would happen if the market crashes? I think we have seen that happen to often with drastic results.
If there are enough spaces for all keiki, we should be services all of them. However, programs on Kaua`i come on a first come first serve bases. Therefore, if you get all of your paperwork "on time" your child will get into a program. Or if you make your payment "on time" your child is reserved a space.
If you have a program that services many children at the same time, then yes you maybe sacrificing quantity for quality. What defines quality is a parent and communities point of view? As a teacher, like a mentioned in my answer having developmentally appropriate instruction, building social and emotionaly development, independ/small group instructional lesson, play, and parent involvement.
I think that parents will often decide what is a "quality" program. Sometimes it maybe the community. If parents have money, they will pay for the child to go to the school. If not, then they will select a preschool within their means. However, I feel that it is ultimately the teacher who makes a difference in a child's life. You can pay $1,000 per month, but if the teacher is not enjoying what he/she does, it will not make an impact on a child. The money will be wasted. I am not saying that only expensive programs have quality education. The teacher makes all the difference in the child's learning.
I think a quality preschool in Hawai`i maybe the same quality of preschool in New York. The reason for this is, we have many of the updated, research based quality programs. The only difference, they pay more than we do.
Do you think that if the government was to invest high-quality preschools we could save billions in the long run?
Aloha Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI believe there are approximately 13 different programs on Kaua`i.