When watching the videos about the Harlem Children Zone, I became very interested in their community approach. Instead of just providing the children with a higher quality education, they also focus on giving them the resources they need outside of school. Part of this involves programs that are for children who are not yet school age.
The Baby College is the 9-week training (that was mentioned in the video) for not only parents with children 3 years old and younger, but also parents who are expecting. I think this is a great way to build a strong foundation from the beginning. In so many of my development classes we have learned how important the first 3 years of life are for a child. In the past I have really wondered why we don't focus as much on providing quality education and development for children before they get to kindergarten or preschool. I think the Harlem Children Zone has the right idea on how to reach children before they fall below grade level.
I've thought a lot about how I would love to be a toddler teacher, but the sad truth is... they just don't make enough money. I don't understand why daycare and preschool teachers are not valued and paid well when they have such an impact on children that could affect them forever.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI think being a toddler teacher would be a blast, unfortunately, like you said there isn't much pay. It's not all about the money of course, but you do want to have a comfortable life! You would think that they would get paid higher since they have to have a huge amount of energy to keep up with the children! I see how much my little niece, who is enrolled in preschool, learns. The teachers are creating a strong foundation for her to build off of so I definitely think that they deserve to be paid more. I'm happy she has this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteIn the movie it was nice to see at-risk areas, like Harlem, providing these opportunities at an even younger age! I really don't think there could be any negative outcome from putting children in these kinds of classes. I hope to see more of these "zone" communities.