Discussion 2: Understanding Measures of Quality Within the Field
As you have been learning, the field of early childhood is one of great breadth. Understanding the field requires knowledge of the rich and complex variety of early programs and services that exist in support of young children and their families, where programs are offered and to whom, the standards that shape programs, and how programs are monitored and funded. Each of these factors can affect outcomes for children and families directly and indirectly. Take time to review the multimedia piece "Five Sectors in the Early Childhood Field," paying close attention to the monitoring, funding, and quality segments, and consider what you have learned about the incredible breadth of the field as well as information on program effectiveness, standards, and monitoring as presented in your learning resources. With this in mind, consider the following:
Although the field of early childhood has long debated the use of universal standards, increasing concerns about the discrepancy of quality in and across programs has led to growing support of universal standards for teacher preparation, program administration, curriculum, assessment, and parent/family communication (Seefeldt, 2005). Consider the universal standards movement, the state of existing standards within the field, and what you have learned about quality related to early childhood education programs.
After you have considered these factors:
By Thursday of Week 1:
Post:
What you view as the existing gaps in monitoring quality standards within the field
Your perspective with regard to the benefits of universal standards
Your perspective with regard to potential challenges and/or drawbacks to implementing universal standards
Be sure to include references to and examples from the readings and multimedia presentation to support your answers
http://nieer.org/resources/policybriefs/2.pdf
_ Reading
http://www.researchconnections.org/childcare/resources/818/pdf
_ Reading
The reading will help with this discussion question
.
Understanding Measures of Quality in Early Childhood
1. Discussion 2: Understanding Measures of Quality Within the
Field
As you have been learning, the field of early childhood is one of
great breadth. Understanding the field requires knowledge of
the rich and complex variety of early programs and services that
exist in support of young children and their families, where
programs are offered and to whom, the standards that shape
programs, and how programs are monitored and funded. Each of
these factors can affect outcomes for children and families
directly and indirectly. Take time to review the multimedia
piece "Five Sectors in the Early Childhood Field," paying close
attention to the monitoring, funding, and quality segments, and
consider what you have learned about the incredible breadth of
the field as well as information on program effectiveness,
standards, and monitoring as presented in your learning
resources. With this in mind, consider the following:
Although the field of early childhood has long debated the use
of universal standards, increasing concerns about the
discrepancy of quality in and across programs has led to
growing support of universal standards for teacher preparation,
program administration, curriculum, assessment, and
parent/family communication (Seefeldt, 2005). Consider the
universal standards movement, the state of existing standards
within the field, and what you have learned about quality
related to early childhood education programs.
After you have considered these factors:
By Thursday of Week 1:
Post:
What you view as the existing gaps in monitoring quality
standards within the field
Your perspective with regard to the benefits of universal
standards
Your perspective with regard to potential challenges and/or
2. drawbacks to implementing universal standards
Be sure to include references to and examples from the readings
and multimedia presentation to support your answers
http://nieer.org/resources/policybriefs/2.pdf
_ Reading
http://www.researchconnections.org/childcare/resources/818/pdf
_ Reading
The reading will help with this discussion question
