I enjoyed reading about early childhood quality in the section on the right hand side under policies briefs. There was an article on the early childhood workforce in developed countries. I found a section of this article to be interesting because it talked about the origins of early childhood services. Dating back to the 19th century, there were two main origins in early childhood services: nurseries for poor families and schools for middle class families. Today we offer early education to all familes; however, because of this history, there is a divide between systems with differences in staff, access, cost, funding, and regulations. Still we have divided systems with one system offering "childcare workers" and the other offering "teachers". There is a difference in education levels, pay for staff, employment conditions, and social status between the two systems. In towns all across America, this is still a problem today and education professionals and early childhood advocates are trying to change this through policy reform.
Under the investments tab, I found an interesting article that shared information about how Colombia created and two percent early childhood development payroll tax in order to improve programs for children and families in Colombia. In 2004, 21% of the population received services. An evaluation showed that the programs created by the funds from this tax expanded women's employment, improved children's cognitive and social development, and protected children. However, the following areas still needed improvement: home child care environments, mother educator training, child development, nutrition, and health services.
I found this paragraph on access to be very powerful.
"Central governments must ensure an equitable distribution of resources among different populations and especially those who live in the most disadvantaged regions. This approach aims to expand access without creating serious regional inequities. However, where there is universal provision for a certain age group while the overall enrolment in other age groups is low, this policy can create inequity."
Resource:
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/access/
Tabitha,
ReplyDeleteThe last paragraph you shared reminded me about what I had learned from my international contact. It seems that depending on where you live in Kenya will decide what kind of education you receive. Countries are taking different steps to make a change but its not always effecting everyone in that country.
Thanks!