learning does not start at age six. A recent research summit at
Georgetown University, reported on by Lisa Guernsey at Early Ed Watch,
brought together the federal departments of Education and Health and
Human Services. The summit focused on the latest research into early
learning and professional development. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of
Health and Human Services and Arne Duncan Secretary of Education
literally rubbed elbows as they shared common ground on the importance
of early learning.
Collaboration between departments of education and health and human services has been long-in-coming. David Kirp
first discussed the idea of Head Start, a Health and Human Services
program learning how to share the pre-k sandbox with state-funded
preschool programs. The overlapping services and, in some models,
braided funding of state and federal monies has spurred the social
emotional development of some governmental bureaucracies. Let's hope
that the country catches on and starts to think of service delivery to
children first before thinking about which program will deliver it.
first discussed the idea of Head Start, a Health and Human Services
program learning how to share the pre-k sandbox with state-funded
preschool programs. The overlapping services and, in some models,
braided funding of state and federal monies has spurred the social
emotional development of some governmental bureaucracies. Let's hope
that the country catches on and starts to think of service delivery to
children first before thinking about which program will deliver it.
This melting away of the distinctions between education and
childcare can only lead to more respect for preschool teachers and
hopefully, a more child-friendly entry into the educational system. If
this happens then we might see a shift in the reason for pre-k. Instead
of pre-k getting kids ready for school, with more collaboration between
departments of education and human services, schools could become more
ready for kids. In states this is already happening. Is it happening in
yours?
childcare can only lead to more respect for preschool teachers and
hopefully, a more child-friendly entry into the educational system. If
this happens then we might see a shift in the reason for pre-k. Instead
of pre-k getting kids ready for school, with more collaboration between
departments of education and human services, schools could become more
ready for kids. In states this is already happening. Is it happening in
yours?
Image: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2009/10/22/2009-10-22_production_of_swine_flu_vaccine_is_way_behind_government_promised_.html
