Is 40% a high number? It is if one is referring to the percentage of infants and toddlers that are in a care setting that is potentially harmful to their development. This is an alarming statistic that has come out of recent research.
One way to combat this statistic is to ensure that quality care and educational settings are put into place. Within the field of early childhood education one such “quality-control” measure is the accrediting body many are familiar with, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Licensing is good but it is the minimal requirements that a center needs to meet. When a center is accredited they are saying that they have raised the bar to meet the higher quality standards that have been set through NAEYC.
Through a process in which compliance of program standards have been evaluated, centers may be granted 3 years of accreditation. These centers continue to write up annual evaluations and agree to stay in continued compliance during this period. But what are the things that these accredited centers are doing that equate to quality care and education that combat the before mentioned 40%? Below is a list of such examples:
· Responsive and interactive caregiving that encourages language development
· Play is highly valued and opportunities and routines are set into place that allow educated play to occur
· Individual differences are acknowledged and utilized within the lesson plans and activities
· The educators within the classroom have a deep understanding of child development and learning and how to apply that knowledge through learning opportunities
· The ratio and group size is lower than the minimal requirements that have been set by the state
· Continued opportunities of emotional and social development within and amongst the children are provided
· Quality toys and educational materials are utilized to challenge the children while also being of interest and safe
· Collaboration between teachers and families is occurring on behalf of the child’s best interest
· The health and safety of all children is of utmost importance in all realms of the classroom
You can use the above bullet points to check the quality of your own setting against. How do you stack up? Are you a proponent to eliminate the 40%?