The first Preschool Nation Summit was recently held in NYC. The theme of this conference was
How does the US become a pre-school nation that believes all children deserve high-quality early learning opportunities?
A great question and a great goal !
Mayor De Blasio, D. NYC, in his keynote address shared how this goal is being met in NYC. 50,000 4 year olds will be provided with pre-school opportunities beginning this fall, with 70,000 children to be served by next year; available to all families regardless of income.
Suzanne Immerman, senior advisor to Arne Duncan at the USDE shared that another $250 million will soon be made available at the state and local level through the Pre-School Development Grants program.
www.preschoolnationorg/preschool-nation-summit-2014/
How does the US become a pre-school nation that believes all children deserve high-quality early learning opportunities?
What does high quality mean? How is it defined and measured? What accountability tools and processes are being put into place- through QRIS, Early Learning Standards, curriculum approvals?
What are the goals this pre-school nation will have for the thousands of children deserving of a high-quality learning opportunity?
How will teachers who have the education and experience to provide high quality opportunities for all going to be recognized, prepared, and retained?
How can enough high-quality pre-school opportunities be provided, particularly in such a rapid time frame?
The Montessori education community should be a voice in this conversation. We have a time-tested and research based philosophy, teaching method, and curriculum that works. We have clear standards and goals for what high quality pre-school means. We have teachers who are highly educated and experienced. We have a "mixed delivery system" of private and public programs ready and willing to enroll children from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and learning needs.
How will we be a part of the US becoming a pre-school nation that believes all children deserve high-quality learning opportunities?
We each have a role and contribution to make. What are you going to do?
Montessori Forward
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