During my explorations of early
childhood systems including that of Head Start as well as other organizations,
I have come to understand not only current issues and trends that affect those
systems, but also about how these are significantly shaping the future of the
ECE field. The context of public policy and politics is going in a direction in
which advocates, educators, and parents are seeking improvement in the field of
early childhood care and education.
One of the strategies is involved several
with early childhood system fundamental elements concerns documenting and
accounting for service provision and receipt utilizing technology.
Communication about resources, systematic changes, etc. are being delivered
digitally and to that end, hopefully increasingly accurate tracking of the good
work we do will be recognized and acted
upon positively by those in power. As a child welfare professional, I can
honestly say that documenting everything I do has become a way of life, and
though it can be very frustrating often working through stacks of paperwork; I
am content knowing that the services and effectiveness of those services are
being read by others at some point along the way. Simultaneously, this
communication is sent , received, and tracked more efficiently, leaving more
time to spend with the children and families I work with. This makes it all
worth it.
Another strategy for improving the political
will for this field is the emphasis on professional development. I feel that
this element of early childhood systems will survive and thrive in addition to
being recognized when those involved in it feel that they are also being
nurtured professionally. An article I read for our recent applications included
one from a European journal discussing the role of the teacher assistant,
including that often these professionals feel stuck in their role, and
therefore burnout and turnover are the result. I have to admit that this notion
is familiar to me and unfortunately stereotypically perceived by other
disciplines. One of the reasons why I chose to advance my education with this
Walden program includes the fact that I want to do everything possible to stay
in this field, which I am so passionate about, for as long as I can.
Vanessa,
ReplyDeleteYou are so very correct about the importance of professional development. I feel that the better prepared our professionals are for the task of building, and empowering our children the greater the chances of our children developing cognitively, socially, physically, emotionally--holistically, in a positive and healthy manner. Great post!
CCWhite