"Although good early childhood programs can benefit all children,they are not a quick fix for all of society's ills - from crime in the streets to adolescent pregnancy, from school failure to unemployment. We must emphasize that good quality early childhood programs can help change the social and educational outcomes for many children, but they are not a panacea; they cannot ameliorate the effects of all harmful social and psychological environments. "- Barbara T. Bowman
What an insightful woman! I agree that we as early childhood educators can give our kiddos a good start but how they end up is dependent upon all the other influences that impinge on them from our society. If I were to think about it I could quickly become depressed over that, but instead I try to concentrate on being a positive influence in each child's life and pray that it will stick with them as they grow older.
ReplyDeleteHmm, this is indeed an insightful remark by Ms. Bowman and by no means do I minimze her contributions made. However, this particular statement I beg to differ. With all things there are steps taken within an action plan, starting with baby steps. Early child hood education are those baby steps to a human race that absorbs the most during the early stages of life. This is the segment in life that can be the most developing and empowering, no it can not solve all answers but it can instill the hope that is needed to fight against the obstacles that arise and maintain the course when doors are closing around you. Early childhood professionals are the vessels used to impart love, wisdom & knowledge, direction, and many other tools to build up ones character and drive. Without these tools minimal impact is made within the individual and therefore will not help communities go beyond the norm of average. There are communities that even digress into what many now struggle with which is high crime rates, behavioral health issues, parental neglect, and government neglect simply because children are not receiving love, nurturing, and wisdom in life and take the neglect out on the society around them. Somebody somewhere has to be that achor in their lives to show something different and better than what they knew they could receive. If not their parents then who but early childhood professionals.
ReplyDeleteI real love your post it was very insightful and meaningful . The quote was very informative. I like how she shared how early education impacts the society that children live in and the better the education is the better the society will turn out. I believe that she shared some good information for all educators.
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