“The National Black Child Development Institute” (http://nbcdi.org/) drives a campaign dedicated to improving efforts for school success Pre -k through 3rd grade. In my previous weeks blog posting I discussed an example of a Seattle elementary school who has been operating, specifically targeting a pre-k through 3rd grade model. This week I want to highlight another resource that funds programs (such as Seattle's) that supports this targeted age group. Along with the “National Black Child Development Institute,” “The Foundation For Children's Development” promotes a policy initiative that is dedicated to improving systems for children through age 8yrs-that connects high-quality early childhood and PreK programs with high-quality elementary schools. FCD supports proven research, and Pre-K -3rd grade policy Initiative by the restructuring Prekindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grades 1 to 3 into a well-aligned first level of public education for children.
This week in our discussions we examined ways in which politicians, neuroscientist, and economist support and contribute to the early childhood field. The FDC believes policy makers are required to engage in difficult conversations and make tough decisions pertaining to government spending, and need to understand that minimal investments made in children lead to minimal results. This organization highlights facts proving investments children have long-term benefits for the whole society by allowing children to become more productive and contributing members of their communities. I felt the information that this resource provided further proved the necessity for quality programing and funding in to early childhood programs for the benefit of children, families, community, and our economy. With the information at hand I have pondered how I can become involved in participation efforts to continue bringing awareness to this subject through advocacy efforts. I am not currently connected or employed in the early childhood field currently however do have access to providers in my community. There is a family advocate within my son's pre-school who keep parents informed and connected with various topics and resources in the community. I would like to connect with the family advocate to understand her experience involving economy and politics in the field and what efforts are being made locally to improve programing. I feel that this is critical if I wish to to become a leader my self in this field, to know what is taking place locally and with in my state.
