Understanding Early Childhood Systems

Sorting through the vast array of early childhood education platforms,whether public or private, home based or center based, academic-centered or focused on child development is complex to say the least. In my goal to create an arts-based preschool curriculum using movement, music, scaffolded dramatic play techniques and storytelling that can successfully meet the needs and goals of all these types of environments, there are several areas of which it would help me to have a better understanding.

Early Learning Standards in Curriculum, Assessment and Program Evaluation

States have varying standards for early childhood programs, however NAEYC has a nice system that encompasses most of the important goals and milestones that programs attempt to reach. They also have a database of early childhood systems state-by-state. I intend to get more involved with NAEYC in this area, particularly regarding programs for dual language learners. I want to make sure that my curriculum includes approaches that will benefit this population.

Public Policy

I am in touch with my state legislators here in Virginia who send me updates on bills and proposals that have to do with education, particularly early childhood education but I would like to know how to better approach advocacy on these issues. Again, NAEYC has resources and training in the area of effective advocacy both at the state and federal level. It's my goal to advocate strongly for Universal Preschool for all.

Funding

I need to know more about funding opportunities through grants and other sources at the local, state and federal level. I also want to learn how to use crowd-funding platforms more effectively in order to support program development in early childhood education.