For a wrap-up for the final week of my class, I am to give one hope I have for children and families coming from diverse backgrounds with regards to early childhood education. My hope for ALL children, regardless of background, is that they receive the best possible early childhood experience, appropriate to their particular learning needs. For many children, this opportunity is not available, for a multitude of reasons.
One goal I would personally like to set for early childhood education related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is this: I would like to see the field of early childhood fully funded and to have that funding guaranteed so it is not a political football each election year, or every time the need to make budget cuts. I would like the see early childhood teachers (and ALL teachers) treated with the respect they deserve, instead of scapegoats for the failing educational system (which is the fault of the people with no educational background who make up the rules). I would like to see the educational system run by educators, NOT politicians and corporations looking to make money. I would like to see these educational opportunities available to ALL children, from birth through college--free of charge and open to all. Without an educated populace, our country is doomed to failure.
I would like to thank my classmates for their shared experiences and feedback. I wish you all well as you continue your journey. In particular I would like to thank Nikki Thomas for being my sounding board, the wall upon which I beat my head, the support I needed to get this far, and a dear and cherished friend. This is the last class we take together (sob!). I truly hope you achieve all of your life's dreams and I hope you know you can always count on me, even though we won't be in class together anymore.
Due to a lack of funding (I have maxed out of state grants for the fiscal year), I will be taking a break from my studies. I will return this summer when the new fiscal year provides more funding. I wish you all continued success!!!
Kathy
Kathy
ReplyDeleteI agree that education, although considered oh so important it is not funded adequately. I hope that change will come sooner rather than later and politicians will put money into educating the future leaders. I am sorry to hear you will not be returning until the summer and I thank you for all that you have shared throughout the course.
It is horrible that your state faces so with funding issues. I may be ignorant to the cuts here in Arizona because I work on the reservation and my funding is based on the amount of children that my program serves each year. The politician are not looking at the long run and how these cuts will affect future generations. For them its the here and now and lets fund our own pockets. It saddens me when I also look at salaries for those that are doing the most needed position out there. Caring and educating our young children.
ReplyDeleteStay in touch. I wish I was having a break. Actually I wish this was over and the last class!
Kathy- great point regarding budget cuts effecting the quality of education. When I hear politicians speaking, many discuss the need for quality ECE, but I cannot pinpoint any politician who has truly brought ECE to the forefront. Let's hope it happens!
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