Preschool & the Recession

It's nice to think that the current economic climate would not impact early childhood education - right? However, with lean times, corporations are not the only entities trimming their budgets through attrition. Speaking candidly with parents, I've noticed that someone knows of someone who knows of an early childcare/preschool teacher who was downsized. Lacking statistical data, it's impossible to access the actual number of preschool teachers who are suddenly thrust into unemployment. However, parents should consider the ramifications teacher layoffs and school closings can have on the level of services provided. In the field of education, one would expect employee moral to sustain itself in troubled times. After all there is a much bigger picture to envision than just a particular preschool class room. Students will one day transition onto higher levels of education so let's prepare them - regardless.

Holding schools accountable for fiscal responsibility should not be considered non essential in today's climate, but holding schools accountable for moral & ethical responsibility among their staff in spite of economic downturns is vital to the well being of children. How is this attainable today? Directors and educators demonstrating a "captain of the ship" approach is a start. Captain's demonstrate selflessness and a high level of professionalism, and ethics which puts the best interests of their passengers and crew first, in spite of what may be deemed a sinking vessel. Parents and educators should demand more of themselves, even when confronted with less - less budgetary spending, less staff, should not become synonymous with low level of service provided by our educators. We challenge teachers everywhere to do the right thing and envision the greater good that their profession provides. BWrightParents

Preschool and The Code of Ethics - Does your child's school past the test?

Parents we need not look very far to see the impact - that a lack of ethics can have on society. Aside from instilling values at home, what role if any should early childhood educators play to instill a sense of ethical responsibility in children?

Researching ethical paradigms implemented for early childhood educators led me to a comprehensive framework used across the pond in Australia (Early Childhood Australia Inc.). The Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics is based on the premise that wise moral decisions will always acknowledge our interdependency; our moral choices are ours alone, but they [our moral choices] bind us all to those who will be affected by them. The world has changed for children & families, and the world has also changed for early childhood educators. Given these factors, it's essential that parents and educators conduct a point analysis to ensure that ethics is, and will remain a central part of early childhood educational programs. A few points from the Australian ethics model for early educators include: respect, honesty, integrity, courage, inclusiveness and social/cultural responsiveness. Did you conduct your check point analysis? If so, are the educators at your child's school making the ethics grade? BWrightParents

BAD Words - POTTY Mouth! @ home & @ School - #!@!?

A potty mouth coming from most sources sounds yuck, however coming from the mouths of bebes is down right frightful. Language development is a crucial element for sustaining social capital, and remains a deciding factor for increasing civility amongst us - so why are children being exposed to expletives at such an early age? According to a UK study: The poll of 3,000 11-year-olds show two out of five children were using swear words at an earlier age, admitting to using them in their everyday language because they heard their parents use them. Peter Foot, chairman of the Campaign for Courtesy said: "We need parents to be the ones to put their children right before they ever get to school with 'please' and 'thank yous', rather than leaving it to teachers (Telegraph.co.uk). We would like to ask our blog parents to take a moment for introspection and ponder, if you're doing your part to Campaign for Courtesy? Mark Twain once noted that cursing provided the same relief as prayer . . . do you feel that way at your home? Let's encourage our children to use words that heal instead of hurt. Parents and teachers should unite to stop potty mouths - because failing to do so will create a zombie style form of communication stampeding any potential for real imagination. BWrightParents

Do U Like To Share?

Do U like to share? What an important question to ask yourself even if you're not a preschooler. The ethos connected with sharing speaks volumes, so we agreed to take time out to blog about the concept of sharing and its implications:

Teaching children to share enables them to envision a world much larger than themselves, and their respective families. Sharing connects them one to the other, sharing also allows children to see first hand immediate gratification, which comes from an act of kindness.

The concept of sharing is really very simple, one for you, and one for me makes us both smile with jubilee!

Is sharing a really very simple thing to do at your house? If not, what steps are you taking to ensure that this very important concept is not overlooked? BWrightParents

First Puppy Bo

Bo the First Pup has arrived at his new home - The White House. His name Bo, was supplied by the the First daughters.

Breed: Portuguese Water Dog. Also known as Cão de Água Português (in Portuguese, natch), Portuguese Fishing Dog, Portuguese Water Spaniel, and “Portie.”

Bo was a gift to the First daughters Sasha and Malia from Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts. The 6-month-old male pooch was formerly called Charlie.

Now Preschoolers everywhere - go ask mom & dad for your dog too! BWrightParents

Homeschooling v. Preschool?

Parents have asked my honest opinion, and though selective when offering my opinion, I felt compelled to do so with regard to the great debate over Homeschooling v. Preschool. Parents as primary caregivers, are the first teachers that a child encounters - so yes, I feel that parents have a moral obligation to educate their children first, including and not limited to homeschooling. Many contenders feel that parents go above and beyond, inflicting to much academia to soon. I feel it would be a grave disservice to any child, should a parent fail to get to know their child's full academic potential early on. So in my book, homeschooling works . . .pass it on. BWrightParents

Building Blocks To Success

Building blocks to academic success is vital for our lil tots. So why is their such a big debate about play play play versus academic study at Preschools? What has all play and no work accomplished? Professionals in the field of early childhood education tout the concept that learning is generated through play; and academic focus at an early age, will create a sort of boredom for children as they age. Given that play, according to experts is so vital to school success, why are academic preschool programs accompanied with such a hefty price tag? Perhaps because demand for academic Preschools, out strip supply. Surely all would agree that their should be a balance between play and academics - however, should play or scholarly structure lay the foundation for academic attainment? BWrightParents

The Politics of Preschool

Please do not fret, you are not alone. Parents have given me their input, and requested that I blog about The Politics of Preschool. What is this you might ask? Much like an office setting, maneuvering your way through the halls of Preschool can be a tricky and daunting task. Careful not to step on teachers' toes, we encourage our parents to blog about The Politics of Preschool. How is your voice heard? or is your voice heard? And equally as important, how do you convey your concerns? BWrightParents