Early+Childhood+Case+Study

Develop the Case Study for Early Childhood Education Identify the learning theory to guide quality learning experiences Identify key learning structures and strategies

Overview the learning outcomes Determine the relationship to K-12

Implications of beginning education at an earlier age: Not all parents believe this would improve academic achievement.

Kindergarten is not even required in most states.

What has changed the increase in interest in early education: 4 things 1. understanding of the brain and the connection to the development of early brain development 2. research demonstrating long-term individual and social benefits when children attend model preschools 3. economic analysis showing huge social and educational savings if children attend preschool 4. the increase in women in the workplace leading more families to find affordable child care.

Thoughts of moving well beyond K-12, P could be even thought of as early as birth. Mindset that formal schooling does not start until first grade. 40% attend 1/2 day programs. Only two states guarantee and fund all day kindergarten.

PreK remains on a voluntary basis. Those taking part can afford and the family who cannot are dependent on publicly funded programs.

Why important? Performance in 3rd grade is usualy seen as a turning point in public education. The majority of 4th graders who do not have the reading proficiency required for middle school and high school success are likely to struggle, if not fail all together. In 2005, 40% of white and Asian 4th grader scored at or above proficiency in reading; less than 20% of black and Hispanic children scored at or above the reading proficiency.

Analysis of different early childhood programs available Six most used. Bank Street: promotion of competence, individuality and socialization. It values activities selected by children in a structured environment with clear expectations. Head Start: low SES focus birth to 5. Learning through social interaction and play balanced with direct teaching and play. High Scope: empathizes the plan do review method. Children plan teachers provide the support. Montessori: emphasizes that children are to be engrossed in the environment. Low stimulus environment. Children select the materials they want to use. Child centered environment. Reggio Emilia: Child has right is the approach. Documentation of development is the teacher's responsibility. Waldorf: developmental needs before age seven. Acknowledge beauty at important to the inner child ans spiritual growth. Play is important.

Articles read: (not official citation form) __PK Inclusion: Getting Serious About A P-16 Education__; Ruby Takahishi and Kristie Kauerz

__Frequency of Six Early Childhood Education Approaches: A 10 Year Content Analysis of Early Childhood Education Journal__; Bridget A. Walsh and Karen Petty Kappan survey from V91 N1 September 2009