One thing that I do not like about the website is that a lot of the information is geared towards working with early childhood educators who work in public schools and this leaves out a lot of early childhood educators who work outside the public school system. I sent a question to one of the contact people to find out about why so much information is focused on public school educators but no one has responded.
One of the areas of the site highlights grants and awards that are available for early childhood educators. Most of these grants are focused towards funding research projects that support high quality early childhood education and the link to a more positive future if early childhood is supported. I think this is very much an indication of just how "hot" early childhood education has become.
I didn't really glean any other insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field. I did however, find the Early Childhood Teacher Certification Toolkit on the site and it is awesome. The toolkit has a lot of information on early childhood best practices, why early childhood educators need to have specialized training, and how early childhood professionals need to talk to those outside of our field. It is definitely worth your time to read this toolkit!
Resources:
National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators
http://www.naecte.org/
(Newsletter: http://www.naecte.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=29
http://www.naecte.org/
(Newsletter: http://www.naecte.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=29
Hi Monette,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I believe the reason most websites pertaining to early childhood education are targeting the public school sector is because of the push to bridge the gaps between preschool and elementary schools and the collaborative efforts that are beginning to occur. I am excited for the push however, it may cause concern for the private Child Development Centers and the cut in funds that may now be targeting the public schools that house preschool programs.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteJust like you, I too am an aspiring teacher. It is great to know that the website has a toolkit for early childhood professionals. I think it is a great resource. Hope you do get a reply for your question on information on educators outside public school.
Cheers!
Sonali