NAEYC

I am happy to say that I am very pleased with the organization that I have chosen to follow.  I have already benefited greatly from the fountain of knowledge that this site provides, different articles, link and recent policies all regarding Early Childhood Education.

As a South African I am finding it interesting to read articles regarding policies on a local and state level.  NAEYC offers policymakers a huge amount of support in the form of knowledge and current findings regarding ECE.  NAEYC overlook all the policies country wide to ensure that they are all in line and meet the criteria for good quality education.  I got a sense that there is a real fear of budget cuts in ECE and NAEYC are encouraging the proactive involvement of educators and parents to ensure that this does not happen.  They are committed to the constant improvement and preservation of Early Childhood Education.  They have encouraged policymakers to get more involved and be present in schools to see first hand the very positive impact that ECE has on children. 

I found it very interesting to read about issues regarding outside play and children getting injured.  Personally I feel that recess is essential for children to recharge and be physical, as well as developing social skills.  However I understand from what I have read that there is a great amount of children being hurt when playing outside.  Safety for children is priority but also cost money.  Many institutes do not have the funding to maintain a safe outside play area.  In studies we read that many children from poorer income families do not have the opportunities to play outside as it is not safe and not geared for children.  These children would only have the chance at school and now this too is being diminished.  This for me is a real issue, as children need this time in order to learn and function effectively.  I feel that there is already developmentally inappropriate academic demands placed on young children and the combination of that and less play time can be detrimental to their healthy development.

It is so vital to have organizations like this one to fight for the rights of ECE and stand up to the powers that be to defend the precious process of child development. 

Reference

www.naeyc.org

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