I'm glad Head Start's funding was increased from 6.9B to 7.8B, but did they have to strip the religious organizations that support Head Start under their auspices of their right to proctor their programs?
Sure, it's Federal money and certainly we should stick to the separation of church and state, but I don't think these organizations were proselytizing, just establishing their culture of professionalism. I think that's okay.
Conservative places have a conservative community that wants conservative early childhood professionals only. Let 'em keep their behavioristic ideas if that's what they love. On the other hand, liberal minded communites should be allowed to hire whomever they wish. Let the flames of public acceptance force their policies to change.
Early childhood represents a sensitive time where parents and communities want the freedom and ability to socialize children in whichever way they feel will allow the child the best opportunities for learning "the game" of life. With so many rules and rulemakers running around, how can we stand and say that this organization or that one does not have the power to shape their goals and discard other goals based on what they believe is right?
As old as Head Start is, its adovcates still need to realize that it must stay in the communities hands..end of story. The only concern should be if the adults in charge have been educated concerning what early childhood and DAP is all about.
After that, let the Muslims have their Muslim teachers and let the Christians have their Christian teachers.
Society will teach these children what they ought, can't, should, and could do.
