I think it's a pretty good idea...but it needs to be a benefit for comprehensive members like moi who pay $85/year. At least it should be at a discounted rate.
Check it out!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
"Taking Stock: Assessing and Improving Early Childhood Learning and Program Quality"
The call for a uniform system of early childhood education continues to gain new support.
Check out this report from yet another heavyweight, the National Early Childhood Accountability Task Force.
Check out this report from yet another heavyweight, the National Early Childhood Accountability Task Force.
New Report on Infant-Kindegarten State Systems
You can read the report here: http://www.preknow.org/documents/CommonVision_Dec2007.pdf
A organization that I have never heard of called PreK Now has some interesting discussion on the matter as well.
One thing I know from my experience in the field: every state utilizes a different system of accountability, staffing, child care regulatory standards, and career ladder.
Which works best? Is a individualized state system better than something uniform accross the nation? Check out the report to find out.
I would say that we need an individualized system with parts that are familiar enough to be seen in other state systems albeit possibly under a different name.
A organization that I have never heard of called PreK Now has some interesting discussion on the matter as well.
One thing I know from my experience in the field: every state utilizes a different system of accountability, staffing, child care regulatory standards, and career ladder.
Which works best? Is a individualized state system better than something uniform accross the nation? Check out the report to find out.
I would say that we need an individualized system with parts that are familiar enough to be seen in other state systems albeit possibly under a different name.
Head Start, Other Child Related Bills At Standstill
From the NAEYC...Call your congressman!
FEDERAL FUNDING STANDOFF
The Congressional leadership and the White House are in a stand-off on funding levels for the remaining eleven funding bills for fiscal year 2008 - including the bill that funds Head Start, child care, K-12 and higher education, health care and research, and job training programs. Much of the federal government is currently operating under a stopgap funding measure that expires December 14. The President has said he will veto spending bills above his budget request. Congressional leaders are working on a new bill, but the total amount and program-by-program levels were in flux as of last night. Congress is likely to pass another Continuing Resolution to keep federal funds flowing past December 14.
STATE DEVELOPMENTS - ALABAMA EXPANDS ITS INVESTMENT IN YOUNG CHILDREN
There has been a lot of press in Alabama about the state's expansion of its preschool investments. Alabama's state legislature approved $10 million for the state's prekindergarten program, which was an increase of almost $5 million over last year's allocation. The additional funding will pay for a total of 133 pre-k classrooms in the state, up from the 59 classrooms that were funded last year.
The money goes hand in hand with allocations that support the development and learning of young children including:$1.7 million for HIPPY, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters$1.27 million to the Alabama Child Care Subsidy program to increase the number of available slots$950,000 for the state's Head Start supplement.
In addition, the state's governor, Bob Riley, has announced his plan to expand prekindergarten for four-year-olds throughout the state. The plan, called First Class, would increase the number of children served by pre-k in the state to 21,000 by 2011. The Governor will propose allocating $30 million to First Class in its first year. The program will use a combination of state funding, grants and State Supported Slots to keep costs affordable for families. Pre-K Excellence Grants of up to $45,000 will be awarded to public school systems, Head Start centers and child care centers to help them achieve and maintain program standards. Each classroom will be able to charge up to $300 per child per month but there will be a sliding fee scale for families, dependent on income. Under the program, a family making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (about $40,000 for a family of four) will pay $40 per month. A family of four with income between 201-300 percent of the federal poverty level (between $40,000-$60,000) will pay $100 per month, and those making between 301-400 percent of the federal poverty level will pay $200 per month. Those making above $80,000 will pay $300 per month.
FEDERAL FUNDING STANDOFF
The Congressional leadership and the White House are in a stand-off on funding levels for the remaining eleven funding bills for fiscal year 2008 - including the bill that funds Head Start, child care, K-12 and higher education, health care and research, and job training programs. Much of the federal government is currently operating under a stopgap funding measure that expires December 14. The President has said he will veto spending bills above his budget request. Congressional leaders are working on a new bill, but the total amount and program-by-program levels were in flux as of last night. Congress is likely to pass another Continuing Resolution to keep federal funds flowing past December 14.
STATE DEVELOPMENTS - ALABAMA EXPANDS ITS INVESTMENT IN YOUNG CHILDREN
There has been a lot of press in Alabama about the state's expansion of its preschool investments. Alabama's state legislature approved $10 million for the state's prekindergarten program, which was an increase of almost $5 million over last year's allocation. The additional funding will pay for a total of 133 pre-k classrooms in the state, up from the 59 classrooms that were funded last year.
The money goes hand in hand with allocations that support the development and learning of young children including:$1.7 million for HIPPY, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters$1.27 million to the Alabama Child Care Subsidy program to increase the number of available slots$950,000 for the state's Head Start supplement.
In addition, the state's governor, Bob Riley, has announced his plan to expand prekindergarten for four-year-olds throughout the state. The plan, called First Class, would increase the number of children served by pre-k in the state to 21,000 by 2011. The Governor will propose allocating $30 million to First Class in its first year. The program will use a combination of state funding, grants and State Supported Slots to keep costs affordable for families. Pre-K Excellence Grants of up to $45,000 will be awarded to public school systems, Head Start centers and child care centers to help them achieve and maintain program standards. Each classroom will be able to charge up to $300 per child per month but there will be a sliding fee scale for families, dependent on income. Under the program, a family making up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (about $40,000 for a family of four) will pay $40 per month. A family of four with income between 201-300 percent of the federal poverty level (between $40,000-$60,000) will pay $100 per month, and those making between 301-400 percent of the federal poverty level will pay $200 per month. Those making above $80,000 will pay $300 per month.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)