Alan Spencer’s Post

California is making it easier to become a preschool teacher, aiming to address the statewide teacher shortage and expand its public preschool program. The state introduced a new PK-3 Early Childhood Education Specialist Instruction Credential to fast-track teachers into the classroom. Sacramento State will start offering this credential in fall 2025, and it's part of California's Master Plan for Early Learning and Care. This initiative seeks to ensure educators are well-trained in equitable, inclusive, and diverse teaching practices for early education. Read the full article to learn more about these changes and their potential impact on Sacramento: https://lnkd.in/g_jAevyx #EducationReform #TeacherShortage #EarlyChildhoodEducation #TeachingOpportunities #EDURP

 In the latest issue of NASBE’s State Education Standard, Allison Friedman-Krauss and I explore the thorny issues state boards and others must address to seize the opportunities and surmount the challenges for preschool education that will unfold over the next decade. https://lnkd.in/efXAT5eY

📚 Need a summer refresher on early childhood education competencies? The National Association for the Education of Young Children has summarized them here ➡️ Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators: https://hubs.la/Q02zV-pT0 #earlychildhood #professionaldevelopment

Decades of research show that high-quality early childhood programs can have lasting positive impacts on young children. A new National Academies report lays out a vision for high-quality, equitable preschool curricula. “A large body of evidence shows that early education can influence children’s long-term trajectories and life outcomes, but many children are denied the power and promise of high-quality preschool experiences or receive inappropriate early education that does not recognize and build on their linguistic and cultural strengths,” said Linda Espinosa, co-chair of the committee that wrote the report. “Improving access for all children is a clear need, as well as ensuring program features that capitalize on their talents and promote life-long competencies”. Learn more at https://ow.ly/UIMk50Reh3W. #EarlyEducation #Preschool #Education

Here's your complete guide to Des Moines preschool and early childhood education options for families. Education starts at a young age, are you ready? 👩🏫 🏫 📚 https://lnkd.in/gXsk4uZ4

The New Education Policy 2020 emphasizes the importance of early childhood care and education, recognizing it as a critical foundation for lifelong learning and holistic development. Within this framework, the policy advocates for the integration of preschool education (ages 3-6) as part of the foundational stage of schooling. It encourages a play-based, flexible, and activity-oriented approach to early childhood education, focusing on the cognitive, socio-emotional, and physical development of children. The policy also stresses the need for trained and well-equipped educators, developmentally appropriate curriculum, and inclusive practices to ensure equitable access to quality preschool education for all children, including those from marginalized communities. Additionally, the policy underscores the involvement of parents and communities in supporting children's early learning experiences, promoting a collaborative and nurturing environment conducive to their overall growth and development.

Last week's NSQ was: How is America’s largest school system educating its youngest learners? With Dr. Kara H. Ahmed Preschool - and early childhood learning - plays an essential role in the lives of many parents and children. Working parents rely on preschool, and research shows that a HIGH QUALITY preschool program can have a lasting positive impact on the life of a child. According to the NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, providing a high quality education for children before they turn 5 yields significant medium and long term benefits for children, including being: - Less likely to repeat a grade - Less likely to be identified as having special needs - More prepared academically for later grades - More likely to graduate from high school - Higher earners in the workforce Furthermore, access to effective, diverse programs breaks down barriers that have prevented many children, particularly children of color and children from disadvantaged families, from achieving their full potential. But how do we ensure that - on a LARGE SCALE - our children are having experiences in early childhood programs that best support their short and long term development. Today, we’ll learn from Dr. Kara Ahmed about how New York City, our country's largest school system, is supporting its youngest learners. LINK TO EPISODE: https://lnkd.in/eVpd7mH4 NYC Department of Education Danielle Freilich National Education Association #earlychildhood #education #nyc #preschool #highqualitypreschool

📈 State spending on preschool has surpassed $11.73 billion, demonstrating a significant investment in early education. With per-child spending exceeding $7000, there's clear momentum towards providing quality preschool for every child. Dive into the '23 State of Pre-k Yearbook: https://lnkd.in/emqpFQxf #EarlyEducation #StateofPreK #EducationEquality

Quality teachers = quality education Early education experiences must be of high quality in order to achieve the most positive outcomes, and one of the biggest determiners of preschool quality is teacher quality. But child care workers and preschool teachers are often underpaid and are given little opportunity or incentive to advance their education. This has a very adverse effect on quality of care for children. If more money were invested in early childhood education, the field would attract—and retain—the kind of teachers our children need to succeed.

Decades of research show that high-quality early childhood programs can have lasting positive impacts on young children. A new report from the National Academies lays out a new vision for high-quality, equitable preschool curricula. “A large body of evidence shows that early education can influence children’s long-term trajectories and life outcomes, but many children are denied the power and promise of high-quality preschool experiences or receive inappropriate early education that does not recognize and build on their linguistic and cultural strengths,” said Linda Espinosa, professor emeritus of early childhood education at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and co-chair of the committee that wrote the report. “Improving access for all children is a clear need, as well as ensuring program features that capitalize on their talents and promote life-long competencies”. Learn more: https://ow.ly/4bTG50S2czK