The website I chose to write about in the beginning of this course was http://www.zerotothree.org/. I really like the website because it has many different tips and articles about the care and education of young children. Quite often, the infant and toddler age groups seem to get overlooked when it comes to available resources for teachers, so it’s great to see a website devoted solely to early childhood professionals who work with those specific age groups.
The website has many different areas, such as Behavior and Development, Maltreatment, Care and Education, and Public Policy. Included under these headings are articles, helpful hints, resources for more information, and links to related subjects. For example, the Behavior and Development page contains articles on Brain Development, Early Childhood Mental Health, Nutrition, Temperament and Behavior, Sleep, etc. Also included are interactive tools, parent handouts, charts, Tip Sheets, a FAQ page, and power point slide shows. Under the Public Policy heading, I found an article that definitely added to my understanding of equity and excellence in early care and education. It is an article called Building a Strong Infant-Toddler Workforce. The link to the article is http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/policy-toolkit/professional-development-final-for-web.pdf . It outlines the need for collaboration between states to create and sustain an integrated professional development system that:
- Fully incorporates infant-toddler workforce preparation and ongoing professional development based on widely accepted, evidence-based competencies
- Is aligned with and articulates into college degree programs
- Includes alternative pathways to credentials
- Connects the various service delivery program types
- Provides appropriate compensation
Also, I was unfortunately not very surprised to learn that compensation for infant-toddler professionals is much lower than that of other fields. Out of 770 occupations surveyed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 18 have lower average wages than child care workers, whose mean wage is only $9.73 per hour : (
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteYou make an interesting and valid point about toddlers sometimes being a forgotten group! How very true. We work hard at the pre and post natal period and than once children hit the preschool/school age, but what about toddlers? Thanks for reminding us that these children deserve our attention too!
Zero to three sounds like a great site full of quality information! I'm glad there are organizations that continue to remind people of the poor compensation for early childhood workers. Making less than $10 an hour puts those workers in poverty range in almost all areas of the United States, and that is unacceptable.
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I explored the zero-to-three website this week. I agree with you that there is a lot of helpful information available. I also think it is great that you provided so much quality inforamtion about what the website has to offer.
I work in a child development center and can see why infants and toddlers often get overlook when it comes to quality care. Many are concerned with their Preschoolers getting the education needed to be ready for school. However, isn't getting ready for Preschool similarly important? Thanks for reminding us that all age groups we are working with have needs that should not be overlooked.