This week while studying about the interests of economists, scientists and policy makers concerning early childhood education in America, I decided to do some comparison to Ireland. I went back to the website for “StartStrong” and read their strategic plan. Their statement under the heading of vision reads; “That all children in Ireland are supported through quality early care and education.” They want to help children flourish and make the most of their lives. This is what I would like to do too. I do not know in what manner professionally I will make this happen, but this web site and others like it are whetting my appetite for more service to the “wee ones”.
At this time of recession Ireland is weighing up the costs and benefits of early childcare and education. Economists and policy makers are collecting a body of research that says that children’s early childcare and education are good for the economy. It appears that they are working towards an actual goal called 2020, meaning the year to have everything in place and improvements starting to show in the education system. Start Strong’s web site has “you tube” videos attached where you can listen to the Minister of Education and a professor speak about the value to the economy of better early learning.
Some of the issues that were raised on this web site in a separate article were: Trying to raise the priority off early Education in people’s minds. and thinking that the money given out as cash benefits for children should go directly to educational services. Another issue stressed is the idea that all children should have available the same benefits for education. They are calling this “Progressive Universalism”.
In a recent conference that was held by Start Strong they set up guidelines and directives for the first 6 years and have a look ahead to the next 6 years as their project ideas go along. This includes parents, teachers and policy makers.
Start Strong members are concerned about the current budget cuts and what it will do to the school programs. Some wonder if it will push some children deeper into poverty?
As a surprising insight, I did learn that even though we are not top notch in our education scores in the world, we are stilled looked at for our test results in comparison tests. Such as the Perry model in Michigan.