1. Class will start at the top of the hour! Please turn the volume up on your computer speakers to access the audio feature of this seminar. WELCOME TO CE101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education Unit 6 WELCOME TO CE101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education Unit 6

2. Audio Check I am aware that many of you are new to online learning and to using computers, so before we get started… lets conduct a quick audio check. If you can’t hear me, please confirm that the volume on your speakers are on and if you have external speakers confirm that they are plugged in. If you can’t hear me, please try logging out and back in. This often fixes the problem. If this does not work – please call Tech Support at 1-866- 522-7747

3. Unit 6 Overview This unit explains the importance of early intervention. We'll explore factors that contribute to the effectiveness of early learning programs and how necessary these programs are. When students are at risk at an early age, they can be affected by this in the future. You'll learn how to provide an environment that supports these students and their families and gives them the chance to succeed. 3

4. Outcomes After completing this unit, you will be able to: Explain the importance of early intervention Identify ways to assist students and their families Explain how Head Start benefits at-risk students 4

5. Starting Questions Who do you think should be responsible for providing food and medical care for children? What elements do you think should be part of the optimal home, school, and community environments for children?

6. Early Intervention Programs A term used to refer to programs for children who are living in conditions that include one or more risk factors for possible future school or life problems. The overarching goals of early intervention programs are to provide developmentally appropriate, stimulating, individualized learning experiences that foster social and literacy skills and comprehensive health services for families and children living in poverty or with disabilities.

7. Research Support Through widespread research, risk factors for later school and social problems have been identified: Living in poverty Single-parent household Teenage mother Low parent education level Parent unemployment Low birth weight Disability

8. Influences Social equality movement Equal opportunities for all races Increased opportunities for women Increased accessibility of quality programs for lower SES children Brain Development Research Critical periods in early childhood Rich, stimulating, early experiences lay foundation for later healthy development

9. Support at Government Level Recognizing the need to empower lower- SES families in order to maintain global competitiveness, President Johnson developed War on Poverty initiatives (funding) Project Head Start began in 1965 Preschool program and health services for families qualified as low-income (federal poverty guidelines)

10. Project Head Start Comprehensive program Preschool program, half or full day Nutrition component Developmental screenings Health, cognitive development, mental health Health services provided or coordinated Medical, dental, mental health Parent and community involvement key Home visits promote family communication

11. Program Details Objectives and guidelines are broad, to allow for maximum community integration Annual funding tops $6.87 billion Serving over 908,400 children annually (2008) Expanded to include children with disabilities in 1972 Expanded again to include birth to 3-year- olds in 1995

12. Broad Mission In addition to preschool and wellness services for children, Head Start programs also seek to support and work with the community Parents are strongly encouraged to participate: In classrooms On advisory boards Home visits

13. Program Standards Qualified, trained teaching staff Developmentally-based program Socialization, social skill-building Balance of teacher-directed instruction and child-initiated play Daily authentic literacy experiences Hands-on exploration of materials and experiences

14. Effectiveness Ongoing research studies report that while children enter Head Start significantly behind more affluent peers, the gap is reduced through program participation Participation also positively impacted social development and behavior Early Head Start research also indicates positive effects in family relationships and early social development

15. Current Trends In an ongoing effort to improve child outcomes and ensure family success, Head Start has implemented some new goals : Increasing numbers of teachers holding both 2-year and ultimately 4-year degrees Increasing accountability through national testing and student outcome reporting

16. Reflection Questions What are some factors that contribute to brain development in young children? How can we contribute to the healthy development of these children? As early childhood professionals, how can we serve the needs of the families of our at-risk students? How does Head Start impact the lives of the children and their families they serve? What strategies could incorporate in our early childhood programs?

17. Unit 6 Project Has everyone looked over the project? Do you have any questions? Please use the rubric and the template in class as your guide. 17

18. Browse Web Resource Complete Discussion Questions Post to Classmates Attend Seminar or complete Seminar option Complete the Project E-mail questions, concerns, etc. Weekly Reminders

19. Thank you! Thank you for joining me! It has been a pleasure share with you again this evening! If you ever need anything… email me!

20. References Follari, L. (2010). Foundations and best practices in early childhood education: History, theories, and approaches to learning. Boston: Pearson. Jupiter Images Corporation, (2010). Clipart.com. Retrieved May 10, 2010 from http://www.clipart.com http://www.clipart.com