Warner & Sower1 Chapter 1 Early Education’s Roots and Heritage

Warner & Sower2 Historical Perspectives Frederick Wilhelm Froebel The Kindergarten Movement in America American Influences on Kindergarten The Federal Government and Early Education

Warner & Sower3 Federal Legislation Affecting Public School Education Elementary Secondary Education Act of 1965 Public Law Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Americans With Disabilities Act

Warner & Sower4 National Education Goals Panel 1. Children start school ready to learn 2. High school rate at least 90% 3. Students in grades 4, 8, and 12 demonstrate competency 4. Access for teachers to programs for continuous improvement 5. U.S. first in mathematics and science 6. Every adult American will be literate 7. Every school will be free of drugs and violence 8. Every school will promote partnerships and increased parental involvement

Warner & Sower5 School Organizational Structures Department of Education State Education Agency Local School District Individual Campuses

Warner & Sower6 Accountability in School Districts Standardized Tests Do not consider all variables Teachers may begin teaching to the test

Warner & Sower7 Early Childhood Education Defined NAEYC definition Public schools’ and state education agencies’ definitions

Warner & Sower8 Child Development Principles Domains of development Relatively orderly sequence Varying rates Early experiences with cumulative and delayed effects Predictable directions Influenced by social and social context

Warner & Sower9 Child Development Principles cont. Children are active learners Results from interaction of maturation and environment Importance of play Opportunities to practice newly acquired skills Different modes of knowing and learning Context of a community

Warner & Sower10 Professional Issues in Early Education Developmentally appropriate practice Elementary error versus early childhood error Brain research

Warner & Sower11 Issues Facing State Early Education Programs Teacher preparation and training Charter schools School retention Facilities Technology

Warner & Sower12 Issues Facing School Districts Half-day/Full-day kindergarten programs After-school care Parent involvement Diversity Poverty Child abuse School and community violence

Warner & Sower13 The BALANCED View Engaging children as active learners Individualizing work Children move at own pace Encouraging individual choice Children use language to express ideas Praising children for accomplishments and viewing errors as normal development

Warner & Sower14 The BALANCED View cont. Using flexible time schedules Recognizing the value of play Establishing learning centers Activities vary from active to quiet, small group to large group Opportunities for outdoor exploration

Warner & Sower15 Eager to Learn Cognitive, social-emotional and motor development Interpersonal relationships with teachers Class size and adult-child ratios No best approach

Warner & Sower16 Overarching Development Themes Wired for feelings and ready to learn Early environments and relationships Needs of young children Interactions among early childhood science, policy, and practice