But for the now, I am still working with Janella who has told me about preschools in Michigan. First, it gladdens my heart that efforts are being made in revitalising preschool program in Michigan through Michigan Sandbox Party and Great start Readiness. Michigan Sandbox party is a community-based organization of early childhood professionals who try their best in making sure that every child in Michigan gets quality education by soliciting for investors in early childhood.
On the other hand, Great Start Readiness is a competitive grant awarded by the state government to the Highscope research team. This is to assist poor and at-risk Michigan families in sending their children to school. And from research, it is observed children who attend Michigan Great Start Readiness Programs (MGSRP) do well in subsequent classes. I appreciate so much the fact that MGSRP is ranked one of the best programs amongst states due to its curriculum and teachers qualification .
Ironically, the data shows that not every child in Michigan has the privilege of attending MGSRP maybe due to lack of enough fund, as the fund granted by the government is competitive. This buoys down to the fact that inequity (due to teachers' qualification, government policy, availability of funds, and community locale) in early childhood education is eminent in Michigan.
Obviously, issues of funding, lack of enough infrastructure are the order of the day in Michigan preschools. But it is encouraging that these issues are being tackled on a community basis.
I sincerely do hope inequity will be a thing of the past as soon as possible!
Retrieved from: http://michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-43092-20374--,00.html
It has been rather difficult finding international contacts, I understand your struggle! I think it is neat that you are collaborating with a classmate though and are learning more about preschools in Michigan. It is so interesting to me how each state does something completely different, no two states are the same regarding early childhood education. Don't you think it would be easier if we all had the same program standards and early learning standards?
ReplyDeleteYes Cassie, I think that would work out fine but the US might be too big to achieve that because France that has a unified system is just the size of Texas alone, let alone other states.
DeleteI agree Cassie, the difference across the nation are disheartening. All children should be given the same opportunities in early learning environments. I appreciate the new found interest that grassroots organization and government have taking in our young children and I hope that the interest continues to grow and develop into positive change for every aspect of learning. I enjoyed your post Toluwalope OTEH!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janella! Courtesy of you.
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