Compare and Contrast The first program that I observed was Victor Valley College Child Development

Head Start is a federally funded, education development program that was created in 1965. The program provides education and services for eligible children from low-income families. Head Start 's philosophy focuses on the development of social-emotional, physical and mental health, nutrition, and working with families and the community and stated “low-income people should help plan and run their own programs” (p. 41-42). Head Start has truly expanded their resources over the years by providing a full school year for ages 3-6 years old and offering services such as health screenings, referrals, and social services (p. 42). Most importantly, each and every Head Start program must follow the federal Head Start Program Performace Standards that address all areas of development (p. 42). The program is truly committed to support low-income families and creating an education system that supports all aspects of the child.

Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community, and society

During my observation at the preschool here at Harper, I looked around and realized a lot of similarities and differences it has; compared to other daycare and preschool centers. The age of children in the room I observed was ages 3-5 with one lead teacher, and depending on the ratio of how many kids showed up on that day, about three or four helping teachers. The program was set up to a very open, happy and overwhelming setting. Every furniture and object in the room had a sign saying what it was, and then underneath the typed out word was the children’s way of writing what the object was. For example, a book shelf was in the corner of the room; on the book shelf was the word printed out “Book

The overview of these three programs and attaining them is optimal, essentially a cycle of opportunity. By providing these services it develops a base for a long-term goal of achieving self-sufficiency and out of poverty. However, the accessibility of these beneficial resources may be difficult to obtain based on eligibility. New ideas that may help improve or reduce disparities in future programs can begin by concentrating on and expanding educational resources. For instance, a program that holds educational sessions on a monthly base, targeting communities, informing families of available resources and assisting with the application process. Another idea would be collaborating with the school system, specifically low-income based communities. After school program can be initiated to target parents that need assistance with extra resources and services. Lastly, innovating a classroom setting program for the duration of one-year, furthering educational and leadership ability for

The classroom sites that were studies were state preschools, Head Start, Title 1, Tuition-based programs, full-day programs, and half-day programs. Eighty-one percent of the children were 4-year old, 19% were 5-year-olds. “The gender was balanced, and included 36% African American, 31% White, 20% Hispanic/Latino, 10% multi-race, and 3% Asian. Approximately 23% of the children were ELLs. The mean percentage of children eligible for early childhood special education (with IEPs) was 11%. This also varied across program types with 15% of children in Head Start programs having IEPs and 3% of children in Tuition-Based programs. Regarding parent/caregiver educational attainment in the overall sample, 22% of parents reported having less than high school, 23% had high school diplomas or general education development (GED),

The program that I choose to write about is a center base program. I choose this program because I am more familiar with this type of program. This program will take place in a school base setting. I think with a school base program it will benefit the parents because it will allow the parent to have adequate childcare services. If a teacher gets sick, it is up to the job to find teachers to keep the classroom running oppose to a home setting center. If the teacher gets sick a home daycare, then, the parents will have to find somewhere else for their child to attend school because that person cannot care for their child/children or the parent will have to take off of work themselves.

Head Start and Early Head Start provides families with a free preschool program for children birth to 4 years old. This is housed at Glenside School with certified teachers and staff. Your child’s education is important to prepare him or her socially and academically for kindergarten.

Type of program ( home day care, private etc.): State Preschool and Early Head Start

A company called Creative Learning Center, a fictitious company is selected for the purpose of this integrative learning project. Creative Learning Center is a child care services who also offer extended care that incorporates Christian-based curriculum for children from toddlers age to five years old. The mission of the Creative Learning Center is to provide first-rate child care services in a warm, safe and nurturing environment while reinforcing a child’s intellectual, mental and physical development. The Creative Learning Center takes a Christian-based team approach utilizing experienced and skilled staff whose profession is nurturing and educating the youth. The target

“Early childhood education and care” is an umbrella term, which describes a plethora of disparate, categorical, and idiosyncratic educational and child care programs available to young children. In California, this term encompasses Head Start, state preschool, transitional kindergarten, family day care, private preschool, daycare, quality improvement programs, local community programs, relative child care, and childcare provided by friends and neighbors. The following subcategory describes each program model including eligibility requirements, funding, and oversight and regulation.

The three early childhood organizations that I found were NAEC, Association for Early Learning Leaders, and Zero to Three. All three of them would be ones I could or would eventually join as an Early Childhood educator. As someone who wants to teacher toddlers, preschoolers or kindergarten they all would be beneficial to my future.

For the first observation site I went to First United Methodist Child Enrichment Center. The preschool seemed small to have a total of 46 students age ranges from 6 months to preschool and 16 teachers. 11 teachers were full time and 5 were part time. Full time teachers receive benefits such as health, dental, etc. The part time help did not receive any benefits. The enrichment center hours were 7:15 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. This was different to me most schools start at 8 where this one did not. The center had all locked outside doors that required a code to get in or a bell to be let in. I really liked that it made everything safer. The children received breakfast, lunch, and a snack through the church except the infants the parents provided anything

I did some research online and found information on some of the programs that you described, including your foster care programs, domestic violence intervention programs, and the Bridges to Health (B2H)

Conversely, upon doing the volunteer work, I came to find out that the center is not a daycare at all. People confuse it with a daycare because young children stay here while parents and families attend work or school. The center is different from a daycare because there is a curriculum and the staff are teachers. They must obtain a Child Development Credential within one year of hire and must keep up with a personal developmental ladder. The teachers are certified or trained in CPR, first aid, intruders, safety procedures and child abuse and neglect.

Like most people family is my number one priority. The family is the single most important influence in a child's life. From the moment we are born, we depend on parents and family to protect us and provide us with our needs. Our family forms our first relationships. Our family is our first teacher and act as role models in how to act and how to experience the world around them. By nurturing and teaching us during our early years, families play an important role in making sure we are ready to enter the world as a responsible adult. Not everyone in the world has experienced