While the federal government already spends as least $25 billion on the existing 69 preschool and child care programs, the Obama administration is calling for #70—proposing $9.3 billion for a new “Early Learning Challenge Grant”. As we wrote last year, the Early Learning Challenge Grant fund would push states to spend more on preschool programs, when evidence is mounting that preschool programs aren’t delivering the benefits their proponents promise.
Given the recent national evaluation showing that the nation’s 45 year and $167 billion experiment with Head Start has been a failure, shouldn’t the Obama administration be living up to their programs of “funding what works” by reforming rather than expanding federal spending on preschool?
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The best answer to this is have the parents start building day care business. This would help those who complain their children aren't appropriately fed and not being taught according to their cultures, (which is their personal lifestyle) a violation of the constitution when paid at tax payers expense. There is accountability when it is in the free market.
put the rightful responsibility on the ones rightfully responsible…parents/guardian, whatever.
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One concern I have with Head Start is the problem with the underqualified teaching staff. Many of the women teaching for Head Start only have high school diplomas or GED's. These women may be working slowly toward an AAS at a local community college or online program, but they're taking four and five years to complete the two-year degree program. Many of the community college programs in Child Development offer basically dumbed-down degrees that aren't worth a whole lot. The women aren't learning much since there are frequently no formal tests given and completing one's homework is optional. Attendance isn't mandatory and the instructors don't mind if the women are sleeping, talking, or texting at their seats. The instructors tend to ignore all this unprofessional behavior in the college classroom. I think that the colleges feel sorry for these adult learners and the instructors want the women to get their degree whether or not they have completed the course requirements. As a result, we have these poorly educated women acting in the role of teacher to a group of twenty preschool age children. Thes women are not qualified to teach so we shouldn't be surprised that the kids enrolled with Head Start aren't learning very much.
Hi Bridgette,
Not sure where you are getting your information from but you are wrong on all accounts. First, The reqirements (attendance, testing, general education-History, English, Spanish, Political Science, etc…) for A.A. degrees at any community college is the same whether or not you are seeking your degree in Early Childhood Education or in Computer Information Systems. Second, When someone is working full time and attempting to obtain a college education, and care for one's home and family, it does take more time than someone who was lucky enough to start their college experience at 18, live at home with their parents, and complete their education before having any other responsibilities. Third, the Head Start program I have worked for over the last 19 years hires and retains extremely qualified staff (men and women), who hold A.A.,Bachelors, and Masters degrees in education and social work.
***see Bridgette part 2