In The Know Early Childhood Programs In Our Community

In The Knowearly Childhood Programs In Our Communitycomplete This Powe

In the Know Early Childhood Programs in Our Community Complete this PowerPoint Template, filling in your talking points and recording the narration you will share with families on each of the slides. For help with setting up your recording, refer to: . You will find additional help by clicking on the “Slide Show” tab at the top of this screen. If you need help with audio troubleshooting, please refer to: Why We’re Here! Today, we’re going to be talking about: Head Start/Early Start Reggio Emilia Nature-Based Montessori and, what it means when programs are: Parent Co-ops Bilingual/Multilingual Home-Based/Family Child Care.

Head Start/Early Start

Mission/Philosophy/Approach: Head Start and Early Start programs focus on providing comprehensive early childhood education that promotes school readiness through family engagement, health, and social services, emphasizing an inclusive approach that supports diverse learners and families.

Ages of children who can enroll: Typically, children from ages 3 to 5 years old are eligible for Head Start and Early Start programs, though specific age ranges may vary by program.

Opportunities for family involvement: These programs actively involve families through parent meetings, volunteers, shared decision-making, family literacy initiatives, and home visits, fostering strong partnerships between families and educators.

5 Insights about Head Start/Early Start you really need to know!

  1. Head Start programs provide comprehensive services beyond education, including health, nutrition, and family support.
  2. Family involvement is a core component, encouraging active participation in children's learning.
  3. Programs are suitable for a diverse population, including children with special needs.
  4. Head Start focuses on promoting school readiness and social-emotional development.
  5. Enrollment is typically based on income eligibility and other criteria like disabilities or homeless status.

Recommended resource for more information: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Head Start website.

Reggio Emilia

Mission/Philosophy/Approach: The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes child-led exploration, project-based learning, and nurturing relationships with environments and community, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and independence.

Ages of children who can enroll: Typically for children aged 2 to 6 years, often in preschool settings inspired by this philosophy.

Opportunities for family involvement: Families are considered partners in education, encouraged to participate in learning themes, attend parent workshops, and contribute to classroom projects.

5 Insights about Reggio Emilia you really need to know!

  1. The environment is seen as the “third teacher,” rich with materials to inspire exploration.
  2. Documentation of children's work is central to understanding and supporting learning.
  3. Children’s interests drive the curriculum, promoting engagement and ownership.
  4. It promotes collaboration among children, teachers, and families.
  5. Respect for each child's unique development is fundamental.

Recommended resource for more information: Reggio Children organization website.

Nature-Based

Mission/Philosophy/Approach: Nature-Based early childhood programs emphasize regular outdoor exploration, connection to the natural environment, and outdoor play as essential components of learning and development.

Ages of children who can enroll: Usually from infancy through preschool age, encouraging continuous engagement with nature.

Opportunities for family involvement: Families are often invited to participate in outdoor activities, gardening projects, and environmental education events.

5 Insights about nature-based early childhood programs you really need to know!

  1. Children develop a deep connection and respect for nature through hands-on outdoor experiences.
  2. Outdoor environments are deliberately designed to foster curiosity and physical activity.
  3. Such programs support environmental stewardship from a young age.
  4. Natural settings enhance sensory development and creativity.
  5. Outdoor play in all weather conditions is integral to these programs.

Recommended resource for more information: Nature-based early childhood education resources by the National Wildlife Federation.

Montessori

Mission/Philosophy/Approach: Montessori education emphasizes child-directed activity, hands-on learning, and mixed-age classrooms to foster independence, concentration, and a love of learning.

Ages of children who can enroll: Usually from age 2.5 or 3 up to 6 years old for early childhood Montessori programs.

Opportunities for family involvement: Families are engaged through parent education workshops, classroom volunteering, and regular communication to support children’s learning at home.

5 Insights about Montessori you really need to know!

  1. Children choose activities that match their interests, promoting intrinsic motivation.
  2. Learning materials are specifically designed to facilitate self-directed discovery.
  3. Multi-age classrooms foster peer learning and mentoring.
  4. Respect for the child's natural psychological development is central.
  5. Montessori promotes independence, self-discipline, and responsibility.

Recommended resource for more information: American Montessori Society website.

Parent Co-ops

Organizational Structure: Parent cooperatives are community-based programs managed and operated by parents themselves, often with support from educators and community resources.

3 Distinguishing Features: Shared governance, parent participation in daily operations, and collaborative decision-making.

2 potential advantages: Fosters strong community bonds and empowers parents to have direct influence over their children's early education.

Recommended resource for more information: National Center for Parent Leadership, Advocacy, and Community Development.

Bilingual/Multilingual

Organizational Structure(s): Programs may be bilingual or multilingual, offering instruction in two or more languages, often with dual-language immersion or transitional models.

3 Distinguishing Features: Supports language development in multiple languages, culturally responsive curriculum, and parental involvement in language maintenance.

2 potential advantages: Promotes bilingualism and biliteracy, supports cognitive development, and preserves cultural heritage.

Recommended resource for more information: Center for Applied Linguistics.

Home-Based/Family Child Care

Organizational Structure: Family child care operates in a provider’s home, offering flexible, small-group early learning environments often serving children from the same community.

3 Distinguishing Features: Small group size, personalized care, and flexibility in programming.

2 potential advantages: Offers a homelike setting and personalized attention, often more accessible and flexible for families with varying schedules.

Recommended resource for more information: National Association for Family Child Care.

References

  • American Montessori Society. (2023). Montessori Education. https://amshq.org
  • Center for Applied Linguistics. (2022). Bilingual Education. https://cal.org
  • National Center for Parent Leadership, Advocacy, and Community Development. (2023). Parent Co-op Resources. https://parentleadership.org
  • National Wildlife Federation. (2021). Nature-Based Early Childhood Education. https://nwf.org
  • Reggio Children. (2023). About Reggio Emilia Approach. https://reggiochildren.it
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2022). Head Start Program. https://hhs.gov
  • Montessori Education. (2023). American Montessori Society. https://amshq.org
  • National Association for Family Child Care. (2022). Home-Based Child Care. https://nafcc.org
  • Reggio Emilia Approach. (2022). Reggio Children. https://reggiochildren.it
  • Nature-Based Early Childhood Education Resources. (2021). National Wildlife Federation. https://nwf.org

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