Messages from the Movies
My mom called me up some years ago to praise a movie about a pig. As she began to mimic the pig’s squeaky little voice, I started to wonder what this meant and worried my...
The news coming out of early education has been discouraging and disheartening of late, with so many of our colleagues having to close their centers and home based-care programs and not knowing whether they will be able to reopen again, ever.
Last week I saw an encouraging study from the Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy at Yale University. The research found that child care is not associated with the spread of the coronavirus*. This is a bright spot for us since we know that early educators have been called upon during this unprecedented time to fill a critical need in order to help parents return to work.
According to the study, which surveyed 57,000 child care providers across all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, children in child care centers present virtually no risk of transmitting COVID-19 to adults. Furthermore, survey responses in the study indicated that most child care centers have observed new guidelines like mask wearing, hand washing and contact tracing.
Zigler, whom the center at Yale is named for, is known as the father of the CDA and one of the original architects of the Head Start program. He recognized that early educators are critical to support the learning and development of young children. His legacy will forever shine a light on the need to support and educate children.
As the Council just celebrated the 45th anniversary of the CDA, I am reminded of my own experience as an educator in an early child care center and how that experience shaped me; it helped me on the journey to become the person I am today. I am hopeful, with this data and other studies like it, that so many other children will again be able to experience learning together in a nurturing and safe environment.
*The study found that child care did not heighten the risk of COVID-19 infection in areas with low COVID-19 spread and in programs which took safety measures such as mask wearing, hand washing, symptom screening, social distancing, and limiting group sizes.
Recently Posted:
Boosting Brains by Building a Parent Nation
It takes a village to raise a child, the old proverb tells us. But we need to expand our perspective, according to pediatric surgeon, social scientist and mom Dana Suskind. In her heartfelt work, Parent...
Advancing Early Childhood Education Competence: What is on the Horizon for the Council?
Dr. Calvin Moore shared that when he first arrived at the Council and took on the CEO role, he was focused on assessing the early childhood education (ECE) landscape, the reach of the organization and...
Sharing Gratitude During the Back-to-School Season
We have probably all seen the commercials this time of year when you can hear the popular holiday song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, playing in the background as parents dance joyously...
Marylanders: Do You Know a Pre-School Teacher Who’s Ready to Take the Next Step?
Did you know early childhood educators in Maryland have a special benefit that can help them and the children they serve? The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded a $1 million grant to the...
Education Writers Focus on Childcare Challenges
For the first time in three years, the Education Writers Association (EWA) gathered in person for their National Seminar in Orlando last month. The event drew journalists from across the country to hear from leaders...
Removing Barriers to Head Start Programs through Categorical Eligibility
In April 2022, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issued new guidance and an Information Memoranda (IM) announcing the long-awaited, family-friendly policy of permitting families and guardians to use proof of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program...
Invisible Child: A Spotlight on Life in the Shadows
Dasani wakes up before dawn each day at a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, New York. After slipping out from under the covers, she goes to the window. On a clear day, she can see all...
CDA® Advisory Committee Continues to Provide Guidance to the Council
The CDA Advisory Committee was created to provide insights, perspectives, and best practices to the CDA community and other early childhood professionals. Established during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the members’ first-hand experiences...