“Why Should We Care?”
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While reading “Who Cares for Our Children?” by Valerie Polakow. It made me think about my personal life. My Sister and I was raised by a single parent (my mother). I realized how hard my mother worked in keeping our family together. She had a full-time job working for the government. But, still found the time to teach us the basic A-B-C’s and the 1-2-3. My sister and I didn’t have the opportunity to attend pre-school due to financial problems. So, this statement by Valerie Polakow really hit home:
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“Lack of child care is frequently the tipping point that catapults a low-income family into poverty, destitution, and homelessness. For single mother families in particular, child care is an urgent and vital need.”
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We came close to losing our home, there were times when our electricity was shut-off because we didn’t pay the bill. But we made it through with the belief of God (Our Heavenly Father), the help of family members and close family friends.
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When caring for our children, is it fair to ask for private or public assistant? My answer is “YES!” the way the economy is now we need to help low-income family especially, single parent mothers from New York to Hawaii. It is our responsibility to make sure that every child in this country has the opportunity for a free education with a safe, affordable, quality childcare.
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When there's a budget crisis going on in the United States of America, the first thing they would cut is education. So, here’s my question: “WHY!?”
Who takes the first step? It seems when we think about early education and care for young children we don't often lay out who has to make the first move. Are parents responsible for seeking education and care for their children? If so, does that alleviate program administration, staff from any responsibility of seeking families interested in education and care? The answer is really easy! It's both! Parents are not always aware about what kind of programs and services are available to them, and may have a lot of questions. So, since we already assume that all families want this service for their children, we, as professionals in the field, it is our responsibility to spread the word, listen to their concerns, and try to answer their questions.
ReplyDeleteHi Gary,
ReplyDeleteIf it is our responsibility to ensure everyone in our country is taken care of, what role might a teacher have in this responsibility? Are there ways teachers can support families in regard to policy making and legislation? Can a teachers voice change how policymakers consider the rights of families and children?
Jeanne
Hi Gary,
ReplyDeleteI think children are a great asset and should be given what they are needed to provide the foundation of learning for them. They will be the leaders of tomorrow and they need to be equipped. How can that happen when not much credit is given where it should be. How can children learn and experience possitive experiences when they are not given the chance to step foot into a classroom. Some parents have to choose between work and staying with their child when they are needed. No child should be left at home unattended due to the fact their parent has to work especially if the child is not capable to care for themself. Something has to be done to help this crisis the world faces. How can we be advocates to fight for the rights of children?
I agree with you when you mentioned that the government cuts finding for childcare and education. It boggles my mind as well, that education always falls at the bottom of the list when it comes to money that is being offered by the government. Education is responsible for our future yet the government is not worried about how the decisions that they make today will affect the world tomorrow, how sad. Since I am a parent and I am an educator I understand the importance from both view points.
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