Description
Early childhood education (birth–age 8) is at the top of the national agenda, yet many children do not have access to the educational settings that they need.
For this assignment, write 3–5 pages about what constitutes a high quality early childhood program or policy by evaluating a current policy or policy initiative.
In your paper, address the following:
- Describe the characteristics of high quality early childhood programs.
- Discuss and give examples of at least three benefits of early childhood education. Use scholarly research findings to support your position.
- Apply psychological theories to a policy or policy initiative relating to early childhood education, such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Early Intervention, Head Start, or another program of your choosing. Include details about how the program is implemented and what population it aims to serve.
- Explain how early childhood education and policy affect the physical, social, and cognitive aspects of child development. Use scholarly research findings to support your position.
You are urged to use Capella University's Writing Center to help you develop clear and effective writing. Through the Writing Center, you will be able to receive feedback on your writing, use writing resources, discover new writing strategies, and explore different ways to draft, revise, edit, and proofread your own work.
If you wish, you may use the APA Paper Template, linked in the Resources, to complete your assignment.
Assignment Requirements
- Written communication: Ensure that your writing is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
- APA formatting: Format your paper according to APA style.
- Length: Write 3–5 typed and double-spaced pages.
- Font and font size: Use Times New Roman, 12 point.
Explanation & Answer
Attached.
Running Head: EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND POLICIES
Early Childhood Programs and Policies
Student’s name
Institution
Date
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EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND POLICIES
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Introduction
By definition, early childhood programs are different forms of education initiatives and
strategies specifically designed for young children from birth to when they are eight years old.
These programs are made up of a variety of activities and experiences that are designed to
enhance cognitive, emotional, and social development during childhood. The programs also aid
the children in becoming better learners before they enter elementary school. The programs also
ensure the children adapt to the school environment before they begin schooling.
Characteristics of High-Quality Early Childhood Programs
There are different characteristics that are considered important in a high-quality
childhood program. The National Education Association indicate that for a childhood program to
be considered to be of high quality, it should offer a well-rounded curriculum supports all areas
of early development. As such, Hosley and Wilder Research Center (2000) notes that a highquality early childhood program should be able to support social, cognitive, and physical
development. By ensuring that the program is all rounded, children in such a set up are more
likely to benefit and to become all-rounded while growing up. Another important characteristic
of high-quality early childhood programs is made up of small classes and high staff-to-child
ratios. Numerous studies and reviews have concluded that high quality in child-focused
programs means small classes and high staff-to-child ratios (Hosley & Wilder Rese...
