Access and Quality are the Roots to a Child’s Success

The UNESCO web site offers many resources to expand my knowledge and understanding of creating a universal early childhood program reaching all children.

Access
Child development begins at birth and access to quality childcare is vital for early development. Many countries are committing themselves to “expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.” Governments were urged to expand equitable access to quality early childhood services underscoring the importance of instituting policy in favor of the poor. Many countries provide alternate services for poor children without providing high-end quality and costly accessibility. Therefore many children still do not receive the early developmental skills and pediology needed to compete with more fortunate children. In these instances the government resources are redistributed to help the more privileged and overlooking the poorer communities.

Quality
I believe early childhood programs should look at the whole child and assist that child with skills to transition into higher education. High quality childcare, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, promotes motivation, confidence, good cognitive and linguistic development and school readiness (Quality). We have researched and studied the importance of quality childcare throughout Issues and Trends and all research leads back to quality and access. Materials should support culture and developmentally appropriate curriculum for child interaction.

Investment
Finding funds for the programs is the biggest factor for the governments. Once countries recognize the positive value of state investment in this area, the next challenge is to mobilize funds. In general, government funding for early childhood is extremely small. For this reason approaching the private sector (non-profit and for-profit) can be an effective strategy (Investment).

This once again will limit accessibility and quality education for those living poverty in third world countries and the U.S.A.


Resource
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/quality/
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/access/
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/investment/