Ch. Dev. 2/27

Upcoming Schedule

• Second Discussion Day: Tuesday, the 4th

• Midterm Exam: Thursday

• Focus Shift: Discussion on intelligence and achievement after spring break.

Importance of Study Methods

• Cramming: Not effective for long-term retention.

• Effective Studying: Encouragement to study over time rather than the night before.

Language Development and Intelligence

• Transitioning from language development (pre-school age) to intelligence and achievement post-school.

• Overview of preschool years and middle childhood.

Preschool Intelligence and Achievement

• Nature of Assessment: No letter grades or IQ scores in preschool—learning is viewed differently.

• Role of Technology: First exposure to technology typically occurs in preschool.

  • Importance of balanced, quality programming.

• Concept of Preschool: More than just preliminary education; it's aimed at foundational learning.

Technology and TV in Preschool

• Television as a Primary Source of Technology: Still a significant mean of engagement.

• **AAP Guidelines on TV:

  • No TV for children under 2-3 years.

  • Limit to 1-2 hours of quality programming per day.**

• Importance of substantive content such as educational programs versus inappropriate content.

• Benefits of Quality Programming:

  • Example: Sesame Street's educational impact on vocabulary and pre-literacy skills.

  Effects of Educational Programming on Development

• Evidence from Sesame Street:

  • Children who watched had larger vocabularies, better reading and recitation skills.

  • Lower-income children gained more educational readiness.

  • Lower risk of falling behind in school.

Importance of Quality Programming

• Evaluation of Shows:

  • Notable Success: Sesame Street vs. Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

  • Focus on social skills and emotional learning.

• Role of Play and Social Skills in Learning: Learning through interaction with others and engagement with educational content.

Types of Early Education Programs

• Early Childcare Types:

  • Child Care Centers: Cater to various ages.

  • Family Child Care Centers: Operated by families, often home-based.

  • Preschool: Focused on pre-literacy and basic skills before kindergarten.

• No universal preference; quality depends on individual facilities and their specific offerings.

Considerations when Choosing Childcare

• Key Features to Look For:

  • Educated staff and appropriate staff-to-child ratio (recommended 10:1 or better).

  • Structured activities and rich language environments.

  • Caregiver sensitivity to children’s needs

  • Safety standards, basic health protocols, and family support services.

Family Support Services

• Definition: Provision of services to help families manage their childcare needs.

• Examples: Transportation support, financial assistance, parenting resources.

Head Start Program

• Overview: A program for at-risk children to prepare them for school.

  • Services include education, nutrition, and family support.

• IQ Gains: Temporary improvements noticed, but not sustained over time.

  • Benefits include improved readiness for school and support to mitigate potential classroom difficulties.

Alternative Educational Approaches

• Waldorf Education:

  • Focus on artistic development, non-formal education, and nature interaction.

  • Aims to cultivate creativity and imagination without early academics.

• Reggio Emilia Approach:

  • Child-led curriculum that emphasizes exploration and creativity.

  • Teachers as co-learners, encouraging children to guide their learning.

• Montessori Approach:

  • Structured curriculum with focus on self-sufficiency and autonomy.

  • Classrooms designed to support independence and fine motor skills development.

Financial Accessibility of Programs

• Many alternative education schools are expensive; financial aid varies.

• None of the educational approaches hinder child capability—each may have different strengths in promoting development.