Disparities in Childcare and Early Childhood Programs

In terms of disparities in childcare and early childhood programs, evidence shows that the majority of children from low-income households and/or English language learners (ELLs) are least likely to attend a preschool program or go to kindergarten.

A research report, though, by The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) states that high-quality early education is very important. For instance, scientists have found that from the ages of birth-to-5 is when synaptic connections are most primed for creating networks that facilitate a child’s learning, says the white paper “What Matters Most for Children: Influencing Inequality at the Start of Life.

It’s one of the biggest reasons that close to 50 percent of kids from disadvantaged homes are not ready for school by age five and have to contend with about a 15-month learning gap compared to their peers, says the article “Real Family Values: Child Care and Early Childhood Education.”

Many specialists, and well, just the common man, think that fair access to quality childcare and early childhood programs should be available for all kids in the country, not just for some. In regards to early interventions, The Council says that programs should definitely include a parental education component.

In addressing this gap for Latino ELLs, which make-up the biggest ELL student base in the country, The Latino Family Literacy Project offers a number of Title I and Title III parent involvement programs, like the Preschoolers’ Program and the Infant/Toddler Program for parents with kids between birth to two years old.

Supporting the idea that parents are their child’s first teacher, The Project helps in the educational process of language development, child development and parenting skills. Another terrific program is the Elementary School Program which educates parents on establishing a family reading time using books written in both Spanish and English. Take a look at the upcoming workshops in many areas throughout the country or through an online webinar. Slowly, but surely, it’s organizations like The Latino Family Literacy Project that are bringing down the disparities in childcare and early childhood programs.