Assignment Discussion 1:
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, review the Early Childhood Policy webpage. Education policy refers to the collection of laws and rules that govern the operation of education systems. As a leader in early childhood education, it is important that you remain aware of current policies and how and why they are created. Education policies vary depending on school size, class size, teacher education and certification, teacher pay, teaching methods, curricular content, and so forth.
For the initial discussion,
- Identify one policy area you are passionate about and, using research, explain why this area is critical to supporting children and families.
- Defend the importance of advocating for children and families.
- Describe how policy, advocacy, and your role as a professional and leader are interconnected.
Assignment Discussion 2:
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, review the article Leadership for Social Justice:
Preparing 21st Century School Leaders for a New Social Order. Several themes seen throughout the MAECEL program include social justice, leadership, and 21st-century learning. All the MAECEL courses reinforce these topics to deepen your understanding of the concepts. This discussion is your first examination of these concepts in which you will defend and define your commitment to practicing them as an ECE professional and leader.
In your initial post,
- Explain the importance of quality, innovative leadership in early childhood education. Defend the need for this kind of leadership and provide research to support your position.
- Explain the importance of fostering social justice, equity pedagogies, and culturally relevant teaching in early childhood settings. Defend the need for social justice and equity and provide research to support your position.
- Defend the importance of 21st-century learning in early childhood settings. Defend the need for this kind of learning in early childhood and provide research to support your position.