Sharing Web Resources

The specific section that seemed particularly relevant as it reinforces current issue that we are discussing in regards to the importance of supporting children and their families, in order to ensure a better future adults and member of our society. This section titled "Infant-Toddler Policy Agenda",  promotes good health, strong families and positive early learning experiences. It starts with an overview of the importance of focusing our attention on babies, why it is critical such as its impact on brain development and its impact on language, cognition, social emotional and physical development. This section also shares insights from investigations done by leading economist Dr. James Heckman, Nobel Laureate and Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago. These investigations lead to the value of investing in early childhood programs, as soon as possible, because for every dollar invested you can expect savings up to $3.78 to $17.07. Apart from these savings you will have reduced crime, abuse, neglect, and welfare dependency while increasing educational performance and job training, what will eventually lead to higher income and a more productive workforce.

After hearing this information again and again, it has made me see how important our role really is as advocates for the children and their families. I have always valued the work that as early childhood professionals we do with the children and the families we serve, but I never actually stopped to think in the enormous impact that we have on these children and how we support parents in providing their children with the foundations of early learning. I also see how important the need of advocating for these programs in order for them to continue and improve their services by advocating for those that can't speak, and finding others that can join and support our mission,by presenting this to policy makers and other government representatives.

As, I learn more about the work 0 to 3 programs and their services among infants, toddlers and their families. I am able to understand the how valuable and necesary their sercice is among our children, according to the state efforts to expand or enhance access to Early Head Start services, a Federal Early Head Start program was created to help reduce the disparities caused by poverty by supporting the healthy development of expectant mothers and low income infants and toddlers. However, less than 3 percent of babies and toddlers who are eligible for Early Head Start are currently receiving services, because of the limited funds supporting this program.