Great synthesis. The seven traits are also ones that employers look for in virtually all job candidates—from entry level on. They also are learned very early—and by the way children are included and respected and valued or excluded and marginalized. In the latest policy emphasis on creating greater results-accountability, we need to recognize that these are the results we most need to achieve—and that a curriculum or pedagogical approach, however, useful, cannot produce them alone. Strengthening families and communities by building upon their love and hope for their children is key—and reflects the original mission for Head Start and other “maximum feasible participation” programs of the sixties. Relationships matter and, while we need to focus attention on better teaching and mentoring the next generation, we must recognize that this involves supporting and strengthening families, particularly in disinvested neighborhoods, so they see a realizable future for their kids as they seek to be their child’s first teacher, nurse, safety officer, coach, and guide to the world.
And a tip of the hat to Zero to Three’s HeartStart publication from which Susie Buffet’s bulleted points are derived! These have figured in significantly to much of the work Vermont has accomplished over the past two decades.
As Susie stated so eloquently, our Omaha communities are faced with heartbreaking poverty. Both Educare centers in Omaha provide amazing opportunities for young children of North and South Omaha. The children fortunate enough to attend are far better prepared for entering school than children less fortunate. We (as a community) are extremely grateful for all the support and partnerships with the Buffett Early Learning Fund.
COMMENTS
BY Charles Bruner
ON September 3, 2015 09:45 AM
Great synthesis. The seven traits are also ones that employers look for in virtually all job candidates—from entry level on. They also are learned very early—and by the way children are included and respected and valued or excluded and marginalized. In the latest policy emphasis on creating greater results-accountability, we need to recognize that these are the results we most need to achieve—and that a curriculum or pedagogical approach, however, useful, cannot produce them alone. Strengthening families and communities by building upon their love and hope for their children is key—and reflects the original mission for Head Start and other “maximum feasible participation” programs of the sixties. Relationships matter and, while we need to focus attention on better teaching and mentoring the next generation, we must recognize that this involves supporting and strengthening families, particularly in disinvested neighborhoods, so they see a realizable future for their kids as they seek to be their child’s first teacher, nurse, safety officer, coach, and guide to the world.
BY Jim Squires
ON September 3, 2015 09:59 AM
And a tip of the hat to Zero to Three’s HeartStart publication from which Susie Buffet’s bulleted points are derived! These have figured in significantly to much of the work Vermont has accomplished over the past two decades.
BY Julie Hoogestraat
ON September 4, 2015 03:13 PM
As Susie stated so eloquently, our Omaha communities are faced with heartbreaking poverty. Both Educare centers in Omaha provide amazing opportunities for young children of North and South Omaha. The children fortunate enough to attend are far better prepared for entering school than children less fortunate. We (as a community) are extremely grateful for all the support and partnerships with the Buffett Early Learning Fund.