Description
Book SynopsisThis book is a one-stop resource for parents and families facing decisions about how to provide their children the best educational experiences before kindergarten. We know that early childhood learning experiences have a dramatic impact on the success and well-being of children, the community, and the country. Children who have positive early childhood experiences develop cognitive and socio-emotional abilities that lead to positive school performance, income, family stability, and health, in turn producing particularly robust educational, social, and economic benefits for your community and our country. This companion offers background on why early childhood education is important in your child's life. It provides an overview of current research about how young children learn. It suggests questions you may ask potential service providers about a program's policies and practices. It empowers you to make the critically important decision about the best learning environment for your chi
Trade ReviewRooted in solid research this book will serve as a practical guide for parents seeking to find the best programs and schools for educating their preschoolers. Timely and accessible, it will be an invaluable resource for parents who want to ensure that their children receive a quality early education they need and deserve. -- Pedro A. Noguera Ph.D, distinguished professor of education UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies
The Pre-K Home Companion is an outstanding resource for parents making the ever so important decisions about how best to provide their children with the early learning experiences that promote their success in school and later in life. It covers the typical topics of costs, discipline, program philosophy but also others less often discussed like diversity, dual language and inclusion. The Companion really does serve as a critical companion for parents, providing information and guidance that enables parents to make the best decisions about their child’s early learning and development. -- Jessie Rasmussen, president, Buffett Early Childhood Fund
Every parent I know has agonized over the pre-K process, carefully analyzing and weighing each option using every scrap of (often conflicting) research they could track down. This book is a game-changer, providing clear and objective information about everything from costs of various programs to the importance of diversity in the classroom to technology’s role in early childhood development—all in one place. As the authors write, ‘The early years last forever.’ This book will help parents put their children on their best path forward. -- Heidi Stevens, author, “Chicago Tribune Balancing Act” Column; author, “Balancing Act: More than 50 essays on Juggling Life, Love and Work in a Not-always Obliging World” (Agate 2014)
The Pre-K Home Companion is an invaluable resource for every family. The renowned authors do a masterful job of presenting a wealth of evidence demonstrating the critical importance of early learning environments to a child's lifelong success and well-being. They carefully present a remarkable amount of research, experience, and best practices in a clear and compelling way. They lovingly take families by the hand and help them to navigate the shifting landscape surrounding early childhood education programs and to choose the best program for their children. This book will fast become every parent's best friend. -- Dana Suskind, MD, professor, Surgery and Pediatrics; director, Pediatric Cochlear Implantation Program, Founder and Director, Thirty Million Words Initiative; author, “Thirty Million Words: Building a Child's Brain” (Penguin Random House 2015)
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Introduction: How Can This Book be a Helpful Companion? Section I: How Do I Choose the Best Early Childhood Education Program for My Family? Chapter 1: Why is Early Childhood Education Important? Chapter 2: Which Options are Affordable for My Family? Chapter 3: How Do I Choose Among Various Pedagogical Approaches To Early Childhood Education? Chapter 4. Why Should I Strongly Consider Choosing a Program that Follows the Social Constructivist Approach to Early Childhood Education? Chapter 5: What is the Best Approach to Discipline in an Early Childhood Education Program? Chapter 6: What is the Best Approach to Technology in an Early Childhood Education Program? Chapter 7: Will My Child Benefit from Special Education? Chapter 8: Should I Consider the Advantages of a Dual Language Program? Chapter 9: Should I Consider the Advantages of a Program that Embraces Diversity? Chapter 10: How Can I Make Sense of Formal Measures of Quality and Ratings by Accrediting Bodies? Chapter 11: What Other Practical Factors Should I Consider In Choosing The Best Early Childhood Education Program For My Child? Chapter 12: How Will I Recognize the Program That’s Best For My Child? Section II. How do I Support My Child by Strengthening Relationships Between School and Home? Chapter 13: How Can I Partner With Teachers And Administrators to Support My Child’s Learning? Chapter 14: What Is The Best Way To Know If My Child Is Learning? Chapter 15: How Can I Extend My Child’s Learning At Home? Chapter 16: How Can I Help To Extend My Child’s Learning In Later Schooling? Section III. How Do I Support All Our Children by Building Relationships with Other Families and the Community? Chapter 17: How Can I Help My Child Develop As a Citizen, with the Power to Improve the World? Chapter 18: What Is The Most Effective Way For Me To Make Sure That Other Children Have Access To Early Childhood Education? Conclusion Early Childhood Education Program Rubric References About the Authors
