COURSE: Early Childhood Education I Unit D The Field of Early Childhood Education

Understand the history of early childhood

COMPETENCY: 9.00 B2 8%
education.
Explain the influence of historical events on early
OBJECTIVE: 9.02 B2 4% childhood-related programs and initiatives and
their impact on early childhood education.
Essential Question:
How have historical events led to programs/initiatives and impacted early childhood education?

UNPACKED CONTENT
Several historical events led to the creation of government programs and initiatives that have made an
impact on the development of early childhood education in America.
Cause: Result: Effect:
Historical Events Government Impact on Early
Programs/Initiatives Childhood Education
1. Great Depression and World In 1943, Kaiser Child Care Served over 3000 children
War II diverted attention from Centers were started. Offered Freed women to work
needs of children toward need to health care, hot meals, Provided a model of
work. Women went to work. convenience for working exemplary child care
Many nurseries were opened. parents, round-the-clock,
exemplary child care.
2. Launching of Soviet satellite In 1956, Head Start was begun. Brought national attention to
Sputnik in 1957 upset the Offered services for low-income importance of good care and
education community and made families --- health care and hot education experiences for
the US education system appear meals, compensatory education, young children
inferior. Civil Rights Movement parental involvement, and Produced enthusiasm for
of 1960s identified education as community control. young childrens programs
the best way to fight poverty. Expanded enrollment in
preschool programs
Serves about 20% of low-
income children

3. Changes in the family and the In 1993, a NC partnership for Made early childhood
workforce, 1970s and after children founded Smart Start to education accessible to
More diverse families ensure that young children are children of all races, classes,
(single-parent, stepparent, ready to succeed in school. cultures, and needs
extended, and blended) Focused on childrens health, Made child care affordable
Parents working; not at home strengthening families, and
Shortage of quality centers cutting-edge approaches for
and homes for child care early learning
OBJECTIVE: 9.02 B2 4% Explain the
influence of
historical events on
early childhood-
related programs
and initiatives and

UNPACKED CONTENT
Cause: Result:
Historical Events Government
Programs/Initiatives
4. Increased emphasis on In 2001, a national program
quality education and greater called No Child Left Behind
success for every child in the (NCLB) was created by the
1990s and after led to the Department of Education.
conclusion that no child should NCLB includes higher
be left behind standards, greater accountability,
expanded options for parents,
and proven teaching methods.
5. Emphasis on quality In 2002, a state-funded NC
education and recognition of the initiative called More at Four
importance of early learning in Pre-Kindergarten was created.
1990s and after led to Focused on underserved
intervention efforts with at-risk children, especially those who
four-year-old children. had never before been served in
a pre-K program.
6. Globalization of economy and In 2002, a partnership of 27
emphasis on future-focused member organizations was
education in 2000 and after led formed to address 21st Century
to recognition of the importance Skills. In 2005, NC created the
of adapting curriculum to first Center for 21st Century
st
prepare students for the 21 Skills. In 2006, NC State Board
century. of Education endorsed a
framework for education based
on 21st century skills and content
including life skills, 21st
century content, core content,
thinking skills, and ICT
technology skills.
their impact on early
childhood
education.
Effect:
Impact on Early
Childhood Education
Accurate assessment of
student performance
Effective development
materials for children
Increased student an teacher
accountability
Individualized and
comprehensive reporting
At-home activities to better
involve parents
High-quality classroom-
based educational program
Children served in a variety
of settings (public schools,
for-profit and nonprofit child
care, Head Start, combination
settings)
Financial assistance given
Serves diverse groups
Detailed planning of
objectives for children
Expanded academic
enrichment for children
Opportunities for children
and families to learn after
school year ends
Tutorial services
Art, music, and recreation
programs
Helps children meet
standards in reading and
math