1.
As a leader in the field of early childhood education, not only is
it important for you to understand the trends within the field,
but it is also important that you understand why the trends or
changes are happening and what the potential implications are
for your current or future career. As Bredekamp (2017) states,
“Early childhood education is literally a field in transition,
experiencing rapid growth and widespread attention” (p. 27).
Early childhood educators play an integral role in the lives of
the children and families they work with, and having a firm
grasp on the early childhood education field is paramount to
successfully fulfilling that role. That is where your first post of
ECE600 begins.
To prepare for this discussion, view the video on Youtube
11 Early Childhood Federal and State Trends and Strategies
.
Also, to prepare for this post you will
Choose one of the below trends from your Bredekamp text to
discuss:
New policy initiatives at the federal and state levels.
More focus on standards and accountability resulting in
increased emphasis on child assessment.

2.
Calls for greater alignment across the full early childhood age
span.
Increased teacher qualifications.
Expanding role of technology.
Increased stress in the lives of children.
Continuity and Change.
Choose one of the below Federal or State policies to discuss:
Strong Start for America’s Children Act (2014)
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Race to the Top
Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
For both your chosen trend and your chosen policy, include the
following in your initial post:
Explain the trend and policy as well as the history that led to
the inception of each.
Critique both the trend and policy by determining the benefits
and detriments both the policy and trend will have on each of
the following:
Children

3.
Families
Educators
Centers/schools
Propose at least two ways you as an early childhood leader will
ensure that you and your staff stay current with regards to
policy and trends in the field of early childhood education. Be
sure to include the role that accountability plays in your
proposed ideas.