Thursday, September 07, 2006
An editorial about ECFE...
An editorial about the importance of the ECFE program in the Mankato, Minnesota Free Press...
Our View — Childhood programs act as building blocks
The Free PressJust like in the case of global warming, few argue with the research that says early childhood education pays off.
Even big businessmen have urged state leaders to adequately fund the state’s early childhood/family education programs, known as ECFE, because they know the payoff is so good. Benefits cited range from a more skilled work force to less crime in the state.Early childhood education is not a miracle pill for success, but it does provide the strong foundation on which kids can get a quality start in life. The programs provide a chance for kids to develop social and communication skills, become immersed in the written word and stories, gain an appreciation for music, and be stimulated by play that emphasizes major motor as well as fine motor skills.
Paired with parenting classes, early childhood/family education programs give parents an opportunity to share strategies on everything from potty training to dealing with tantrums. There’s no worse feeling than thinking you are the only parent struggling with a problem. The program erases that isolation as well as educates in a caring environment.
So if all of these blocks build up to quality preschool education, why does the ECFE structure appear to be leaning precariously, dangerously close to taking a tumble?
The answer can be found by doing simple math: In the 2001-02 school year, ECFE funding was $120 per student. In the 2005-06 school year, it was $104 per student. Thanks to Sen. John Hottinger, DFL-St. Peter, next year the per-student funding will increase to $112.
For the Mankato district the failure of funding to catch up and pass previous levels means reducing key programs, raising enrollment costs and cutting scholarship and outreach programs.
It’s a nasty balancing act that goes against the philosophy of building up quality early childhood education. Partly as a result of the Mankato ECFE program shrinking, the number of children participating dropped from 947 in 2004 to 670 in 2005. Although some parents are opting to enroll their children elsewhere, that likely is not the case for others. Instead, they are deciding to forgo child/parent education. ECFE is unique in offering a parent component to courses for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
It’s obvious the state needs to get serious about backing ECFE. Gov. Pawlenty said last month at the University of Minnesota that he’d like to see more money spent on early childhood programs. He and lawmakers need to not just talk about it; they need to make it happen. Hottinger, a veteran early childhood advocate, is retiring and won’t be at the Capitol to lead the way anymore.
Trying to fix social ills after the fact is much more costly and time consuming than beefing up prevention. Early childhood programs are one element of that plan. Funding
has to pass the 2001 level before any talk of building up the program is considered sincere.
The same arguments can be made about the support and funding of all quality early childhood programs in the state including providing training and support for family child care and child care centers. We know that the first several years of a child's life are the most important and set the stage for development and ability to learn through out the remainder of a person's life. It makes sense that we should place some priorities on this key time.
