The Foundation of Excellent Early Childhood Education?
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Strong Relationships, Safe Environments, Engaging Experiences
Across the nation and the planet, early education programs and systems were dramatically disrupted by the pandemic. Not only did this have profound impact on families and parents’ ability to remain in the workforce, but also caused delays in important developmental processes of young children.
While some of these delays and setbacks were of an academic nature, it is perhaps even more important to recognize the social and emotional impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Champions for Children directly bolstered the innovative collaboration among the Teton Literacy Center, Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, and Children’s Learning Center to actively provide for kids’ needs throughout the pandemic. Prioritizing safety as well as supporting the mental and emotional health of children, these organizations offered modified in-person opportunities as well as virtual programming — all providing critically-needed relationships, stimulating activities, and emotional connections.
Fact
From UNICEF — “Optimal brain development requires a stimulating and enriching environment, adequate nutrition, learning opportunities and social interaction with attentive caregivers. Under the current pandemic context, access to these opportunities will likely be severely restricted, compromising the healthy developmental trajectory of many children. Unsafe conditions, negative interactions and lack of educational opportunities during the early years can lead to irreversible outcomes, which can affect a child’s potential for the remainder of his or her life.”
Fact
“Covid-19 not only suspended normal childhood activities such as attending school, interacting with extended family and friends, playing outdoors, and exploring nature but also disrupted the consequent socio-emotional benefits that accrue from children’s engagement in these experiences.”
- Early Childhood Education Journal
Fact
“Nearly 90% of the world’s student population — over 1.5 billion learners in 165 countries — have had their learning experiences disrupted by precautions and policies implemented to quell the spread of the disease.”
- Early Childhood Education Journal