Poverty is something that affects children in every country of the world. Some countries believe that the income level of a child's family should not preclude them from having a quality early childhood experience, and that is what I found when spoke with my friend from Canada and my friend from Spain. Gail is a lead teacher in school district preschool program in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She has a co-teacher, and they have 20 children in a morning session and 21 in an afternoon session. 3 and 4 year old children from low-income families whose parents are working have their preschool fees completely paid for through government subsidy. Gail explained to me that Canada has a socialized system for education, and all children can attend programs that have low teacher-child ratios and certified teachers (G.Engleman, personal communication, May 23, 2013). Unlike the system in Utah, where
programs can charge whatever they'd like (and good programs charge more), and parents often have to choose between quality and affordability. Estephania is a teacher in a preschool class in Malaga, Spain. She is the only teacher in the class but there are only 12 children. Public education starts at 3 years old in Spain and children go to school for part of the day from ages 3-6. All families are entitled to free schooling through 12th grade. She explained to me that Spain has the lowest birthrate of all the European countries (1.5 children per household), and this is encouraged through economic benefits for parents who choose to have fewer children. If a family does have more than 3 children they are given additional public assistance. She also explained that parents are encouraged to wait until they are older (late 20's. early 30's) to have children so they are more financially prepared for them.(E. Gallardo, personal communication, May 22, 2013).
I can see the benefits for national financial system that recognizes the importance of early childhood and plans for children's education as a part of its infrastructure. Both Spain and Canada have systems set up that allow for all children over the age of three to participate in education, regardless of the parent's income level. They plan ahead instead of trying to come up with pieces of subsidy money to plug the economic holes that exist for so many. The United States spends a lot of time trying to close the achievement gap, when the issue could be solved by adopting a system that was more proactive instead of reactive.
We really must make some positive changes in the United States to ensure that all children have access to high quality programs. It stands to reason that equity would help reduce the cycle of poverty.
ReplyDeleteI heard the same information about Spain and how they tend to have children later in life. At least the children are offered free preschool. Many of the ones here are expensive and many parents cannot afford to send their children.
ReplyDeleteIt's so great that you have contacts in both Spain and Canada. Was eager to learn about Spain and their system. Glad to see that both Spain and Canada are lookign out for the welfare of their children early on. Providing education for children regardless of income is a great way to provide quality education to all students. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to see you are making some progress with your International contacts. Very useful information from Spain and Canada:)
It is great to see that children can attend preschool at no cost. Preschool is free in Oklahoma and I was looking forward to my daughter attending next year but we moved to Japan and the air base does not have a free preschool program. Many at home providers provide preschool programs at their homes but they charge. I wish The U.S. would make preschool free to all children.
ReplyDeletePreschool is so necessary for children, but not accessible to all children. It is so great that preschool is free for the families of Spain and Canada. Here in Kentucky, it is not free, but on the Army post it is. However, the preschool program is not mandatory nor is it a prerequisite for going to Kindergarten, so many parents do not take advantage of it. Consequently, there is a big knowledge gap between the children who have attended Preschool and those who have not. Great information! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you were able to get the international contacts, I am still having a problem with that. I knew that Canada had a preschool program that was mandatory but did not realize that income level did not dictate if your child could attend or not. It is good to know that other countries have free preschool programs for their children. I wish it could be the same in the USA to avoid all the competition with childcare facilities.
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