I am not always up to speed on what is happening from a political perspective in early childhood education. I get so caught up in just how to teach in the classroom that I just don’t take time to understand and get informed about the kinds of decisions that affect the environment I teach (or lead) in.
A few weeks ago, I was asked by Rae Pica of Bam Radio to participate in a discussion on childcare rating scales. I was actually the commentator on the radio show. The experts discussing their different perspectives along with Rae Pica were Thelma Harms, Marilyn Corliss.
I am going to let you listen to the radio show and form your own opinions on the issues – just click here and go the segment titled: “Ratings Scales for Child Care and Family Care Programs. Good, Bad or Just Ugly?”
Since the radio show, I went downtown Indianapolis with a colleague of mine and attended a senate hearing on a very similar topic in early childhood education. I had never been to a senate hearing before and never understood how easy it really is to have a voice at a public hearing such as this.
I was amazed that anyone could sign up to speak to the senate panel and share their point of view or at least publicly and verbally say “Yes” or “No” to something that could soon be a law – a law that governs or can ultimately impact how we teach!  Both sides of the issue were well represented but in the end, the senate panel decided to table the vote.
Participating in Bam Radio and attending this senate hearing is teaching me to pay attention to the decisions being made by the powers that be on matters that affect early childhood education. You will notice that I haven’t really shared any of my own personal opinions on issues because I am still forming them and deciding what I believe. Â I like to feel informed on the issues before I just jump in and place my vote. What can seem like a very good idea may or may not be such a good idea.
If you have never attended a senate hearing, I strongly encourage you to do so. It will open your eyes as to how the law making process works and how really simple it is for you to have a voice on matters at hand.