Provide an overview of gaps that exist in the current early childhood system

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Gaps that exist in the current early childhood system include that the capacity of high-quality care, despite better developmental outcomes, is not available to the majority of children. In addition, over half of American parents of young children do not receive guidance about important developmental topics, despite their wanting more information on how to help their children learn, behave appropriately, and be ready for school. Many of the children least likely to receive services are the most needy and from low-income and ethnic minority families. While most early childhood programs have at least one child with a disability, most teachers are ill prepared to support their individual needs. There is also a lack of continuity as measured by standards, quality, and public investments in programs and services for children between the ages of birth and 8 . In addition, systematic attention to developing policies and practices, including professional development standards supporting children who are culturally and linguistically diverse, has been lacking.