Early Childhood Education: A Defense Term Paper

130). Interestingly, the research suggests that there is no specific early childhood pedagogy that is inherently superior rather what is important is that children receive exposure to learning as soon as possible. "While no single curriculum or pedagogical approach can be identified as best, children who attend well-planned, high- quality early childhood programs in which curriculum aims are specified and integrated across domains tend to learn more and are better prepared to master the complex demands of formal schooling" ("Eager to Learn: Educating Our Preschoolers," 2000, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, p.307).

One of the problems in demonstrating the efficacy of early childhood education programs such as Head Start, is that they are almost by definition measured for their ultimate efficacy in a long-term fashion. Experimental studies are less valuable than correlational studies because of their short duration, but studies in the field can be affected by many other factors that influence the outcome of the study, given the complex interactions that come into play over the course of a child's education ("Eager to Learn: Educating Our Preschoolers," 2000, Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, p. 329). However, while no perfect study may exist demonstrating the uniform, ideal approach for preschool education -- if such an ideal approach exists at all, given programs may work best if they are tailored to the needs of the child, the socioeconomic status of the community, and funding available -- the fact that they do help prepare a child for school and facilitate the stages of the developmental process should be evidence enough of the increased need for funding for such programs in the future, to help tomorrow's leaders come to terms as soon as possible with today's complex world.Works Cited

Eager to learn: Educating our preschoolers." (2000). Commission on Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. Retrieved 13 May 2008 at http://www.nap.edu/openbook/0309068363/html/index.html

Explain what the research suggests about childhood development that supports the need for early childhood development programs.

Analyze to what extent and in what manner early childhood development programs are made available throughout the U.S.

Determine, based on current trends and empirical research (above), if this current status is sufficient. Explain......