Current News/Research-Preschool Benefits

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=14877362

Preschool benefits last into adulthood, study says

One of the largest, longest follow-up studies on preschool reports that the advantages of attending preschool last into adulthood.  Preschool teachers can instill a love for learning, build intellectual skills, and help children adjust socially.  Preschool programs financially have the best level of return on investment than any other social program for children.

Current News/Research-Bullying

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=14464607

Local Dallas Preschool Offers Programs That Decrease Likelihood of Bullying in Future

Children who are at more risk of becoming bullies have identified behaviors including poor problem solving skills, low academic performance, negative attitudes, and lack of social skills.  A preschool in Dallas has a curriculum aimed at preventing bullying. It focuses on skills such as communication and critical thinking, character and confidence building, and enhancing creativity.

Current News/Research-Obesity

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/06/06/taking-steps-to-stop-childhood-obesity/

Taking Steps to Stop Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity may lead to later health problems including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes and even shorter life span.  Factors contributing to childhood obesity include decreased activity and poor food choices.  Good food choices include proteins , complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and limited saturated fats and sugar.  Examples of these include turkey and low-  fat cheese sandwiches, fruit, milk, and small cookies.                                                             

Current News/Research-Vaccine

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43411253

New Child Vaccine Schedule Goes Into Effect July 1

Based on recommendations from the CDC, The Kentucky Department of Public Health has changed the immunization schedule for infants, toddlers, and children.  These changes will better align Kentucky with the national standards and improve the health and well-being of Kentuckians.

Current News/Research-Pool Safety

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43412593

School's Out; Learn How to Pool Safely

Parents and pool owners can prevent drownings of children in pools by creating barriers to prevent children access to pools, constant adult supervision (a water-watcher) in around pools, checking the pool first when a child is missing, and providing formal swim lesson for children.  A preschool lesson plan on safe behavior around water and swimming lessons can help children have a lifetime of enjoying swimming as recreation.

Current News/ Research-Preschool Grant



http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/05/25/govt-offers-500m-state-grants-preschool/

Feds offers $500M in state grants for preschool

Teachers can use their role to encourage legislatures and administrators to compete for federal grant money which proposes to improve the quality of education for preschoolers.  Teachers may benefit from this grant money by receiving more training and receiving performance pay.

Current News/Research-School Cuts

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/05/26/schools-struggle-recover-amid-years-cuts/

Schools struggle to recover amid years of cuts

Economic hard times have affected teachers by causing many teachers to lose their jobs.  Teachers are faced with additional students per class and budget cuts that eliminate electives, shorten the academic year, and cut summer programs. The less experienced teachers who lose their jobs may be forced to seek employment outside of education.



Current News/Research-Too Young for Kindergarten?

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/28/education/28kindergarten.html

Too Young for Kindergarten? Tide Turning Against 4-Year-Olds

Kindergarten teachers are faced with students of different cultures, ages, and development which influence their readiness and ability to learn.  Teachers can use their role to advice parents and legislatures about the pros and cons of children starting kindergarten at four years of age.

Current News/Research-Best Preschool

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/17931209/

5 tips to help parents pick the best preschool

Three of the five factors that parents should look for in selecting the right preschool for their children consider the role of the teacher.  Whether or not teachers offer play time every day, give children a choice of some of their activities, and interact positively with children should affect the decisions of parents when choosing a preschool.

Current News/Research: Preschool Savings

http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=14677770

Cost-Savings Analysis Shows Preschool Saves Illinois More than Half a Billion Dollars Annually

A study in Illinois which found that pre-school programs for children 3-5 years old saved the state money in special education, social services, criminal justice services has increased the value of my role as a teacher.  Pre-school teachers, like me, help children develop school-readiness skills which ultimately leads to later success in school and life.  Early childhood education programs offer a substantial return on investment.