Children's Defense Fund (CDF)
One of the Children’s Defense Fund’s
policy priorities is supporting early childhood development and learning. Part
of their mission is to work towards ensuring that every child should have a
head start and a strong start (CDF, 2018). They also understand the importance
of healthy early brain development and that intervening with quality early
childhood education during these early years benefits the children, their
families, and society. They note that research shows that for every dollar
invested in early childhood care there is a 7-10 percent return on investment
annually (CDF, 2018). CDF goes on to
mention that far too many children do not have access to quality early
childhood care and education and that they are working to change this situation
by supporting policies that help to provide services to low-income and
vulnerable children. The opportunities they support include “access to
evidence-based, voluntary home-visiting programs; Early Head Start and Head
Start; high-quality, affordable child care; high-quality preschool; and
full-day kindergarten” (CDF, 2018). Each of these programs supports children
and their families by providing child development information, education, and
support; school readiness; allowing parents to work; preparing children to be
successful later in life; and ensuring children do not miss out on the benefits
of full-day kindergarten (CDF, 2018). Reading over this priority and how they
plan to support it shows the same commitment that other groups and individuals
have who are involved in early childhood education. It also reinforces what I
have learned, so far, in my studies.
I also gained further insights into
things that are going on in our nation. CDF is known for being strong advocates
for children so it was no surprise that they support children in their fight
for gun reform. This issue is just one
of several addressed in the CDF’s February 2018 newsletter. Other things in the
newsletter included the “good news” and the “bad news”. The good news is about the
bipartisan deal signed on February 9th and in it was the Family
First Prevention Services Act (Family First). It is funding provided for “preventive
services such as substance abuse and mental health prevention and parenting skills
so children stay with their families rather than going into foster care” (CDF,
2018). The bad news is that no deal has been made about DACA and how “nearly 1,000
Dreamers a day lose their protection from being deported and their ability to
work” (CDF, 2018). The newsletter also encourages voting, especially because
children cannot vote and we need to be their voice. They even provide a link to
register to vote. Lastly, the newsletter covers what certain divisions of the
CDF are doing to advocate for children in their communities/regions. One
program that I find intriguing is the advocacy and ministry group, The Proctor
Institute. Their work is “to end the ‘Cradle to Prison Pipeline’, end child
poverty, and improving the lives of children in their communities” (CDF, 2018).
I am intrigued by the subject of the “Cradle to Prison Pipeline”, the effects
of school suspensions, and the privatizing of prisons. All of these things are
related and have adverse effects on society, especially children and families
living in poverty. It is one of the most heart-wrenching topics I have ever
researched and the realization for me is profound.
You can read more about the “Cradle to Prison Pipeline”
campaign here: http://www.childrensdefense.org/campaigns/cradle-to-prison-pipeline/
References
Children’s Defense
Fund (2018). Cradle to Prison Pipeline. Retrieved
from: http://www.childrensdefense.org/campaigns/cradle-to-prison-pipeline/
Children’s Defense Fund. (2018). Early Childhood Development
and Learning. Retrieved from: http://cdf.childrensdefense.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=47794.0&dlv_id=0
Children’s Defense Fund. (2018). February 2018 Newsletter.
Retrieved from: http://cdf.childrensdefense.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=47794.0&dlv_id=0
