Twenty-five years ago, the carnegie corporation released “starting points,” a report that described the lack of child care for infants and toddlers as a “quiet crisis.” it painted a bleak picture of overwhelmed families, persistent poverty, inadequate health care and child care of such poor quality that it threatened young children’s intellectual and emotional development.Social cognitive learning theory definition

Unlike most reports of this kind, “starting points” helped build momentum for new programs like early head start in 1994 and the children’s health insurance program in 1997.Social cognitive learning theory definition they offer critical support for children and families, but little has changed for the better since then. Today 21 percent of children under 3 live in poverty.Social cognitive learning theory definition the united states is the only industrialized country without paid family leave. The percentage of working mothers has increased from 50 percent to 70 percent, but according to the national institutes of health, just 10 percent of our child-care settings provide high-quality care.Social cognitive learning theory definition

This lack of affordable quality child care is a crisis for american families. In 35 states, families pay more for child care than for mortgages, and in no state does the average cost of infant or toddler care meet the federal definition of affordable.Social cognitive learning theory definition on a per-capita basis, we spend roughly six times less on education for infants and toddlers than we do on K-12. This shortchanges our children exactly when the potential benefit is greatest.Social cognitive learning theory definition

We know from breakthroughs in neuroscience that children’s brains are growing explosively during the first three years of life — developing more than one million neural connections a second.Social cognitive learning theory definition A child’s early brain architecture shapes all future learning and behavior. This is also the period in our lives when we are most vulnerable to trauma.Social cognitive learning theory definition experiences like homelessness, forced family separation or exposure to violence inhibit a child’s ability to learn and form trusting relationships.Social cognitive learning theory definition by 24 months, many toddlers living in poverty show both behavioral and cognitive delays. Equally powerful, though, is the impact of an attuned parent or teacher who understands how to build loving, responsive relationships that can stimulate learning and repair the damage done by trauma.Social cognitive learning theory definition

In exemplary early-learning environments, children explore a rich range of materials and make choices as part of carefully planned routines. At the water table, a 2-year-old girl smears her arms with purple paint while a 1-year-old boy watches intently from a teacher’s lap before toddling over to investigate.Social cognitive learning theory definition nearby, a teacher reads a book about dolphins as two girls take turns looking at the pictures and discuss what noises dolphins make when they are sad.Social cognitive learning theory definition across the room, a baby crawls after a ball and his mother says: “yes, you found a ball. That ball can roll.” in each instance, the adult comments on the child’s exploration in language that connects to the child’s interests and signals to the child that what she does matters.Social cognitive learning theory definition these relationships and experiences accelerate brain development and are the foundation for academic success when children enter school.

A 2017 poll by the first five years fund found that 89 percent of voters think making early education affordable for working families should be a priority.Social cognitive learning theory definition we need to take advantage of that public consensus and build a new system that supports families and nurtures learning from day 1. If we care about equal opportunity in this country, we must provide more funding for infants and toddlers.Social cognitive learning theory definition research shows that investing in early childhood yields a 13 percent annual return because quality care leads to success in school, increased earnings, improved health, stronger families and reduced crime rates.Social cognitive learning theory definition

Six months of paid parental leave is the first step. This support will help address the shortage of infant child care and allow critical family bonds to develop.Social cognitive learning theory definition parents also need assistance during this time. Home-visiting programs designed to support healthy attachment between children and first-time parents should be accessible to all families.Social cognitive learning theory definition

The second step is improving compensation for early-childhood educators so that they earn the same as schoolteachers. Compensation is a key driver of quality, yet salaries for early educators have increased 1 percent in the past 25 years.Social cognitive learning theory definition A 2018 study found that 86 percent of infant and toddler teachers make less than $15 an hour. These meager salaries create enormous stress for teachers and, in turn, children.Social cognitive learning theory definition it makes attracting and retaining a qualified work force close to impossible. Not surprisingly, the turnover rate in child-care settings is more than four times higher than that in elementary schools.Social cognitive learning theory definition