Advocating for Young Children: A Preservice Teacher Education Project

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education

Volume

27

Issue

4

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Publication Date

2006

First Page

391

Last Page

399

Abstract

As experts on the nature and needs of young children, early childhood educators are in prime positions to advocate for the health and well-being of young children. Advocacy can take the form of personal, public, or private-sector endeavors. Personal advocacy is usually informal and involves educating others on an issue about early childhood education. Similarly, public advocacy involves educating policy makers, and private-sector advocacy is directed toward businesses. The project described here is a course assignment for undergraduate teacher candidates in which they learn about advocacy strategies and design and implement authentic advocacy projects. Sample projects are discussed. Engaging in this project has raised awareness for teacher candidates about the importance of and strategies for being advocates. The response from early childhood teacher candidates has been positive.

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Abstract and link with fee options for this article in Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education provided through Informaworld.

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