Work. Family. Life.

Early Learning Challenge Grant - $10 billion over 10 years

The Obama Administration's Early Learning Challenge Grant proposal would challenge states to develop effective, innovative models that promote high standards of quality and a focus on outcomes across early learning settings, and dedicate $10 billion over ten years toward this effort.

Liza Krigman, NationalJournal.com asks some good questions in her recent blog posting:

In order to win funds under the program, states must create a standards-based, outcome-driven system. Is it appropriate to use data-driven standards to assess such small children's readiness for school? How will the federal government ensure that this new program works in concert with other early education initiatives, such as Head Start and Early Head Start? How can early education programs be coordinated with the goals of Race to the Top and No Child Left Behind?

What do you think?

Be sure your vote today is for children and families

Today is the Federal Election in Canada.  With so much focus on the economy please be sure that your vote also counts for children and families. Still wondering about who has promised what for children and families?

Below are links to several sites that summarize the platforms of the various political parties.  Have a read and then be sure to vote today!  Click here for information on where and how to vote. I previously wrote and posted videos about the importance of early learning and child care in relation to the Federal Election here.

CBC Social Issues - Family Summary

At some point in our lives, just about everyone is a member of a family. The image of the middle-class family is one often evoked on the campaign trail. The policies included here cover some of the issues families deal with every day: buying a home, parental leave, tuition, senior care and child care.

PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women

The PEI Status of Women Advisory Council has completed its comparison of platforms and promises from the Conservatives, Greens, Liberals, and New Democrats and offers its detailed analysis.

KidsFirst Canada Platform Summary

KidsFirst Canada is a registered society and a national charity with these objectives: to promote the optimal care and well being of children and to encourage and develop a recognition of the importance of child care being provided within the home by a parent.

Child Care Resource and Research Unit Summary Page