As early childhood educators, we seek to provide the best possible care for Maine’s youngest children. And I can tell you that we put our hearts and souls into caring for children. We want to meet their needs, help them learn and grow, and see them thrive in our classrooms and programs. Now, by passing LD 1321, Maine is in an even better position to support and retain early childhood teachers and improve the care of Maine’s young children.
A child’s need for a strong social and emotional foundation in the first years of life is paramount. Without these skills, which include managing behavior and getting along with others, children are unable to learn and reach their full potential. However, more children are entering early learning programs across the state without those skills, and it is leading to challenges in the classroom.
Fortunately, this bill responds to the requests of Maine’s early childhood teachers — it establishes a pilot program for a statewide voluntary early childhood consultation program to provide resources, support and guidance to Maine’s early childhood teachers and parents.
When a family or a program feels like a child’s needs are not being met, it is devastating for all those involved. I was in this type of situation not too long ago. I realized I did not have the right tools in my toolbox. I wanted to implement the changes that would be most effective, and what I had been trying was not working.
Early childhood educators can develop close, trusting relationships with families and young children. We are in the best position to help, when we have the right tools. I knew that the bond I had with the child and family meant that I could have a positive, long-term impact, with just a little outside, professional support and guidance. Many teachers in Maine are looking for guidance, much as I was, on how to address challenging behaviors and understand the emotions and struggles that are behind those behaviors.
In our experience, we have found that early childhood consultation has made all the difference. It provides teachers the tools and skills they need to dig deeper into their practice and support children in need, instead of experiencing frustration and burn out. And children struggling with social and emotional skills can get the loving care they need to reach their full potential, both now and later. By passing LD 1321, Maine Legislators are creating a valuable and transformative help-line for teachers, parents and young children across the entire state.
Social and emotional development is critical for our children’s academic success and their success later in life. We need more policies to better support young children, their families, and their teachers. When Maine’s early childhood teachers can tap into to the right resources, support and guidance, they can offer stimulating and nurturing early-learning environments that foster healthy growth and development in Maine’s young children.
The Maine Association for the Education of Young Children (MaineAEYC) and the Family Child Care Association of Maine (FCCAM) want to thank lawmakers for passing that important bill.
Tara Williams is the executive director of the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children; Anne Adams is president of the MaineAEYC governing board and associate director of Bowdoin College Children’s Center; Tammy Dwyer is the chair of the Family Child Care Association of Maine.
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