Early childhood education has been proven to have a lasting effect on a person’s life. There are numerous ways and education methods that are being used in the provision of learning experience and the necessary skills. High Scope is considered to be an effective learning technique that positively reflects on a child’s experiences. In contrast, German early childhood education is in the process of implementing much-needed improvements.
High Scope is an early childhood program that is used in several places, such as kindergarten, preschool, childcare, and even elementary schools. Children are usually under five years old. The technique involves concepts developed by Jean Piaget and John Dewey. Also developmental psychologist Lev Vygotsky has contributed greatly to the education in early childhood. High Scope is a program that focuses on the individual development of the child. It is centered on the child’s personal needs and wants. The difference from other programs is that here the child is the one setting the pace and also deciding on what they are interested in (Grotewell, 2008). The teacher is more of a mediator than a person of authority. The unique style is differentiated by the almost full freedom of action for the children, where they are the ones choosing what to do and partners or teams they want to participate in (Holt, 2010).
There are some activities that children are involved in. The place of education is divided into several areas, which children have full and free access. There is a play area, resting places, and team or individual “work stations”. Also, the day consists of predictable routines, like nap time, outside time, playtime, and eating time. There are eight different divisions that children take part in. These are approaches to learning, the study of languages and literature, emotional or individuality development, health and physical strength, math, sciences, the study of social life, and arts. All these areas are directed towards an equal development of all attributes, which the child might possess (Jackman, 2011). An important part of the learning process is the conflict resolution practices. The children are taught to approach the situation calmly, considering their own and others’ feelings, looking for information to deal with the problem, and then finding ways on how to deal with and solve the problem at hand (Holt, 2010). The results of such education have shown to be very positive, with benefits for children, family, and society.
As it is the right of any human being, the German Constitution guarantees the ability to raise children for parents. Book eight of the Social Code—Child Welfare Act is the legal basis and proof of the matter. The care and facilities for children belong to the Welfare Act and not to “education.” A significant section of the Child and Youth Welfare Act (KJHG) is directed towards the support of parents and families. It includes day facilities and other assistance for raising children and youth. For parents who are working, a daycare that can accommodate children age 3 and under is significantly important. In Frankfurt (Hessen) there are such nurseries and that’s why the state of Hessen has launched Bambini-TOTS PROGRAM, to create more space for children. It is the German law for a child of 3 and under to have a legal entitlement to a place in the nursery. The childcare itself can take place even at someone’s home, where parents will take care of other children. It is up to the parents to choose the kind of care they want to receive and it is their right. It is also their responsibility to provide the child with suitable daycare (Brinkmann, 1997).
A child’s education is an important part of life. Everything that follows bases itself on the skills and education received in the early years. The difference between the educations of many countries shows how unique each society is.
References
Brinkmann, U. (1997). The locative alternation in German: Its structure and acquisition. Philadelphia, United States: John Benjamins Publishing.
Grotewell, P. (2008). Early childhood education: issues and developments. New York, United States: Nova Publishers.
Holt, N. (2010). Bringing the high scope approach to your early years practice. New York, United States: Taylor & Francis.
Jackman, H. (2011). Early education curriculum: a child’s connection to the world. Belmont, United States: Cengage Learning.