MD4 dis2

2

Scenario

Student’s Name

Institution

Course

Instructor

Date

Scenario

As a specialist in early childhood education, I am always concerned with the issues affecting the sector at both community and professional level. The Grand City case study has exposed the issues that need change within the specialization of early childhood education. Some of the problems experienced in the case are also applicable to my community. Low enrollment into early childhood education program due to financial challenges affecting parents is equally affecting my community. However, in my community of lack of access to quality childcare programs remains a challenge. Parents in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin state are finding it difficult to enroll their children in quality programs due to income challenges. As at the year 2019 there were 37,000 children who were enrolled into childcare programs leaving out a total of 10,000 children. At least 14,000 children under 3 years have been locked out of childcare programs in Milwaukee. 27,000 of the total 47,000 children in Milwaukee cannot access a three-star childcare program (Files, 2020). Some of the specific factors considered for rating these programs include curriculum and wellness, staffing, and environment. There is a shortage of quality providers in both North and South of Milwaukee (Files, 2020).

In Milwaukee South, the problem is exacerbated by the hours of operations. It is challenging for the children in the Southern side of the county since not more than 30% of the childcare programs operate prior to 7 am and after 7 pm. The situation forces parents to look for alternatives jobs that match the time schedule or leave their children in the care of relatives. The problem is equally becoming expensive as most families are forced to spend more than $1,000 per month in childcare programs (Schmid, 2019). If the problem is not addressed a majority of the children will be locked out of childcare programs and thus limiting their chances of accessing quality early childhood education.

References

Files, E. (2020, February 21st). Report: Half of Milwaukee’s young children lack access to quality early education . BBC World Service. Retrieved from https://www.wuwm.com/podcast/lake-effect-segments/2020-02-21/report-half-of- milwaukees-young-children-lack-access-to-quality-early-education

Schmid, J. (2019). There is not enough good child care in Milwaukee- and it is often unaffordable. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved from https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/solutions/2019/04/12/just-one-five-milwaukee- families-have-access-to-licensed-childcare/3423431002/