ED439850 PS028522
Title: The Missing Support Infrastructure in Early Childhood.
Author(s): Gallagher, James J.; Clifford, Richard M.
Source: Early Childhood Research & Practice, v2 n1 Spr 2000 Pages: 21
Publication Date: 2000
Notes: In: ECRP Volume 2 Number 1; see PS 028 521.
Sponsoring Agency: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC. (EDD00036)
Contract No: R307A60004
ISSN: 1524-5039
Available from: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage.
Availability: For full text: http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v2n1/print/gallagher.html.
Language: English
Document Type: Information Analysis (070); Journal articles (080)
Geographic Source: U.S.; North Carolina
Journal Announcement: RIESEP2000
Noting that current programs for young children outside the home lack a comprehensive infrastructure or support system to stand behind the delivery of services to the child and family, this paper proposes the development of a support infrastructure designed to provide continuing and effective assistance to those who work with young children. A support system for early childhood services would include the following components: (1) personnel preparation; (2) technical assistance; (3) applied research and program evaluation; (4) communication; (5) demonstration; (6) data systems; (7) comprehensive planning; and (8) coordination of support elements. The paper next discusses barriers to policy implementation that would result in a coordinated support infrastructure. These barriers are institutional, psychological, sociological, economic, political, and geographic in nature. The paper then suggests strategies that might be implemented to bring about change, including identifying and cultivating powerful political forces, establishing planning structures, mounting a media initiative, and involving professional organizations. The paper concludes with suggestions for financing the infrastructure. (Contains 40 references.) (Author/LPP)
Descriptors: *Change Strategies; *Day Care; *Early Childhood Education; Educational Change; Educational Finance; Educational Quality; Financial Support; Public Policy; *Resistance to Change
Identifiers: Barriers to Change; Barriers to Implementation; Child Care Costs; Day Care Quality; *Infrastructure; *Support Systems
