Chapter Activities

Activity 1: Group Work

Form small groups of three to four. Each group should discuss the factors that have contributed to the development of early childhood education and care in the United States.

One group member should write down key points to discuss. Once each group has met, the notetaker should share their group’s answers with the rest of the class. 

Activity 2: Advocacy Practice

Have students refer to the topics in the “Opportunities for Advocacy” section in the chapter. Instruct students to search for relevant proposed legislation on any of these topics and do the following:

  1. Summarize what the bill would do. Use simple language.
  2. Discuss in a small group or write a brief written reflection on your position.
  3. Write a position paper for an organization that might be interested in the bill.
  4. Write a one-page persuasive letter to your representative or to the legislative committee hearing this bill.

Activity 3: Childcare Alternative Discussion

Students should work in groups of two to three and discuss the following questions:

  1. What are some of the ways in which parents are currently advocating for changes in childcare policy (interest groups, lobbying efforts, etc.)?
  2. What are some of the ways in which childcare workers or those who run childcare facilities are currently advocating for changes in childcare policy (interest groups, lobbying efforts, etc.)?
  3. Are these groups advocating for the same changes, or do they have different priorities?
  4. How can social workers encourage the groups to work toward common goals, and work together with them?
  5. Are there other important stakeholders who should be part of this process?