Early childhood classes: Crucial (and endangered) developmental support

Early childhood classes: Crucial (and endangered) developmental support

Author: Ethical Schools September 22, 2022 Duration: 19:45
We talk with Lesley Koplow of the Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice at Bank Street College and Allison Demas, an instructional coordinator in the NYC Dept. of Education about the recent struggle in NYC to save social worker and IC positions and why these roles are so important for children’s emotional and academic development. Overview 00:00-00:42 Intros 00:42-03:12 NYC DOE excesses 360 early childhood social workers and instructional coordinators (ICs) as school year starts; backtracks after intense reaction 03:12-07:35 What early childhood social workers and ICs do 07:35-09:39 An example of social worker and IC collaboration 09:39-12:38 Why these collaborative roles are essential during and after traumatic events such as the pandemic and immigration journeys 12:38-15:08 Why early childhood specialties around the country are always vulnerable to cuts and reassignments 15:08-16:50 Pressures on early childhood teachers from systemic pressures on children 16:50-17:43 Are we being “good ancestors” to our children? 17:43- Outro Transcript Click here to see the full transcription of this episode.  References ...

Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Ethical Schools
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