Early childhood education: Everyone's challenge for the 21st century

By the 21st century the need for early childhood education will increase due to societal and family changes. The types of programs offered will be fewer but with more flexibility and collaboration. The goal will always remain the same, namely to prepare preschoolers for their formal education. The ideal curriculum should have a developmentally appropriate, hands-on, multisensory approach to learning and should include play. The child's self esteem should be of primary importance. As we examine what other industrialized nations are doing to provide child care we realize we have a long way to go, especially in establishing a national maternity leave policy. Diverse coalitions must be formed to provide for family needs. Several innovative, collaborative approaches to the complex problems of quality, affordable early childhood programs are explored.