Arne Duncan, our Secretary of Education, has an awesome opportunity thanks to the recently passed stimulus package. He has an enviable budget to spend, but also a tangle of needs and wants to deal with. What I have is a modest idea.
As you most likely have read many families have been pulling their children out of daycare due to one, or both parents losing their jobs.
While daycare certainly has its downside this is bound to be a jarring transition for the children affected. One might fulfill some of the need for socializing with trips to the local park, or city rec center. Replacing early learning opportunities is a bit tougher, especially if the caretaker is occupied with making ends meet and securing new employment.
I believe that a Head Start At Home program could be created, delivered, and continued online for a very minimal cost.
It needn't be complex to be effective. Just an hour a day of activities would be helpful - simple age appropriate games and crafts that require minimal supplies and keep little brains stimulated. Perhaps a modest monthly voucher program with a supply list.
This wouldn't be to replace Head Start, just to compliment it.
I know somewhere out there is a teacher(s) perfect for this job.
Anybody have contacts at the Department of Education?