This trend will continue. But it means early childhood professionals will have to be more accountable for learning in the early years. Literacy and reading initiatives are very popular and will continue to gain public support. Literacy for all children is the new civil right of the new millennium. While everyone believes children must learn how to count, growing numbers of individuals also believe schools need to teach children what counts.
Character education is a high priority for all.
Educators may argue over what character traits to teach, but there will no longer be a debate over whether or not character should be part of the early childhood curriculum. Safety for children and teachers is and will continue to be a national priority. Fearful children cannot learn. Fearful teachers cannot teach. How to provide safe homes, schools, and communities will continue to be an ongoing challenge.