Changes in Early Education in the Long Beach Unified School District
There have been significant changes in early education within the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) in recent years. These changes align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Expansion of Transitional Kindergarten Schedule
Last year, the LBUSD expanded the schedule for transitional kindergarten (TK), providing more opportunities for young learners to develop essential skills and knowledge. This expansion contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable education for all.
Combining TK and Head Start Programs
This year, the LBUSD took another step towards a well-rounded pre-kindergarten curriculum by combining the TK and Head Start programs. This integration enhances the early education experience for children and supports their holistic development. It aligns with SDG 4, as it promotes quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
Crystal Duarte Named LBUSD Early Childhood Education Teacher of the Year
Crystal Duarte, an educator at LBUSD, has been at the forefront of these changes in early education. Her dedication and hard work have earned her the title of the 2023 LBUSD Early Childhood Education Teacher of the Year. This recognition highlights the importance of early childhood education in achieving the SDGs.
Duarte expressed her surprise and joy at the recognition, emphasizing the significance of her field. She stated, “A lot of the time we’re recognized as babysitters. It feels like we’re at the same level, and we’ve always been. We’re the first teachers building that platform, that foundation for them. Getting them excited for school and getting them ready for kindergarten. Without us, the kindergarten teachers would have to work really hard.”
By acknowledging the crucial role of early childhood educators, Duarte’s achievement aligns with SDG 4, which emphasizes the importance of qualified teachers and inclusive education.
A Passion for Early Childhood Education
For Duarte, being an educator is not just a profession but a calling. She shared her personal connection to early childhood education, stating, “I was like the Head Start children in our program. I didn’t have a stable home. I was raised by just my mom, so me and my brother moved around a lot. But school was always my go-to place. I’ve always loved school, and I think that’s why I continue to be an educator, just because I have such a passion for school.”
Her passion for education and commitment to making a difference align with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
LBUSD Head Start and Early Head Start Programs
The LBUSD’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs play a vital role in providing free part-day and full-day high-quality center-based care and education for children under 5. These programs contribute to SDG 4 by promoting access to quality early childhood education.
Collaboration and Comprehensive Education
Duarte has been working at LBUSD’s Webster, Edison, and Roosevelt elementary schools for the past seven years. In her first year at Roosevelt, she collaborated with teacher Charles Castro to combine the Head Start and TK programs. This collaboration resulted in a more comprehensive classroom experience for the children.
Duarte highlighted the benefits of this collaboration, stating, “The children in the program really benefited a lot. They’re getting the TK, the elementary school teacher, so that’s a lot of academics that’s getting them prepped for kindergarten. And then from Head Start, we’re getting the developmental areas. We’re looking at the whole development of a child and really preparing them for kindergarten, so I felt like those kids did really well this year.”
This collaborative approach aligns with SDG 4, as it promotes inclusive and quality education by integrating different educational programs and focusing on holistic child development.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 4: Quality Education
- Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education.
- Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, by sex.
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SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
- Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments.
Analysis
The article highlights the changes in early education in the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) and recognizes Crystal Duarte as the 2023 LBUSD Early Childhood Education Teacher of the Year. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 4: Quality Education
The article addresses the importance of quality early childhood development and pre-primary education. It mentions the expansion of the transitional kindergarten schedule and the combination of TK and Head Start programs to provide a more well-rounded pre-kindergarten curriculum. This aligns with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Targets:
- Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education.
Indicators:
- Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, by sex.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
The article highlights Crystal Duarte’s recognition as the LBUSD Early Childhood Education Teacher of the Year. It mentions her passion for school and her role in building a foundation for children’s education. This connects to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Targets:
- Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
Indicators:
- Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education. | Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, by sex. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. | Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments. |
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Source: lbpost.com
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