M.Ed. Spring Speaker Series Archive
Joan Almon: May 2012
Few people are as concerned about the development and well-being of young children as parents and educators. Then there's Joan Almon, founding director of the nonprofit Alliance for Childhood, whose mission statement advocates to "bring to light both the promise and the vulnerability of childhood."
Almon was featured in two events on May 16 at the annual Early Childhood Education program's spring speaker seminar at Champlain College. The event was co-sponsored by the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children.
Timely issues addressed for parents and educators
Almon is co-author of reports by the same names. "Crisis in Early Education," geared toward early childhood educators, focused on Almon's latest research. "Crisis in the Kindergarten," aimed at educators and parents of children as young as toddlers, addressed children's learning and development and how play impacts those areas.
"I am very excited to bring Joan Almon to Vermont to share her insights with early childhood educators and parents across the state. Her work with the Alliance for Childhood is important for our children. Joan's research sheds light on misconceptions about children's learning and the practices in early education settings in the United States today," Early Childhood Education Program Director Laurel Bongiorno says.
The importance of play
Almon is a longtime proponent of giving young children opportunities to learn through play in the classroom. Her research proposes play-based education as a way to promote learning, reduce stress and support healthier children. She also has pushed for more nutritional meals in schools to address obesity.
Visit www.allianceforchildhood.org for more information about Almon.
