Supervision is an integral part of any early childhood education program, as it requires being aware of and responsible for each child's activity and being close enough to respond to them quickly. In January 1989, the Board of Education in Columbus Public Schools created a 40-member task force to investigate K-8 programs in the area. The mission of the Columbus City Schools early childhood education program is to provide a strong foundation for all children, one that prepares them for the next level of learning and beyond. The committee, which was composed of administrators, teachers, parents, and community representatives, developed a philosophy statement and recommendations for board policy that were in line with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines. In addition to existing preschool programs, Columbus City Schools began offering all-day kindergarten in January 1972 as a supplementary program in some Chapter 1 “high priority” elementary schools.
To further emphasize the importance of early childhood education, Columbus Public School established a Department of Early Childhood Education to oversee programs and practices for children ages three to eight. This led to the formation of the Early Childhood Education Reform Committee. A successful early childhood education program is based on providing children with many concrete experiences before they can understand abstract learning. This type of program is based on a philosophy that is supported by research and knowledge about how children think and learn. The task force developed a set of policies that focused on providing quality supervision for all students enrolled in early childhood education programs. These policies included guidelines for staff-to-student ratios, staff qualifications, staff training requirements, and safety protocols.
The policies also outlined expectations for staff behavior and communication with parents. Additionally, the policies provided guidance on how to handle emergencies and how to ensure that all students are receiving appropriate supervision at all times. The policies developed by the task force have been instrumental in ensuring that all students enrolled in early childhood education programs receive quality supervision. By following these policies, educators can ensure that their students are safe and secure while they are learning. Furthermore, these policies help to ensure that all students receive the best possible educational experience.
