Title: Examine the changing social and family dynamics that have increased the need for early childhood education and services.
Course: Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (19153-I) > Section: Maintaining Professionalism

Examination should include

- description of how social and economic changes have influenced the child care industry
- projections in the child care industry
- demand for professionals in early childhood education and related careers
- the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI).

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What alternatives do families in the local community have for care and education of their young children? Which is greater, the supply of providers or the demand for child care services?
- What is a child care desert?
- What are the similarities and differences between private and public child care providers in the local community in terms of quality of program, price, licensing, certification, and other factors that affect consumer confidence?

Communication

- What effect do state and federal laws, regulations, and policies have on the local community’s ability to provide child care and education?

Leadership

- What is the role of the government in the child care and education industry?

Management

- How can access to high quality and affordable child care be increased for families across the socio-economic spectrum?
- How can employer-sponsored child care benefit both employers and employees?