Issues and Trends: Economists, Neuroscientists, and Politicians as Early Childhood Advocates

The section(s) relevant to my current professional development include the following;

Policy Engagement and Chip Activities/ International

The content in the Policy Engagement section is very informative in terms of providing me with researched based information about which combination of policies have been proven to be the most effective in eradicating poverty. CHIP outputs include reports, policy briefings, case studies and photo images, all of which are downloadable from this website. Having access to this information will equip me to effectively advocate for the well being of children.

Something I found to be controversial was policy about population control. I wonder how (in a democracy such as the U.S.) this could be implemented.  CHIP found that the larger the micro-system the more diluted family resources become. Resources include income, access to public services, parental time and the mother’s physiological and nutritional resources. For example, an infant born within 18 months of a previous birth has twice the probability of dying of an infant born two or more years later. Also large families have a higher incidence of working girls in some countries.  CHIP suggests that countries with high populations provide family planning services. Although we already have family planning services in the U.S. perhaps we should educate poor families more about the consequences of bearing children in poverty.

The information I found to extend my understanding of economists, policy makers, and politicians investing in early childhood, was from the Donors section. Donors are instructed to develop strategies that break cycles of poverty rather than programs that treat poverty through the implementation of projects. According to CHIP, economic growth alone is not enough to reduce poverty, but must be accompanied by redistribution as well.