As an early childhood special education (ECSE) professional, it is important to be an advocate for quality early care and education. When you are advocating, you must have a clear message to share to create awareness and work for change. In this topic, you are encouraged to find your individual voice by selecting a current issue in early childhood special education that you are passionate about and advocating for your position on that issue.
Write a 750-1,000 word speech that could be presented at a school board meeting advocating for or against a current issue related to early childhood special education. Your purpose is to convince stakeholders to join your cause for or against your chosen issue. The speech must do the following:
Identify a current issue in early childhood special education and your stance on the issue.
Identify the key stakeholders related to the issue.
Discuss relevant research-based perspectives on your selected issue that support your stance.
Explain why the current issue is or is not aligned with best practices or current research.
Advocate for what should be done to mitigate or address the issue.
Discuss how your proposed change would support young children and their families by optimizing learning opportunities, strengthening the inclusive learning environment, and advancing the early childhood profession.
Identify professional organizations or networks, locally or globally, that would support your cause or position, if applicable.
Analyze how the proposed change will help promote the common good for students, families, and colleagues that are consistent with the Christian worldview.
Support your speech with a minimum of 3 scholarly resources.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite Technical Support Articles is located in Course Resources if you need assistance.
Benchmark Information
This benchmark assignment assesses the following programmatic competencies and professional standards:
MED Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education [ITL/NITL]
5.3 Analyze ethical decisions that promote the common good for students, families, and colleagues that are consistent with the Christian worldview. [EI/ECSE 7.4; NAEYC 6b; InTASC 9(l); MC3]
5.4 Engage in informed advocacy for young children, families, and the profession to optimize the learning opportunities for young children, strengthen the inclusive learning environment, and advance the early childhood profession. [EI/ECSE 2.2, 7.3; NAEYC 6a; InTASC 10(j), 10(k); MC 1]
