The 4th Annual Hmong Early Childhood Summit
 
Article By Amy Doeun from Hmong Times, November 4, 2009

http://www.hmongtimes.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=2178&SectionID=31&SubSectionID=190&S=1
 
On Saturday, October 17, More than 50 community leaders, childcare providers and parents gathered at the Resources for Child Caring Center in Little Canada. The stated purpose for the event was, "to create awareness, identify leaders and advocates, strengthen policy advocacy and acknowledge the contributions that key individuals have made to early childhood education and quality care of our youngest citizens in Minnesota."

Todd Otis, President of Ready4K, shared that every child needs to be prepared when they enter Kindergarten. This is an issue that deals with the economic prosperity of the entire community. Otis went on to say that for every dollar that you invest in early education insures that the child will do better in school and beyond and will eventually generate a return of close to $12.

But for children within the Hmong Community obtaining a quality early childhood education can be a challenge. The problems include:

1. Lack of "quality" home environment.

2. Lack of parental involvement in children's early lives.

3. Lack of knowledge and awareness of early childhood development and standards.

4. Lack of quality formal child care environment.

5. Testing and measurements

6. Lack of Hmong licensed teachers in pre-K programs.

7. Dual language deficiency.

Jesse Kao Lee of Ready4K told HMONG TIMES that there are several categories that children are evaluated in, including mathematical thinking, social/emotional development, cognitive thinking, approach to learning, motor/physical skills, vocabulary and work identification.

Dr. Zha Blong Xiong, Kao Kalia Yang (Words Wanted, LLP), and Jesse Kao Lee (Ready4K) presented a study entitled, "What Helps and Hinders Hmong Pre-Kindergartners' School Readiness: Learning from and about the Hmong in St. Paul."

The report reads, "The achievement gap between racial and ethnic minorities and Caucasian students has gained the attention of the nation. In families and communities across the country, concerned adults are wondering whether our children are ready for schools and whether schools are doing their best to prepare our children for lifelong learning."

Bao Vang of Hmong American Partnership (HAP) said of the summit, "I am very excited, this is the first time that all the Hmong leaders see this as an important issue. It is just the beginning. This should be a priority and at the forefront of the work we do." Vang went on to say that HAP will start a 0-5 education program in early 2010. "This will model an holistic approach service to the whole family ... barriers often start with the parents. If they are having financial or mental problems the children suffer."

Throughout the afternoon those gathered passionately discussed the issues and remedies. The information gathered will be presented to policy makers.
Article By Amy Doeun from Hmong Times, November 4, 2009

http://www.hmongtimes.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=2178&SectionID=31&SubSectionID=190&S=1