Discussion: Types of Child Development Programs

In Chapter 2 of your course text, you are introduced to five types of child development programs: investment in human capital (including universal Pre-K); supplement to care and education provided by families; remedial or compensatory service; research and teacher preparation; and consumer service. Each type is distinguished by its central mission and purpose, and each type serves the needs of a different population of children and their families. Each program type also presents its own unique set of benefits and challenges to program administrators and staff. In this Discussion, you will consider your experiences with specific types of child development programs, as well as analyze the benefits and challenges presented by two chosen types, particularly in relation to funding opportunities. Reflect on the following:

With which of the five types of child development programs do you have experience? What did those experiences entail?

Choose any two types of child development programs and consider the benefits and challenges of these types for program administrators and staff. Be sure to take into account likely funding opportunities in your reflections.

With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.

Post a description of your past experiences with different types of child development programs. Then, identify two specific program types and post an analysis of at least two benefits and two challenges presented by these programs to program administrators and/or staff. Be sure to include an explanation of how each type of program might be funded in your analyses.