Early learning programs may not help nurture children

Institute of Marriage and Family Canada says government-sponsored programs may hinder child's development

A girl eagerly raises her hand in class.
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The B.C. Catholic has a story by CCN's Deborah Gyapong about early learning programs and how those programs may actually be to a child's detriment:

The Ottawa-based Institute of Marriage and Family Canada (IMFC) warns government-sponsored early learning programs may harm the integrity of developing children.

In an Aug. 30 article, IMFC research and communications manager Andrea Mrozek quotes Canadian developmental psychologist Gordon Neufeld of The Neufeld Institute who says socialization is more than being able to get along with others; it means being true to oneself.

Neufeld describes a teacher who is unable to disagree publicly with other teachers, giving her the appearance of being “nice” and “getting along with others” when it is fear of conflict motivating her. She may pass that fear on to her students, but the lack of ability to diplomatically disagree with others does not indicate maturity, he says.

Read the full story at The B.C. Catholic website.