A century of educational excellence – University of Cincinnati

Arlitt’s Centennial Vision: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals Through Early Childhood Education

Commitment to SDG 4: Quality Education

Arlitt’s mission directly supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 by focusing on inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The institution’s forward-looking strategy is centered on foundational educational excellence.

• Demonstrating and promoting best practices in early childhood care and education.
• Providing innovative, play-based learning experiences that stimulate interest and curiosity in young learners.
• Equipping children with essential skills from the very beginning to support them from the bottom up.

Addressing Educational Challenges in Alignment with SDG 4 and SDG 8

Arlitt actively works to overcome systemic challenges in the education sector, contributing to targets within SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by elevating the teaching profession.

1. Addressing Teacher Shortages: The institution is working to demonstrate, recruit, and retain high-level teachers to combat the nationwide shortage of experts in early childhood education.
2. Promoting Specialized Training: Arlitt emphasizes the need for specific training for educators in early childhood development to understand the unique ways young children learn.
3. Fostering Decent Work: By investing in 21st-century training for quality teachers, Arlitt supports the creation of a skilled and valued professional workforce.

Fostering Inclusivity and Well-being (SDG 10 & SDG 3)

The school’s operational philosophy is rooted in principles of equity and holistic development, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

• Reducing Inequalities: Arlitt is committed to offering children from all walks of life access to high-quality education, ensuring no child is left behind.
• Promoting Health and Well-being: The institution’s mission includes furthering research for the health and well-being of children, contributing to a healthier future generation.

Building Sustainable Communities Through Partnerships (SDG 11 & SDG 17)

Arlitt recognizes that achieving its goals requires collaboration, reflecting the principles of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• The institution requires community support to continue its work, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving educational objectives.
• Investment in Arlitt’s mission is presented as a direct benefit to the greater Cincinnati community and the world, reinforcing the role of quality education in creating sustainable and resilient societies.

1. SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • The entire article is centered on the theme of quality education, specifically focusing on early childhood care and education. It discusses the Arlitt school’s mission to promote and demonstrate “best practices,” provide “quality early education,” and equip children with essential skills. The text highlights the importance of innovative, play-based learning and the need for high-level teachers, which are all core components of SDG 4.

2. Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 4.2: Ensure access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education.

   • The article directly aligns with this target by describing the school’s commitment to “best practices in early childhood care and education.” It emphasizes offering “children from all walks of life access to education” and working to “equip children with the right skills from the very beginning.” This focus on quality, access, and foundational learning for young children is the essence of Target 4.2.

2. Target 4.c: Substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers.

   • The article explicitly addresses this target by highlighting a “nationwide…shortage of expert teachers” in early childhood education. It details the school’s efforts to “demonstrate, recruit and retain high-level teachers, which requires specific training for early childhood.” This directly corresponds to the goal of increasing the supply of qualified and well-trained educators.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator for Target 4.2 (Implied)

   • While the article does not provide statistical data, it implies indicators related to **Indicator 4.2.2 (Participation rate in organized learning)**. The school’s mission to offer “children from all walks of life access to education” suggests a goal of increasing and maintaining high participation rates in its quality early childhood programs. The emphasis on “quality” and “best practices” also points to the qualitative aspects of this participation.

2. Indicator for Target 4.c (Implied)

   • The article’s discussion of the teacher shortage and training needs implies a focus on **Indicator 4.c.1 (Proportion of teachers with the minimum required training)**. The text states that the school is working to recruit “high-level teachers, which requires specific training for early childhood.” This points to the importance of measuring the percentage of educators who have received the necessary specialized training to be considered qualified, a key metric for progress on Target 4.c.

4. Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: uc.edu