Final Posting

As this is our last blog assignment, I have to say I really enjoyed this class and blogging weekly about such important issues. This week our assignment was to do reflection on what we've been learning.

• Post at least three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for your professional and personal development (any format, any length)

1. Politics play a key role in early child hood education all over the world. It is a key factor in what happens in the industry, from the programs that are funded, to the resources given. We need to be sure to cast our votes for people who care about what we do.

2. Other countries seem to value early child hood education more than the United States. They look for ways to fund programs and support educators.

3. Exploring websites that pertain to various topics in our field but in other countries was eye opening. I realize that we all deal with many of the same issues just on various scales. Many countries more than others.

• Post one goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations

My goal is to stay current in my industry with things happening all over the world that involve early childhood education. I hope to keep my list of resources and add to it. I will continue adding to my listing and subscribe to the various newsletters and review podcast. I was a bit sadden by not being able to make an international contact but the alternative assignment helped me keep up with what was going on around the world.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

This week apart of our assignment was to review the website United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (http://www.unesco.org).

Upon reviewing this site I found three things from the site that were insightful. The first, the World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education. This conference discussed funding, political commitments and services offered. This inspires me to know that there are others out there looking to make a difference in our industry. It seems a bit mind blowing that the lack of funding is even a major topic at the national conference as it hails as a problem for all countries. I can only hope those in the position to make the change actually does it and begins funding ECE.

I also noticed the importance of the programs embracing the holistic development idea of taking care of the whole child. Quality was discussed as being able to aid in development through the transition into school. In addition, providing quality care to disadvantaged families was also listed as important.

It seems that funding and lack of resources is a problem for ece professionals all around the world as investing was also a topic on the list. Through the information posted, urging the government to invest more and be particular about where investments were placed was discussed. I think its very important that government in every country distribute funding and resources appropriately so that no matter where a child lives or how much money their parents do not make, they all should have access to quality child care and schooling.

Sharing Web Resources

I have continued reviewing the site www.zertothree.org

They send great e-newsletters periodically through my email. All newsletters and correspondences are different which keeps me engaged and wanting to read each post.

This week they sent a e-newsletter about brain development and autism. Knowing that it was recently Autism day I had been meaning to read more on current science development. This journal article discussed brain overgrowth in people with autism. The article said, individuals with autism have reduced synchronization between key brain regions for different cognitive tasks. It went on to describe that the more information and research performed on the topic of autism an lead to the design of interventions that accommodate the way the brains of children with autism function and can allow for more flexible thinking and learning in the field.

This made me think about the topic we've been discussing in class this week...equity and excellence in ece and education. I wonder if we were able to provide more funding toward research in autism and education for teachers to aid students with autism how would this change the way ece professionals view students with autism? In the past, personally I have been terrified with working with children with autism because I know I don't have the proper training to assist in development with children with autism. I think if we give more information...even just research based articles or fact based information pertaining to the topic, it would be helpful to ece professionals like myself. I feel there is not enough information or training available to ece professionals in my capacity about the topic. I work with children 2 - 5 years in my preschool, which is in my home. Although we are required to have a certain amount of hours of state training per year, there is no outline on the topics to be trained in. I think perhaps if this was added as a requirement for providers like myself we would be more knowledgeable and be able to provide a greater quality of care to children with special needs or those identified with autism and such.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

I have again reached out to various international contacts regarding this class and have been unsuccessful with anyone returning emails. As a result I have done the alternative assignment.

Upon viewing Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website I found a few things that stood out to me regarding ECE around the globe.

The hold a Global Research conference where early childhood development is discussed with various ECE professionals from around the world.

I though the conference was a great way to kick off and rally behind what needs to be done. The first thing that stood out to me was definitely the fact that so many ECE professional from around the globe are active in this research based initiative. This global unity can be beneficial in all aspects of ece around the world. I can appreciate that there are so many people in our field making sure to find scientific information to back many of the things we are doing in our classrooms.

I also loved that ECE professionals from various countries are coming together to speak about what works and what doesn't. I think a conference like this is so vital to our industry. We need to continue to make education equal for all students and this is definitely a way to go about doing it.

While reading through information about the conference, I read about tensions flaring based upon people trying to impose their westernized culture onto the various other cultures present and their perspectives, ideals etc. It makes you wonder how can we get on the same page about education equality if we all do live lives so different yet very similar.

However, I feel the conference definitely serves a significant purpose whether cultural ideals are added or not. The goal is to provide researched based information to support the goal of quality equal education for all. This would help policy makers decide where to place funding along with providing economist a reason to push those with the funds toward education.