Final Blog Assignment

One of the biggest consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for my professional development is reading about the struggles other countries are having.  I was not aware of how big of an issue early childhood education truly was.  Upon visiting websites and watching podcasts, it was clear that we are not the only country who struggles with education.  It was clear that people were aware of how important it is for children and their development but many are not willing to devote government funding to the programs.

Another consequence is more towards my personal development.  It is very upsetting to read about the foreign countries who do not offer free education to their children.  Many are forced to either not attend school or leave at a young age because they have to work.  More needs to be done to help the families who cannot afford for their children to attend preschool or daycare programs.  They are hurting their development.

The final consequence in learning about the international early childhood field for my professional development understands what other countries are going through.  It is clear why so many families are coming to our country to help their children.  Every child in my class is from another country and it is now clear why.  Although our education system may not be perfect, it seems to be slightly better than most foreign countries.

One goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends is to inform others of the struggles in other countries.  We must come together as professionals and explain to others how important early childhood education truly is.  Without it, the children are not getting the head start on their education that they truly need, especially those coming from foreign countries and not speaking English. 

Getting to Know International Contacts Part 3

The first insight that I learned from the site (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/), deals with the availability to early childhood education.  Similiar to that of the United States, other countries give more opportunities for high quality programs to children who come fromnwealthy families.  The low income families receive little attention from the government and assitance for their children to attend public schools and early childhood education programs.

The second insight that I gained from the site is that many want to lower the age for children to enter preschool.  Others are fighting it stating that they only want to prepare children earlier for formal schooling.

My final insight is in terms of coordinatino.  Both the national and local governments must work together to work out a plan for children and early childcare.  It must also be worked out between public and private centers.  Everyone must work together to ensure that the children are receiving the highest quality education possible and the money is being distributed evenly.

Sharing Web Resources - Wk 6

Follow some of the outside links that you have not yet explored. Where do they lead?

One of the outside links that I explored lead me to a site that informed me about the latest policies regarding children from ages zero to three.  It allowed me to see who was on the policy board along with their credentials.  I was able to see what changes had been made and how it will impact the children.

Thoroughly search one area of the site. What do you find?

I searched through the journal articles the site zerotothree.org provides.  I was able to break down the sections and only focus on the area of play and this specific age group.  I found a page in which concerned parents can post questions about their children and a professional from the site will answer them the best they can.  It was very informative to see the different responses and questions that were posed.

If you receive an e-newsletter, follow a link related to one of the issues you have been studying. What new information is available?

Unfortunately I have no received an e-newsletter from this site.  I am hoping to do so soon.

Does the website or the e-newsletter contain any information that adds to your understanding of equity and excellence in early care and education?
One aspect of equity in early child care and education that was mentioned was how to help a parent select the proper program for their child.  The site offers questions for the parents to think about when looking at programs such as the experience and training of the staff.  This information is very helpful for first time parents putting their children in a day care or preschool setting.  The article can be found at the link http://www.zerotothree.org/early-care-education/child-care/choosing-quality-child-care.html.  I think everyone should check it out.

What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain this week from exploring the website and/or the e-newsletter?
Another trend that I explored this week was regarding school readiness and signs to look for.  The site composed a brief article for parents to look at and identify key factors to look for in their children who will be starting kindergarten.  This is important especially this time of year when the school terms are ending and children will be moving on to another class.  It will help both the parents and children develop over the summer and understand what is coming up for them within the next school year.

Wk 5 Blog Assgn.

Three insights that I have gained from the site http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/global_initiative/ are:

The organization Global Children’s Initiative is launching Nucleo Ciencia Pela Infancia in Brazil to help raise the level of education for young children.  Some of the activities they will engage in is translating material for the Brazilian audience as well as strengthening leadership roles around the field of early childhood development.

In Chile there is a program, Un Buen Comienzo or A Good Start in English that was developed to help improve early childhood education through teacher professional development.  They want to make the quality of education that is being presented to four-six year olds better, especially in the language development.  This will also help to improve school attendance.  It will help to involve the families more in their children’s education as well.

A humanitarian named Betancourt is currently helping families in Rwanda gain a better understanding of HIV.  Most parents see it as a death sentence and do not understand that they can live a long life with the disease.  Their children are developing fears as well due to their parent’s misunderstanding.