Consequences of Learning

I learned a lot through the international website I visited as an alternative assignment for this course. Among the sites and programs I reviewed were the of the World Forum Foundation, Poverty Research and Policy Centre, Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative”, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO). For instance, poverty isn’t just a problem in the United States. All around the world it is an issue, just in some places the number of those living in or under the poverty level are higher than other places. It seems it should be every nation’s goal to learn from others’ strategies to eliminate and lower poverty levels. Another consequence of learning about the early childhood field internationally is that societies are researching ways to better invest in early childhood. Countries are beginning to see that the more that is invested in children, the better outcomes in their lives they have developmentally, emotionally, and physically. More money is being spent on interventions and medical assistance for children who are need of them. Also, around the globe organizations are working towards creating more opportunities for children from low income families to be involved in quality childcare centers and programs.

A goal that I want to take upon myself is to make myself more knowledgeable about the issues involving children and education in my area. At the district I am employed at now, poverty is a main issue. The district itself is on a low budget, but offers its children the education they need to the best of their abilities. I would like to be involved more in the community also to assist children and families. Unfortunately, I amongst six other quality teachers were cut from the district’s budget for next school year. This just goes to show how school systems and programs lose some quality. They are forced to cut quality teachers and in return the child teacher ratio is affected. Any educator knows that the smaller the class size, the more individual attention students receive. All in all, I have gained much insight throughout this course and will continue my quest in gaining more knowledge about the different issues and trends in the early childhood field to become a better professional and educator.

Resources

http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/

http://developingchild.hardvard.edu/initiatives/global_intitiatve/
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/

Getting to Know your International Contancts--Part 3

I chose to do the alternative assignment since I never heard back from an international professional.  http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/ is the website of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations  (UNESCO). This organization leads a global drive for an integrated early childhood care and education system that takes into consideration both the well-being and holistic development children. Their mission is, “To support early childhood policy development with the aim to build a solid foundation for a child’s lifelong learning.”

It discusses the different ways countries create opportunities for children from low income families to be involved in early childhood quality programs that are accessible for everyone. Quality programs serve children holistically. Research has shown that children from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit most from thes high-quality programs because they “promote motivation, confidence, good cognitive and linguistic development and school readiness”.  In these quality programs are experienced and professional staff members. These workers are in great numbers because they can be pre-school teachers, child care workers, or other early childcare workers. It also talks about how, now days, child care programs are putting a lot more emphasis formal schooling. These earliest types of programs focus on getting children ready for school and not just allowing them to investigate and learn through child centered activities. This website also consists of global news and different links to connect one to news throughout the world.

Resources

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/

Sharing Web Resources--Excellence and Equity

I continued to investigate the Zero to Three website. This week I researched information and links that involved early child care and education. The website has an entire section devoted to “Early Care and Education”. This section is divided into three parts: child care, family friend and neighbor care, and school readiness interactive birth-3. It does discuss issues related to this week’s theme-excellence and equity. Children spend the early years of their lives in the care of other adults that aren’t their parents. This care given by other adults should be high quality. High quality programs are loving, responsive, respect each child’s individuality, and are stimulating. It gives tips for parents on how to choose the best program for their children. The site encourages adults to go to the program and observe their interactions with children. Here is a list of questions parents should consider when choosing the best early childhood educational program?

ü  Do they respond to each child’s needs?

ü  Do they talk and interact with children consistently and effectively?

ü  Do they listen to each child and take into consideration their needs and ideas?

ü  What certification do the adults have in dealing with children?

ü  Is there a schedule posted within/outside the room?

ü  Are the toys and materials located where children can reach them safely? Are hazardous materials out of reach and placed in a safe place?

ü  Does the environment and caregivers accommodate children with special needs?

ü  Are each child’s language, culture, and values respected?

ü  What discipline policy is in place?

ü  Is the environment clean, safe, and appeasing?

ü  Does the teacher-child ratio seem acceptable for your child’s age group?

ü  Is it a licensed program?

ü  Would you feel comfortable leaving your child here for an extended period of time without you?

These questions will help guide parents in choosing a high quality program. This site also gives tips, examples of what consists of quality programs, and ways to prepare your young ones for preschool. Separating from parents can be a big deal for some children. Reassuring children that preschool, or any other early childhood program, is fun and exciting can help the process flow smoothly. It offers a variety of actions that parents can do in order to prepare their children for the big change in lifestyle. I don't have any children at this time, but this website would assist in choosing the correct program for my child and help me prepare me and my child for education outside my home.

Resource

http://www.zerotothree.org/early-care-education/