Final Blog Assignment

Consequences of Learning about the international early childhood field for my professional and personal development:

1. A deepened passion of learning all issues and trends related   

     to early childhood (Globally).

2.  A high quality (effective and efficient) early childhood

     program.

3. Successful young learners.

Goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations:

          Plan and implement an “International Awareness” Convention for all early childhood professionals. This convention should travel from state to state. It should be a requirement for all every childhood professionals. Early childhood professionals will stay abreast of issues and trends along with meeting experts in the field. 

Getting to Know Your International Contacts - Part 3

Information from UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/):

Three new insights that I have gained about issues related to international early childhood education that relate to my professional goals are:

1. High quality early childhood programs promotes motivation, confidence, good cognitive and linguistic development and school readiness.
2. Early childhood professionals should be adequately trained on integrating content and practice.
3. Active involvement from parents and communities should be active participants in their child’s early play and learning. 

Sharing Web Resources

Back to SAVE THE CHILDREN……..

The outside links that I have followed leads to news (articles) and information (activities) that Save the Children organization supports and have committed to in support of children.

An area of the site that I have thoroughly searched is “Invest in Kids”. This area gives information about investing in a strong start for kids. This site offers information that relates to the issues and trends that I am learning as Graduate student. By searching this area, I have learned that there is a wealth of information that I did not know existed. I am able to really challenge my own learning by navigating online early childhood education sites.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts - Part 2

Information from Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/), 

Three new ideas or insights I have gained about early childhood systems around the globe:

1.     There is a Global Children’s Initiative.

2.     The Global Children’s Initiative is focused on 3 strategic objectives.

a.     To frame discourse about the early childhood period.

b.    To support innovative, multidisciplinary research and demonstration projects.

c.     To build capacity in child development research and policy.

3.     An array of activities is being incorporated to    

     support the strategic objectives.

Sharing Web Resources

More on SAVE THE CHILDREN…….

SAVE THE CHILDREN has a section titled “Education”. The Education section gives information as it relates to early childhood education and children’s growth and development. The “Education” section is relevant to me because as a graduate student and early childhood professional (teacher) I aim to be a life long learning; immersing, myself in early childhood development issues and trends.

Community participation in improving young children’s education is new and relevant information that challenged my thinking.

MY NEW LEARNING

1.   Parents and Community Volunteers can get children doing literacy and math skills outside of the early learning center.

2.   SAVE THE CHILDREN has education programs that have reached 9 million children. It consists of families, teachers, government officials, and community volunteers who are inspiring early learners.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts - Part 1

Information From:

Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre’s page (http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/),

Childhood Poverty in France

Three Insights

1.       Children suffer some of the worst poverty rates in the world.

2.     According to statistics, poor children are more likely to come from single-parent households.

3.     Many families have to leave their jobs because they can not afford child care.

Sharing Web Resources

I selected SAVE THE CHILDREN www.savethechildren.org

SAVE THE CHILDREN is an organization that focuses on and implements giving children in the United States a healthy beginning. They believe that every child deserves a healthy start. In addition, they work to give children beyond the United States an opportunity to learn. SAVE THE CHILDREN work to protect every child globally. This organization makes children their priority and aims to save every child’s life.

SAVE THE CHILDREN reports there have been investments in early childhood education and international affairs in President Obama’s budget request.

My New Learning

Increased funding for Head Start and other learning programs has been a priority on the President’s agenda.