Fianl Blog Assignment

Final Blog Assignment for Issues and Trends in Early Childhood Education

Just as some of my other colleagues, I unfortunately did not get to carry out emails and a conversation with someone from another country who worked in the early childhood education field.

However, by doing the alternative assignments and having the opportunity to look at all the progress that is taking place in other countries in regards to early childhood education, I was excited by my findings.
I was pleased to see different types of programs being used abroad, as well as research taking place on topics of major importance.
 It seems that along with the struggles of poverty, hunger and homelessness, organizations are reaching out and helping in every possible capacity.
Also, I was excited about the tactics to bring awareness to the importance of early childhood care and education throughout other countries.

The largest goal that I can imagine for international awareness is that by doing research in other countries, talking about the importance of early childhood care and education and by programs being offered in other countries, the children of these international countries will be healthier, happier, encouraged more to continue on with their studies in school and to keep the cycle of awareness going for the next generation of children.

UNESCO's Early Childhood Care and Education

UNESCO's Early Childhood Care and Education

Access and Equity:

2000 Dakar Framework for Action:

1.Participating countries committed themselves to “expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.”

2.Governments were particularly urged to expand equitable access to quality early childhood services underscoring the importance of instituting policy in favor of the poor.

3.Countries often promote alternative services for poor children with limited or no access to mainstream early childhood services which can be cost-effective and pedagogically innovative, but often raise concerns about sustainability and quality.  In cases where the government has limited resources, a pro-poor policy can redistribute resources by reducing state support for the more privileged.

4.Central governments must ensure an equitable distribution of resources among different populations and especially those who live in the most disadvantaged regions. This approach aims to expand access without creating serious regional inequities. However, where there is universal provision for a certain age group while the overall enrollment in other age groups is low, this policy can create inequity.

5.  Privileged children of the target age group benefit from state investment, while poor children of non-target ages receive scant government attention. A policy of universalization with targeting can minimize inequity where governments aim for universal access among the target age group, but simultaneously prioritize the poor.

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I thought this section was worth posting here on my blog. It gave me so much insight and "food for thought" when it comes to how our own government allocates funds to early childhood care and education. How amazing though that inequality can happen even despite the best intentions? Is this what happens in our country as well?

-Beau
  

Sharing Web Resources

ZERO to THREE

In my search of the website this evening, I was lucky enough to stumble onto an article about how President Obama has now put forth a 2014 budget proposal that substantiates the need for investment in early learning!

In the article, it summarizes how the President is allocating funds, spread out over a 10 year period, that will help fund early childhood education programs such as Early Head Start. Also, the plan would provide $200 million in 2014 specifically to create more high-quality child care options for babies and toddlers with working parents, using Early Head Start’s quality benchmarks, expertise, and resources (Zero to Three.org, 2013). Furthermore, the budget allocates funds for families to have access to these types of high quality early childhood education programs.

Even more exciting, the budget proposal also allocates funds for more home visiting programs. The article reminds us that parents are benefiting and welcoming home visitors into their homes. Also, it is clearly shown with research that these types of home visiting programs are helping parents with resources and reliable information about early learning.

All in all, the proposal is said to be rooted in research done on children in regards to how babies are wired to learn. The article reminds us that those who do not have access to high quality early childhood education can quickly fall behind and therefore have long lasting gaps that appear even before their first birthday!

Resources

Zero to Three.org

http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/press-release-presidents-budget-proposal.html

Getting to Know International Contacts- Part 2

International Contacts- Part 2

Sadly, I have not received an email back from my contact in Ireland. Therefore, I have chosen to partake in the alternative assignment.

This week, I explored the Harvard University's "Global Children's Initiative" website.
My insights include:

1. The initiative is about building leadership capacity in child development research and policy and encourages diverse perspectives in regards to the global movement on behalf of young children

2. They focus on early childhood development, mental health and children in crisis and conflict situations

3. One project is centered around assessing quality in early childhood environments and programs in diverse global contexts

4. The vast amount of projects that are being planned or implemented in different countries such as Africa and Brazil

5. The non- English videos that are translated into languages such as: Spanish or Portugese

I am astounded and encouraged to see such activities taking place to bring awareness to the globe about the importance of Early Childhood Development and Education.

Sharing Web Resources

ZERO to THREE

I receive the Zero to Three Newsletter at least once a month now. It is tailored to the age of my twin boys, who are now almost 20 months. So, seeing as how my babies are my profession, as of right now, I love that I am able to connect my learning of child development and early childhood education with the growth of my little boys.

Oddly enough, the newsletter I received this week had a brief section on how 20-month olds can remember moments better if we talk to them about their experiences. Furthermore, the paraphrase came from an article in The Journal of Experimental Child Psychology magazine. So once again, neuroscientists are making an impact on how we look at the Early Childhood Education field. I enjoyed the piece in the newsletter because it reminds me, as a parent and professional, to always talk to children about the happenings of the day, what will take place tomorrow, such as a trip to the doctor, or even scary or upsetting experiences. In addition, the newsletter section suggested a great way to keep memories intact with our children: picture books.

In addition, the newsletter was full of great information about how my twin boys are developing now at 20-months old. I forget, in the go-go-go of my daily routine, that my boys are learning about imagination, how to control their actions, how to recognize others feelings, how to solve problems, and act like little scientists in their exploration of everything!

Getting to Know Your International Contacts - Part 1

Hi All,

I am very excited about the opportunity I have to converse via email with another Early Childhood Education professional from Ireland! Her name is Nora and she manages an Irish language preschool in Cork City.
 As of today, I have not received an email back from her in regards to my questions and interests of what it is like as an Early Childhood Educator in Ireland. Although, she seems eager to help me with my assignment and seems very sweet.
I have always wanted to visit Ireland. Therefore, I am extremely thrilled to have this chance to learn about their country and culture. Maybe some day I will visit and get to see their Early Childhood Education practices first hand!

Sharing Web Resources

Sharing Web Resources

I decided to subscribe to the Zero to Three organization and newsletter.
The website is:  http://www.zerotothree.org/

As the website states, the mission of the Zero to Three Journal is:
 "ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.Our mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers."

"ZERO TO THREE is unique in our multidisciplinary approach to child development. Our emphasis on bringing together the perspectives of many fields and many specialists is rooted in the robust research studies showing that all domains of development—social, emotional, intellectual, language and physical—are interdependent and work together to promote a child’s overall health and well-being in the context of his family and culture." 

I enjoy the Zero to Three Journal because it not only talks about behavior, development, care, and education, but it also incorporates a section on policies that pertain to Early Childhood Development. Also, I am a fan of Dr. Brazelton's work and his books and teachings are featured on the Zero to Three homepage. In addition, I was excited to see that their parenting podcasts, called Little Kids, Big Questions,  are now offered in Spanish and English.

Furthermore, I have children of my own that are in the zero to three age range, so I feel that I have a lot to learn from the articles and podcasts.