More on International Contacts

...But for this blog assignment of making international contacts, I wouldn't have known that issues such as poverty and inequity in quality Early Childhood EC exists in countries all around the world. I used to think these issues were peculiar to the under developed countries where poverty has eaten deep into the system.

First, I appreciate the information I got from Janella (a classmate) about Michigan. Apart from this, Janella made me do a research on EC in France which was so helpful in our discussion and assignments. Exchanging information with her, I learnt about these issues in Michigan and the various approach the community is using to reduce or eradicate them. Through this assignment, I have been able to reaffirm my goal of working in a French preschool knowing that France ranks one of the best in ECE. Thanks to Janella who brought up the idea of exchanging information about our resident countries!

Although, I met Chris Hussey towards the end of this course, but I am glad I did meet him. A professional relationship has been established and I can always contact him when the need be. In this short time, I got useful information from Chris that enlightened me on the general practices of ECE in the UK. I appreciate this contact because UK is nearer home and I can always decide to go over for a research practice or even jobs. Chris Hussey introduced me to more websites of ECE which will be added to my archives of useful sites. I can learn about trends in ECE in the UK from these sites.

Now, I feel I am part of the big family of EC professionals knowing that I can reach or make contacts with any other professional around the globe.

I am looking forward to making use of the information I got during this course as I relate with children of various background. I appreciate the fact that each culture and country has their strengths and weaknesses, I will work on children and families' individual strengths in order to make up for their weaknesses.

Finally, It was nice working with my (Group1) classmates this term. I was always challenged by the quality of information I got from the discussion board; and to Dr. Myers I say thanks for sharing a part of your knowledge and time with us. I appreciate so much also your understanding. Wishing everyone the best as we forge ahead in our academic pursuit!!

Getting to Know my International Contact

Many thanks to Chris of the British Association of Early Childhood Education UK who was helpful with this blog assignment. Chris is based in the UK and he confirmed that the issue of teacher qualification is also on a top gear in the UK. From one of the sites he sent to me, there are debates on whether EC teachers should possess a degree or not and majority have voted in affirmation. But Chris said something that bugs me, he said some of the best teachers he had in the past were not degree holders, how do we then relate this to the fact that a teacher's qualification has a direct effect on children's development which Chris also confirmed? He is of the opinion that education might not be the ultimate in becoming a well seasoned teacher. Other issues of concern in the UK are school readiness and standardization.

Just like in some of the resources we read this week, teachers or EC professionals are expected to have regular training and upgrade of certificates in the UK. This should be done by employers

Chris hopes to be a research practitioner in the field of Education which it's why he is doing his PhD in Education. He looks forward to postulating more critical theories and has some already published. And then, he hopes to finish up as a consultant.

Chris' greatest challenge like most of us is fund to complete his PhD  program. I wish Chris all the best in his pursuit in life.

Some helpful sites sent to me by Chris. Teachers qualification debate http://www.daynurseries.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/26/Debate-should-early-years-teachers-have-qualifed-teacher-status

 

http://www.daynurseries.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1560801/early-years-professional-launches-petition-in-battle-to-gain-qualified-teacher-status

 

Issues of School readiness and standardization

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-24079951

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/10307682/Failure-to-acknowledge-the-concept-of-readiness-in-education-this-is-the-tragedy.html

 

EHS and Families

One of the outside links displayed on ZeroToThree website is Early Head Start https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/ehsnrc. From this website, I decided to read about Home or family visitors as I am inclined to the fact Vasquez (personal communication, 2013) shared this week that families play a crucial role in children development. From this web page, families testified to the fact that visit from Early head start or EC professionals has been so beneficial to them. Some parents admitted that they were novice in child upbringing until they met some officials who saw them through challenging times with their kids. An important area that I appreciated the work of head start with families is their relationship with pregnant mothers. Knowing that development starts from the womb (Berger, 2012), Early head start take their time to lecture and nurture expectant mothers. They do this not minding culture or language difference which has solved the issue of inequity in terms of culture.

To me, this information is new as I don't live in the US, and it's good to hear and know that Early Head Start follow up expectant families and families with young children; helping and educating them in several areas like breastfeeding, sleeping methods, play, etc.

Funding is a major reason for inequity as we saw in our resources this week. As I searched this site further, I read that a certain amount of money was given to Early head start for the training and degree upgrading of her staff, so that all Early Head start teachers have at least associate baccalaureate or other higher degrees and then working experience. This will help teachers be responsive as child development has been linked to teacher's qualification.


References
Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood. Worth Publishers, NY New York