For this week’s blog assignment I
visited UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/).
I learned that in 2000 the Dakar Framework for Action reaffirmed the importance
of early childhood, this framework established this 10 years after the Jomtien
Declaration for Education for all which emphasized that learning begins at birth
(NESCO,
2014a). The Dakar Framework for Action placed early childhood as its number one
goal (NESCO, 2014a). I found it
interesting to learn that the strong focus on early childhood is found in other
countries besides the United States.
From reviewing the website, I learned
that access and equity was one of this a main concern. They were focused on making sure that
resources were distributed equally, especially to those who live in the
disadvantaged areas (NESCO, 2014b). Quality was another factor that was
explored. Although, they do not have set
standards for quality programs what they believe to be characteristics of a
quality program seem to be closely related to what quality programs here in the
United States have. Some of the
characteristics that the article shared that should be a part of their quality programs
were learning materials, staff training, and encouraging parental involvement (NESCO,
2014b). Also they felt that the learning materials should be quantitatively,
culturally and developmentally adequate and focus on child-centered interactions
(NESCO, 2014b). Securing the funds needed to invest in the early childhood
programs tends to be an issue as government funding for early childhood is on
the low side.
What I learned from reviewing the NESCO
website definitely coincides with my professional goals. I want all children to have equal
opportunities to participate in quality early childhood programs. I also want to be able to educate parents on
the importance of participating in their child's education. Further, it is my
desire to become and advocate for the early childhood field to help ensure that
the early childhood field receives what it needs in order to thrive.
Overall, it is clear that countries outside
the United States share in the realities and beliefs of the importance of the
early childhood field. We all want what
is best for our children. Therefore, securing funds and ensuring all
children have equal access to quality programs is what we need to continue to advocate for both in
and outside of the United States as the early years matter!
References
UNESCO.
(2014a). Access and Equity. Retrieved
from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/
education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/access-and-equity/
UNESCO.
(2014b). Quality. Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/
strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/quality/
Randee,
ReplyDeleteGreat post this week! Working for Head Start, a large part of our job is recruitment; we try and distribute flyers and handouts equally throughout the town, similar to the finds in your article. Your professional goals are very honest and noble, two factors that are needed by early childhood educators. I find it hard sometimes to recruit or reach out to families needing assistance in early childhood education. My local head start reaches out to local businesses, shelters, and other organizations and schools. Do you have any suggestions of ways to reach families in need who are homeless? We serve a large population of homeless people, if they did not come to us I would not know where to start to look.
Randee,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. All children do have the right to a quality education. A quality education paves roadways. In addition a parent should be involve in the process. Being an advocate to teach and mentor to others will bring the community together. it will allow for colloboration and developing of relationships . Continue to advocate , others will follow.
Great post!! Advocating for children and their development is an admirable goal!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. It is very important to get parents involved in their child's education. Sometimes this is a hard task, because some parents don't want to be involved. They think that head start or early education is just play time. They believe that their children go to school to play all day. We have a lot of parent involvement at our local head start center, but it was not an easy task getting them involved. We have fun days, family nights, mother's to class day, father's to class day, grandparent's day and other programs to keep parents and families involved in their child's education.