In searching through the www.unesco.org
website, I discovered that many of the same things we are working on in the
United States has been in the works worldwide for many years. I will share just a few of the statements and
challenges posed in the Moscow
Framework for Action and Cooperation Harnessing the Wealth of Nations.
The first insight I gained as I read this document is that
the world is facing the same reality because it is proven with scientific
research, a comprehensive early care and education system is need to address
the gaps in our nation’s population as well as worldwide. Children who are well cared for
nutritionally, physically, and socially will predict our nation’s success or
failure in the future. Education can be
the key to overcoming poverty and homelessness as well as generations of
underemployed minorities. “ECCE is part
of the right to education and the main foundation for holistic human
development. In addition, ECCE is instrumental in poverty eradication and a
critical stage to lay the foundations for sustainable development. ECCE is an
investment in the wealth of nations. (WCECCE, 2010, p.2)’
“Value multilingualism as an asset (WCECCE, 2010, p. 3)” We
need to embrace the remarkable value there is in our diverse population, not
just tolerate or give it lip service.
When we truly value the benefits of a diverse community systematically
every program regardless of group dynamics will embrace the use of minority and
indigenous languages and expose young children to the concept of those who live
in other parts of the world as a part of getting to know the world
community. This will require education
of staff, classroom materials, and access to guests from other countries to
share their culture; but it will also require the families that represent their
own unique culture to also become engaged in this movement to help children
understand the value of diversity.
The next insight I had was that of quality. We have spent a lot of time studying how to
define quality in our teachers and in our programs and yet I still come away
with no clear message of what constitutes quality. I have learned though about many factors that
contribute towards quality. Engaging
families, the community, and the teachers to join together to demand support
for quality programming for all children, this is everyone’s responsibility. We need to “empower and strengthen the
capacity of parents, families and service providers, so that they can provide
protective relationships, quality care and education to the young child. (WCECCE,
2010, p. 3)” Empower means to give power to, we must give power to those who
have no voice in politics and bolster their abilities by making it easier for
them to voice what they know what is right and good for children.
I found it very empowering to know that the DAP that I
believe in and consult around are also valued around the world. “Improve curricula and methodologies in tune
with childhood, valuing play, affection, cooperation, talent and creativity,
joy, the fostering of self-confidence
and autonomy, as well as active learning pedagogies that take into account a
child’s point of view; (WCECCE, 2010, p. 4)”
Just this week and last we were discussing how best to
prepare our workforce. This document
shine the light on this as a world wide value.
“Develop new approaches and methods to build professional capacity, in
areas of critical importance to quality improvement; improve and expand teacher
training, accreditation and the professional development of ECCE professionals;
(WCECCE, 2010, p.4)” The conundrum we
face in professionalizing our field is one that the world recognizes as being
critical. We need to examine other
countries’ practices that are putting them ahead of us in educational outcomes
to see where we need to begin to make changes.
I think we need to grandfather those experienced teachers that can meet
competency skills tests and then start requiring higher educational standards
for the profession. Start small, but
start, without that first step we will continue to go nowhere.
“Increase knowledge of medical
professionals, social workers, parents, caregivers and other professionals
about child development and how to promote it. (WCECCE, 2010, p. 4)” Increasing the knowledge of all who are
interacting with young children is critical to making this the national health
issue that it is.
How do these things help me in redefining my goals that I
started the program with? Goal 1: I want
to refine my coaching, consulting and teaching skills with regards to adult
learners. This resource alone gives me a
broader perspective so I can now more confidently support what I know about
children as a world view not just a local, state, or federal view. 2)I want to be better versed on the theories
and research behind best practices so I can answer questions about how and why.
I believe that I have gained additional
information about why we should follow DAP and how they are beneficial to
children. 3) I want to learn more about
how to respect, value and embrace diversity in classrooms and in life. The classes I have
taken thus far and the world focus we have had this class in particular have
helped me to grow in this area tremendously, but I also realize I have much
more to learn.
Reference:
World Conference on
Early Childhood Care and Education Building the
Wealth of Nations (WCECCE), (2010), Moscow Framework for
Action and Cooperation Harnessing the Wealth of Nations, retrieved April 16,
2016 from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0018/001898/189882e.pdf
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is still a confusion about what is considered to be a quality teacher. I believe there should be a push for universal standards to what makes a teacher high- quality. I know this is off subject, but in a town near me the teachers are on strike. How do you feel about teachers being a strike. I agree that teachers should have contracts in place. However school administration and teachers need to negotiate and come to terms because ultimately striking effects the children.
Good question Trevor! I get your point, that this affects the children, but that's what makes the strike more effective. Administration and parents under the importance of the work when they see the need not being met. I would say with regards to professional ethics are concerned, every effort should be made to reach and negotiate an amicable agreement without striking. If there needs to be a strike it should be timed and carried out with the least amount of negativity and minimal disruption to the students.
DeleteBrenda,
ReplyDeleteQuality teaching is a conundrum for certain, especially in how to evaluate quality teaching. This is an area which I find myself struggling to measure.
Education, in my opinion is a constant evolution of methodologies and practices that professionals need to keep abreast of in order to be providing quality education. Would you agree?
Thanks for a great post.
Debra
I do agree that a teacher needs to stay abreast of the latest research and teaching methods. But a key aspect of EC is the caring aspect of teaching, its something that can be taught but many can do it at a very high level with out formal education. Caring for children is as important as the teaching that goes on. When I say caring, I mean responsive to their needs, good role models for social interactions, quality interactions that help children feel confident and successful.
DeleteHi Brenda, developmentally appropriate practice is important when working with children of all ages. Education can be the key to overcoming poverty and homelessness as well as generations of underemployed minorities. “ECCE is part of the right to education and the main foundation for holistic human development. Great job! I love your post Jackie
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda, for sharing such valuable information. Unfortunately, I was unable to navigate most of the website, but I used what I could. I as well admire your speaking on developmentally appropriate practice. it definitely is important to ensure that children are learning and receiving education at the age necessary and the health and well-being of our children does in fact predict our future because our children are the ones who hold it. thanks for sharing such a great post!! :)
ReplyDeleteBrenda what a great post. You had a vast of information that is so detrimental to the contribution if known by all EC professionals that can make a difference. One point that I love you made is education and its effect on ending poverty. The more we put money into higher quality programs and recruit and educate families the more opportunity we have for change.
ReplyDeletePrograms that promote welfare, health, nutrition and more amongst underprivileged children and families assist in.lowering poverty and underdeveloped youth.
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ReplyDeleteI think it is very interesting that Russia and United States have somethings in common when it comes to early childhood education. As for your goals I admire that you want to mentor adult learners. Good Luck
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