Sometimes in the process of developing our careers in the field of ECE, we unintentionally overlook the importance of also considering the perspective of our U. S. neighbors who experience some of the same dilemmas (if not more) as we do with developing the appropriate policies, procedures, curriculum, assessments, monitoring, and the list goes on and on. As a nation, we have yet to agree on what it takes to establish a universal high-quality educational system though progress is being made. My thoughts are that it would be wonderful to eventually work on developing global standards in consideration of all our individual styles and differences. All children are the future of the world and deserve the very best education possible to become productive citizens that contribute to the greater good of society regardless of where they live.
In my quest to broaden my connections to professionals in the field of ECE, I have made strives to try and link to at least 2 ECE professionals affiliated with both the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Global Alliance of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The countries that I chose were Brazil, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico, Romania, and Sierra Leona, with a total of 9 various emails being generated. I have yet to get a response, however I am very hopeful it will happen this week. Out of the 9, there were only 2 that resulted in a return message because the participate's email address was no longer active. I don't think those odds are too bad considering all things.
In addition to my subscription to receive e-news from NAEYC and the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) as a active member, I have also subscribed to receive free information from the Association for Childhood Education International so that I can deepen my knowledge to a more worldwide standpoint. Though some associations require you to become a member to receive on-going updates, there are those that will allow you to subscribe to receive information periodically via email for free. As I continue my journey, I come to realize more and more that there are still so many valuable resources left untapped. My plan is to leave no stone unturned.
Looks like you have all your bases covered. I didn't receive any feedback from my emailings yet either. I think I might just be a little skeptical about anyone emailing back...that is just my personal opinion. I am hoping to be wrong on this account though, as it would be incredible to make contacts with others doing the same work half way around the world! I am just so curious to see what they think, and feel about the ECE world where they live.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about attending an international early childhood conference, how fun would that be? I saw one in Puerto Rico and one in Canada--I'm sort of thinking the former sunny, sunny and WARM!
Anyway good luck, I look forward to sharing and learning from everyone's knowledge this semester.
Davey
I definitely agree that we too often forget to access supports outside of the United States. When I read the blog assignment I immediately thought I knew no one who would fit the bill, but the longer I thought about it, the more connections I was able to make. I have a professor who used to live in Cameroon, Africa and a friend who works closely with colleagues in Mexico. Both have reached out to teacher friends to help find an early childhood educator who would be willing to exchange ideas with me. I am looking forward to what they have to offer!
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