Future of early childhood- Final post

One consequence of learning about early childhood internationally is that we can see what has worked for other countries and doesn’t work.  They may try different program approaches and we can learn from these and then make decisions with a true understanding.  Another consequence when learning about early childhood internationally is that eventually a standard will be set to identify quality and it will not just be for one state or country but will be for all children.  The final consequence of international early childhood is building relationships and continuing to work collaboratively with other early childhood professionals to ensure children are in an environment that is conducive for learning.

One goal I have personally that affects me socially is the goal of educating adults.  If we can come together internationally and get the word out about how important birth-5 is when children are developing than I feel we have made a difference.  With knowledge of how important these years are and knowledge of how important is for young children to have bonds with adults and other children then people can make decisions for children with an understanding of development.

Part-3

The educational goals defined by UNESCO http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/single-view/news/key_milestones_reached_for_new_education_goals/

Their goal is to have quality preschool programs available for boys and girls by the year 2030.  These are the global targets for early childhood education.  This surprised me that the date is so far off. However, I do feel it will take a long time to ensure everything is on track for a quality universal ECE programs.

The website has video clips that are something I use because I am a visual/ audio learner. This is the best way I retain information and enjoyed viewing their video news clips available. http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/resources/multimedia/video-stories/

The website is a way to collaborate with ECE professionals and other professionals around the world.  The website supports teachers in learning about other cultures around the world. What better way to integrate multiculturalism in your classroom than to truly understand what is going on in the world around you?  This is a professional goal I have and want to continue as I further my knowledge in the Early Childhood field. 

Sharing web resources

The world Forum resource section is a section of the website I chose to search and learn more about. http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/2014-world-forum-resources/

One video discussed spaces for children who do not have a home.  We can learn so much form this.  The space that they created is respectful for children and incorporates an environment that is conducive to development.   Our foster care system in the United States could benefit from seeing the philosophy behind this video on the environment.

These resources touch on the importance of early childhood and how love and respect during this time affects our future as humans.  These experiences as a young child shape our future.  If we invest in the early years, then children learn

The World Forum Website is a mark of excellence in the field of early childhood.  The forum is a way professionals can become involved and collaborate for the well-being of young children around the world.  They include new information on peace building with young children.  The library on the forum includes information on poverty and children. With this collaboration of professionals and information the early childhood field is at the beginning of a movement towards quality and the respect of families. 

As I review the new information I have gleaned from the forum, I realized that trends that are imposed by the forum are similar with how I feel about preschool. Children are to be treated with the utmost respect.  One of the videos about young children showed caregivers interacting with young orphaned children and you could tell they treated the children in their care like their own and loved them.  This is how I view the children in my class. I love them and try my best to make sure they feel safe and secure.  I realize that this is one of the most important aspects of being a teacher working with young children. 

 

Executive Functions - when are they formed?

The Center on the Developing Child from Harvard triggered my interest in the executive function of the brain.  One of the key concepts they discuss is a child’s executive function and how this part of their brain is developed during the early years of a child’s life.  The three components of the executive function is a child’s working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control.   After reviewing the website and watching videos underlining executive functions along with components of quality childcare I found myself asking the question, “I wonder if executive functions could be linked with ADHD?’  The researches explain how when children are at high risk or have toxic environments and do not receive quality care as a young child it can lead to a child not living up to their potential. I just wonder if the high rise in ADHD diagnoses could be linked to young children not having access to quality experiences early in life coupled with genetics. I do wonder if a quality preschool environment would have an impact on lowering the ADHD rate.  Learning that the executive function develops in the first several years of life and early childhood professionals can help build this function in children. Children who do not have access to high quality preschool programs are in need of these experiences. The inequality of this seems out of whack in our society.