Saturday, March 31, 2012
Countries such as Brazil and Chile do have populations that are wealthy and can afford the best educations for their children that are available. They also have terrible slums, particularly Brazil where people live in garbage dumps and barrios where conditions are very dismal. The policy makers of countries like this are looking to countries like ours for what is working to decrease the inequities in the early childhood education. Some programs in Chile have been in place for a few years so they are starting to do longitudinal studies. It will be interesting to follow these countries and see how they address the issues of early childhood education programs in the coming years.
What they all agree on is early childhood education is necessary for the continued improving of their society. To attain that they need more educated instructors following similar guidelines, spread across the country, sensitive to cultural differences and parents working with teachers to make their children’s lives fuller and richer.
References:
Langman, J., July 2010
Latin America Focuses on Early Learning
Global Post
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/education/100716/early-childhood-education
Center on the Developing Child
Global Children’s Initiative
Harvard University
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/activities/global_initiative/ubc/
Policy Review Report, 2007
Early Childhood Care and Education in Brazil
http://www.unesdoc.unesco.org/images /0015/001512/15127le.pdf
What they all agree on is early childhood education is necessary for the continued improving of their society. To attain that they need more educated instructors following similar guidelines, spread across the country, sensitive to cultural differences and parents working with teachers to make their children’s lives fuller and richer.
References:
Langman, J., July 2010
Latin America Focuses on Early Learning
Global Post
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/education/100716/early-childhood-education
Center on the Developing Child
Global Children’s Initiative
Harvard University
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/activities/global_initiative/ubc/
Policy Review Report, 2007
Early Childhood Care and Education in Brazil
http://www.unesdoc.unesco.org/images /0015/001512/15127le.pdf
This week I visited Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” and explored their interesting website. One item that caught my attention was the work they are sharing with Brazil and Chile. Both are up and coming South American Countries.
Brazil in particular aspires to the social and econimonic standards of the USA and other advanced societies. (Unesco, 2012) One can witness this happening as more Brazilian tourists are showing up in Florida during the winter. They have their own beaches etc., but they want the consumable goods and lifestyles we have and their economy is growing. Brazil struggles though with the lack of universal access to early learning programs.
Chile is known as a model economy for Latin America because of its political stability and high growth rates. Now it is partnering with Harvard to work on early childhood development. Other countries are now asking Chile for help to set up their own systems. Entertainers, scientists and wealthy individuals are working together to create high quality programs for young children (Langman, J., 2010).
To help with their endeavors in the early education field Global Children’s Initiative has translated a quick moving video called “Brain Hero”. This video states that what happens in the early years of a children’s life are the most important issues in the formation of the child’s brain and how they get along later in the rest of their life. This video champions early education, health care and parents involvement. The video also states that negative stressors can change a person’s outcome also.
On the website there are other videos that are of interest whether they pertain to here or other countries. In one called “ The Impact of Early Adversity on Children’s Development “I learned about the theory that stress can actually change the development of a young brain. Scientists suggest that extreme stress can change the way children learn and mature. Children’s mental health is an under addressed issue. Children surviving crisis such as earthquakes, war and famine are being studied. The hope is that collaboration between agencies will help bring focus to immediate needs and long term plans in the development and eventually the education of our children.
Another video, “ Early Childhood Program Effectiveness” talks about how to improve education programs. Some of the suggestions are small groups of children and high adult to child ratios, warm responsive interactions between teachers and children, and a language rich environment in a safe location. Qualified personnel that are well compensated are suggested too.
On the same video a three-tiered approach is suggested. Basic child and health care for our young children. Extra support for lower income family’s and Intervention of toxic stress situations. If these issues are addressed the scientists believe a young child could absorb more as they are learning and in turn lead a more satisfied life as they grow up.
Brazil in particular aspires to the social and econimonic standards of the USA and other advanced societies. (Unesco, 2012) One can witness this happening as more Brazilian tourists are showing up in Florida during the winter. They have their own beaches etc., but they want the consumable goods and lifestyles we have and their economy is growing. Brazil struggles though with the lack of universal access to early learning programs.
Chile is known as a model economy for Latin America because of its political stability and high growth rates. Now it is partnering with Harvard to work on early childhood development. Other countries are now asking Chile for help to set up their own systems. Entertainers, scientists and wealthy individuals are working together to create high quality programs for young children (Langman, J., 2010).
To help with their endeavors in the early education field Global Children’s Initiative has translated a quick moving video called “Brain Hero”. This video states that what happens in the early years of a children’s life are the most important issues in the formation of the child’s brain and how they get along later in the rest of their life. This video champions early education, health care and parents involvement. The video also states that negative stressors can change a person’s outcome also.
On the website there are other videos that are of interest whether they pertain to here or other countries. In one called “ The Impact of Early Adversity on Children’s Development “I learned about the theory that stress can actually change the development of a young brain. Scientists suggest that extreme stress can change the way children learn and mature. Children’s mental health is an under addressed issue. Children surviving crisis such as earthquakes, war and famine are being studied. The hope is that collaboration between agencies will help bring focus to immediate needs and long term plans in the development and eventually the education of our children.
Another video, “ Early Childhood Program Effectiveness” talks about how to improve education programs. Some of the suggestions are small groups of children and high adult to child ratios, warm responsive interactions between teachers and children, and a language rich environment in a safe location. Qualified personnel that are well compensated are suggested too.
On the same video a three-tiered approach is suggested. Basic child and health care for our young children. Extra support for lower income family’s and Intervention of toxic stress situations. If these issues are addressed the scientists believe a young child could absorb more as they are learning and in turn lead a more satisfied life as they grow up.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
This week while studying about the interests of economists, scientists and policy makers concerning early childhood education in America, I decided to do some comparison to Ireland. I went back to the website for “StartStrong” and read their strategic plan. Their statement under the heading of vision reads; “That all children in Ireland are supported through quality early care and education.” They want to help children flourish and make the most of their lives. This is what I would like to do too. I do not know in what manner professionally I will make this happen, but this web site and others like it are whetting my appetite for more service to the “wee ones”.
At this time of recession Ireland is weighing up the costs and benefits of early childcare and education. Economists and policy makers are collecting a body of research that says that children’s early childcare and education are good for the economy. It appears that they are working towards an actual goal called 2020, meaning the year to have everything in place and improvements starting to show in the education system. Start Strong’s web site has “you tube” videos attached where you can listen to the Minister of Education and a professor speak about the value to the economy of better early learning.
Some of the issues that were raised on this web site in a separate article were: Trying to raise the priority off early Education in people’s minds. and thinking that the money given out as cash benefits for children should go directly to educational services. Another issue stressed is the idea that all children should have available the same benefits for education. They are calling this “Progressive Universalism”.
In a recent conference that was held by Start Strong they set up guidelines and directives for the first 6 years and have a look ahead to the next 6 years as their project ideas go along. This includes parents, teachers and policy makers.
Start Strong members are concerned about the current budget cuts and what it will do to the school programs. Some wonder if it will push some children deeper into poverty?
As a surprising insight, I did learn that even though we are not top notch in our education scores in the world, we are stilled looked at for our test results in comparison tests. Such as the Perry model in Michigan.
At this time of recession Ireland is weighing up the costs and benefits of early childcare and education. Economists and policy makers are collecting a body of research that says that children’s early childcare and education are good for the economy. It appears that they are working towards an actual goal called 2020, meaning the year to have everything in place and improvements starting to show in the education system. Start Strong’s web site has “you tube” videos attached where you can listen to the Minister of Education and a professor speak about the value to the economy of better early learning.
Some of the issues that were raised on this web site in a separate article were: Trying to raise the priority off early Education in people’s minds. and thinking that the money given out as cash benefits for children should go directly to educational services. Another issue stressed is the idea that all children should have available the same benefits for education. They are calling this “Progressive Universalism”.
In a recent conference that was held by Start Strong they set up guidelines and directives for the first 6 years and have a look ahead to the next 6 years as their project ideas go along. This includes parents, teachers and policy makers.
Start Strong members are concerned about the current budget cuts and what it will do to the school programs. Some wonder if it will push some children deeper into poverty?
As a surprising insight, I did learn that even though we are not top notch in our education scores in the world, we are stilled looked at for our test results in comparison tests. Such as the Perry model in Michigan.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
I’ve been doing research on both England and Australia lately in anticipation of talking to my contacts but I have yet to hear back. They are not as hitched to their computer as I am these days. Both of my contacts have a strong interest in early childhood education. As soon as I hear something I will post it.
What I have found out in Australia is that as late as 2003-2004 there was a lack of schooling for people in poverty areas. Australia in general is an affluent country. There are pockets of rural indigenous and poor people though that in 2003 no private school wanted to go into. I read a report from 2010, which put a better light on the situation. There is now a school system with over 90 locations serving the socially and geographically isolated communities.
One of the ideas that they use I like called “Play Schemes”. Playtimes are arranged for children and parents to come together. Sometimes simple living skills are taught in their own language. No stress, no guidelines, just a building of a community. There are also structured early learning centres and a program called “It Takes A Village” where basic skills are taught and health issues are addressed.
England has had some of the same financial woes we have had. Their poverty level for children is very high. In seeking to address this problem they have come up with a plan called the “2020 Plan”. They are trying to eradicate as much child poverty as possible. In England they recognize that there are 1 in 3 children in poverty.
Some of the ways they are working on this problem is to bring in raised incomes at a local level and to funnel extra funding into the pre-school, childcare, and elementary places where the poor reside.
I got some good ideas that I want to talk to my contacts about. How do they get the extra funds for school uniforms, free breakfasts, and money to pay for the educational class trips for the poor?
I’ve learned that poverty in one place is not the poverty of another place such as India or China. A lot of material items are not necessary. Scarcity of food though is a basic need and should be addressed for all of the poor children in the world. Who can learn when your stomach is growling?
Interesting web sites:
http://www.endchildrenpoverty.org.uk/files/Health_consequences_Poverty_forChildren.pdf
http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk.files/h3107/childpovertyandeducationbriel.pdf
http://www.savethechildren.org.au/where-we-work/australia/early-childhood-care-and-development
I’ve been doing research on both England and Australia lately in anticipation of talking to my contacts but I have yet to hear back. They are not as hitched to their computer as I am these days. Both of my contacts have a strong interest in early childhood education. As soon as I here something I will post it.
What I have found out in Australia is that as late as 2003-2004 there was a lack of schooling for people in poverty areas. Australia in general is an affluent country. There are pockets of rural indigenous and poor people though that in 2003 no private school wanted to go into. I read a report from 2010, which put a better light on the situation. There is now a school system with over 90 locations serving the socially and geographically isolated communities.
One of the ideas that they use I like called “Play Schemes”. Playtimes are arranged for children and parents to come together. Sometimes simple living skills are taught in their own language. No stress, no guidelines, just a building of a community. There are also structured early learning centres and a program called “It Takes A Village” where basic skills are taught and health issues are addressed.
England has had some of the same financial woes we have had. Their poverty level for children is very high. In seeking to address this problem they have come up with a plan called the “2020 Plan”. They are trying to eradicate as much child poverty as possible. In England they recognize that there are 1 in 3 children in poverty.
Some of the ways they are working on this problem is to bring in raised incomes at a local level and to funnel extra funding into the pre-school, childcare, and elementary places where the poor reside.
I got some good ideas that I want to talk to my contacts about. How do they get the extra funds for school uniforms, free breakfasts, and money to pay for the educational class trips for the poor?
I’ve learned that poverty in one place is not the poverty of another place such as India or China. A lot of material items are not necessary. Scarcity of food though is a basic need and should be addressed for all of the poor children in the world. Who can learn when your stomach is growling?
Interesting web sites:
http://www.endchildrenpoverty.org.uk/files/Health_consequences_Poverty_forChildren.pdf
http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk.files/h3107/childpovertyandeducationbriel.pdf
http://www.savethechildren.org.au/where-we-work/australia/early-childhood-care-and-development
What I have found out in Australia is that as late as 2003-2004 there was a lack of schooling for people in poverty areas. Australia in general is an affluent country. There are pockets of rural indigenous and poor people though that in 2003 no private school wanted to go into. I read a report from 2010, which put a better light on the situation. There is now a school system with over 90 locations serving the socially and geographically isolated communities.
One of the ideas that they use I like called “Play Schemes”. Playtimes are arranged for children and parents to come together. Sometimes simple living skills are taught in their own language. No stress, no guidelines, just a building of a community. There are also structured early learning centres and a program called “It Takes A Village” where basic skills are taught and health issues are addressed.
England has had some of the same financial woes we have had. Their poverty level for children is very high. In seeking to address this problem they have come up with a plan called the “2020 Plan”. They are trying to eradicate as much child poverty as possible. In England they recognize that there are 1 in 3 children in poverty.
Some of the ways they are working on this problem is to bring in raised incomes at a local level and to funnel extra funding into the pre-school, childcare, and elementary places where the poor reside.
I got some good ideas that I want to talk to my contacts about. How do they get the extra funds for school uniforms, free breakfasts, and money to pay for the educational class trips for the poor?
I’ve learned that poverty in one place is not the poverty of another place such as India or China. A lot of material items are not necessary. Scarcity of food though is a basic need and should be addressed for all of the poor children in the world. Who can learn when your stomach is growling?
Interesting web sites:
http://www.endchildrenpoverty.org.uk/files/Health_consequences_Poverty_forChildren.pdf
http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk.files/h3107/childpovertyandeducationbriel.pdf
http://www.savethechildren.org.au/where-we-work/australia/early-childhood-care-and-development
I’ve been doing research on both England and Australia lately in anticipation of talking to my contacts but I have yet to hear back. They are not as hitched to their computer as I am these days. Both of my contacts have a strong interest in early childhood education. As soon as I here something I will post it.
What I have found out in Australia is that as late as 2003-2004 there was a lack of schooling for people in poverty areas. Australia in general is an affluent country. There are pockets of rural indigenous and poor people though that in 2003 no private school wanted to go into. I read a report from 2010, which put a better light on the situation. There is now a school system with over 90 locations serving the socially and geographically isolated communities.
One of the ideas that they use I like called “Play Schemes”. Playtimes are arranged for children and parents to come together. Sometimes simple living skills are taught in their own language. No stress, no guidelines, just a building of a community. There are also structured early learning centres and a program called “It Takes A Village” where basic skills are taught and health issues are addressed.
England has had some of the same financial woes we have had. Their poverty level for children is very high. In seeking to address this problem they have come up with a plan called the “2020 Plan”. They are trying to eradicate as much child poverty as possible. In England they recognize that there are 1 in 3 children in poverty.
Some of the ways they are working on this problem is to bring in raised incomes at a local level and to funnel extra funding into the pre-school, childcare, and elementary places where the poor reside.
I got some good ideas that I want to talk to my contacts about. How do they get the extra funds for school uniforms, free breakfasts, and money to pay for the educational class trips for the poor?
I’ve learned that poverty in one place is not the poverty of another place such as India or China. A lot of material items are not necessary. Scarcity of food though is a basic need and should be addressed for all of the poor children in the world. Who can learn when your stomach is growling?
Interesting web sites:
http://www.endchildrenpoverty.org.uk/files/Health_consequences_Poverty_forChildren.pdf
http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk.files/h3107/childpovertyandeducationbriel.pdf
http://www.savethechildren.org.au/where-we-work/australia/early-childhood-care-and-development
Saturday, March 10, 2012
I have found a website from Australia which I hope has a wealth of information. It is called Early Childhood Australia. It can be found at http://earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/every_child_magazine/about_every_child.html. I believe this website has reading matter and ideas for many early childhood educators. There have been several articles, which I quickly found on diversity and strengthening cultural connections.
In Australia there are Aboriginal people and immigrants from many country in the Far East
As well as people from European countries. Australia has not suffered these last few years from the economic cutbacks we have had so I do not think that will be a big mention in their newsletter. Instead they are working on creative ways to have a good learning environment for all people.
A quote from the magazine :
‘The connections we make, the actions we take, and the questions we ask each other
are vital to how we develop a competent approach to culture in its many variations.’
In Australia there are Aboriginal people and immigrants from many country in the Far East
As well as people from European countries. Australia has not suffered these last few years from the economic cutbacks we have had so I do not think that will be a big mention in their newsletter. Instead they are working on creative ways to have a good learning environment for all people.
A quote from the magazine :
‘The connections we make, the actions we take, and the questions we ask each other
are vital to how we develop a competent approach to culture in its many variations.’
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources
I have hopes of establishing contact with someone from Ireland, England and perhaps Australia or New Zealand. My husband has family members in three of these countries. The name of Siobhan Fitzpatrick has come up as the contact for Ireland, so I will try her. Failing that I will try someone in County Donegal directly. A family member living in England (Madeline Reddington) has been a teacher of small children for a number of years. In Australia, I hope to use a niece as a contact to the early childhood educator that teaches her children. E-mails have gone out, I await their reply. These three countries are more socialized than we are in America. Two of these countries are having trouble with budget cuts. I am wondering how that is affecting the school systems. Australia is in stable financial condition but does have an influx of immigrants from Asia plus their own indigenous people which can pose challenges.
To expand my resources, I have signed up to Donegal County Childcare Committee, Ltd. They have an enewsletter. http://www.startstrong.ie One of their current articles is about expanding learning through play all day long! Early Childhood Australia, http://earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ has a magazine entitled “Every Child”. I am currently reading their article “Catering to Diversity”. I plan to also check into the Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families for their newsletter. The National Association for the Education of Young Children will be a spot I go to also. By the way I saw on their web site that the week of April 22-28 has been designated as the week of the young child. “Early Years are Learning Years”.
To expand my resources, I have signed up to Donegal County Childcare Committee, Ltd. They have an enewsletter. http://www.startstrong.ie One of their current articles is about expanding learning through play all day long! Early Childhood Australia, http://earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ has a magazine entitled “Every Child”. I am currently reading their article “Catering to Diversity”. I plan to also check into the Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families for their newsletter. The National Association for the Education of Young Children will be a spot I go to also. By the way I saw on their web site that the week of April 22-28 has been designated as the week of the young child. “Early Years are Learning Years”.
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