Professional Goals...

     My level of knowledge on poverty and homelessness has increased. I was not aware of all the programs available for the families here in my local community.  With my new position as a nanny, my hours are not always so consistent, but I would like to be more involved with community awareness and projects that support the homeless shelter and food banks. Not am I aware of the different resources for families, but also become more aware of poverty on a worldwide level. 

     The second consequence is the awareness of how the early childhood policies are voted in by Congress has grown. I would like to go about voicing my concerns and making others aware of issues on a local level. I am slowly finding my way back into a position to where I can keep the parents and myself aware of issues that are being discussed regarding early childhood. Understanding the importance of the parents being aware of their child’s education and how they can make a difference at home. My knowledge on how politician has increased on making the policies in the early childhood education more applicable. Making sure these teachers are well trained and still ongoing to training for their profession to better as a person and a teacher. With that being said, the ongoing training will help the teachers with children, whether it is hands on or just talking to them in a conversation.

     The third consequence of learning about worldwide early childhood studies is that the issues are the same everywhere; curriculum or no curriculum, equality, quality, holding on to staffs, ongoing guiding and training for all staff, and having access of quality of a program and staff. With the many changes going through the early childhood education, I would like to have a voice in the changes of the policies. The many articles that were read in the class were based on the changes of Pre-K and Kindergarten. Making sure the children know first grade level in Kindergarten and play is out of the question. Play is so important in a child’s life. With less play time in the children’s life, it gives more time for the teachers to spend on the curriculum with antsy children.

     My near future I would love to travel the world and become involved nationally with an organization like UNICEF, Global Fund of Children and Poverello House in my local area. I would love to donate my time and efforts to a cause that will make a change for the better.

     I would like to take this time to thank you all, fellow classmates and Professor Horton for the support and comments on my discussions and blog. I wish everyone in their endeavors and I know you all will succeed. 

Professional hopes, dreams, and challenges...

    My life growing up as a child, I didn't have the expensive things in life. I had the love, roof over my head, food on the table and clothes on my back was all that matter. My parents felt they didn't provide us a good life. I am thankful that my parents made sure we were loved and provided us what was more important than materialistic things. 

     My small goal was to work in a daycare filled with kids, which I did and enjoyed it so much. My big goal was to become a director and run a daycare. Another goal I accomplished and wasn't expecting to become so soon, but I did and learned so much. My dream is to run my own business and be my own boss. A step I am closer too. Along side with my dream, I would love to travel the countries and help the families in need, especially the children. 

   My biggest challenge now is to buy a house, and making sure I meet state requirements for a home daycare. My present employer has given me an opportunity to better myself as a professional by enrolling me in a CPR/First Aid class that is daycare required and making sure I have my Master's program completed. I can say I am completely happy and excited to get things started.

UNICEF

Every year on Oct. 5, UNESCO highlights the importance of teachers as they work tirelessly to educate the world. Here’s a look at the classrooms they work in.

Afghanistan

Brazil

Malaysia

Morocco

Pakistan

Ukraine

United States

Vietnam

http://www.buzzfeed.com/jasonwells/world-teachers-day-classrooms#.obYR5enzX

Every child has the right to an education.

"Education transforms lives and breaks the cycle of poverty that traps so many children. Education for girls is particularly important — an educated mother will make sure her own children go to, and stay in, school."

"Whether it means bringing education to child refugees, building child-friendly schools, making classrooms mobile, training teachers or even rebuilding an entire educational system—UNICEF will do whatever it takes to support a child's right to learn."

http://www.unicefusa.org/mission/protect/education 

UNICEF sends me emails about the difference they make in children's life. It is said that it is important to them that I help guide their  priorities as they continue their work. It is so great to have such heart-warming individuals around the world trying to help children. If I had the money to travel to each of the countries, I would visit and help what I can as a professional. It is amazing how each teacher in the photos are doing their best to make sure the children are getting the education they should be getting in different countries. 

Early Childhood Care and Education: Worldwide Challenges and Progresses

UNESCO's Division of Basic education, promotes an integrated approach to early childhood care and education policy development and review.

Gambia - Proposal on how indigenous knowledge should be included in early childhood programs. The Clos d'enfants (Children's Group). 

     - The education system is based on the British school system with a lower basic, upper basic, secondary and tertiary. 

        - The Education policy calls for the government to set guidelines for preschool educator training, work with NGOs and multiple sectors for an integrated approach and encourage community participation in early childhood development. 

         - The language of instructions is to be the mother tongue.

         - 265 preschool structures serving a little over 1200 students.

       

Mali - Demonstrates similar ideas through an international partnership with a local initiative partnership program developed in Bamako using mothers, local materials and toys made by the participants.

     - The education system is based on the French system with primary, secondary, and tertiary level.

         - Language of instructions is French with local languages used in pre-primary and early primary classes as a transition to French. 

          - 412 preschool structure with over 51,000 children enrolled.

Senegal - combining local traditions and European pedagogical philosophies the Case de Tout-petits (Children's Huts) came from president. 

      - Similar education systems from preschools to the university level with French as language of instruction, though the national languages are used in the pre-primary and early primary years.

            - The ECCE sector currently includes 971 structures and over 78,000 students, though this only 6% preschool age population.

             Current Issues in Comparative Education.  Volume 11. (2009). Columbia University.