International Wrap Up

            On a professional and personal level it is sad knowing that children around the world struggle with access to high quality early childhood education.  I could understand some of the “third world countries” having barriers and issues in relation to quality and access.  But some of the leading world powers have problems with quality and access to early childhood.  We are a perfect example of that.  The consequence is that it makes me want to work and advocate even harder for the children in our country and around the world.  We all have issues and that should be seen.  We are not independent of each other in our struggles.  If we can advocate for one, we can advocate for all.

            Another consequence of learning about early childhood on the international level is that I am able to learn from their efforts.  If a country had success with a program, I look at it and see how I can adapt to fit my county’s needs.  Also if something was not successful, I can learn and not repeat the mistake.  At the same, I can analyze it to see why it wasn’t successful and learn from their mistakes as well.  From researching Early Childhood Australia’s website, I came away with ideas and information.  I love how they were a one-stop shop for early childhood in Australia.  My Partnership is looking at redesigning our website.  I would love for our website to be formatted after theirs.  Plus the website also gave me additional resources I can use in the future. 

            A third consequence of learning about international issues and trends is more of an observation that I have made.  It seems that while the US is one of the leading researchers into early childhood, other countries are using our results and really making a difference.  Yes I said earlier we all have issues especially when it comes to quality and access.  But there are countries that are further along in their recognition of early childhood’s importance and making huge strides in advancing it.  We could learn from that.  We need to do more with our own research such as funding and creating or amending our policies.  It would make all the difference in the world. 

            My goal is to stay aware of issues and trends in early childhood on the global level.  I think that is key in making a difference.  By being aware, I can learn and input it into my work on the local level.  My other goal is also to keep in contact with Ms. Smith.  I have learned a lot from her and it would be great to keep that connection strong because it will help me keep in touch with the global issues and trends.