Final Blog ~ Consequences & My Goal

The first consequence of learning about the international early childhood field is I have broadened my understanding of the way in which early childhood programs are run in other parts of the world. It was interesting to be able to compare international programs to many of our programs that are run here in the United States. I was able to gain an understanding of schooling in different parts of the world which overall, helped me have a better understanding of our world.

The second consequence of learning about the international early childhood field is I was able to read about the connections that many colleagues had with ECE professionals in different areas of the world. It was interesting to hear the perspective of other early childhood educators in the field. I also felt a connection through their responses because many of the educators are in the field for the same reason as I am - to change the lives of children we are surrounded by.

The third consequence of learning about the international early childhood field is I formed a relationship with many of my colleagues through the connections and research that we prepared. We learned from one another if it were unintentional or intentional. I was able to learn about new resources available, international early childhood programs, and feel connected with early childhood educators in other areas of our world.

One goal for the early childhood field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations is that we continue to work together for the children. Every voice counts. If we continue to learn from each other about the resources and commitments we can make through the field then we are able to grow together to ensure quality education and care for children across the world. We must take a step towards making a difference in the field. I believe it will all pay off one day.

UNESCO

While exploring the website for UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) I gained some new insights about issues related to international early childhood education that relate to my professional goals. UNESCO works to build peace with individuals and is a worldwide network with headquarters in Paris (France) and 52 field offices, as well as six Institutes and two Centres which specialize in education. UNESCO specializes in education and at the same time, I specialize in early childhood education. UNESCO touches the lives of children around the world. Having an impact of the lives of children is a professional goal of mine so I can relate to UNCESCO.

I have learned the mission of UNESCO, which I believe is very powerful. I also feel that I can relate to their mission in my professional goals as an early childhood professional. The mission of the UNESCO Education Sector is to: 

·         provide international leadership to create learning societies with educational opportunities for all populations.

·         provide expertise and foster partnerships to strengthen national educational leadership and the capacity of countries to offer quality education for all.

·         work as an intellectual leader, an honest broker and clearing house for ideas, propelling both countries and the international community to accelerate progress towards these goals.

·         facilitate the development of partnerships and monitors progress, in particular by publishing an annual Global Monitoring Report that tracks the achievements of countries and the international community towards the six Education for All goals.  

The one goal of the UNESCO relates to my professional goal because it aims to work as an intellectual leader. As a member of Walden University within my master’s program I am working to become an intellectual leader in the early childhood education field. I am learning the background of the field as well as many resources that are available to me so I am able to further my knowledge in the field and work to become an intellectual leader.

The 1990 Jomtien Declaration for Education for All stated that learning begins at birth. A decade later, the 2000 Dakar Framework for Action reaffirmed the importance of early childhood by including the development of early childhood care and education as the first of its six main goals. It is very rewarding to hear that early childhood care and education if held at such high importance. I work as a member in the early childhood field because I want others to understand the importance and the impact education has on children in the early childhood field.

Overall, I believe that many of the goals that are set and accomplished through UNESCO can relate to my professional goals. Individuals who care about the education of children realize the importance of focusing on early childhood education and the impact it has on children.

Resource:

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/