Getting to know your international contacts- Part III

I must say that I am disappointed that I have had no further correspondence from my international professional contacts, especially the Jamaican link. However, I must say that I am in Jamaica for a private matter but I am scheduled to visit an early childhood resource center which I am very excited about.

In the meanwhile I visited the UNESCO website and is glad to be able to view it when I wish. 

The United Nations Educational and Culture Organization (UNESCO) has an amazing  website that is excellent for finding information on the issues and trends in early childhood across the globe. It informs the reader not just about issues but also what is being done to bring equity and quality to all children. I have acquired very useful information and insights from exploring the website.

 One such insight I have gained is that parents and all levels of care givers can gather much information and guidelines to help to ensure the quality of service that is given to the families we serve. For example, the fact that the early years (age 0 to 8) are crucial to brain development, and that this is the time that the ground work is done for future learning and development processes. This is why the UNESCO advocates for “programs that attend to health, nutrition, security and learning, which provides for children’s holistic development and lay the foundation” (UNESCO, 2014, para. 1-2).The first years are very important to successful early childhood development.

Another insight I gained is that after organizing the first world conference on early childhood care and education (ECCE) in September 2010, the UNESCO joined forces with other entities to rally together in an effort for young children all over the world to achieve their full potential. This is done through the Moscow Framework for Action and Cooperation: Harnessing the Wealth of Nations. The Muscat group which represents 300 global organizations, are advocating for and supporting education. They have specific target areas which are seven at the moment, the aim is to reflect diversity on the social, political, economic and cultural perspectives. This was developed by the UNESCO, and is the foundation for Action, in continuous discussion with all of the EFA partners. The 7 areas that are of paramount importance are financing, basic education, teachers, skills for work, skills for citizenship, youth/adult literacy and early childhood care and education (UNESCO, 2014).

The insights that I am gaining from this interesting and informative website has caused me to rethink my position as a professional in the early childhood field. I am truly seeing that it is being much more than a teacher. 

Reference

United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2014). Early childhood care and education. Retrieved June 19, 2014, fromhttp://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/