Week 8, International Connections- Final blog

The consequences I experienced learning about issues and trends around the world, is that being able to communicate with an international professional was not as easy as I thought it would be. I really did not truly establish a connection even though I spoke with someone. However, It was really surprising to me to know that there are so many issues facing early childhood even in first world countries. Poverty is so prevalent and quality and excellence in jeopardy the world over. I am encouraged that there are advocates and various organizations that are working tirelessly to help and support the cause for quality and excellence in early childhood around the globe.  I have great respect and admiration for agencies like the NAEYC, Zero to Three, UNICEF the ACEI, just to name a few. Their websites are informative and up to date with research and reports that are very useful in helping to keep professionals abreast of new and ongoing developments in the education field. I believe that as a professional I should visit these sites regularly and recommend them frequently to my colleagues and other professionals.

Another consequence is that I read much more than usual before I tried to make contact with international professional. I felt that I did not know enough about policies, issues and trends to have an on-going professional interaction with other professionals. I tried to contact a Jamaican professional, I wish I did, and I know how critical Jamaicans are when interacting with other professionals. Their expectations are very high and so I was a little apprehensive about what our conversation would be like. Even when I sent out the emails to the Jamaican early childhood commission I realized that I was nervous and was so tongue-tied when I phoned the office. I did not hear from them again, in and was disappointed because I am very interested in the Jamaican system because of my commitment to poor children there.

 I am grateful to my classmates that made connections and shared from what they found out, very informative and enlightening information. My personal goal is to become an advocate for quality education for families in need and a voice for their cause. I will continue to follow trends and issues around the world and see how they impact early childhood.

 I am presently in Jamaica and have visited two early childhood institutions. It was wonderful to see the children engaged in play and learn. There are 67 children on roll, 65 attending regularly, ranging from ages 3 to 6 years old. I was moved to see the teachers’ hard work as they try their best to bring quality to those in their care. Most of the resources were hand made from used packaging and the charts were hand written. Every bit of the resources reflected the hard work, creativity and originality that was put into them because of a deep commitment. I spoke with the principal and I asked what could someone do to help the efforts and she said that they would be grateful for one computer. I promise her that I will seek contributions to get them a computer that their tiny dream will come true. This is the beginning of my promise to make a difference in the lives of young children so that they may reach their full potential.

St John's Infant School

Principal Mrs Perrin

One of the teachers Mrs Mc Donald