My Hypothetical Family Situation

I have created my ideal family situation based on a scenario of a realistic family.  The family's culture, race, and economic conditions are within realistic limits.  I also plan to create the program based on the type of information I have learned in the course.  The family is an African American family located in Northwest Mississippi.  The family has three children and a mother and stepfather.  The stepfather is currently unemployed and the mother does not work.  The family lives off government assistance and food stamps.  The goal is to create a system that provides the family access to early childhood education services.

The Political Will to Improve Early Childhood Systems

One of the ways that advocates work to promote advocacy in early childhood services is to lobbying for programs to imrpove the quality of education.  Edcuators and early childhood administrators can work with political groups and policy makers to lobby for new programs.  This can be achieved by conducting research, writing letters, and working to establish programs that improve early childhood systems.  this gives educators and advocates a political voice and power to make changes in early childhood education.

Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

Parent involvement is essential to the success of children in Early Childhood Education.  When I see stories of how parents and the community become involved in education, it helped me to understand the importance of collaboration and teamwork.  This reminds of a quote that it "takes a village to raise a child".  Clearly parental involvement is important in helping children do well in school.  As a result, educators must be actively involved with parents and develop strategies to engage parents. 

The stories helped me to see the impact that families have on their children's education.  As an early childhood edcuator in Head Start, I have seen the difference that parents make in education.  When parents are actively involved, the children learn at school and at home.  Also, parents can provide information to edcuators that help them better understand the needs of the child.

Quality Programs for All Children

The public view on early childhood education quality has shifted to a view of quality for all children.  Although public opinion wants quality in education programs, the resources to ensure equity and equal access for all children is not in line with public views.  As an educator, I understand the importance of children being exposed to quality early childhood education programs as early as possible.  Children need guidance and direction to ensure that they develop academically.  Therefore, quality programs must address all areas of children's needs to ensure the success of children in the school system.

What Resonates With You About Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy?

Part 1: Why did you choose this specialization?

I am in the early childhood education (EC Advocacy Pub Pol) program because I want to create change in early childhood education.  I also realize that policy changes are the best way to create change and to develop best practices for early childhood education.

Part 2: Why are advocates essential in the early childhood field?

Advocates are needed in early childhood education to combat issues that affect children and their families.  Advocates help to create change by lobbying for change in the education system and policies.

Part 3: What do you hope to learn about public policy and advocacy?

I want to learn ways to develop new policies and to create change in early childhood education.  As a result, I believe that I can learn what I need in my program to become a social change agent and a policy maker.

Final Blog Assignment

Three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field

Learning about international programs in early childhood has helped me to understand ways to improve programs in my own classroom.  Also, I have improved my understanding of poverty and other issues that impact children around the world.  The research that I have studied has been beneficial to my professional development as an educator.  Furthermore, I have enhanced my personal development by learning from other early childhood professionals and developing a passion for combating poverty.

Goal for International Awareness

My goal for international awareness is to develop a program to combat poverty in early childhood education.  I plan to achieve this goal by continuing to study international research.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

This week, I decided to visit the UNESCO “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage. I enjoyed this site because it provided information on early childhood education programs and discussed topics related to health and nutrition.  Health and nutrition are important for students’ education.  As a result, teachers have to focus on the whole child in education.  UNESCO also provided information about a world conference for early childhood education.  I also found research articles and journals that can be used to improve education in the classroom.  Therefore, this is a great site to learn about early childhood education programs around the world.

Reference

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/