Final EDUC 6162 Blog

Learning about the international early childhood field has definitely given me some insight into my own professional and personal development and pursuits in the field.  Learning that early childhood programs look similar all over the world was both surprising and exciting.  I am not sure what I expected to find, but I what I did find was programs all over the world are working on many of the same issues concerning quality as programs in the United States.  These issues include providing programs, accessibility, resources, and teacher training and support.  Like most things surrounding diversity, learning about the international early childhood field allowed me to recognize similarities and differences that gave me new perspectives about the early childhood field in the United States.  I realized how important networking with early childhood professionals around the world really is.  Global networking has the potential to help me grow both personally and professionally, providing insight and help on mutual problems.  It also gives me an opportunity to be a resource, share personal experiences, and grow as an early childhood professional in a truly diverse way.  I feel this will make me a better early childhood educator and professional, expand my understanding of diversity, and continually inspire me to advocate for all children.

I think a realistic goal related to international awareness of issues and trends in the spirit of collegial relations would be not only to continue my quest to network internationally, but create relationships around the world where I can be an active participant in my own learning and sharing, by traveling, meeting contacts face to face, and observing and working outside the United States in the early childhood field experiencing the international early childhood field first hand.

I cannot express enough how important and valuable everyone’s feedback, shared experiences, and insights have been in my growth and development as an early childhood professional.  I hope to include many of you in my early childhood professional network, working and succeeding together as we work towards equity for children and professionals in the early childhood field.