This week we spoke a lot on the
topics of excellence and equity in early childhood. In my conversations this
week with my international contacts we also touched base on this topic. Again,
I am always surprised at how many similarities there are but there are
differences that are also astonishing. In Ireland for example, they worry
heavily on protecting children from abuse and preserving their rights. We do
hold this in serious regards here in America but it is not the forefront of our
everyday focus because the rates are not as high. In fact, I was told that
there is a constitutional vote coming up in Ireland on November 10th,
2012 that would makes the right for children to be protected legal. We deal
with pressuring children academically and “teaching to the test” with a strain
on assessments that are not occurring in the natural environment. In terms of
the bridge with getting elementary, early childhood, families, and communities
on a similar team that has proved to be a hard task for the Irish. They are
just now passing legislation that would focus on the stresses that children
endure (with the most common being alcohol abuse and poverty). They are trying
to promote excellence by providing the basic needs every child is entitled such
as safety, love, and nurture. This week I was not able to be in contact with my
British colleague, Helen, because she is away on holiday (vacation).
As in all of our discussions
through the weeks of this course I and finding more and more how important the
community and the private business sector is. If they work hand and hand we can
begin to build a better future for everyone…
Wow I knew by reading my classmates post would make me feel better about not being able to get in touch with my resource. If could live vicariously through your contact I have to say that's pretty amazing. To be able to ask these questions and get that much closer but that far away is so exciting. It makes me want to still see if there is time to get in contact with someone else just because. To establish a relationship with someone across the country and share insights and ideas about early childhood would be very helpful for my career and education. Your experience encourages me to do that. Nice post:)
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of Ireland, I certainly didn't expect to hear that children's basic safety would be a major issue. Are there economic stressors that are making family life dire? Or is the religious/military conflict creating national tentions?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have had luck with at least one of your international contacts. It is always amazing to me to see the turmoil other nations might be in. So often I think of all that is wrong in America and forget that we are not alone; there are others in a similar place as us in our world. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
ReplyDeleteWendy,
ReplyDeleteThere are a ton of economic stressors effecting families. There is an extremely high rate of unemployment and poverty. There is also still a very big alcohol abuse issue. We tend to think of that stero- typically but an issue non the less.