Issues and Trends in Early Childhood Education: The Final Post

Consequences of Global Awareness of the Early Childhood Field

There are always consequences surrounding making changes.  Some are intended; others are unintended.  I experienced both levels of consequences when I embarked on my journey on Road to Mastery.  My studies at Walden University has allowed me expand my horizons and thinking about the field of Early Childhood Education.

My intended consequence was learning more about the aspects of Early Childhood Education in other countries.  From the beginning of my journey, the Foundations course has allowed me to learn about practices in other countries-some I admired and some I thought were really disturbing.  Overall, I have enjoyed my communications with others in foreign countries and it has been a delight meeting new people that are passionate about educating young children.

My unintended consequences was learning that our country, America, is changing the way that children are learning based on what children are learning globally.  As Dr. Grace pointed out-our educational standards are being devised from the top grade level down to Early Childhood so that our graduates will know the same things as other students are learning globally.  (Laureate, 2010).  This is sad because this set of standards has caused many early educational programs to teach the test instead of allowing children to learn how they learn best-through play. 

 

Another unintended consequence was learning how poverty affects Early Childhood education in many countries.  The course load at Walden University has allowed me to see just how inequalities surrounding poverty affects the availability of education in other countries.  I have also learned how poverty affects children and families in my demographic area.  The research assignments and podcast have allowed me to see how Global organizations are passing initiatives to assist in ensuring that all young children receive an early educational experience.  

Overall, whether the consequences where intended or unintended, I have learned so much in the previous weeks and my passion for teaching young children has blossomed to a new level.  I have enjoyed reading the posts from my colleagues and I really appreciate the comments made on my posts.  Being globally aware of the issues that affect Early Childhood education is a must because the field expands so much further than our borders.  Children everywhere are in need of childcare professionals to educate them and prepare them for school success.

My goal is to continue to make a difference in the lives of children in my demographic area.  As I realize that there are many issues surrounding Early Childhood education on a global level, my interest is in the children that I feel I will have a greater impact on regarding them being successful.  I have a goal of operating an educational establishment that will educate children form Infancy to Grade 3.  I believe that continuity of care will assist children in learning during the early years of learning.

Resources

Laureate Education. (2010).  “Economists, Scientists, and Politicians Supporting the EC Field”

(approximate length: 11 minutes). Conversation with Dr. Cathy Grace (Director of Early Childhood Development, Children’s Defense Fund).  Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_2652928_1%2