Assignment: Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

          Once again I chose the alternative assignment as I still haven't had the privilege of having anyone respond to my communications. The alternative I chose was UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/. I reviewed an article Solutions on Early Childhood Development in the Asia-Pacific region discussed. The article footnotes what occurred at A Regional Conference on Early Childhood Development which was held in Singapore in November 2011. The goal of the gathering was to discuss the importance of Early Childhood Learning experiences for children from birth to age three. The reports from 2010 showed that some policy development showed some progress but there is still great concern to find ways to prevent and decrease the under five mortality rates,  reduce malnutrition and increase access to services for children under three. During this conference EDC called for "the launch of the ["Resource Package for 0-3"] The package aims to equip policy makers, practitioners and parents with a range of information on ECD for the under 3 period." (UNESCO, 2011) Many of the countries in attendance agreed that is necessary to document EDC practices and create culturally appropriate policies.

            I found the article interesting and relative to current issues we are examining in our professions we all can agree across the world the importance of providing strong foundations and supports for our birth to three year olds. We all tend to be in the same situation trying to come up with meet their needs. I was surprised and saddened that many of the countries who attended this meeting have troubles with high mortality rates for the children five and under. I have to admit it is refreshing to see around the world early educators are getting on the same page to advance our profession.

Resources:

UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/)

SHARING WEB RESOURCES:

For this weeks sharing web resource I went to the http://www.naeyc.org. While searching articles on the site I came across an article found on a related link from teaching young children http://www.naeyc.org/files/tyc/file/V5N2/Good%20Guidance.pdf. The article is titled The Problem Solver Job Peer- Mediated Conflict Resolution. I found the authors approach to conflict management very interesting and it is a technique I may find myself using next school year. She developed five laminated solution cards and introduces the job of the problem solver. Then as children interact with each other and a conflict a rises the problem solver choose a solution to the problem that both children can agree on this way the teachers solution isn’t always the only solution. Through having children find solutions to a problem it builds on their social emotional development. I found this article interesting as I am always open for classroom management suggestions regarding conflicts.

Resources:

Whitchurch, Sharma. and Sprague, Jackie. The Problem Solver Job Peer- Mediated Conflict Resolution. Teaching Young Children Vol.5 No.2 http://www.naeyc.org/files/tyc/file/V5N2/Good%20Guidance.pdf.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

      I have not heard from anybody that I have tried to make contact with so I once again have chosen to explore the alternative assignment Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative.” I found the website to be very informative and as it is one that I had not seen before I think I clicked on every link they had posted. The goal of the Global Children’s Initiative is to globally concentrate strategically on three domains which are early child development, early mental health, and children in conflict and crisis situations. According to the article the early child development piece is to get policy makers to invest in early learners. Secondly, they want to bring attention to an area that is neglected by many which is the early mental health. Third, are the conflict and crisis situations which are exploring approaches to help post earth quake children of Chili and Haiti and create strategies which address’s acute malnutrition. They are taking concepts from areas practiced and researched from the United States and taking them to other countries. I found an interesting video link which discussed the importance of a strong healthy foundation for children as when they experience crisis or conflict it interferes with the brains development. The Initiative also discusses the importance of policy and how it is import for them to advocate for policy changes for them to be successful. I found the website to be very interesting and I have placed it in my favorites as I will visit again in the future.

Resources:

Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/)