Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

I was really surprised at all the partnerships of organizations around the world that were listed within this organization. I was happy to see that there are countries trying so hard to help children who are at a disadvantage when the country itself is struggling. "The 1990 Jomtien Declaration for Education for All stated that learning begins at birth. A decade later, the 2000 Dakar Framework for Action reaffirmed the importance of early childhood by including the development of early childhood care and education as the first of its six main goals" are two statements that it seems as though we, as a global community, are on the same page when it comes to making choices for our children.

Another insight I found was under the "Quality" link. Learning involves the culturally and appropriate materials and child-centered activities but it is easier to push the formal learning practices, thinking this will better prepare children when in fact, it is not.

Lastly it seems funding for early childhood programs in other parts of the world are struggling just as much as the United States. The money is seen to be spent more appropriately in the formal school settings and what funding is left could be given to programs for the youngest learners, depending on what other issues need attention.

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