PROFESSIONAL:

• Get to learn about different educational standpoints over the world
• Research many different groups/organizations in the EC field
• Intake some of the info to staff meetings, etc

PERSONAL:

• Exchange voluntary information about each other (schooling, work, etc)
• Stay current with new inventions in the field
• Learn how many different cultures operate

Goal is to research, research, research!! We as educators need to intake all of the information we can to help these children learn.

Getting to Know My International Contacts pt III

At this point, I have not heard anything new from my international contacts. I have been trying to establish a connection, but as of now nothing has come up. The Step by Step program of Haiti is one of few that I would like to gain more information from. Dominique Hudicourt has emailed me once describing the programs many uses. As far as information goes from the Belorussian community, the parents are still involved and they are continually gathering details to expand the program. As I continue my early childhood journey, I will continue to keep in touch with these individuals to see what progress has been made, etc.

Sharing Web Sources

Some links that I have explored is the National Association of Education for Young Children. (NAEYC) This website is full of helpful information to Early Childhood professionals. When I was in college,  there wasn't a single class that I took, that this wasn't mentioned. This website provides all the necessary components needed for classroom set up, procedures, evaluations, etc. Another website I visited was the National Institute of Head Start. Since this is what I want to do, I plan on becoming an head start teacher at one of the local centers. I am one step of the way, but just need to complete my masters which I am currently seeking. It is very competitive in the area in which I live. Hopefully I will soon become a teacher and complete another one of my goals.

Getting to Know My International Contacts PART II

These past few weeks, I have not heard anything from my international contacts. I do look forward to hearing from other people and their ideas concerning early childhood education. I have been web searching and looking through educational magazines to give me insights on new happenings in early childcare. I'm sure the European international contacts have some interesting advice to share. By the way, the equity topic was quite interesting. There were a few things that I did not know but as of now I do. I chose the policy recommendation, who can teach in the early childhood field. This policy caught my attention because there are so many uncertified staff in the public school systems. I do not think this is fair because I have a Bachelor's degree and cannot find work anywhere. But headstart has buckled down on who can teach. Here in Mississippi, all staff are required to obtain a Bacherlor's degree. But of course, the assistants can only have an associates.