Week 7

After researching on the UNESCO website, I gained some interesting insights about early childhood education.

One new insight I gained was that the importance of access and equity in early childhood is reiterated, including the development of early childhood care and education. Although countries promote other services for poor children, there is also “limited or no access to mainstream early childhood services” (UNESCO, 2013). Governments struggle to ensure that resources are dispersed among all populations, rather than targeted one specific group. “A policy of universalisation with targeting can minimize inequity where governments aim for universal access…” (UNESCO, 2013). I believe the biggest struggle is that coherent, equitable policy so that all children are receiving support and the opportunity to access education.

Another insight that I gained was that “Where appropriate curricula exist, there can be problems with implementation with the emphasis remaining on early primary education and preparation for formal schooling due to pressure from parents and the fact that it is easier for teachers than child-centred learning” (UNESCO, 2013). I found this interesting, as I experience wanting to implement child-centered learning, rather than having to teach to prepare children for first grade and curriculum that is not developmentally appropriate. I believe that part of the reason some teachers would rather teach without a child-centered curriculum is because they do not have the available resources and tools, or lack the knowledge to teach them effectively. This could be partially improved through focused funding and professional development or classes for teachers.

I also found that “The greatest difficulty faced by countries in their efforts to expand and improve the quality of early childhood care and education is the mobilisation of resources. This is particularly daunting in developing countries, where early childhood may be overshadowed by other pressing priorities, such as universal primary education” (UNESCO, 2013). It was interesting to me to find that some countries, especially underdeveloped or developing countries prioritize education in the primary grades than at the start of early childhood. I believe maybe they need to rethink their priorities, as learning begins at birth and we as educators know, how crucial early childhood learning can be. Learning at younger ages sets children up for learning in the future. I believe these countries could improve education for children if they invest in early childhood education from the start. While government funding may be small, the appropriate steps need to be taken to advocate for early childhood education and its importance in the future of the country.

Overall, it was interesting to me to read about the education around the world, and gaining some insight on education in other countries. I think this website is a great resource, and can keep educators like myself informed.

UNESCO (2013). Early Childhood Care and Education.  Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/