Reflecting on International Contacts

When I first learned about the "international contacts" portion of this course, I admit I was filled with a certain amount of dread. As a typically introverted person, this required me to work outside of my comfort zone, contact a STRANGER, and rely upon them to aid me in meeting my own needs. What I found was something quite surprising.

First, I rekindled a dialog with a former classmate, and had the opportunity to learn more from her than I had in our first course together. She validated for me the universal lack of quality ECE, but also validated the voices that are rising up within the field to effect change. Her passion is strong and her determination palpable. Simply being in relationship with her, albeit through email, pushed me along in this course during days of weeks when I felt myself waning in enthusiasm or energy.

Second, I gained confidence not only in myself personally, but professionally within the EC field. Because we are both still students, some of the fear of sounding less-than-knowledgeable was diminished. Because we are both striking out in a professional field together, we are able to share our challenges and our hopes more openly. Our conversations gave me hope for the field.

Finally, by seeking knowledge from another, I hope that I validated her world view and experience, as she certainly inspired me to look deeper into my own. My stereotypes/assumptions were challenged as well as reinforced. But it is not without seeing the experience through her eyes that I would have had this. For this I sincerely thank her and am in her debt.

My goal for the field of ECE would be this: value yourself, back it up with best practices, and begin to "be the change you want to see" (thank you Gandhi). No one is going to value the field or all that it has to offer if those in the field do not demonstrate their own value through quality, confidence, and knowledge. Every field has had this growing pains as it emerges from it's infancy and childhood into it's full "professional" adult glory. Learn from other fields. Don't stop growing.

Zambia

This week, I touched base with Mwaka, a peer in Zambia.  She reports some similar issues and challenges with regard to ECE in Zambia that we experience in the states.  Two of these primary issues being access and affordability. Specifically, Mwaka reports that "early age quality schools are very minimal and expensive... some parents register their children while still pregnant". Until recently I thought this was only something that happened in rom-com movies. However, I've hear this anecdotally in my own area, though not to the same degree, with parents getting children on wait-lists soon after birth. Mwaka reports that she registered her own daughter in 2014 "when she was 5 months for a 2017 spot" in a 3 year old room.

With regard to opportunities for professional development, Mwaka reports that they are minimal, and that those who are passionate about continuing higher education often have to seek out distance education (as she has).

Mwaka's professional goals are directly related to the above three issues (access, affordability, and education). By advancing her education and becoming aware of best practices, Mwaka is working to develop (at least) 2 early childhood development centers. One center will charger higher fees and be directly at those who can afford to pay, while the other will serve low income families and have little to no tuition fees. Her hope is to organize the business in such a way that the higher income center will aid in offsetting the costs of the lower income center. Much in the way that a for-profit organization in the states may support of fund a non-profit. With an awareness of the health issues faced by many in the population, she also plans to have at least two full time nurses on staff to assist in meeting basic health care needs of children in her care.

Mwaka's passion and compassion are deep and true. She states, "My professional hopes are to see less mothers from low income lives go with babies in the streets selling products to earn a living.  I want to see children of all walks of life being given an opportunity to quality education".  I truly believe that Mwaka will accomplish these goals and affect positive social change in her community and country.  I have been honored to share courses and correspondence with Mwaka

Deeper in ZERO to THREE

Looking deeper into the website for ZERO TO THREE, I found some interesting infographics related to advocacy, policy, and effecting change to increase equity.  Having been fighting illness this week (both mine and my son's), these pictures spoke more clearly than words could have.

Another link addresses "Closing the Opportunity Gap for Babies and Families".  The downloadable PDF addresses the effects of early experiences on infant brain growth, as well as policy suggestions for advocacy. Suggestions include: federal reinvestment in ECE; increasing paid family leave and home visiting programs; expanding programs such as Early Head Start; and increasing public awareness of the importance of ECE and safe learning and home environments. Page 4 provides an interesting graphic that charts developmental discrepancies between children of differing SES backgrounds.  

A final link addresses the issues of quality in infographic form as well. 

Thank you ZERO TO THREE for these great graphics. My apologies for my lack of verbosity, but if the flu affects the brain as much as poverty does, I have an added dose of empathy right now.