I was extremely excited
about this assignment to make global professional connections. I have been in
the early childhood field for nearly 20 years and I have always been fascinated
by early childhood programs in other countries. Globally, there are several
universal preschool models and I feel like the United States is antiquated when
it comes to early childhood development and the importance of early intervention.
With that said I would
like to share the reason I relocated to Seattle to be an early childhood teacher.
Seattle recently rolled out a Universal Preschool model that is funded by the
city and open to every 4 year old. In becoming a part of uncharted waters in a
large city I have the benefit of being part of something from the ground floor
up. When you are part of something new it is exciting but sometimes frustrating
so it is important to make connections with other professionals who have done
what you are doing.
I am blessed to have an education coach with lots
of connections and she has so graciously helped me with this assignment by
helping to make professional introductions with Chris Bayes. Chris teaches four year olds in the Foundation Class at
Diocesan School for Girls in New Zealand. Her background has been working for
the Ministry of Education as a Senior Advisor and as a Facilitator for
professional learning.
Chris was first introduced to the pedagogy of Reggio Emilia in 1994 when the Hundred Languages Exhibition and conference was held in Melbourne. After visiting Reggio Emilia in 1998, she began an adventure that continues to inspire and challenge her.
Chris was first introduced to the pedagogy of Reggio Emilia in 1994 when the Hundred Languages Exhibition and conference was held in Melbourne. After visiting Reggio Emilia in 1998, she began an adventure that continues to inspire and challenge her.
For my second connection I am attempting to find a
connection in Japan. Japanese culture values education, therefore early childhood
education has been a very important educational developmental milestone that is
taken very seriously. I have sent several emails and hope to receive a response
by the first of the week. I am hoping to hear back from Yoko Shirakawa, a
professor of Early Childhood Education, at Konan Women’s University.
Susan;
ReplyDeleteI am excited to see your results. You have given me ideas to look in placed I hadn't thought before for connections. Your passion for foreign perspectives on early childhood education is inspiring! I'm glad to see you're my class again.
Thanks for sharing,
Liz Plaskon
Susan,
ReplyDeleteWOW! You have one connection already. I am still working on mine. Different time zone can play a major part in these assignments. I hope I hear from someone soon. I cannot wait to find out the resources and information you will collect on these two countries.