One of the things that I love about having international students in my classes is listening to them talk about the early childhood system in their countries. It is often eye-opening for me. I think that we look at early childhood education from our frame of reference, which is how it is in our own country.
I found three different organizations that focus on international childhood education. One is the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).
This organization states that they want bright futures for every child, every nation. I love that concept! I was also drawn to their mission, which is to promote innovative solutions to educational challenges and inspire action that creates sustainable futures for children world wide. I LOVED the phrase "inspire action".
Another one is OMEP, which is the World Organization for Early Childhood Education. http://worldomep.org/en/. This organization defends and promotes the rights of child education and care worldwide and supports activities that improve access to high quality education and care. I like that this organization focuses on RIGHTS.
Another organization that appealed to me is the International Early Childhood Education organization, known as ICF. https://www.icf.com/campaigns/education/international-early-childhood-education. This organization does a lot of work in India, but provides early childhood training and technical assistance, coordinates research and evaluation efforts, and supports corporate childcare. They work to achieve the highest possible quality, performance, and greatest impact possible. I really like that one focus of this organization is to create NATIONAL licensing and accreditation standards. I think that this is a fantastic idea!
I did look at careers with each of these organizations. However, I live in a very rural area with very few large organizations located anywhere near me. These three were no exception. All of the openings were either out of the country, or all in very large cities. I would have to consider relocating a great distance if I ever wanted to work in any of these positions. That is something that I am not interested in doing. I have lived in the same small town all of my life and have no intentions of leaving!
Shana I read your blog awesome. It is interesting to have people from other countries in your classroom. I had children from numerous countries years back and recently as 3 years ago in preschool. The parents told of the travels and what it took for them to get to America. The were not interested in early childhood programs they wanted their young children to experience their education in America. I discovered as I looked at the various organizations that opportunities are here and abroad. I live in California and the city I live in as well as cities near me have opportunities at times for employment. What I also discovered is that many of these organizations have the same goals as we do here in America. Awesome choices thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLa Rhonda Lewis
Shana,
ReplyDeleteI like the three organization that your choice. I have never heard of the OMEP but I am sure that it is one that all children can use because as you state it deal with children right. The organization that I chose also have jobs available in the United State, but I would have to move to, or relocate, I stay in a small city to and I am very comfortable here. I think keeping InTouch with the organization through a newsletter would be great. Thanks for sharing your blog.