One insight that I have learned through conversations with my international contacts is that there seems to be some common issues when it comes to including immigrant children into the countries early childhood program. Both contacts have said that the UAE and Italy are not receptive to supporting non-nationals.
Another insight is the Reggio Emilia schools were founded in Italy and are used as models ffor many countries, especially the United States. The philosophical model of her nursery school and kindergartens focused on constructive theoretical foundations with a learner-centered curriculum.
My international contact in Italy said that if all the countries would look at the Reggio Emilia program that uses the child’s natural curiosity of learning and implement this into the early childhood program then we would have well rounded children. We should be addressing the holistic child and not what is best for the politicians.
My contact in the UAE does not have a standard curriculum being used at this time. They have some basic standards that are very open to interpretations. There are apparently ‘new’ standards currently being written in Dubai (one of he seven emirates, UAE comprises of) with the aim for ALL private Nursery Schools to be inspected and graded on a Rainbow system. She feels that there are huge gaps between private nurseries and school expectations: no standards being enforced; unrealistic expectations of Primary Schools due to high competition and lack of school places; and many different Nationalities living in the UAE all with their own curriculums, standards and expectations.
Hi Wanda
ReplyDeleteImmigrants to any country often face the harsh realities of inequities in receiving services. Children may also be affected by this in the early childhood setting. For this reason it is important that families stay involved and engaged in their child’s daycare setting. “Study after study has shown that student achievement improves when parents play an active role in their children’s learning, and that good schools become even better schools when parents are involved.” (Ministry of education, 2011). For this reason, educators need to actively engage parents and support their involvement within the classroom.
Carolyn
Ministry of education (2011). Quick facts - Ontario’s equity and inclusive education strategy. Retrieved from http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/EquityQuickFacts.pdf
Wanda,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carolyn in that we must actively encourage family participation in the classroom. In our head start program we offer the parents points to be earned for the time they spend in the classroom, on field trips, etc. they they can go to the "parent store" and buy things with. It is really amazing the things that are offered. We also hold parent meetings once a month at the center and we have a drawing for a $25 gas card, we used to provide snacks but when gas prices went up they voted for the gas card. I personally have an open line of communication with my parents and encourage them to come in and be a part of our day.
Hi Wanda,
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting to know that Reggio Emilia schools were found in Italy and we use these schools as models for our country. I too believe if we were as early childhood educators focused on the natural curiosity of learning and implement this into the early childhood program then we would have well-rounded children. Addressing the child as a whole would allow for us to meet the needs of every child.