The inequity within the early learning is far vaster worldwide
than I once believed. Conversations with Sara and Saya this week has
highlighted the similar issues with inequity here in America. Poverty and the
access to care is an issue of inequity worldwide.
Sara discussed the issues and excellence they experience in
Europe. She discussed the importance of pre-primary school as a path to growth
and excellence in academics in the later years. The battle she faces is not to
show the importance to the government, but to the families how children benefit
from these programs. Low income families commonly allow the mothers to school
the children the education stemming from what the know. To fight the issue
parents are encouraged to encourage training to the educators to show case the
knowledge to the apprehensive families.
Saya pointed out the issue of health concerns in Italy.
Southern Italy especially battles the poverty levels far more than northern.
Being able to overcome the issues of keeping children healthy through
prevention and wellness is a large issue. She identified many do not use the
public early learning programs due to the issues with health and wellness. She
did mention that the health and schooling are government funded and free to
families. Saya is in the private sector her programs are not free nor funded by
the Italian government, but by the Department of Defense.
Reflecting on the inequality worldwide I find the largest
battle lies in the issue of poverty. Families battling poverty are not using
the early learning programs along with families in the middle class that may
struggle with the extra burden of child care. Broadening the funding through
the government may relieve some cost to the families. Setting standards in programs
with the level of required training and education nationwide would allow for
all programs to be at the same quality of educator level.
Reference:
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteSadly, poverty is an issue that is in the US and many countries abroad. I think that a lot of families, in the US, still struggle with the importance of preschool programs, much like the pre-primary school. It probably stems from a lack of understanding of the long term outcomes. Great information from your contacts.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher I have experienced poverty being the issue for most of my families especially single mother. I agree that obtaining children's health is very vital towards a children growth and development. when children are sick they cant function properly in the classrooms so they have to stay home causing the single mothers to take off from work to care for their child.
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeletePoverty is a huge issue not only in the U.S. but surrounding countries, I could see why a parent wouldn't think early education is very important. Lots of times families feel the need to keep children home to help out around the house or help provide a living for the family.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is inequity in health care worldwide. I think that reading the articles and hearing from others in different parts of the world makes it more of a reality for me. I knew it existed but was not aware that not all people are aware of the programs or they cannot access them. I do agree that government funding should make sure all children are getting the same quality services.
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie,
Great post. I am glad to hear parent issues exist throughout the world and is not a problem only in our country. I can understand the difficult in getting parents onboard with early childhood education. There is often a difference between attitudes yet in recognizing that parent involvement makes a huge difference to the early achievement of children, it is crucial that parents become a supporter as well as advocate. It is my believe that educators must put forth equal work with parent involvement as well instruction.