Blog Assignment: Week 7

UNESCO

While exploring the UNESCO website three of the insights I gained about early childhood internationally are Education for All, Early Childhood – Access and Equity and Investment and Financing.

Education for All is a program through UNESCO committed to providing children a quality basic education. 164 governments have acknowledged six goals to be met by 2015 (UNESCO, 2012). The program will be monitored for progress and countries held liable for their commitment.

Early Childhood – Access and Equity

Participating countries have pledged to provide a more complete early childhood education especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Resources will be distributed to ensure children have access without regional inequities.

Early Childhood – Investment and Financing.

Countries struggle with resources to improve and expand their early childhood programs. This is particularly daunting in developing countries, where early childhood may be overshadowed by other pressing priorities, such as universal primary education (UNESCO, 2012). Monies from government entities is scarce. Access and equity for disadvantaged children is usually overlooked and it comes down to who can pay for the service.

All of the insights I spoke about as well as other resources on the UNESCO website relate to my professional goals. I want to ensure all children have access to quality programs.  Many of the concerns affecting early childhood education internationally are also concerns in my local area. It is vital as early childhood professionals we continue to contact local, state and federal policymakers to ensure funds are put in place for early childhood education.

Resource:

(http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/)