The United Nations Educational and Scientific Organization

The United Nations Educational and Scientific Organization Early Childhood is devoted to leading the policy drive for health and holistic well being of the child. During this course we have heard Delia Vasquez bring up that we cannot forget to look at the whole child. In my assessment of my professional goals, I know that this statement resonates with my true feelings about serving children. There are so many variables surrounding the issues and trends within the early childhood field. Yet, I consciously think that no matter where my professional path takes me, I know that understanding the child, his family and their needs is and always will be my primary focus. Whether that is within a classroom setting or at a meeting of community leaders, I will always be asking myself how can I best serve children?

An area of the UNESCO Early childhood site is devoted to 10 reasons to invest in Early Childhood Care and Education. As I read each of the reasons stated, there is a few which are closely aligned to my professional goals. # 8 reason; ECCE levels the playing field by compensating for disadvantages in the family and reducing inequalities between rich and poor. It is thus a key component to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. (UNESCO 10 reasons, 2012).

Professionally my hope is that my future early childhood education role will allow me the opportunity to advocate for children and families who do not have the opportunity for equitable access to a preschool education. I also want to help lawmakers and policy makers to understand how crucial it is for us to invest in the future of early childhood education. Reason # 5; ECCE is cost-effective in that it serves as preventive measures, saving cost for later compensation and remedial interventions. # 4 reason: ECCE has a beneficial effect on school preparedness and later learning, and leads to higher school enrolment, particularly for girls. When we invest in our young children we invest in our country and world’s future. Under the early childhood menu, were three subheading; access and equity, quality and lastly investment and financing. Central governments must ensure an equitable distribution of resources among different populations and especially those who live in the most disadvantaged regions, (UNESCO 2012).

Advocacy for the education and health care of young children is the commonality between the international websites and our focus here in the United States. Though the specific issues globally may be different, we all have the same goal serving and advocating for young children and their families.

References:

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

Laureate Educate, (2010)."Excellence and Equity of Care and Education for Children and Families—Part 1" (approximate length: 8 minutes) Conversation with Delila Vasquez (Director of Program Services, Los Angeles Universal Preschool) about equity and excellence of care and education for children and families—focus on curriculum, assessment, achievement gaps, standards, etc.