Since I have had challenges connecting with an international early childhood professional, I chose to complete the alternate assignment for this blog. I did receive a response from a New Zeland contact of the UNICEF, but unfortunately she was unable to assist me in this assignment. She did forward an email of a hopeful prospective contact at the New Zeland College of Early Childhood Education, but so far I have had no luck making this connection. For this blog assignment I would like to analyze the early childhood systems of the Global Children's Initiative, developed at Harvard University. There are three objectives to this program: 1. Educating high level decision makers about the science behind children's learning, behavior, and health. 2. The support of research about healthy development and living. 3. Build leadership in child development research and contribute to the global movement (Harvard Edu). These objectives have led to three domains of this of this initiative; early childhood development; mental health; and children in crisis and conflict situations. Focusing on these domains has allowed collaborative efforts of projects moving beyond the Harvard community of faculty and students. I appreciate that The initiative also highlights Mental Health as an area of needed focus. The mental health condition of a child also directly effects children physically and developmentally. I believe that sometimes we forget the importance of “the state of mind” and the societal factors that lead to mental health decompensation.
One such program supported by this initiative is Un Buen Comienzo (UBC), “A Good Start,” is a collaborative project in Santiago, Chile. This project took flight in 2007 in four locations and has grown with expectation to encounter 60 schools with an approximate two year intervention plan (Harvard Edu). The focus of this particular program is to improve the professional development of teachers in early childhood education. This program focuses on the education of children ages 4-6. It is designed to target various capacities, keeping in mind a holistic approach. Some such capacities in socioeconomic development, health, school attendance, and family involvement (Harvard Edu). I am amazed and inspired by the work of this organization and the leadership that they have provided to communities such as Santiago, Chile. They are bringing awareness of researched material and the effects of poverty in children's development in to areas that are suffering from generations of hardship. Very importantly, this organization is also dedicated to making a difference globally in changing policy and providing leadership training, for the benefit of the future of all children.
Leon'e,
ReplyDeleteI went with the Global Children's Initiative as well.I really enjoy this website. Yes it is inpirational and very informative. Leon'e try watch the video's on the archives of this website please. They are short and full of information.
Leone,
ReplyDeleteAny effort aimed at changing the course of children's development must occur very early in life. Early childhood is the time of rapid development – brain development and many of the body’s biological systems that are necessary for sound health (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2010). This means that those who are charged with the responsibility of enhancing children’s development should always be a step ahead of the game. Providing professional development sessions for teachers such as the initiative in Santiago, Chile is an excellent way of seeking to eradicate poverty. It is important for us to remember that a child’s experiences and environments have powerful influences on their immediate development and subsequent functioning so if we can begin to strategically plan for children’s development very early in life we will certainly enhance their life chances.
Reference
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University (2010). The foundations of lifelong health are built in early childhood. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/library/reports_and_working_papers/foundations-of-lifelong-health/
Training teachers about holistic education may be one of the best ways to improve the education of children. We can have enough programs for every child to attend, but if the teachers are not well educated, they will not be able to help the children succeed.
ReplyDeleteI find it a sad state that the children of our world need so much help in the area of mental health. No child should have to recover from so many hardships.