Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part 2


My international contact is The International Step by Step Association (ISSA). My contact in the organization has been kind enough to invite me to be a member. I have accepted. The insights and information I have gained have helped me to see all countries have the same issues concerning early childhood education, if not far greater, just as we do in the United States. In this case however, there are countries coming people from different countries coming together under this one organization for the sole purpose that children receive adequate support through high quality early years services.
I did see a document titled “Competent Educators of the 21st Century: ISSA’S PRINCIPLES OF     QUALITY PEDAGOGY, “in the newsletter. The ISSA launched updated pedagogical principles. The Principles serve as a basis for professional discussion, building and expanding partnerships, improving practices, and bringing change into the lives of young children in the countries of the ISSA network and beyond.
In this document there are issues of trying to find a balance between equity and excellence. It stated “Many countries have set ambitious goals to increase both quantity and quality of early childhood development and education provisions for young children and their families. The rationale behind these goals is based on economic, as well as neurobiological, educational, and social arguments. At the individual level, early childhood experiences have been recognized as a key factor in building strong foundations for learning and successful participation in community throughout life; at the societal level this period in the life of the child and family plays a crucial role in promoting inclusion and strengthening social cohesion; from the economists’ point of view, the best return on investment comes from investments in the early years. Regardless of the arguments and agendas, it is crucial to ensure that the interests of the child are at the heart of any policy and practice relating to the early years, and that the child receives adequate support through high quality early years services” (Association, 2010).
I commend this organization for trying to keep the child at the heart of any policy and practice relating to the early years.

Association, I. S. (2010). International Step by Step Association. Retrieved from Competent Educators of the 21st Century: Principles of Quality Pedagogy: http://www.issa.nl/docs_pdfs/Quality-Principles-final-WEB.pdf


Comments

  1. jodibethJune 8, 2013 at 7:56 PM

    Larry,
    That's wonderful that you accepted the invitation to become a member of the ISSA. I am sure this will be a great help and resource to you as you continue your journey in Early
    Childhood Education. It's also interesting to read that other countries share the same issues in Early Childhood as the United States. Great post!
    Jodi

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 9, 2013 at 5:36 PM

    Larry,

    That was so nice of the organization to extend an invitation to you to join! I am sure you will learn a lot through the organization and I am sure that you will be able to implement much of what you learn in your work with children. Great post!

    Tara

    ReplyDelete
  3. Michelle RollinsJune 9, 2013 at 11:25 PM

    It caught my attention when you stated all countries have the same issues concerning children. It is interesting developed counties and undeveloped countries a like still deal with the same issues when it comes to their children.

    ReplyDelete

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