Consequences and Goals

As I reflect upon the journey of the last 8 weeks, I remember how excited I was to connect with someone from another country and learn about their successes, challenges, hopes, and dreams. I believe I obtained so much more than I ever thought possible. I understand we are to write about three consequences of this project, but I believe a consequence equates to something of a negative nature. I honestly don't believe that I have had an negative experiences, but I do have questions. I believe my awareness of issues has increased dramatically. This project has made me ponder if England can work together as a nation to develop a system of free preschool, why can't the United States? If the general theme of working in child care is the feeling of our profession being too absorbed in paperwork and less time with the children, why aren't we standing up and fighting for a change more often? In seeing that even England admits their system is faulty and they look to Scandinavia, why is the US looking at individual states for a best system, when one may exist across the ocean?

My goal for our profession would be to have the adoption of a global early learning office that would be represented by all. A colleague of mine recently went to a conference where early learning professionals spoke from all areas of the world. While most talked of high quality and endless paperwork with low pay, the representative share her experiences in watching numerous children die year after year because they lack the resources to maintain a hygienic environment. My staff complain about needing 17 steps to change a diaper, this person is burying children due to diarrhea.

 I would also like the United States to focus more on the social and economic impacts of quality early learning. As I have read in numerous articles, that for every dollar invested in our field, the return on investment is $7. Why are worrying about "bridges to nowhere" and funding Super Bowl commercials. Sorry, this type of funding will only promote the growth of prison cells. I want to keep by children out of them unless they're visiting on a field trip.