REACHING OUT

PART ONE: ESTABLISHING CONTACT PERSON OUTSIDE US

It was such an exciting prospect at the beginning of the week to reach out to early childhood educators around the world!  The first thought I had was making contact with Finland!  I am obsessed with the education system in Finland! 

STEP 1:  Google Finland Teacher Colleges
STEP 2:  Email Faculty in the Education Dept.
STEP 3:  Still waiting

• I'm wondering if language might be a barrier.  I don't know how common English speakers are in Finland.

STEP 4:  I did a search on Facebook for early childhood sites in Finland

• no response :(
• However, I did find more articles on this sight that renewed my interest/obsession with the way Finland views early childhood ed and education in general!  If you would also like to become obsessed please click on the following links:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/early-educations-top-model-finland/article1183419/

http://notjustcute.com/2010/11/05/finlands-finest-why-we-need-to-take-note-of-finlands-approach-to-early-education/


Accepting defeat I resorted to my backup plan:

STEP 1:  Email 5-6 different countries of interest from:

The Global Alliance of NAEYC has e-mail addresses for early childhood professionals worldwide:  http://www.naeyc.org/resources/partnership/globalalliance

• Several emails were no longer working and did not send
• I heard back from one person from South Africa and I am really excited to correspond with her over the course.

STEP 2:  I emailed my contact in Ontario, Canada and we began corresponding about the changes that are occuring in Ontario with early childhood programs.  I am looking forward to sharing this information with all of you as well.

Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape 7708, South Africa

PART TWO:  RESEARCHING RESOURCES

The National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org/

Throughout my career I have always valued NAEYC.  In 2010 the center I worked for was going through the accreditation process with NAEYC and I saw first hand the rigorous requirements to receive the stamp of approval from NAEYC.  I enjoy the articles published through NAEYC.  I am using this assignment as a good excuse to become a member as well.    

National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators
http://www.naecte.org/

I took the opportunity to explore this site as well.  I am considering joining this group, but would like to explore some of the newsletters first.