FINAL INTERNATIONAL THOUGHTS

Consequences of Making International Connections in the Early Childhood Field

1. International research support for early childhood field.  Almost every country in the world recognizes how precious, innocent, and vulnerable our youngest children are.  I have learned that the issues affecting the field of early childhood are all fundamentally similar.  Therefore researchers and advocates all around the world are talking about these issues.  This global research support can only help us advocate for children in the United States.  
2. Following international models.  Even though early childhood issues are the same all over the world different cultures, organizations, and governments work to resolve these issues in different ways.  Making connections with global professionals allows us to see what is working and use this information to help support advocacy efforts here in the states.                                      
3. Global awareness promotes an understanding of cultural diversity.     
   
    As the demographics of the United States change it is beneficial for us, as professionals, to reach out to the global community.  Seeking a better understanding of diverse cultures around the world helps us to implement diverse and inclusive practices when working with diverse cultures in our service. 

My Goal for International Connections

Making connections with the global community  of early childhood professionals only increases our efforts to professionalize the field.  My goal is that more teacher preparation programs encourage teachers to make international connections so that we have more collaborative efforts in providing quality early childhood opportunities for all the children of the world.  Thus reversing the negative effects caused by issues like poverty and inequality.