Final Reflection

·       Reading about the lives of children all over the world has been insightful.  Exploring other resources helped me realize how different things are in other parts of the world and at the same time, how there are many similarities.  During the past few weeks:

o   Reading about the international early childhood field helped me realize that in United States, we are fortunate to have access to the resources, especially educational resources, that we do.  It also makes me realize that we do not always fully use the resources that we have.

o   Poverty affects children negatively, regardless of where they live. 

o   Children are resilient beings.  They learn and grow through healthy and meaningful interactions.  When parents collaborate with teachers, the outcome is the best possible care of children.  However, when they are presented with stressful events, they need just as much support to ensure that they recover.

·         
      Trends vary from region to region.  While some areas focus on the true importance of educating children at a young age, other areas must focus on educating families to provide the best care for children or are just working to alleviate poverty by providing jobs. 

      Moving forward, one goal that I have for the field related to international awareness of issue and trends is that I encourage my cohorts in the United States find a way to share the resources that we have with our cohorts around the world.  We are so fortunate in this country and sharing information can be done with a few clicks.  Blogging is a perfect way to share these resources.

Neugebauer, R. (2007). Early childhood trends around the world. Exchange, (175), 58-63.