We just wrapped up our very first International Institute which took place August 19-23rd at NAEYC Headquarters in Washington, DC. Nine leaders from six countries gathered for this five-day intensive event to learn about and share best practices for creating and supporting comprehensive early childhood systems.
We were truly humbled by the overwhelming enthusiasm of the participants who remained energized and engaged throughout the week. We shared, discussed, and explored NAEYC position statements, program accreditation standards, books, periodicals, and many other NAEYC resources. These presentations facilitated participants’ thinking about early childhood systems development in their countries.
From their unique cultural context, participants from The Philippines, Brazil, The Cayman Islands, Inner Mongolia, Panama, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates shared their strengths, lessons learned, and diverse approaches for supporting early childhood development. It is clear that as early childhood educators and advocates, we have a shared vision for young children and their families, despite the long distances between our home countries and the varying cultural perspectives from which we view the world.
We have much in common, As early childhood educators we all feel pressure to support families in understanding the importance of developmentally appropriate practices. Like parents here in the United States, parents across the globe are increasingly concerned that their young children learn reading and math skills in ways that are not aligned with their children's stage of development. Identifying resources that can help educators support parents’ understanding of appropriate learning activities in ways that truly prepare young children for academic success is a continuing challenge. As a group, we explored how NAEYC resources could help to address this challenge.
In our discussions throughout the week, we confirmed that early childhood educators in the US and around the world care deeply about their work and value membership in professional associations like NAEYC. Although NAEYC is a national association representing primarily US educators, there is great interest in the association in other countries. Participants in NAEYC’s International Institute believe there is a role for the association in their countries as well as the larger global community.
The time we spent together this August will lead to quality enhancements in the early childhood programs we touch. The Institute deepened our conviction for advocacy on behalf of all young children and their families.
I look forward to sharing more about NAEYC’s international efforts as they unfold.
Have you talked to early childhood educators from other countries? What did you find you had in common?
Director, Quality Enhancements Initiative