Final Blog!

This course has opened up the consequences of poverty, the need for quality education, accessibility, responsiveness, and awareness to name a few issues. During all this we also found international, and some national webcasts that gave a broader view of these subjects. We all came to see how large some of these problems are and how we all have to do our part to change these issues. Poverty was one issue that seemed to interconnect with most, and this issue has existed for as long as I can remember. “ In 1990 the world made a commitment to its children; that we would do everything in our power to protect and promote their rights and ensure they have the  means to survive, develop and thrive…”(UNICEF, 2015). It would seem that there are lots of promises to keep concerning poverty already made. Nevertheless, it does not make our class any less sincere in our agreement to combat the effects of poverty, and poverty itself.  This semester we have advocates who will fight for Head Start, Early Head Start, for childcare for every child, and advocates who will make policy compatible with what teachers and children need. Our eyes are wide open; we know that our wages need to compensate our profession, and we must continue to grow and become professional. We know that our children come from all parts of the world and we must be culturally responsive. And we know that everything we do will affect those entrusted to our care.

 Putting one goal above all that is needed is very easy for me because the greatest need is for all children in the US to receive quality ECE. Early childhood education is a deterrent to poverty: “Put another way: for a child, poverty can last a lifetime” (UNICEF, 2015).  When a child does not eat nutritional foods or have early education, no dental or medical care:”…or experiences violence and neglect; it results in diminished opportunities which can have a life time consequences” (UNICEF, 2015). There is an obligation for everyone who has received the things we take for granted; food, education, care, to commit to those who are helpless to fight for themselves.

Reference

UNICEF (2015). Towards the end of child poverty. United Nations          International Children Emergency Fund. Retrieved from

                  https://www.unicef.org/socialpolicy/files/Towards_the_End_of_

                  Child_Poverty    _Joint_Statement_by_Global_Parterners_Oct2015pdf