· As a professional what are your future plans?
I am coming to the end of my working career soon. I want to continue as long as possible to plough back years of experience, knowledge and skills into a new generation of educators
· What would you like to see cultivated in the early childhood development sector?
I would like to see professionalism from those working with children and then recognition of that by all those who regard this as child-minding.
· How can or how will you influence positive change in the ECD sector?
I lecture and do on-site mentoring and assessment.
· How will you make the change?
Passion, conversation and good practice to emulate.
· Have you seen any changes as a result of your efforts?
Not as much as I would like – but yes.
· What have been your challenges in the ECD sector?
Convincing even well-educated persons of the foundational value of ECD and the life skill s that are built through this work
Lack of willingness to make or collect resources if necessary to ensure a good programme of activities for children
Lack of commitment in those who have been fortunate enough to be trained – often at no cost to themselves.
· What would you like to see in the future for the ECD sector?
A system that recognizes experience and skills without necessarily a paper qualification
Understanding of the value of play as a methodology and therefor slower move to more formal methods or requirement for young learners.
· On a more personal note, what encouraged you to go into the field of ECD?
Having my own children and seeing the hunger for knowledge and speedy progress very young children make in a suitable environment.
Yolanda,
ReplyDeleteThis was an interesting read! I think it demonstrates that globally, goals for ECE are the same as what we would like to see here in our country. I particularly like how Ms. Harper thinks that there is work to be done in the field with regards to seeing the value of ECE. Ms. Harper has much to offer the future generation ECE educators! Thanks for sharing this information with us, and great post!
Kristi
Glad you were able to connect to someone globally. Many of us were unable to. It seems that Ms. Harper has a great passion for early childhood education. Her comments show great interest to the field and the things that she would like to see improved. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Yolonda,
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to read another early childhood professional’s challenges, goals and dreams. Mrs Harper too was voicing the need for early childhood teachers to be considered as professionals and not just ‘child minding’ or what we have been labeled in my part of the world ‘nannies’. The challenges she faces and the dreams she aspires for seems like every early childhood professionals challenges and dreams. Since it is a global issue, voices need to rise; we need more advocates to stand up for what is best for young children and their families. We need concrete support!
Yolanda,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you were able to established this connection with Mrs. Harper. I am surprised to see that some of her challenges are similar to what we are facing in United States. It is interesting to see that there are so many similarities in the field throughout the world. That makes me feel that we are a stronger community and that we are not alone with this fight. We need to unite our efforts and keep fighting to be recognized as professionals. Also, to make others understand the importance of the early education.
Yolanda,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you were able to connect with your international contact. Mrs. Harper sounds like a very passionate early childhood educator. I really enjoyed reading her responses, especially the second to last comment where she talks about incorporating play and steering away from a more formalized approach toward learning. I hope you continue to connect. I'm sure she is a wealth of knowledge and support.