I spoke with Cintia, from Brazil, and she stated that in her country she notices that people are more concerned with keeping traditions alive than having children gain global knowledge in schools. She said that when a child enters a childcare center that they are not required to meet and type of standards tests or quarterly reviews like in America. The child does learn basics that help them on their way to primary school but the push for excellence is not as hard in her country. The people that fund the childcare systems in Brazil are mainly privateers and can set the standards of learning to whatever they wish. She also stated that while the curriculum is based very much on traditions that she has begun to notice a change in the last 2-3 years. The children are now more curious about what is around them and thus the system has begun to bring in a little bit of global thinking.
Sandra on the other hand, from Haiti, stated that the children in the childcare system are there because their parents want them to be able to make something of themselves and be able to provide for their family one day. The children that enter daycare, she said, are usually trying to avoid being another statistic and end up with some type of disease from roaming the streets. Sandra also said that the people of Haiti are currently still trying to clean up from the earthquake that devistated their country, and that any type of scheduled learning and hint of normalicy is good for the children. The people are still living in tents and trying to clear debrie from the island. When they send their children to daycare it allows the parents to get more done and be able to not have to worry about them running the streets or being in danger with all of the clean up.
To me it seems that the countries like America are the ones who are so severely worried about education and becoming a global threat, educationally. Many other countries wish for their childrento prosper and live healthy lives. We in America are too concerned with how much we know, how much we make, and how good we look to others.
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteIts interesting that in Brazil they are more concerned with traditions than global learning. Culture plays such an important role in a child's development. Just another reminder how we as educators need to take the time to get to know the child and the family and find out what the parent's goals are for the child are.
Working on an Indian reservation, we are licensed by the Tribe and can also set our standards. Although the Tribe is concerned with meeting standards, they don't have to abide by the Washington state standards and are not monitored by the state. We also have children that are in child care because it is a safer to be in child care than it is to be at home.
ReplyDeleteTiffany,
DeleteIt is nice that Brazil teaches from their culture, and includes their traditions in the everyday life of the children. It also sounds like their children may be missing out on experiences. I see where they are seeing a change but as we know change is not always for the better. Children are curious and willing to learn what's why it is important that we expose and educate them on the world around them. Brazil's program seems much more daycare oriented than academically filled. In Haiti the families as you stated are still suffering from their devastation and trying to rebuild. It is good they still have somewhere to send their chidlren were learning is taking place away from the destruction. As we know toxic stress levels in that country are very high. Wouldn't it be nice if our wish for our children was for them to grow to be educated to the best of "their" abilities and do what they enjoy. Sometimes I think we make to many of their decisions for them rather than guiding them.
Ginny
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome that you were able to get information. It is sad that Brazil wavier's in regards to education and that donors have that much say over what the children learn. Haiti on the other hand, recognizes the importance of their children having access to childcare,and they also recognizes the horrifying odds for their children,if they do not try to educate early on. Great Post,and keep up the good work,.