Reading Journal Submission
Definition of a key concept taken from the weekly readings for this period, which was not clear/ familiar to me earlier
The concept ‘micro-context’ was taken from the weekly readings for this period, and it was not clear to me earlier. However, a research indicated that the term was generated from the word ‘context,’ which is about the issues, circumstances, factors and the events that form the surrounding within which a thing is believed to exist.
Identified issue/debate that you may not yet understand or what to think more about from these readings
All the readings have been instrumental in facilitating a critical understanding of early childhood education pedagogy and policy. One of the issues included the question of how children are represented within the policy and practices of early childhood education. In particular, I have learned that early childhood education is very critical, as it lays the foundation of the life of a child. What children are taught when young has a lot of implication on their lives.
There was also concern about the role of teachers, parents, families, communities and the government, in realising effective early childhood pedagogy and policy (Centre for Community Child Health, 2009). This was informed by the perception that the organisational cultures exerted influence on the assumptions of the participants. In other words, when all the groups and stakeholders take part in child education, then there is a possibility of improving the quality of early childhood education.
Link an idea from (a) or (b) to your workplace or to child/children that you know or to an early childhood setting with which you are familiar; consider the application of the idea in this context
Policy and pedagogical objectives ought to be integrated, for the purpose of reinforcing an effective early childhood education program. Through a collective forum, all the participants can conceptualise and develop a practical policy, which incorporates all the beliefs and concerns of all children. There is also the opportunity to envisage the needs of all children, regardless of the form of early childhood education that the parent may prefer, either by sending their children to a childcare or staying with them at home (Hayden, 2000).
The fundamental point is that all parties should support a professional development program, which would enable teachers to realise the actual value that is based on pedagogy and the experience involved. It is therefore important to have a conducive environment within the early childhood settings. The participation of all the stakeholders in supporting the pedagogy and policy is critical for effective construction of early childhood education (Centre for Community Child Health, 2009).
It is argued that early childhood education centres are community institutions, which facilitate the development of the society. It is important for an integrated approach in the development of early childhood education to be adopted by the community. Once such approaches are adopted, the early childhood professionals may change and start taking their children to childcare, as opposed to keeping them at home.
This may happen due to an increase in the benefits realised in early childhood education (Hayden, 2000). The stakeholders should also focus on the issues that concern early childhood education. In so doing, they will be able to determine the right age for children to start undertaking the early childhood learning, and whether the children should be exposed to the early learning environment before starting the early learning program among other contentious issues.
Explanation of the development of your understanding/knowledge through this exchange
The exchange has been very instrumental, in developing my understanding on the theory and practical aspects of the early childhood education program. I have learnt the benefits and the disadvantages associated with early childhood learning. This has facilitated my evaluation on the reason some parents send their children to childcare, while other parents prefer their children staying at home. I have learnt that it is a challenge for most of the parents to strike a balance while determining this issue.
It is important to note that a good foundation in the life of any individual is rooted in early childhood. This is the reason why success, emotional wellbeing and health of any child are critical. Early childhood development centres are important organisations for the development of the society. Therefore, all the stakeholders should work together for the purpose of ensuring equitable representation of children in the society (Penn, 2007).
It was also established that there were poor results from the larger sections of the country, more so, the regions where majority of indigenous children originate. The children from these regions are vulnerable, and this raised concerns as to what should be done to support them, particularly where different languages were spoken. This was aimed at supporting them within the school environment. There were also children with chronic, intellectual or medical needs, as well as those requiring special assessment (Penn, 2007).
Overview-concisely summarise the implications of the central ideas during this period, for your unfolding understanding of the early childhood political and pedagogical landscape
The concept of early childhood education is one that requires policies for effective realisation, as we all know policy development is devoid of politics due to the social, economic and cultural issues that are involved (Goldfield & Oberklaide, 2005). The constant evaluation of the policy in early childhood is instrumental in both the theoretical and practical development of an effective society.
The fact that there is no clear refined policy on the regulation of early childhood has posed a lot of challenges in the analysis of the early childhood policy. Scholars in this field have proposed various approaches that are critical in the development of effective policies in early childhood.
A broader understanding of the social landscape of the early childhood development is critical (Goldfield & Oberklaide, 2005). A forum should be created, for the diverse participation in early childhood. This is based on the opportunities associated with it. Effective policies will respond to issues and challenges associated with the early childhood at state, national and international levels. This facilitates the reconceptualisation of the early childhood pedagogy.
It is clear that politics bring in people’s representation, and represents the reflections of decision making abilities of the stakeholders through various representations. It is clear that the role of politics in policy development can either be implicit or explicit, and this makes it very subjective to early childhood. On the other hand, policies present regulation and order, and this create consistency, equality and security. The policies help in the realisation of the objectives of early childhood (Goldfield & Oberklaide, 2005).
References
Centre for Community Child Health. (2009). A Snapshot of Early Childhood Development in Australia: AEDI National Report 2009. Melbourne: National Report Publication.
Goldfield, S., & Oberklaide, F. (2005). Maintaining an Agenda for Children: The Role of Data in Linking Policy, Politics and Outcome. Medical Journal of Australia, 183 (4), 209-211.
Hayden, J. (2000). Policy Development and Challenges on the Australian Landscape: A Historical Perspective. New York: Peter Lang Publication.
Penn, H. (2007). Childcare Market Management: How The UK Government has reshaped its Role in an Developing Early Childhood Education. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 8 (3), 92-207.