Issues Related to Early Childhood at an International Level

Learning about early childhood education efforts throughout the world provides perspective on educational opportunities, supports, and options. Most developed countries have some form of early education but with varying importance on universal access, quality, format. One of the common issues throughout the world is the cost of childcare and education. Ferns and Friendly (2014) report that the cost of childcare in Canada has nearly quadrupled since 1992 (p. 14).  Expatica (2017) reports that families in France are entitled to EURO 120.32 per month in childcare assistance regardless of income but only after the birth of the second child (https://www.expatica.com/fr/family-essentials/Childcare-in-France_106409.html). The article provides links to childcare facilities. Research of the Bilingual Montessori School of Paris website, a non-prof)it, reveals that parents can spend as much as EURO 883.00 ($1053.54) on childcare on their full day/full year childcare option (http://www.montessori-paris.com/information/tuition).  This is $263.38 per week for only one child. This list of countries with increasing child care expenses goes on and on. At this point, there is ample research to support the importance of high quality early childcare and education on brain development and adult outcomes. However, rising costs of childcare is making this all important service less and less attainable. 

                                               

Another result of  learning about early education throughout the world and talking with contacts outside my local area, is the realization that early childhood efforts and education still have a long way to go function at their highest level. We need more consistent expectations in the United States and through out the world. This is not to say that we must all live a certain way or deny our cultural norms, but instead that worldwide we provide children with basic needs, safe environments, and quality experiences. 
                                                       

My research has also revealed that there are so many groups, organizations, and agencies worldwide that care about young children and child welfare. United Way, Head Start, Unicef, Harlem Children's Zone, and many more work diligently to fund projects, research, and direct work with children. Each group delves into specific issues in education including child safety, poverty, and cost of quality in childcare. 

                                                                                                           

One goal that I consider important for international issues is consistency of quality in early childhood. This is not to say that we should all be doing the same thing. Instead, we should all be doing what is best for the children in our country, region, or demographic to ensure a proper foundation for learning and success in life.  

References

Expatica. (2017). Childcare in France. Retrieved from https://www.expatica.com/fr/family-              essentials/Childcare-in-France_106409.html.

Ferns, C. & Friendly, M. (2014). The state of early childhood education and care in Cananda 2012. Retrieved from http://childcarecanada. org/sites/default/files /Stateof ECEC 2012.pdf

The Bilingual Montessori School of Paris. (2017). Tuition. Retrieved from  http://www.montessori-paris.com/information/tuition