Reflection on International Studies in Early Childhood Education

In reflecting about my study of the international early childhood field, I am struck with how few consequences I can find with such study. Unfortunately I was unable to come in contact with any international contacts so my post is simply based upon my own study of various websites whose focus is on international issues within education. 

For myself one of the main consequences of studying the international field would be  a slip in judgment. This is to say that comparing how the educational field is approached in various other countries. This can happen in two ways one would be compare the approach to development of children and feel a sense on entitlement and that how things are done here in the United States when studying how less developed countries are beginning to approach education. Or to view that everything is done wrong here is the United States again when studying comparable international countries. 

In thinking of education how one country may or may not be approaching education and how it compares to the United States, is a dangerous trap. In studying education an open mind is always key. Even when comparing the educational approaches from state to state and how policies can become vastly different in the early childhood field here in the United States it can be easy to sit in judgment. Instead studying every new approach as a possible learning experience and a chance for greater professional growth. 

With that said it is my hope that through studying trends and policies internationally,  that through communication and an establishment of greater international connection.  Then ideas can be exchanged in order to ensure that every child is given the benefit of the very best in trends and ideas across education and in every country.