Excellence and Equity

Educational equality is often linked to social justice and social mobility. That every individual
has an equal right of education is a sign of democracy and one important aspect of human rights.
Educational equality is an important aspect of social justice that brings more positive social changes.  Excellence and educational equity all pursue an equal education. However, due to the respective angles and focuses, their interpretations can be very different. For instance, on the issue of distribution of educational resources, the argument based on educational equality is that spending a bounty of unexpected resources on those whose chances are already better than other children’s chances is unjust.

There were so many blogs and podcasts that spoke to the excellence and equity in childcare that it was hard for me to choose. However, I chose the podcast Child Welfare Information Gateway Podcast Protective Factors Part 1 because it was so informational.  The Child Welfare Information Gateway Podcast is a place for ECE individuals who care about making families strong and protecting children.  They discussed ways that individuals can support and improve the lives of children and their families.  When it comes to excellence in equity we must seek to protect children and support families.  What I learned from the the podcast was essential to my ongoing professional education.  These protective factors lead to an experience that is beneficial for the child and their family.  In providing an excellent experience one must provide a social connection.  Where children have someone to turn to and talk with.  Having someone that families can call when you need a hand with something, when you need someone to watch the kids with short notice all of these kind of things that are the opposite of social isolation and that really make it possible to be the parent you want to be.  When speaking on equity, the podcasts  talk about concrete supports in times of need which is a large category that can include everything from formal services like child welfare intervention and domestic violence support, food pantries, all of that - but concrete support can also be delivered through social connection so it could be a neighbor who brings over a casserole when you have a new baby - that’s also a concrete support in times of need and that’s the kind of thing that helps families feel supported and get through those challenging times.

The podcasts also referred to those who pay attention to the influencing factors in a child's environment can affect their experience in the childcare.  The experiences of early learners have and their engagement in them are crucial to raising attainment and achievement. It is the quality of
hose experiences which make the difference. We live and work in an ever changing world and we need to respond to change to ensure that we serve our communities and learners to deal with the rigours which rapid change brings. It is also a time of reducing resources we need to do more with less at a time when demand is increasing. Education, therefore, becomes even more important for securing outcomes for learners which will help them to deal with the challenges ahead and equip
them with the necessary skills, knowledge, understanding and qualifications to succeed in
such a world.
 What I learned from the podcast and the Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child is that my role as an ECE professional goes beyond caring for children.  I learned from the podcast that ensuring that children have an excellent experience, they must be protected and there are many ways to provide protection and support for them and their families.  That children also connect with others through their learning communities.  They are places where they share common goals.  This could be within their community or their classroom.  As a teacher I am responsible for the harmony of the classroom. Children learn from one another and they have the opportunity to grow together.  When seeking to provide a environment of excellence, equity comes with it.  Because you are seeking to provide the best experience possible, showing bias has no place.



Center for the Study of Social Policy (n.d.). Child Welfare Information Gateway Podcast Protective Factors Part 1. Retrieved from  https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/cb/cw_podcast_protective_factors_part2.mp3

Center on the Developing Child. (n.d.). Working Globally. Retrieved from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/about/what-we-do/global-work/