Week 8: International Contacts Caribbean Island

To see is to believe

To hear brings about understanding

To internationally correspond one on one up close and personal is a dream come true.

     It is amazing how fate allows some things to happen and the timing can be just right. Months ago we planned a family trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, and St Thomas all located in the Caribbean Island. I had no idea that week 8 would place me international territory. With a little creativity I turned this beautiful trip into my international classroom. I must admit that while others were having fun I was trying to locate childcare centers and schools.

     Over the past week I have learned so much from my contacts that I am not able to write it all. As I take you through the Caribbean Islands come and go with me as I share with you what I have learned.

Consequences of learning about the International Early Childhood field:

·       They are bilingual and multilingual

·       They are not as advanced in technology

·       Education is a privilege not a right

My one goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends is that the United States should work towards setting themselves in alignment with other nationalities. While other countries are working hard teaching their children English we should be working harder to help our children become bi- and multilingual.

     San Juan Puerto Rico: Our tour guide stated that there are 50 schools located on the island. Once a child reaches 1^st grade they are no longer taught in their native language. Students are taught in English from 1^st grade to 6^th grade. All students are required to wear uniforms. In San Juan the U.S. government helps to pay for section 8, WIC, Food Stamps, Medicare, and Social Security. Private Child Care can cost as much as $400.00 per week. As I traveled through the island I noticed that family time appeared to be very important. One could see families just out flying kites, playing ball, running, talking and just have fun on Monday midday.

 The House of Orange School  

     St. Maarten has two sides Dutch and French. While on the island I visited the Dutch side. I think I was fascinated by this island because of their beliefs and teachings and their diversity. I had the opportunity to visit House of the Oranje School (Oranje is the Dutch word for orange). This school is 150 years old and too many may appear to be primitive. As I entered the school I was met by Ms. Donella office worker/educator. Although busy working she sat with me for almost 2 hours and shared her island with me.  Ms. Donella stated that daycare is not backed by the government and there are no educational requirements to open or direct a daycare. All childcare centers on the island are private owned. Present also was Mr. Anthony who stated they believe that the grandparents and the community help to raise the children if the parents have to work. For children kindergarten starts at 4 years old with the native language being Dutch but they are required to learn 4 languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, and French in that order. According to Ms. Donella the demographics have changed so much that there are over 101 different languages on this small island. Ms. Donella located a 2008 Foundation Based Education handbook written by the Island Government “The Department for Educational Research, Policy, and Innovations titled “Putting Children at the Center of Learning”. Looking through the book I began to see topics that had been discussed in my class at Walden University: Curriculum Approach, the Child-Centered Approach, the Value of Play-Cognitive Development, Social Development, Emotional Development, and Physical Development. Ms. Donella stated that someone came along talking about changing the way they should teach school. We don’t change we like the old way. With change come problems from the students, disrespect and aggressiveness. Students are not in control here. Hard work brings about results. 

St Thomas Virgin Islands: Ms. Detra elementary teacher for Faith Alive Christian Academy states that it is not all about me I have the knowledge and I impart it to the children but I allow them to experience and express themselves.  Most classes have 2 levels in one class. Everyone receives free lunch and all students wear uniforms. Spanish is a required language for Kindergarten – 8^th grade and then in High School the students are required to learn Spanish and French.

Ms. Wilma 28 year retired elementary teacher from Leonard Dober School and the mother of Detra states that today you do not get a chance to bond with the students. You have a lot more demands; you are required to do a lot more with a lot less time because we are focusing on testing and yearly progress instead of the students. This has made the students more aggressive and disrespectful towards teachers, parents, and adults. In the past you could raise your voice and ruler, you can’t do that anymore it is called abuse and threats. What has caused the most aggression is the children do not have any outlet, everything is held inside. Teachers are under contract to meet guidelines.

As I travel back to the United States I would like to say to all my classmates thank you for all the encouraging words posted on my discussion board you have been a great help to me and I thank you. I look forward to future classes and then graduation when we will all can come together to share our victory. Stay encouraged and thanks for sharing

Unfortunately I was not able to post the beautiful pictures taken at this time due to technology problems in the caribbeans.