UK Childminders Share Their Perspectives on Poverty

I have two contacts in the UK.  Sharon is a registered childminder near Beaconsfield, northeast of London.  She currently cares for five children in her home.  Amanda is a nursery assistant in Durham. 

I asked both women the question regarding poverty.  Sharon stated that she is most concerned about the future.  She says more and more children are living in poverty and it seems to be an issue that is growing instead of getting better.  She says the biggest issue she sees with the families she interacts is the stress that comes with job loss.  She say she has lost two families in the past year due to the loss of a job.

Amanda mentioned feeling a sense of helplessness when she encounters children who don't have enough food.  The nursery school she works for sends groceries home on Fridays with families who qualify.  She says she is aware of four families involved with the nursery who have moved more than once in recent years because of the need for less expensive housing. 

I expected to hear stories and concerns from Sharon and Amanda that are similar to the experiences of families and professionals in the US.  From their descriptions, it sounds like families are struggling with the same elements of poverty in the UK: job loss, lack of access to adequate nutrition, and inability to afford housing.

So far in my conversations I have learned the differing terms used in child care in the UK.  Aside from that, however, many things are similar.  I have particularly enjoyed hearing about Sharon's experiences as a in-home provider and seeing the parallels between her work and home child care providers' work in the US.

Sharing Web Resources

www.naeyc.org

I have selected the National Association for the Education of Young Children's website as my resource of study for the next several weeks.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children is a professional membership organization which focuses on improving the care and education for children from birth through 8.  The Association and website seek to support all early childhood professionals as well as a broader audience including administrators, parents and families, policy makers, etc.

I have already discovered many new and exciting destinations within the NAEYC website.  One section that caught my attention is a NAEYC Statement on Violence Against Children, the Importance of Social and Emotional Development, and the Value of Educators released on December 17, 2012.  This statement speaks to the issue of supporting young children through experiences with violence and specifically reflects on the effects that events such as the Newtown, Connecticuit school shooting have on young children. 

A quick search of the NAEYC website using the keyword "diversity" turns up several resulting articles, including a 2009 article titled Children, Language, and Literacy: Diverse Learners in Diverse Times, a perfect read in connection with this week's topic.  This website is a reputable source for current, relevant information.

Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources: Getting Started

I've been working this week on establishing relationships with early childhood professionals abroad.  After contemplating, I decided to ask friends from the UK if they could help me connect me with anyone who would be interested in participating in in discussion during the next several weeks.

After being introduced to several early childhood professionals on Facebook, I decided to pursue connections with childminders in Scotland and England for this course requirement.  Facebook seems to be the perfect forum for discussion, and I am looking forward to finally being able to explore my interests in the field of childminding in the UK.  I have asked professionals in both England and Scotland if they would be willing to commit to conversing with me during the next weeks.

After deciding to focus on the UK, I have considered using The British Association for Early Childhood Education website as my long-term resource of study.  But- I am thinking- the NAEYC website would be a more practical choice; knowing the NAEYC website and resources better would be a huge benefit in my work.  I don't want to focus completely on the UK just to satisfy my somewhat obsessed English heart.

I'm looking forward to carrying out my plans and digging in!