Equity & Excellence

My Irish contact, Liz has offered some insight into diversity and the pursuit of excellence in equity. One of the themes of Áistear, the National Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, is Identity and Belonging http://www.ncca.biz/Aistear/pdfs/PrinciplesThemes_ENG/ID&Belonging_ENG.pdf. It aims to support multiculturalism, varying family types, children with special needs and their integration with other children, the minority of children who speak Irish at home, and Irish travellers; a separate ethnic group of semi-nomadic Irish people. Up to very recently there was little or no immigration to Ireland, just emigration from Ireland, to the extent that genetic similarity is closer than in any other European country. The period from 1995 to 2007 brought mass immigration from Africa and Eastern Europe as well as some other countries. For example there are Afghans escaping the Taliban and Afghans escaping because they are Taliban themselves. These immigrant groups suffer real deprivation in social, housing and welfare terms, often not being allowed to work for years. There is 'direct provision' in hostels for families and individuals awaiting a decision on an asylum application, which can be tied up in appeals for years. Government agencies provide them with these places, often a whole family or several same sex adults sharing a room and provided meals. It is possible for a child to never see their own parent prepare a meal over years and hostel meals are only available at set times making it difficult for children to be involved in after school activities like sports or choir. Overcrowding leads to huge disagreements among asylum seekers. There has been a continuous issue of unaccompanied minors, usually aged 14 - 18 arriving in Ireland, being put into hostels instead of proper foster families, and disappearing, presumably into prostitution. There is insufficient educational support in learning English as a second language though there are efforts in most childcare’s to allow for dietary, dress and cultural diversity. Many of the ethnic minority communities are relatively small so, in most cases, there are very few ethnic minority community organizations in place.

My Australian contact, Alec shared insight on the availability of quality care and the understanding of quality itself. There is an under-supply of care facilities in many areas of Australia, especially in the fast-growing “baby-belt” suburbs, full of young families with young children who need child care as both parents desperately try to hold down jobs and a mortgage. Sound familiar?  He offers the example of a newly opened center. It looks really great on the outside with its challenge-free plastic playground equipment on flat Astroturf. There may not be a single plant or tree. The sand pits are full of white-washed commercial sand. Parents love these sites; so safe, so clean. Alec thinks of these as the equivalent of a prison exercise yard. You must remember, Alec is about allowing children to experience childhood with all of its adventure and risks intact. That’s why I sought him out. Check him out at http://childsplaymusic.com. I believe clean and safe is often preferred as it is more efficient for busy parents and caregivers. Like here in the U.S., whether they realize it or not, most parents are confused about what quality care and education is supposed to look like or how to find out.

Regarding equity, poverty in some areas hinders the life experiences of children. This is especially true for Indigenous Australians or Aboriginals. They are the most likely to be unemployed or in low skill, low paying jobs. Educational attainment is very low and life expectancy is 17 years less than for non-indigenous Australians. The welfare of children is seriously compromised as well with high neglect and abuse rates within this group. Many efforts are being made to remedy the inequities but change is slow.