Establishing Professional Contacts

This week I was challenged with the task of reaching out to early childhood professionals in other countries and opening up a dialogue with them about what our profession looks like in their section of the world. I was very excited to start communication with people, and looked forward to having adult type "pen pals". I contacted representatives in Ireland, Israel, Canada, Great Britain, Australia and South Africa.
 
I emailed representatives from each of these areas expressing interest in getting in contact with them or other early childhood professionals they could pass me on to so that I could start communicating with them. I received return emails from Great Britain and Ireland, and both women said they would get back with me by early next week. The other countries I have yet to hear from, but I have reached out to several Israeli friends who are going to ask around for contacts they could put me in contact with.

I very much so look forward to creating these contacts! My work over the last 10 years has put me face to face with a myriad of cultures and beliefs, but I have never had the opportunity to speak with anyone about what early childhood education looks like. I am hoping to create relationships, share photos and stories, and possibly have friendships with the professionals I (hopefully) am able to come in contact with!

Expanding Resources
There are so many different resources available on the internet these days, but one that I constantly utilize professionally, personally and academically is ZERO to THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families http://www.zerotothree.org . It is an amazing resource that provides educators, students, and families information on just about any topic you can imagine relating to children. For several months I have been receiving their online newsletter, and sometimes I even use quotes and information from the ZERO to THREE newsletter and website in my newsletter that I send out to families!