Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part 3 Week 7

In preparing for this week discussion I asked Dr. Anika various questions pertaining to quality issues that her country may be experiencing. We discussed what opportunities or requirements exist for early childhood professionals, her professional goals as well as her professional hope, goals, and dreams.

Dr. Anika Schmidt discussed that in Germany issues that are being discussed about quality in early childhood education are the lack of programming for children between the ages of newborn to three, decrease in training for staff members due to budget cost, and improvements that need to be done in regards to special education children. Dr. Anika Schmidt stated that she was concerned about the children (newborn-three) who are denied programming because the government believe that children are suppose to be home with their mothers. In addition, mothers of children newborn to three are faced with lack of work because the government don't have policies that allow there children funding or programs to attend. Dr. Anika believes that the government is not being fair and it should be choice for the mothers as to whether or not she wants to stay home or work. Furthermore, Dr. Anika is concerned that children who start early childhood programs after three may take longer to adjust to settings and have attachment issues. Germany requires early childhood professionals to have a bachelor's degree and Praktikum (internship) before working with children. Inspections and evaluations to facilities are done every 4 to 6 years. Dr. Anika says that outside of the requirements the government decrease the availability for training because their were not enough funds available. She discussed that if individuals wanted to have a deeper understanding of their profession the government encourage them to attend more classes at the university. Lastly, she spoke about how the government needed to improve programs that addressed the needs of  special education children. She discussed how their are too many children between the ages of 5 and 6 who are absent from school due to professionals not being able to address their needs. The government is dragging their feet in providing services for at-risk/and special needs children.

Dr. Anika expressed that their are opportunities for early childhood professionals to continue their education in either a Master's or Doctorate program. In addition, their are partnership research opportunities at leading public universities under government grants. She has one professional goal and that is work hand in hand with government officials to change policies for mothers and children. She believes in equal education for all children. Before she retires she wants to produce a book about cultural comparison of legislation in early childhood education.

I have truly enjoyed speaking (email) Dr. Anika. I feel that we are both passionate about creating change for children. I really love the fact that she is writing a book and she wants it produced before she retires. Just from the conversations that we had it would really be nice to visit Germany and for Dr. Anika to visit the US.