CLASP International
One organization that I found during my exploration of the
international community of early childhood is called CLASP International. CLASP
stands for Connective Link Among Special Needs Programs. This organization
provides university level training services to developing countries in an
effort to improve the quality of life for individuals living in those countries
with disabilities (http://claspinternational.org). They focus primarily on
Speech Therapy, due to the enormous benefits of helping children and adults
with disabilities learn to communicate with loved ones, and to overcome the
effects of chronic malnourishment by learning to strengthen and build the
muscles and coordination necessary for swallowing food.
As a longtime advocate for individuals with disabilities and
an early childhood professional with a passion for special education students,
I was intrigued by the dedication and efforts of this valuable organization to
advocate for those unable to advocate for themselves on an international level.
Many people with disabilities are not valued in other countries, and are even
viewed as a curse, which leads to abuse
and a life of isolation when parents keep them hidden. According to CLASP, during
an informal survey conducted in Zambia, statements like "Children with
disabilities are a waste of resources." were heard time and time again. As
an early childhood professional who sees the value of every child, and looks
for the strengths in every child, this type of comment really upsets me.
Currently, CLASP has no job opportunities available, but
does list instances where professionals are needed to go on trips to supervise
university students. Unfortunately, early childhood professionals are not on
that list. Professionals such as speech and language pathologists, occupational
therapists and physical therapists are on this list. If CLASP ever added early
childhood educator to this list, I would be very interested in going. To make
this trip successful, following their guidelines and ensuring that during the
trip you are mindful and respectful of cultural differences would be very
important. Providing families with culturally relevant education that would
help them support their child's learning would also be an important skill.
Association for Childhood Education International
The second organization I explored was the Association for
Childhood Education International. This organization is a community of practice
made up of individuals and organizations from all over the globe dedicated to
supporting the optimal education, development and well being of children
worldwide through the sharing of knowledge, research, and perspectives to
improve the lives of children and families through sound policy making and
advocacy as well as sound teaching practices.
I was interested in this group because they are able to
access timely information about early childhood education and the strides made
to improve access and quality for children all over the world, which is part of
my challenge for my Capstone Project.
This organization did not list any job opportunities
available, however it did list the fact that they accept interns and also
volunteers. Someone with an open mind to learning the myriad ways different
countries and cultures support early learning and education would be successful
here. Another essential skill would be excellent communication skills.
International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
This organization's mission is to increase awareness of
child abuse and neglect and to determine causes of and solutions to ending all
forms of child abuse and neglect on a global scale. Supporting individuals and
organizations that work to protect children from abuse and neglect is their
mission.
I was interested in this organization because I believe that
no child ever deserves to be abused or neglected, no matter what they did to
anger their parent/caregiver. Children should be allowed to grow up in an
environment where they are safe, secure and feel loved and cared for in every
way.
This organization did not list any current job
opportunities. Someone working in this organization would need to be able to communicate
effectively with a diverse group of individuals and organizations, apply knowledge,
experience, and new research to varying situations and make training programs
that are designed to prevent child abuse or treat it culturally responsive.
References
Association for Childhood Education International. (2015).
Retrieved from http://www.acei.org
CLASP International. (2015). Retrieved from
http://claspinternational.org
International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and
Neglect. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ispcan.org
Hello Celeste,
ReplyDeleteIs so sad that CLASP International does not have job positions available, I read your blog and I wanted to know more about this amazing organization. I am glad that you posted an organization that is willing to fight not only for people in need, but for people with disabilities; they are one of the unfortunately groups that are left behind and it brings a smile to my face to know that at least they are people out there fighting for them.
Clasp International sounds like a wonderful and needed organization.I used to live in Austin and was unaware of this organization. They seem to be making a difference in our country as well as others.I am glad this blog activity was helpful to your Capstone project.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing information on these organizations. I have never heard of CLASP. I wish that I would have known of the organization before my grandfather died from severe malnutrition. Maybe there would have been something different we could have tried.
ReplyDelete