The International Aspects of the Early Childhood Field

The level of diversity occurring in early childhood classrooms in the United States is far greater than the level of diversity encountered by many other countries.

The level of tolerance and acceptance offered toward people of other cultures is far greater in the United States than in many other countries.

Educators of the U.S. are considered by other educators to be far more experienced in implementing classrooms of diversified cultures.

     Topi of Finland and his wife Monika of the former East Germany became my contacts from outside the U.S.  After getting married and having their son, Topi and Monika immigrated to the U.S.  Their son Tomppa, was a student in my classroom two years ago.  This family has been very generous in sharing information regarding their thoughts about education in Europe and education in the U.S.  With gratitude I thank both of them for kind contributions to my understanding of the education and societies of Finland and Germany.  The following information was offered through interviews I conducted with Topi and Monika.  

     "Topi and Monika both feel that education in the U.S. is far more culturally responsive than education in Europe.  By comparison, Topi points out that, “Prejudices against immigrants in Finland are a problem and should be addressed.” (T.  Heikkero, personal communication, 11 May 2012).  Likewise, Kotkin reports that, “nearly a third of E.U. citizens describe themselves as decidedly ‘prejudiced’ against the continents current immigrants” (Kotkin, 2005).  With that said, Topi also believes that immigrants should make every effort to adjust themselves to U.S. culture and not the other way around.  He says that he and Monika are in the U.S. because they value certain aspects of American culture that are non-existent in Europe.   In regard to academic outcomes, and as a professor at our local community college, Topi points out that despite the large amounts of money spent on education, the return, in the form of student outcomes, is minimal.  He notes that students come to the college not knowing algebra, grammar, or foreign languages.  The fact that children learn so little in U.S. schools is, “of great concern for many immigrants to the U.S.” (T. Heikkero, personal communication 11 May 2012).  When I asked Topi what he most likes about American culture he said, “Creativity, productivity, freedom, lack of sinister nationalism, cheerfulness, flexibility, expressivity, ability to communicate, and pragmatism.” (T. Heikkero, personal communication, 11 May, 2012) When I asked Monika the same question, she said, “America has a gift.  It has the gift of multiculturalism.” (M. Heikkero, personal communication, 11 May 2012).