Through my correspondence with Lucy, my international contact in Spain, I am discovering that I am a little confused by some of the terms she used. We recently discussed what the qualifications are to be an early childhood educator in Spain. I also asked if there were any kind of regulations or rating system. Again, Lucy said it is very different between public and private schools. She said there is a curriculum to regulate the Infant Education Stage. Then, if a teacher wants to work in a public school, they must take an official exam (oposicion) to become an Infant Education Teacher. The private schools (concertadas) are like companies - - you just have to pass the interview to be hired there. However, she does say that generally a University degree is needed there too. Children under 3 go to (guarderia) which seems to be childcare. In order to work at Guarderia, you only need to take a "modulo FP de Education Infantil" which is like a short professional course.
This is all the information I was able to get. I was a little confused when she says there is a curriculum to regulate the Infant Education Stage. I don't know if it is one curriculum that everyone must use, or if there are different curriculum for different schools. Also, I thought it was interesting that "Infant Education Teachers" can teach in the public schools. I believe the term "Infant" here is referring to children older than 3 since those younger than 3 go to "Guarderia". I did not get a response when I asked her if anyone can attend Guarderia. If I get a reply to my other questions by tomorrow, I will post an update.
Update:
Anyone can attend guardia and children with special needs are helped by a government paid "de apoyo".
Hi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post. I too am experiencing not understanding some of the terminology translations. I am enjoying learning about Early Childhood Education as it pertains to other countries.
I also found the Infant Education Teachers to be very interesting.
Thank you and I look forward to learning more from you.
Berdetta
Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI found your post about the education system in Spain very informative. I can see how you are confused by the terms that they use because they are very different from those used here in the United States. From what I can understand, it does look like their public education system is quite similar to our own in that teachers are required to be "licensed" to teach in the school system. For most private schools in the United States, a teaching license is usually required, but there are sometimes loopholes around that. The age requirements for the different "grade" levels do seem to be a bit confusing for the Spanish schools.
Tiffany
I am so excited that you are actually talking to someone in Spain! I have had no luck at all with any contacts abroad. I can't wait to learn more about the system in Spain and how early childhood is both alike and different than in our country. What has been your favorite thing about conversing with someone in another country? Thanks so much for all the information!
ReplyDeleteMonette