Thanks to All!

I would like to thank everyone that has posted on my discussion and blogs.  It is always great to get encouraging words or new insight from others viewpoint.  As we all continue our journey I hope to see future blogs of new information, ideas, or even advice from everyone.  I plan to continue posting blogs throughout my degree program and after I have finished my degree. Thanks too all and hope to see familiar names in the next class.

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Team Development - Adjourning

This week I read about the 5 stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.  I am considering my adjourning phase which is how we all went our separate ways when the group work was complete.  Therefore I was thinking did I have a hard time with saying good-bye to leave the group and move on.  Thinking back with all the groups I have been involved in, I can’t say any of the groups were hard to say good-bye. 

Most groups except one, I was not sad to see them go but with all my classes that we had to do group work we always had some type of end of the year celebration relating to what the group was working on.  I can think of a group of classmates that I was involved in during the last few classes to finish our Bachelor degree, that we did not say good-bye, we said see you around.  We did adjourn the group but we still meat up today for lunch or dinner to talk about old times, what is going on in everyone’s life now, and talk about all the changes that keep going on for preschool education. 

Understanding what adjourning means to a group and why it is part of team development, allowed me to understand that it is an essential stage of teamwork.  Moving on from a group and saying good-bye is a great thing because you may never want to work with those in your group again.  At the same time you may not want to say good-bye because you may in the future have to work with the same group again.  With any group that is a great group you may want to stay in contact because you built a friendship with that group and later down the road you may want to stay in touch to get new ideas for your work.  One person can come up with several ideas and every year especially a teacher wants to have new fresh ideas instead of using the same ones.  Therefore, developing a friendship out of your groups is a great way to brainstorm new ideas to teach. 

Conflict Resolution Skill...

Recently my 21 year old son has moved back into my home and we had a big disagreement over his money.  When I realized things were getting heated up and I did not want my son to feel he had to leave the house.  I told him calmly that we needed to talk about an issue that was bothering me and I only want to help; therefore, I told him after he was done running his errands we will talk.  While he was gone I evaluated the information I found out and was thinking how I was going to talk to him without yelling at him.  So when he came back I stated what the issue was, why I was upset, and how I wanted to help get him back on track.  I laid out some solutions that would help him manage his money and save some so he can get his own place to live.  We talked for an hour coming up with solutions to help him and he was willing to try one of the solutions.  The solution he decided to go with was leaving his bank card with me and I would lock it up. Then he would only keep $30 cash on him and the rest will go in the bank and he will not touch it.  He also was willing to give me his password so that I can check to make sure he was putting the money in his account. 

I thought about the NVC skills when I was decided to talk with my son about his spending habits.  I evaluated myself and how I would react to him by yelling at him for not saving money and blowing it on whatever he wanted to buy.  I also thought about my feelings on this issue and his feelings how he would take me yelling at him, which was never turned out good when he was younger either.  I try to understanding why he was not saving but was buying stuff he did not need and then realized he was buying some clothes along with other things he did not need.  Then when we talked, I clearly laid out the solutions to help him save money for his own place. 

For those that have children old enough to be on their own and are living at home with you again, can you see any other way I could have handle this issue that would help me become a better communicator.

Communication skills

After evaluating my communication, listening,  and verbal skills scale I was shocked with the scores I received.  My communication anxiety inventory test I scored a moderate level, which indicates that I feel somewhat concerned about a number of communication contexts,  but probably not all. The moderate level of communication anxiety is what they call "situational."  I know this is so true amount me, because I do have communication anxiety only during certain times and that usually is when I am in front of a group of people.   I realized that I had this issue when I took a public speaking course and during this course I learned how to calm my nerves when speaking in front of a group of people.   I still get nervous at times but when I am talking about children and their learning it is much easier.   My listening style profile showed I am a people-oriented person but never realized that this can also interfere with my relationships with family and friends.   This profile describes me as empathetic and concerned with the emotions of others.  It shows that this listening style helps me build relationships,  but can also interfere with proper judgment because I tend to be very trusting of others.   I thought this was a good trait about myself but realized that giving some judgement can help others make better decisions.   I do give some of my thoughts to others but would never say anything negative too anyone because I hated hurting others feeling.   Over the years I learned to trust but be wise when trusting other people. My verbal aggressiveness scale was the biggest shock to me because my level was significant.  I never saw myself as an argumentative person or a person that attacks someone thoughts or opinion.  I have always been that person to sit back and bite my tongue because I hate confrontation.  I know I have a lot too learn and the older I get I am getting a little bit more confident within myself to speak in public.

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WK 3 Helpful Communication Tips...

We all know that communicating with others can be a challenge too some but here are three strategies that have helped me to become an effective communicator….

1. Listen effectively when someone is talking with you or in a group so that you can take in what is being said and at the same time be open-minded.
2. Focus on others thoughts and perspectives and what others may be experiencing emotionally.
3. Take a step back and think outside the box in other words "step into their shoes."

Taking a step back and thinking outside the box would allow us to learn as much as we can about a person.  Listening to someone when they are talking would give you vital information about what they are feeling or thinking.  Focusing on other thoughts and perspectives along with what they may be experiencing, will show them that you care about their thoughts and emotions. 

TV Shows & Communication Skills

I decided to watch an episode of Gilmore Girls, which is a show about a young single mother and her teenage daughter building a relationship living in a small town called Stars Hollow.  Watching the show without sounds showed nonverbal communication through their facial expression and/or body language. The facial expressions were show through their smiles, laughing for happiness, and even crying for sadness.  Their body languages were shown through the mom and daughter hugging each other while the daughter was crying which showed me that mom was consoling her daughter.  Watching the show again with the sound on, the smiles and laughing were the signs of happiness.  The crying was sadness because her daughter had a boyfriend and he broke up with her and mom was consoling her and telling her that if it was meant to be then it will be.  This episode was a life lesson of a young girl who experienced her first break up from her first love and mom was there to help her daughter through it.  Watching this show without sound has taught me to be more open and watch for nonverbal communication cues.  I plan on watching more shows without sound to learn more about nonverbal communication cues and try to figure out what the characters are trying to convey and meaning. 

WK 1 Competent Communication

I can think of a time when I had to go to an early childhood conference for training hours.  The speaker was teaching about challenging behaviors and ways to working with challenging behaviors.  The speaker did keep eye contact and her tones during the sessions and I felt was a strong communication part.   What I did not think was effective communication was the examples she gave to exampling the challenging behaviors.  I am an early childhood professional and I know you should never use the child’s first and last names when giving examples at a conference.  The speaker even went on to talk about the parents and added comments of what these parents said on how they would punish their child.  The speaker had videos of these children to show us challenging behaviors and staff to show how to deal with them.  I knew the speaker personally and knew the child care center that was recorded to show these examples.  I felt confidentiality of the children and parents were broken.  I have seen a lot of videos that have children in them and know the adults used different names for the children or just use first names.  I would never model this type of communication if I was a speaker at conference.  Confidentiality should never be broken in any conversations. 

WK 8 Professional Hopes and Goals

Over the past several weeks I have learned more about diversity and I hope that I am able to provide the best education to all children and families of different diverse backgrounds equally.  Being aware of how people in the world judges and/or stereotype others, allows me to be able to spot bias.  My goal in life is to be a great example of an anti-bias person so that others can see and learn from my examples so that we all are treated fairly.  Thanks to all my classmates for all your input throughout our discussion and our blogs.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

The country that I have chosen as my “Family’s” country of origin is Australia.  I know very little about Australia and in order for me to prepare myself by learning all there is to know about this country.  Here are some ways I would prepare myself for this family.

1. Do research through the internet or even at the library, so that I can learn about their language, religion, and their life styles.
2. I would talk with the point of contact that has enrolled the child, so that I could find out where the child is coming from and contact the early childhood program that this child was enrolled in before moving.
3. I would collaborate with co-workers to see they have any information about Australia or if they have been to Australia.
4. Once I found out as much as I could about this families background, I would incorporate materials that represent their lifestyle.  Added familiar materials in my classroom would make my child feel welcomed.
5. In educating myself about this culture, I would have a one or two week long curriculum teaching the children about all the cultures that relate to all the children including myself.  Having activities that are related to all the children’s culture allows the children to see where and how they live and see new artifacts about each culture.

In preparing to welcome my family, I would benefit by obtaining information about this culture and diverse background in hope that this families would feel welcome and comfortable in my classroom.  With the information I have learned about their background I would be confident that I could provide the best education for the child and that the child feels comfortable and trusts me. I would hope that this family would see that I put my whole self into the education of children and that I am not holding any kind of bias towards them. 

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Week 6: The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

Here is what I think is a huge bias experience that had recently happened at my husband’s graduation from college.  We invited family/friend to come and watch my husband walk to get his diploma and our family/friend told his daughter to not stand up or yell while he walked across the stage.  Our family/friend told her that is rude.  All the other families stood up and yelled when their member was walking the stage to receive their diploma and continue to tell his daughter that those families were being disrespectful.   I could not believe that she said that to her and all the families that stood up where black and Hispanic.  I told her that there is nothing wrong with yelling for joy, especially since this is one of your dad’s greatest accomplishments and it took him a long time to realize he need to have this education to move on in his life.   I also said, “Do you not think that your dad will yell when you finally walk the stage to receive your diploma, O yes he will.”  Later I explained that our family/friend just place a judgment or everyone that stood up to yell congrats and clap for their family member.  There is nothing wrong to rejoice over someone we know has accomplished something they have worked hard for and is making a difference in their lives. 

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

I listened to a video this week and Dr. Derald Wing Sue (2011) states, the unintentional and invisible nature of microaggressions that occur are the perpetrator of a microaggression experience themselves as good, moral, decent individuals; but it makes it very difficult for them to understand that, in some way, they have made a statement, engaged in a behavior that has been offensive and reveals some bias or stereotyping on their part.    Therefore, I feel I have seen firsthand an example of microaggression through my own child after attending a graduation ceremony.  As we are walking back to the car, my child hears a song playing out of a car that was on a country station.  As we go by the car, she looks into the car and said, “OMG, he’s black jamming to a country song.”  I looked at her and said, “Why did you say that?” and she said, “Because this is not typical of a black person to listen to country music.”  I explained to her, that she has just stereotyped that person because she does not know what that person’s background is all about.  I also explained, that you can’t say what is typical or not typical because of the color of that person’s skin either.  I have always tried to show my children that the color of your skins does not tell who you really are as a person and once the skin is gone, we all have the same color blood, organs, and bones.   I hoped that I raised my children too not stereotype others and they really need to think before they speak because comments like that could have offended that person listening to country music. 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

After contacting several people and asking them what their definition of culture and diversity was, this was their responses...

Culture…

• the things that make up your life as a group, such as music, food, art likes/dislikes, holidays, and the particular way you celebrate those holidays, the way you raise your kids and how you treat elders.
• I think culture is when people, generally of a common area, share like values, beliefs, customs, moral values, food preferences etc. Although everyone doesn't necessarily have to believe or think exactly the same, but there are common ties that bind them together.
• is how you think, feel and at times what you believe in based upon your environment.

Diversity…

• all the different ways those items from culture are displayed. How vastly different one group of people enjoy -live life
• how vastly different one group of people enjoy-live life versus another group.
• is the differences in people. The differences in thought, preferences, race, beliefs, moral values, customs. Diversity can be within a culture or trans-cultural.

I was amazed that most of their answers were related to culture and diversity.  One way that influenced my thinking about culture and diversity is the way one of the answers were stated, "How vastly different one group of people enjoy-live life."  This is how most of use should be doing with our lives. ENJOY-LIVE LIFE!

My Family Culture

My family means everything to me so trying to imagine what I would take with me was a hard decision for me to make.  The first thing I would take is my bible, because if a catastrophic event happened my faith would need to be built back up and I know that God would always be with me where ever I am.  The second thing to show others about my family would be a family photo album to look back and remember all the good times.  The third thing would be my notebook full of how to make anything out of everything, because if I had to start all over I would have to learn how to wash my clothes, grow food, and how to make drinking water.  If this happen I would be scared of what would come next and figure out how to survive.  It is not hard to tell others about your family and we would all have to work together if we were all going to survive.  I have learned over the years after becoming a teenage mother how to make things in order to save money and that is one major thing I have taught my children to do. 

When I Think of RESEARCH......

When I think of research I think of a "puzzle" and start to think where and how do I start.  I have never been good at doing research or writing about research.  Throughout this course I have learned how to narrow down a topic to focus on one area that multiple areas.  It also takes a lot of time and can be beneficial to others to read and learn about the results, especially in the early childhood field and not all research is helpful.

 

When I received my text book titled “Doing Early Childhood Research,” I thought what have I gotten myself into which frighten me and will I make it through this class.  I have done research before but have always had a hard time looking up the information or is the information for my project was beneficial to me.  Now I know how to scan articles and understand how the article is written up to provide the information I need for my research project. 

Planning, designing and conducting research reminds me of a huge puzzle. Therefore, when planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood field it is essential to have validity of the data and knowing the importance of the ethics in any research project. 

The challenges I encountered was trying to figure out the important information to add into my research simulation and writing out the hypotheses.  With the step by step charts each week and the comments from the teacher, I was able to complete and understand what information was important and how to write out my hypotheses for my research simulation.

As an early childhood professionals I will most likely never conduct research but will look into other research to gain information that will benefit me in the early childhood field.  It is important to continue learning and reading about new research for early childhood education in order to stay up with new insight to improve child’s developmental progress. 

 

This class was very beneficial to me and learning more about research.  Thanks to all my classmates for the comments through our discussions and blogs, you all have added more insight to my understanding of research.

WK5 "The Research in Practice Series" Early Childhood Australia.....

I looked into what Early Childhood Australia does for research and they have what is called Research in Practice Series (RIP). 

The site states, “The Research in Practice Series is a practical, easy-to-read resource, offering effective new approaches for those challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children. Early Childhood Australia's Research in Practice Series is an essential resource for those involved in the early childhood field. The books are idea-rich and to-the-point. The Research in Practice Series focuses on the practical, 'hands-on' aspects of early childhood – making them ideally suited to early childhood workers. However, the wide range of topics covered throughout the series offers something to anyone interested in children's early years.”

I love the fact that the research page provided book that anyone could purchase and that they are all “idea-rich, to-the-point, and hands-on.”   

WK 3 Research that Benefits Children and Families "Early Intervention"

I read a research article that focused on families and children with a developmental delay or a diagnosed disability called “First Experiences With Early Intervention: A National Perspective.” This study focused on “families’ initial experiences in determining their child’s eligibility, interactions with medical professionals, efforts required to obtain services, participation in planning for services, satisfaction with services, and interactions with professionals.

It was exciting to read that more families interact with their medical professional than not, which shows that more families are concerned about their child’s development.   I was also excited to read that a very small number of families did not receive services right away.  This shows that families are concerned about their child’s development and the early intervention services is here to make sure children do not fall behind and get them ready for success.  There was a high percentage in family’s participating in planning with the professionals for services and would continue interacting with the professional and their child.  I have been in homes where a mother does not show interest in working with their own child and the only interaction that child gets is when I would come and work on the goals. 

Here is a chart of Percentage of children beginning early intervention services……..

 

The Chart below shows families and professionals working together……

 After reading I was glad to see that more families are concerned about their child’s developmental growth and works with their child when the professionals are not there to continue working on their child’s developmental growth goals.   I hope I am able to work with families that care about their child and not to many of the one’s I have worked with. 

WK2 My Personal Research Journey

Writing and researching about a topics has always been a struggle for me for as long as I can remember.  I have two things I would like to write about but have to narrow it down to one topic along with three subtopics. 

The first is learning more about my local Quality Rating Improvement Systems.  I would love to be able to provide information to child care centers (1) benefits in participating in a Quality Rating System, (2) ways to foster early childhood development, and (3) how others are or can invest in the quality care and education. I believe in a Quality Rating System and wish that my local child care centers would participate in which would provide the children quality care and education. 

The second big issue is, I thought about researching was about working with families to improve infants and toddlers developmental progress using every days's life experiences.  My subtopics for this topic was; (2) benefits in participating in an early intervention program like First Steps, (2) ways to involve families in the developmental process, and (3) how your daily routines can foster child development.

I feel both topics and subtopics are still to broad and not sure which topic to choose.  WHAT DO YOU THINK?

EDUC 6163 Wk 1 Hello

Hello to All in EDUC 6163.  For the next 8 weeks I look forward to reading everyone's blogs.

WK 8 International Early Childhood Education

The past eight weeks has been great experience learning about how others around the world feel the same way we do about early childhood education.  I have really enjoyed reading my classmates blogs and all the information they have given has been helpful. 

 

Here is what I see, 3 Consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for my professional and personal development…

Ø  Establishing International Connections because I had the hardest time trying to connect with someone around the world internationally and still was not able to contact anyone.
Ø  Increasing awareness because the US struggles to provide early childhood education so does other countries around the world and with poverty being the first signs that a child will struggle in their education if they don’t start getting the education or interventions early on.
Ø   Expanding our knowledge or interest in the early childhood field not only in our back yard but around the world.  International children are in a bigger need for early childhood education due to higher poverty.

My goal is to learn more about early childhood around the world and still continue trying to get in contact with someone around the around the world. 

Week 7: Alternative Part 3

All early childhood programs that are in a public school or child care centers should put the child’s holistic development and go beyond in assisting a child in their developmental progress.  Having high quality programs also will promote motivation, confidence, cognitive and linguistic development along with school readiness. 

Therefore, I decided to research the site and look more into the Early Childhood tab.  After reading the access and equity, it shows that we are not alone as in trying to provide the best early childhood education for all children.  We all have agreed that learning starts at birth and we also know that the underprivileged children need the benefits to early childhood care and education. 

The site stated……

“Participating countries committed themselves to “expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.” Governments were particularly urged to expand equitable access to quality early childhood services underscoring the importance of instituting policy in favor of the poor……….Countries often promote alternative services for poor children with limited or no access to mainstream early childhood services which can be cost-effective and pedagogically innovative, but often raise concerns about sustainability and quality. In cases where the government has limited resources, a pro-poor policy can redistribute resources by reducing state support for the more privileged……Central governments must ensure an equitable distribution of resources among different populations and especially those who live in the most disadvantaged regions. This approach aims to expand access without creating serious regional inequities. However, where there is universal provision for a certain age group while the overall enrolment in other age groups is low, this policy can create inequity…..Privileged children of the target age group benefit from state investment, while poor children of non-target ages receive scant government attention. A policy of universalising with targeting can minimize inequity where governments aim for universal access among the target age group, but simultaneously priorities the poor.”

 It amazed me how many others actually believe in early childhood care and education and the benefits it brings for all children and their future. I look forwarding to seeing the day Kentucky finally sets in place the :Universal Preschool" that they have talked about doing for years. 

 

Sharing Web Resources: Zero to Three

Looking more into the Zero to Three website...

Clicking on a link Early Head Start at the bottom of the page; it took me to the Early Head Start National Resource Center ( http://www.ehsnrc.org/ ).  This link provides resources, journals, Webcasts, and tips to working with children birth to three years of age.  Looking further into the Tip Sheets they provided information on three different categories....

·         Child Development & Early Learning
       o   Tip Sheet #27: Screening Infants’/Toddlers’ Behavioral Skills… Link below…
   §  http://www.ehsnrc.org/Publications/English%20Tip%20Sheets/TIP_SHEET_27.PDF

·         Family Engagement & Relationships
   o   Tip Sheet #34: Working with Teen Parents…Link below…
   §  http://www.ehsnrc.org/Publications/English%20Tip%20Sheets/TIP_SHEET_34.PDF

·         Health, Safety & Nutrition
   o   Tip Sheet #28: Secondhand Smoke and Early Head Start…link below…
   §  http://www.ehsnrc.org/Publications/English%20Tip%20Sheets/TIP_SHEET_28.PDF

This site also appreciates our feedback on the information and/or resources they offer to the public.  I enjoyed reading about Tip sheet #34: Working with Teen Parents because I was a teen mom.  It was nice to read that they offer classes and/or training to employees to help understanding teen parents and help teen parents by providing information on juggling school and baby.  This give the staff the abilities to help and deal with sensitive issues and concerns with teen parents.   

 

WK 5 Alternative "Center on the Developing Child - Harvard University"

Last week was my final attempt to reach someone in another country had failed therefore I am doing the alternative assignment.
The Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University has just launched the Global Children’s Initiative and is focused on three strategic objectives:
         * To reframe public discourse about the early childhood period by educating high-level decision makers about the common underlying science of learning, behavior, and health
        
         * To support innovative, multidisciplinary research and demonstration projects in selected countries or regions to expand global understanding of how healthy development happens, how it can be derailed, and how to get it back on track
         
          * To build leadership capacity in child development research and policy among individuals and institutions in low and middle income countries in order to increase the number and influence of diverse perspectives that are contributing to the global movement on behalf of young children

The Global Children’s Initiative is building a portfolio of activities in three domains:

Early Childhood Development

* Assessing quality in early childhood environments and programs in diverse global contexts

* Piloting assessments to measure child development outcomes linked to malaria control strategies in Zambia

            * Expanding effective interventions to improve preschool quality in Chile

Mental Health
            * Assessing the state of child mental health services in China

* Developing and evaluating family-based strategies to prevent mental health problems in children affected by HIV/AIDS in Rwanda

            * Addressing child maltreatment and mental health outcomes in three Caribbean nations (Barbados, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname

Children in Crisis and Conflict Situations

* Exploring comparable approaches to surveying child status in post-earthquake Haiti and Chile

           * Bringing the science of child development into strategies for addressing acute malnutrition

Sharing Web Resources: Early Childhood Australia

Early Childhood Australia  www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

This week I explored the Early Childhood Australia web page to see if things are different from what I know.  I found that the Early Childhood Australia follows a QRIS and it’s called National Quality Standards.  I have been learning about the what other states where participating in a QRIS system and I was excited that Australia is following a similar system.  They have videos you can watch with topics like, Environments for learning, Partnerships with families, and Cultural competency just to list a few.

The site also offers e-newsletters, e-learning videos, information on environment makeover, and other information from forums, social media and a resource page.

I have put up their recent media release on Ratings show children already seeing childcare improvements.

Children are already starting to experience the benefits of new national standards for early childhood education and care services according to the peak children’s body Early Childhood Australia.

ECA CEO Samantha Page today visited Coco’s Early Learning Centre in Melbourne, one of the services that have received a first National Quality Standard rating of their progress in implementing the new standards since they were introduced a year ago.

“The ratings show that where centres have shown a commitment to the new standards, they are making progress in improving their ability to deliver a quality early learning and care experience for children.”

Ms Page said a child’s experience during their first five years shapes their ability to go on and do well at school, and throughout their life.
“The standards, once fully implemented, will see long-term benefits for Australian children.

“Education begins from birth; we know that the experience of children in the first five years of life is crucial for their future success.

“The new national standards will ensure all children have access to good quality learning experiences early on in life.”

Ms Page said the full implementation of the standards would take time but the ratings were a great way for families to see if progress was being made by their child’s service.

“We know these changes can’t happen over night but the first ratings show that we are on our way to achieving them.”

WK 3: Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part 1

I am still hopeful of finding someone outside of the US.  I had mention to a close friend of mine what I have been having trouble with and she found out that one of her cousins’ lives in Germany and works at the school there.  I have sent an email waiting to hear back but since I have not heard from them yet I went to the www.childhoodpoverty.org site to research what I can/have learned from the international side of poverty. 

We all know that poverty is everywhere in the world but some places have more than others.  We also know that when a child is in poverty they are malnutrition, which can lead to a long life of learning disabilities and very poor health.  What I did not know is that “poverty can be passed from generation to generation affecting the long-term health, wellbeing and productivity of families and of society as a whole.”  I am becoming aware that more and more people want to stop poverty but I also that it will take more than just one person to do it, therefore here are a few things that CHIP is doing to tackling childhood poverty…….

·         Deepening understanding of the main causes of childhood poverty and poverty cycles, and increasing knowledge of effective strategies to tackle them in different contexts.

·         Examining economic and social factors at different levels-international, national and local-which contribute to poverty in childhood.

·         Informing effective policy to end childhood poverty, communicating research findings to policy makers, practitioners and advocates

·         Raising the profile of childhood poverty issues and increasing commitment to tackling them through anti-poverty policy and action

 

This is just a small list of what they are doing to tackling childhood poverty and I will continue reading their briefing to learn more about what they are doing along with success stories and the case studies. 

Sharing Web Resources....

Last week I decided to focus on two different organization because one, I will be working with families that have children birth to three years and two, I plan on teaching preschool. Therefore I have choices Zero to Three ( http://www.zerotothree.org/ ) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children ( http://www.naeyc.org ).   

Zero to Three is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. Their mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers.

The newest resources that Zero to Three’s is offering are a Spanish language resource: Niños Pequeños, Grandes Preguntas.  The popular parenting podcast series, “Little Kids, Big Questions” is now translated into Spanish.  The podcast series address the most common and/or challenging issues parents face with their children.  Some issues it covers are helping babies learn to sleep through the night, coping with crying and feeding challenges, how to set effective limits and encourage the development of self-control. 

We all have seen, heard, and read about the tragic of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting and I was curious how are parent are helping their younger children cope.  There is an article that talks about how parents and help their child cope after being exposed to a traumatic event and a list of some behaviors parents might see in their child.  If you would like to read more about this here is the link http://www.zerotothree.org/cope-after-exposure-to-a-traumatic.html . 

Ø  A list of a few things parents can do…..

      Turn off TV and radio news reports; don't leave newspapers lying around.

      Ask friends and family not to discuss the scary event around your child.

      Maintain your child's regular routine.

 

Ø  A few behaviors you might see…..

      Increased clinginess, crying and whining

      Greater fear of separation from parents

      Increase in aggressive behavior

      Changes in sleeping and eating patterns.

Ø  A few things you can do to help…..

      Respond to your child's need for increased attention, comfort and reassurance. This will make him feel safer sooner.

      Pay close attention to your child's feelings and validate them. Ignoring feelings does not make them go away.

      Help your child identify her feelings by naming them (scary, sad, angry, etc.).

 The NAEYC also has a statement on Violence against Children, the Importance of Social and Emotional Development, and the Value of Educators…… http://www.naeyc.org/newsroom/pressreleases/statement_on_violence_against_children

The NAEYC has a link to resources for anyone that may need help in coping………

http://www.naeyc.org/content/coping-school-shooting

Ø  A policy update: NAEYC Children’s Champions Special Update….

According to the site, the next few weeks are critical and they are asking we continue to let our Congress know “that cutting programs such as child care, Head Start, child nutrition, and other basic human needs is unsound economic and social policy. When families don’t have affordable early childhood education, they have more difficulty taking and keeping jobs, employers have a less stable workforce, and children lack the support to reach their developmental and education potential. A strong economy invests in human capital, including our youngest children. Tell them stories of how these federal funds for child care, Head Start, education and early intervention make a difference for children, families and high-quality services.”

Expanding Resources Part 2

I went through the whole list and signed up for every newsletter that would allow me to sign up.  My main focus will be "Early Childhood Australia: The Australian Early Childhood Advocacy Organization" and "Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families." 

Early Childhood Australia: The Australian Early Childhood Advocacy Organization mission is Early Childhood Australia will advocate to ensure quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight years.
Their values are

• The rights of children
• Leadership
• Excellence
• Respect
• Courage
• Honesty
• Openness
• Collaboration
• Diversity
• Justice
• Social inclusion of children

I want to learn more about their process of early childhood education and I want to learn more about Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families because I will be working with children birth to three years of age.

Establishing Professional Contacts Part 1

I have sent out several email to get in contact with early childhood professional but the email seem to come back as rejected. Since most of the emails have been rejected, I decided to contact the World Forum Foundation since they have early childhood professional around the world and come together to share and train other early childhood professionals.  I am waiting for a response.

If any one sees my blog and knows another way to contact early childhood professional in another country (I would like someone from Germany or another place in Europe and Australia), please post a comment on my blog.

Thank You