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.”