I have gained many insights about research from this course such as: learning different terminology and definitions. I enjoyed learning the difference between quantitative and qualitative design. The website resources were helpful in gaining a more concrete definition of variables and their role in research, and ensuring that a hypotheses is not confused with an actual research question. I realize that conducting research is very time consuming and requires a tremendous of amount of attention to detail.
My ideas about the nature of doing research has changed in ways such as I didn't realize that some internet articles have to be thoroughly researched in order to come to the conclusion of whether or not the resource is credible. There are many articles that are not valid and would not enhance a research study.
The one most important lesson about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood I learned is that time and patience is definitely required in order to accomplish a successful research study. Understanding the ethical challenges that I may be faced with is also key in planning, designing, and conducting research.
Some of the challenges I encountered during this course were understanding the terminology of research. I had to review the definitions numerous times in order to grasp the differences of research terms....the ways that I met them was to continue to read, read, read, and review! I even started reading out loud!
My perception of an early childhood professional has been modified as a result of this course for the better. The charts were extremely helpful in preparing for the assignments each week, and these charts will also assist in the development of my resources in the early childhood profession. I initially entered this course extremely afraid, and now upon the completion of this course, I have realized that it was not intimidating by any means and now I know the steps to take for a successful research study.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Research Around the World
The organization that I chose to research is the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA). This is the link to the website: http://www.eecera.org/
There are current international research topics listed on this website. One of the topics/links that I found interesting was about the Korea Institute of Childcare and Education. On this website there are research projects that are listed under three different categories: major research, occasional research, and entrusted research. Some of these research topics are current status of extracurricular activities at kindergarten, a study on the effectiveness of childcare accreditation, and quality assurance in childcare facilities. One research topic that I found enlightening was developing an intergrative support model for disadvantaged young children. I found this enlightening because it warms my heart that even in other parts of the country there is a focus on supporting disadvantaged children.
There was some surprising facts, insights, and new ideas about early childhood that I did gain from exploring this international early childhood website. I was very excited to learn that there is assistance for children that are from low income families, just as we have CCMS (Child Care Services) here in the US. The families also use the Childcare Service Ticket System and the Children’s Education Fee Electric Card Payment System just as our CCMS families enrolled in my facility. Parent education and participation in childcare facilities and kindergarten is also a key factor in the early childhood field in Korea. There are also proposals for improvement of parent participation in Korea based on status surveys and foreign case analysis.
I found this site very informative and easy to access information in early childhood in both Europe and Korea. I feel that I am increasing my knowledge of the early childhood field all over the world!
There are current international research topics listed on this website. One of the topics/links that I found interesting was about the Korea Institute of Childcare and Education. On this website there are research projects that are listed under three different categories: major research, occasional research, and entrusted research. Some of these research topics are current status of extracurricular activities at kindergarten, a study on the effectiveness of childcare accreditation, and quality assurance in childcare facilities. One research topic that I found enlightening was developing an intergrative support model for disadvantaged young children. I found this enlightening because it warms my heart that even in other parts of the country there is a focus on supporting disadvantaged children.
There was some surprising facts, insights, and new ideas about early childhood that I did gain from exploring this international early childhood website. I was very excited to learn that there is assistance for children that are from low income families, just as we have CCMS (Child Care Services) here in the US. The families also use the Childcare Service Ticket System and the Children’s Education Fee Electric Card Payment System just as our CCMS families enrolled in my facility. Parent education and participation in childcare facilities and kindergarten is also a key factor in the early childhood field in Korea. There are also proposals for improvement of parent participation in Korea based on status surveys and foreign case analysis.
I found this site very informative and easy to access information in early childhood in both Europe and Korea. I feel that I am increasing my knowledge of the early childhood field all over the world!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Research That Benefits Children and Families-An Uplifting Story
I am honored to be able to share an inspiring story about a
personal friend of mine that was diagnosed with a blood disorder entitled Paroxysmal
Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) exactly one year ago. He was told that this was an acquired disease
and the origin of disease in still unknown and there was no way to cure him! He was then told the only chance of a
comfortable life or possible cure was a Stem Cell Transplant, and up until this
date, there are no possible matches for him…. This time last May he was barely
walking, it hurt him to breathe, and/or talk. He lost blood at an alarming
rate. His weight dropped to 145 lbs. and he was given the alarming statistics
of life expectancy of three years after diagnosis. He spent weeks on end being admitted in and
out of the hospital, He also developed a near fatal blood clot in the vein
leading to his liver....needless to say he has been through one heck of a year!
He was approached by
the doctors to try a drug that would work to keep him alive! He was asked to participate in the research
of finding a way to battle this horrible disease. He is now taking the WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE
DRUG!!! The title of this drug is
Eculizumab(Soliris) and it costs a whopping $41,279 every 14 days....this
amounts to over $82k a month to keep him alive! He will have to take this drug
for the rest of his life or until he finds a match for the Stem Cell Transplant. Please if you can, go to www.marrow.org Register
to save a life, possibly my good friend! This story is beneficial to both children and families because my friend is still here today weighing in at 191 lbs, and instead of taking 22 pills a day, he now only takes four! He is still here with his children and he has a baby on the way! He told me that he will die with this disease, not FROM it!
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Saturday, November 10, 2012
My Personal Research Journey
My chosen topic for my research simulation during this course is Sign Language: Learning As
An Infant: Is It Effective Throughout Childhood? I originally chose to research whether sign
language would be effective throughout adulthood, but it would take at least twenty years to
complete! That's a long time! I chose to research a shorter period of time. I chose this topic
because I would like to further educate myself and develop the skills to educate the parents of
the infants and toddlers enrolled in my facility. I also have a personal interest in this topic because I have an 18 month old son that communicates with me at home using sign language and he also communicates verbally.
I found this example image of a toddler signing "more" from the internet. Will she remember this sign throughout childhood or do we have to continue to teach her as she grows older? At what age do we as educators or parents stop teaching sign language for it to continue to be effective?
The subtopic that I will focus on throughout my simulation is ways that sign language fosters social/emotional development in infants and toddlers. Professionally,
I feel that this is an important subtopic to ensure that all of my infants and
toddlers are developing appropriately in the social/emotional category,
resulting in a less stressful environment and reducing frustration in our
infant/toddler program.
I would appreciate any insights or advice that any of my colleagues would like to share regarding this topic. Thank you Kimberley Martin for offering your resources early on in this course. I am very excited about completing this research and applying it to my professional development,as well as educating myself as a parent with the development of my own toddler!
I would appreciate any insights or advice that any of my colleagues would like to share regarding this topic. Thank you Kimberley Martin for offering your resources early on in this course. I am very excited about completing this research and applying it to my professional development,as well as educating myself as a parent with the development of my own toddler!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Final Blog Assignment
There are three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for my professional and personal development. They are as follows:
1. I will continue to build on my relationship with my international contact throughout this degree plan.
2. I will continue to utilize the resources, links, and and information provided to me by Jane, my international contact, and possibly utilize ideas and practices in my own program.
3. I appreciate that even in other countries, best practice is significant in caring for children in the early childhood field, and we share a common goal: To do what's best for children.
A goal that I would like for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends an the spirit of collegial relations is for international training sessions to be provided for early childhood professionals to exchange ideas and collaborate on how all children can be successful in the early care years in both the US and other countries. I would be ecstatic to sit in a training session with ECE professionals from all over the world! There's so much we could learn from each other!
1. I will continue to build on my relationship with my international contact throughout this degree plan.
2. I will continue to utilize the resources, links, and and information provided to me by Jane, my international contact, and possibly utilize ideas and practices in my own program.
3. I appreciate that even in other countries, best practice is significant in caring for children in the early childhood field, and we share a common goal: To do what's best for children.
A goal that I would like for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends an the spirit of collegial relations is for international training sessions to be provided for early childhood professionals to exchange ideas and collaborate on how all children can be successful in the early care years in both the US and other countries. I would be ecstatic to sit in a training session with ECE professionals from all over the world! There's so much we could learn from each other!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Getting To Know Your International Contacts-Part 3
Greetings Everyone,
I had the privilege of visiting with Jane about excellence and quality and some professional challenges that we have both been faced with. Jane was really excited to discuss her hopes and dreams, as well as long term professional goals with me also.
I also found out that my Mexico contact is no longer employed in the Early Childhood Field. He has opened his own aviation business and now travels quite often. He did take the time out to respond to my email, even though it was 7 weeks later! Thank you Victorino, and I wish you well!
As far as my conversation with Jane is concerned...Jane told me that the issue that are being discussed in her facility is revolving around professional development of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS revised their framework and all of the nurseries in England have to be in compliance with the new revisions. Jane provided me with a couple of links for me to research the goals of EYFS, instead of trying to explain them to me. I have attached them to the end of this post. Jane did say that EYFS focuses on the stage of children's development from birth to the end of their first year in school. She said the revision took place last month and they are very excited about the revisions because now he role as an early care provider is more clear and they are more involved with the parents to work as a partnership to support what families also do at home to assist with their child's learning.
Jane said her professional goals are to continue to thrive in her nursery and incorporate an new ideas into her nursery and research, research, research. She told me that her company has so many available resources and she was going to use them up to helps the mums (exactly how she pronounces it! ) to be the best parents they can be. She did say that one of her worries and challenge would be reaching every parent to ensure that best practice is being utilized at home. She said she knows that worry is way bigger than her, but she can't help but feel concerned, but she will continue to do the best that she can do from within her control. I did ask Jane if she had any plans of furthering her education, and she said that she plans on retiring in a couple of years and hopefully relocating to the United States to live with her sister!
Here are a couple of the links that Jane shared with me! Enjoy!
http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2011/11/early-education-and-childcare-consultation/
http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/parents/
I had the privilege of visiting with Jane about excellence and quality and some professional challenges that we have both been faced with. Jane was really excited to discuss her hopes and dreams, as well as long term professional goals with me also.
I also found out that my Mexico contact is no longer employed in the Early Childhood Field. He has opened his own aviation business and now travels quite often. He did take the time out to respond to my email, even though it was 7 weeks later! Thank you Victorino, and I wish you well!
As far as my conversation with Jane is concerned...Jane told me that the issue that are being discussed in her facility is revolving around professional development of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The EYFS revised their framework and all of the nurseries in England have to be in compliance with the new revisions. Jane provided me with a couple of links for me to research the goals of EYFS, instead of trying to explain them to me. I have attached them to the end of this post. Jane did say that EYFS focuses on the stage of children's development from birth to the end of their first year in school. She said the revision took place last month and they are very excited about the revisions because now he role as an early care provider is more clear and they are more involved with the parents to work as a partnership to support what families also do at home to assist with their child's learning.
Jane said her professional goals are to continue to thrive in her nursery and incorporate an new ideas into her nursery and research, research, research. She told me that her company has so many available resources and she was going to use them up to helps the mums (exactly how she pronounces it! ) to be the best parents they can be. She did say that one of her worries and challenge would be reaching every parent to ensure that best practice is being utilized at home. She said she knows that worry is way bigger than her, but she can't help but feel concerned, but she will continue to do the best that she can do from within her control. I did ask Jane if she had any plans of furthering her education, and she said that she plans on retiring in a couple of years and hopefully relocating to the United States to live with her sister!
Here are a couple of the links that Jane shared with me! Enjoy!
http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/2011/11/early-education-and-childcare-consultation/
http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/parents/
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Sharing Web Resources: Part 3
There has not been an e-newsletter printed since August 2012 for the Child Development Network in Singapore. Since I haven't received a recent newsletter, I decided to explore the website and the links provided within the webpage. I found one particular link entitled https://app.cdn.gov.sg/MCYSChildCareSeminar/CallforProposals.aspx very interesting as it speaks to what we've been discussing in this course.
The title of the 2012 Call for Proposals is "Creating Collaborative Communities for Excellence". We have been discussing equity and excellence in early care and education and this link confirms that Singapore does have focus on excellence as well. There is a concentration on the child care sector's commitment to excellence to early childhood focusing on building leadership and enhancing child care's productivity and efficiency through innovative processes. It is also important to the child care network of Singapore to attract and retain manpower as well as raise benchmarks and achieve higher outputs with better outcomes, while maintaining quality and affordability. Fostering partnerships and creating collaborative network of communities will pave the way for excellence in early childhood and the Child Care Seminar 2012 mentioned in the above link will offer a platform for the child care community to learn, share, and exchange through networking, a variety of concurrent works, and presentations.
Listed below are the areas of focus:
The title of the 2012 Call for Proposals is "Creating Collaborative Communities for Excellence". We have been discussing equity and excellence in early care and education and this link confirms that Singapore does have focus on excellence as well. There is a concentration on the child care sector's commitment to excellence to early childhood focusing on building leadership and enhancing child care's productivity and efficiency through innovative processes. It is also important to the child care network of Singapore to attract and retain manpower as well as raise benchmarks and achieve higher outputs with better outcomes, while maintaining quality and affordability. Fostering partnerships and creating collaborative network of communities will pave the way for excellence in early childhood and the Child Care Seminar 2012 mentioned in the above link will offer a platform for the child care community to learn, share, and exchange through networking, a variety of concurrent works, and presentations.
Listed below are the areas of focus:
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Saturday, October 6, 2012
Getting To Know Your International Contacts: Part 2
I didn't get the opportunity to speak with Jane for a long period for this discussion... She lost her father a week and a half ago, so she has been busy with family and my condolences go out to her. Jane, as you may recall, is my international contact from London, England from the Regents Park Nursery.
I spoke with Jane briefly about equity and excellence in England in regards to the care of children in her early childhood program. Jane feels that the children enrolled in her facility are provided with exceptional care due to the fact that the focus is on personal/social/emotional skills, physical development, and communication and language skills initially. She also stated that after those areas of development are developed, then they focus on specific areas such as math and literacy, and expressive art. I told her that I am a firm believer that those prime areas of development are critical before children are able to move further in development.
Jane said they have enriched learning centers and the parents donate and volunteer their services on a regular basis. She said her nursery has even adopted two animals from the local zoo, a penguin and a tiger that the children in the facility will soon name. Jane ended our conversation because as I stated earlier, she is dealing with the loss of her father and she has plenty of things to do. She said we can finish this discussion for the next entry.
I still have not heard from my Mexico contact, but I did send out a second message to him. I understand that as early childhood professionals, our plates get full and we tend to possibly put off fires that aren't close to us at the time. I am going to wait another week to see what happens.
I spoke with Jane briefly about equity and excellence in England in regards to the care of children in her early childhood program. Jane feels that the children enrolled in her facility are provided with exceptional care due to the fact that the focus is on personal/social/emotional skills, physical development, and communication and language skills initially. She also stated that after those areas of development are developed, then they focus on specific areas such as math and literacy, and expressive art. I told her that I am a firm believer that those prime areas of development are critical before children are able to move further in development.
Jane said they have enriched learning centers and the parents donate and volunteer their services on a regular basis. She said her nursery has even adopted two animals from the local zoo, a penguin and a tiger that the children in the facility will soon name. Jane ended our conversation because as I stated earlier, she is dealing with the loss of her father and she has plenty of things to do. She said we can finish this discussion for the next entry.
I still have not heard from my Mexico contact, but I did send out a second message to him. I understand that as early childhood professionals, our plates get full and we tend to possibly put off fires that aren't close to us at the time. I am going to wait another week to see what happens.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Sharing Web Resources: Part Two
The organization that I am following is the Child Development Network in Singapore for the duration of this course. After researching and surfing the website, I came across an interesting article in the quarterly newsletter that reflects on a book titled, Extending the Dance in Infant and Toddler Caregiving. This book is a great resource for early childhood educators that value the importance of developing attachments and relationships with their infants and toddlers, such as myself and I'm pretty sure everyone enrolled in this course. The book balances theory and true, real-life stories, with the assistance of suggested strategies and uses the metaphor "relationship as a dance". This metaphor promotes secure attachment from a child point of view. I feel that sometimes as early childhood professionals, we tend to forget to view things from a eyes of little people.
I found this section of the newsletter enlightening because I never thought of caring for infants and toddler as a "dance". I love the fact that this organization provides resources such as books for caregivers and professionals to read and reflect on. It is very important for early childhood professionals to be partners to families, and to also be specialists in providing all young children with stimulating and secure learning environment.
The Early Years Development Framework: From Principles to Practice, in the newsletter focuses on the need for more professional training and development. A 16-hour training course will be provided for early childhood caregivers that will assist with the "unpacking"of the key guiding principles into implementable classroom practices. Funding is also mentioned in this section of the newsletter.
Here is the link to the newsletter from Sept. 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Getting To Know International Contacts
Well, I finally heard from my London Contact!! Her name is Jane Burgess and she works with Infants at the Regents Park Nursery in London, England. Jane is not very technology savvy, so our communication will most likely be far and in between! LOL... I am very grateful that she did reach out to me though! I mentioned to Jane that we are discussing poverty this week in this course. Jane said that, "she wasn't aware of any families in their facility that may be affected by poverty, but they are in tune with the needs of their families and would reach out to assist families if the need was there." Regents Park Nursery is a Bright Horizons facility, and I was shocked when Jane brought this to my attention, because there are Bright Horizons schools in all parts of America. This nursery provides breakfast, a two course lunch, and an afternoon tea! In America that would be an afternoon snack! Jane also mentioned to me that they serve healthy foods prepared by a chef, in conjunction with a nutritionist. She stated, "We even grow our own food!" Jane and I have agreed to contact each other bi-weekly in order to continue our international connection.
Here is the link to the Regents Park Nursery
http://www.brighthorizons.co.uk/our-nurseries/regents-park-nursery-london/about-this-nursery/overview
Here is a picture of the Toddler Room also!
I'm still patiently waiting to hear back from my contact in Mexico!!! Be on the lookout!
Here is the link to the Regents Park Nursery
http://www.brighthorizons.co.uk/our-nurseries/regents-park-nursery-london/about-this-nursery/overview
I'm still patiently waiting to hear back from my contact in Mexico!!! Be on the lookout!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Sharing Web Resources
CHILD DEVELOPMENT NETWORK IN SINGAPORE
Here is the link to the website I chose: https://app.cdn.gov.sg/Publications/ENEWSLETTER.aspx
Here is the link to the newsletter I read that provided the information on bathing infants/toddlers:
https://app.cdn.gov.sg/Portals/0/imapbuilder/EC%20Digest%20(Jul-Sep%2012).pdf
I'm really excited about finding this resource and I can't wait to read more about early childhood care in Singapore!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources
Part One:
I have attempted to reach out to two Early Childhood contacts outside the US. One of the contacts is in Veracruz, Mexico and the other contact is in London, England. I have not received a response as of yet, but I feel confident that these contacts will follow up with me. Both contacts are people that I have met through associates of the Children's Courtyard. I can't wait to hear from them!
Part Two:
I have chosen NACCP (The National Association of Child Care Professions) as my early childhood organization that supports the early childhood community and the resources it offers. I have chosen this organization because I am not only a member of this organization, I am also a validator for this organization! The mission states: NACCP is committed to strengthen the skills of owners, directors, administrators, emerging leaders and other professionals who are dedicated to early care and education (NACCP, 2012). My school is accredited through NAC, the accreditation process that stands firm on doing what's best for the "whole" child.
NACCP is the nation's leader among associations serving child care owners, directors, and administrators. The organization's goal is to improve, enhance and strengthen the credibility of the people who lead the child care industry by providing membership services and benefits.
Part Two:
I have chosen NACCP (The National Association of Child Care Professions) as my early childhood organization that supports the early childhood community and the resources it offers. I have chosen this organization because I am not only a member of this organization, I am also a validator for this organization! The mission states: NACCP is committed to strengthen the skills of owners, directors, administrators, emerging leaders and other professionals who are dedicated to early care and education (NACCP, 2012). My school is accredited through NAC, the accreditation process that stands firm on doing what's best for the "whole" child.
NACCP is the nation's leader among associations serving child care owners, directors, and administrators. The organization's goal is to improve, enhance and strengthen the credibility of the people who lead the child care industry by providing membership services and benefits.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
My Supports
I don't know where I would be today if I didn't have the support of my family, friends, and staff! I rely on each of these individuals on a daily basis.First of all, let's start with my family...I was scared to death to learn that I was expecting a baby at 37 years old! What was I going to do? I have always lived my life only having to worry about ME!!! My parents have been an absolute joy in helping support me with my son. My doctor once said to me, "I wish I had the problem you have....deciding who you want to have babysit your son!" I get to have "me" time as much as I need it! My parents have supported my career in the early childhood field and also me furthering my education. I have support from them just to do my homework sometimes! They have been amazing! My dad is my life line. His wisdom is beyond measure and I love listening and following his advice. My sister also plays an intricate part in my huge support web. She is my son's second mother, I'm really starting to believe! My fiance/son's father and his family has also been a huge support factor in my world. I have a close knit relationship with his parents and his sisters. Both sides of the family are jealous of each other when it comes to my baby boy. I am still able to enjoy myself and have much needed quiet moments, especially after a long day at work. I am supported emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially by my fiance. He is such a friend to me. My friends are there for me when I need some advice or someone to just listen to me vent. Walden University has made it possible for me to follow my dream of completing my Masters degree in my own home. There is so much support behind the scenes of this wonderful web of people desiring the same aspirations as myself. The support system of my staff that I lead each and every day is unexplainable. Let's just say this....My staff is the wind beneath my wings... My district manager has supported my career by allowing me to grow and develop in management and she also supports my decision to further my education. She has been a srong leader, mentor, and friend to me for the last 18 years of my life.
As I stated before, if I didn't have these supports, I don't know where I would be! I would be lost and alone. I would have no one to offer me guidance and wisdom. That would be a challenge in itself. If I didn't have anyone to help me with my son, I would have establish friendships with new people or my son would have to be with me all the time and this would not be healthy for wither one of us. I would definitely have to depend on my church family more. Luckily in reality, I don't have this problem and I am very thankful for my support system!.
As I stated before, if I didn't have these supports, I don't know where I would be! I would be lost and alone. I would have no one to offer me guidance and wisdom. That would be a challenge in itself. If I didn't have anyone to help me with my son, I would have establish friendships with new people or my son would have to be with me all the time and this would not be healthy for wither one of us. I would definitely have to depend on my church family more. Luckily in reality, I don't have this problem and I am very thankful for my support system!.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
My Connections to Play
In my soul, I am still that small child who did not care about anything else but the beautiful colors of a rainbow." Papiha Ghosh“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”George Bernard Shaw
These are two quotes that I feel summarize what play represented for me during my childhood and as an continues to represent for me as an adult.
"What can I say??? I really wasn't old enough for the Easy Bake Oven at 4 years old but I HAD TO HAVE IT!! It was definitely essential for play and dessert!!!
My parents and grandparent played a major role in the support of play during my childhood years. I was able to be creative and expand on my creativity and never rushed to grow up! I had pretend groceries to shop with and a cash register that allowed me to be the shopper and the cashier and no one said I couldn't be both!! My parents and grandparents allotted time for me daily to play with my sister and the neighborhood children both indoors and outdoors.
Play is different than the play that I was engaged in as a child in many ways! We were more active and not as technology driven. There was not so much emphasis on learning and mastering standardized tests and there was not so much pressure to be a kid. I was allowed to be a child! Oh boy, I couldn't wait for the summer to spend with my grandparents because they bought me all the toys I wanted! Play can still be similar to how it was back when I was a child if parents would just slow down...... and stop trying to keep up with the next person. This is my own opinion. Parents are forcing their children to grow up entirely too fast and being raised by the television, computer, and video games.
I am so excited about my toddler son developing at the stage that he is developing. I can't wait to introduce him to toys that he can touch, feel, and engage himself with, in order to develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills. I'm so excited because I am still a big kid myself and I understand that play is a child's work and it is very HEALTHY!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Relationship Reflection
I feel that relationships are essential and vital for human development. I believe that positive relationships are healthy and promote and foster development in children and adults as well. I am very blessed to have postive relationships/partnerships in my world.
The 1st healthy relationship that I am most proud of is the relationship with my 13 month old son! We have a mother/child bond that is unexplainable! I have no words to describe the development of our relatioship and the level that we had yet to accomplish. He amazes me each and every day with the ways he is becoming independent with the help of mommy!
My son's father also plays an intricate part of my life. He has been very supportive with my decision to complete my degree and he is the best father to our son! We communicate and do the neccessary things that we need to do to ensure that our son has the best life possible! We are definitely partners when it comes to our baby boy and we have open lines of communication and we put our son first!
My mother and father are the epitamy of a perfect partnership/relationship and it trickled down from their parenting skills. I feel as if I had the best upbringing and I am very proud to say that I hope to model my parent's relationship whenever I decide to marry my soul mate because my parents are soulmates!
The 1st healthy relationship that I am most proud of is the relationship with my 13 month old son! We have a mother/child bond that is unexplainable! I have no words to describe the development of our relatioship and the level that we had yet to accomplish. He amazes me each and every day with the ways he is becoming independent with the help of mommy!
My son's father also plays an intricate part of my life. He has been very supportive with my decision to complete my degree and he is the best father to our son! We communicate and do the neccessary things that we need to do to ensure that our son has the best life possible! We are definitely partners when it comes to our baby boy and we have open lines of communication and we put our son first!
My mother and father are the epitamy of a perfect partnership/relationship and it trickled down from their parenting skills. I feel as if I had the best upbringing and I am very proud to say that I hope to model my parent's relationship whenever I decide to marry my soul mate because my parents are soulmates!
Friday, June 22, 2012
When I Think of Child Development.....
Challenge..... Children are indeed a challenge..they are the only people that have the capacity to make you laugh and make you cry within seconds of each other. What emotion do you feel from looking at this image? I feel several..... Happiness, sadness, curiosity, fearful, and the list goes on...Only a child has this type of power! They are the most amazing little creatures on Earth!
Honesty.... Who does not appreciate honesty? Children are nothing but little sponges and they are curious about their surroundings... I chose this image because it reflects honesty... many of you may think brutal honesty, but the little girl was just curious. How many of us get asked and approached by children because they just want to know? All one can do is love and appreciate the little views of these future leaders of our nation that we as caregivers are developing.....
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Testing for Intelligence???
Many people are concerned with the school age children and their progress and achievement and feel as if the presence and use of standardized testing is a way to determine academic achievement.I feel as if this is push from society. This topic reminds me of the movie "The Blind Side"due to the fact that Michael wasn't good at standardized testing but it didn't mean he didn't understand the material. Many children become nervous under the pressure of taking a "test." Testing has the same effect on many adults. Understanding the "whole child" does range further than just being able to take a test that many children may not be able to relate to in some the scenarios that are presented in some of the problem solving questions. Assessments take more of a contradictory approach to literacy in which students spend significantly more time engaged in reading assignments while spending less time actually reading to understand. It seems as if curriculum is now centered around the "test" instead of being intellectual material as a foundation for further learning. Most standardized testing seems to pressure teachers to teach children how to answer test questions, and to strive to get a high score instead of teaching children how to fully understand the subject matter. Children also need to learn to succeed in non-academic situations and this cannot be assessed on a standardized test....it's this thing called life!
Assessing Children in China
The earliest standardized tests were performed in China. The children in China are still assessed through standardized testing. China ranks number one in the 2009 Global Mathematics Performance for International Children Assessment. After a two year study, it was found that academic achievement in Chinese children predicted children's social competence and peer acceptance. It was also found that children's social functioning and adjustment, including social competence, aggression-disruption, leadership, and peer acceptance also contributed to academic achievement. These results supported the "reciprocal effects" model concerning the relations between academic achievement and social adjustment (S.P. Hinshaw, 1992).
References:
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Consequences of Stress on Children's Development
There are many stressors that young children experience during their childhood. As far as on a personal note, the stressor I would like to speak on is violence and abuse. I was granted temporary custody of my three month old cousin about a year and a half ago, due to him being exposed to a violent environment as well as abuse. My little cousin's mother was very young herself and was in an abusive relationship and ended up pregnant at eighteen, right after she graduated from high school. She was in denial for months and did not seek prenatal care for the first five months. After the baby was born, my cousin continued to be abused by the baby's father/boyfriend but would not leave him. My cousin took the baby to the dr. for his 3 month checkup and the dr. called CPS on my cousin because the baby had cigarette burns on his legs and one on the bottom of his foot. Supposedly these burns were caused by the boyfriend/father. The state immediately removed the baby from my cousin's home. They were going to put him in foster care. My cousin gave the state my phone number and they called me and said if I wanted him, I had to come get him right then or they were handing him over. I had no time to think or consider how my life would be with an infant, I had to make an immediate decision. He was "my baby" for three months. My cousin had to move away from the boyfriend and attend parenting classes to get her son back. Charges were pressed against the boyfriend and he spent some time in jail. Baby Jordan is now 2 years old and back with his mother and I am thankful that I was able to make a positive impact on his little life!
Poverty, Hunger, War, and Disease in Africa
Poverty, Hunger, War, and Disease in Africa
African children were beset by two other, largely unanticipated calamities during the 1990s: AIDS and war. Of the 580,000 people under age 15 who died of AIDS in 2001, a staggering 500,000 -- nearly nine out of 10 -- were African. Of the 2.7 million HIV-positive people under age 15 around the world in 2001, 2.4 million were in Africa. Tuberculosis infection rates, closely associated with HIV/AIDS, have also soared, from an African incidence rate of 16 per 100,000 in 1993 to 52 per 100,000 at the end of 1999. (Fleshman, 2002). The impact of the pandemic on children has been catastrophic, as those most important to the young -- parents, teachers, doctors, peers and siblings -- fall ill and die, causing close-knit families not talking about the disease itself, but its impact through the loss of health workers and the implications for the delivery of health and other essential services. For many children the loss of parents means a plunge into absolute poverty, the end of formal education and diminished prospects for the future as economies shrink and the hard-won development gains of decades are rolled back. (Fleshman, 2002). War too has wiped out advances for children in many African countries. With peace would come an end to the economic and social dislocation of war, reduced military budgets and greater resources to invest in children. Instead, he continued, "the world was plunged into a decade of ethnic conflict and civil wars that was characterized by deliberate violence against children on a vast scale. Perhaps more children have suffered from armed conflicts and violence since the summit than at any comparable period in history."(Fleshman, 2002). References
Fleshman, Michael. 2002. A troubled decade for Africa's children. Africa Recovery, Volume 16, pg. 6
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Saturday, May 12, 2012
Child Development and Public Health
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in India
During the past year in Kolkata, Malda, Burdwan and Berhampore in West Bengal, there has been a sudden risein the Infant Mortality Rate in government run hospitals. This year, according to MA Rashid, Vice Principal of Malda Medical College, two hundred forty eight children were born between January 1st and January 25 of 2012. Of these, eighty seven babies died due to unknown causes. Fifty eight of them were premature or underweight and the cause remains a mystery. (Rao, Apekesha, 2012).
I am going to continue to research and try to stay abreast of ways to help parents deal with the pain and grief of losing a child to an unknown cause.
References:
Sation Magazine. Issue 18: 7 February-22 February, 2012. Rao, Dr. Apekesha
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Childbirth In My Life and Around the World
I would like to reflect on my own birthing experience with the birth of my beautiful son on May 18, 2011 at 8:08am. I had a challenging pregnancy due to the fact that I was considered high risk. Being 37 and pregnant with my first baby automatically catergorized me as high risk. I also suffered from high blood pressure and developed gestational diabetes during my pregnancy. I had to go to two different doctors twice a week and then I had to start to go three times a week. My original due date was June 7, 2011 but I had a dr.'s visit on May 17th and my blood pressure was elevated, so my high risk doctor decided that we were gonna have a baby the next next day! THREE WEEKS EARLY!! I had a C-Section and everything went perfectly! My baby boy was 6lbs, 12oz., 19inches long. The prep work for my delivery was very intimidating! From the needles to the bright lights, to the million people that are in the delivery room at the same time, all this was a brand new experience for me and I don't think anyone can ever get you prepared for childbirth! The hospital experience did make me feel totally safe and the doctors took very good care of me.
I researched childbirth in Austraila and homebirths are an option for low risk pregancies. There are several other other options involving midwives and and midwife-managed birthing centre. There are private hospital facilities and public hospital facilities also.Your main antenatal and childbirth care provider will work as a team with others - even doctors and midwives are allowed to sleep and have days off. For example, if you choose a private obstetrician, you're likely to have all your antenatal appointments in their private rooms. During labour you will be seen by the midwives at the hospital until delivery is imminent, when your obstetrician will be called to attend. If your obstetrician is not available, it's likely another member of their practice group will attend in his/her place. If you attend a midwives clinic in a public hospital and have an uncomplicated pregnancy, you are likely to have each antenatal appointment with any one of the team of midwives or obstetricians available on your clinic day. Your birth will be attended by whichever team of midwives and obstetricians is on duty at the time. A number of hospitals are also now offering Caseload Midwifery or Midwifery Group Practice. This is where the pregnant woman is cared for by the same midwife, supported by a small team of other midwives, during their pregnancy, birth and early weeks at home.
After comparing these two options.. I see that Austrailia deals often with midwives. In the United States you hear of them but not as often as in Austrailia.
I researched childbirth in Austraila and homebirths are an option for low risk pregancies. There are several other other options involving midwives and and midwife-managed birthing centre. There are private hospital facilities and public hospital facilities also.Your main antenatal and childbirth care provider will work as a team with others - even doctors and midwives are allowed to sleep and have days off. For example, if you choose a private obstetrician, you're likely to have all your antenatal appointments in their private rooms. During labour you will be seen by the midwives at the hospital until delivery is imminent, when your obstetrician will be called to attend. If your obstetrician is not available, it's likely another member of their practice group will attend in his/her place. If you attend a midwives clinic in a public hospital and have an uncomplicated pregnancy, you are likely to have each antenatal appointment with any one of the team of midwives or obstetricians available on your clinic day. Your birth will be attended by whichever team of midwives and obstetricians is on duty at the time. A number of hospitals are also now offering Caseload Midwifery or Midwifery Group Practice. This is where the pregnant woman is cared for by the same midwife, supported by a small team of other midwives, during their pregnancy, birth and early weeks at home.
After comparing these two options.. I see that Austrailia deals often with midwives. In the United States you hear of them but not as often as in Austrailia.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Wonderful Experience!
Group 1....What can I say? I have enjoyed learning about every one of you! I feel like I've met each of you personally due to the passion that is exhibited through your discussion posts and blogs.... It's contagious and I don't mind catching it!!! Good luck to each of you and I look forward to seeing your name again in future courses!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Examining Codes of Ethics
After reviewing the Codes of Ethics from NAEYC and DEC, I found three ideals that are meaningful to me.... From NAEYC's Code of Ethics, I chose:
I-1.1- To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training. This ideal is significant to me because I am a "believer" when it comes to furthering my education and expanding my knowledge in the early childhood field. I am working on my third degree, so continuing education is a given!
I-1.3-To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child. This particular ideal is significant to me because I believe firmly that each child is unique and learns at his/her own pace. I believe that each child has a key that we as early childhood educators have to take the time to dig deep and find. Children are not robots, they are little people that depend on "big people" to understand and help them indentify with themselves.
From DEC's Codes of Ethics, I chose:
Professional and Interpersonal Behavior
4. We shall serve as advocates for children with disablities and their families and for the professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that enhance the quality of their lives. This ideal is significant to me because I am a huge advocate for special needs children. I feel that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow to the best of their ability. I will continue to broaden my knowledge of mainstreaming special needs children into early childhood programs and ensure that my staff continues best practice for all children.
I-1.1- To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training. This ideal is significant to me because I am a "believer" when it comes to furthering my education and expanding my knowledge in the early childhood field. I am working on my third degree, so continuing education is a given!
I-1.3-To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child. This particular ideal is significant to me because I believe firmly that each child is unique and learns at his/her own pace. I believe that each child has a key that we as early childhood educators have to take the time to dig deep and find. Children are not robots, they are little people that depend on "big people" to understand and help them indentify with themselves.
From DEC's Codes of Ethics, I chose:
Professional and Interpersonal Behavior
4. We shall serve as advocates for children with disablities and their families and for the professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that enhance the quality of their lives. This ideal is significant to me because I am a huge advocate for special needs children. I feel that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow to the best of their ability. I will continue to broaden my knowledge of mainstreaming special needs children into early childhood programs and ensure that my staff continues best practice for all children.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Course Resources
NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap
Selected Early Childhood Organizations
NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf- NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf
- NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf
- Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller
- FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.pdf
- Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
- Websites:
- World Forum Foundation
http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the video on this webpage - World Organization for Early Childhood Education
http://www.omep-usnc.org/
Read about OMEP’s mission. - Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/about/
Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements.
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org/ - The Division for Early Childhood
http://www.dec-sped.org/ - Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
http://www.zerotothree.org/ - WESTED
http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm - Harvard Education Letter
http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85 - FPG Child Development Institute
http://www.fpg.unc.edu/main/about.cfm - Administration for Children and Families Headstart’s National Research Conference
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/ - HighScope
http://www.highscope.org/ - Children’s Defense Fund
http://www.childrensdefense.org/ - Center for Child Care Workforce
http://www.ccw.org/ - Council for Exceptional Children
http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home - Institute for Women’s Policy Research
http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm - National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/ - National Child Care Association
http://www.nccanet.org/ - National Institute for Early Education Research
http://nieer.org/ - Pre[K]Now
http://www.preknow.org/ - Voices for America’s Children
- http://www.voices.org/
- The Erikson Institute
http://www.erikson.edu/
Here are a few of my favorite resources that I use often:
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