When I Think Of Research

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
I have learned that research is a process and valuable steps are taken to make sure the research is valid. Research can be challenging, especially for me.

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
I can honestly say my idea of doing research is questionable. I know that research can be exciting and full of questions that will keep you curious. Once underway, experiencing knowledge and confidence build (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010 pg.3).

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
Research design is simply a matter of planning (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010 pg. 103). I have learned that you need a topic before getting started. then, you need to think about who will be in the study, where you will perform the study, what will you be collecting and most importantly; how will you analyze the information that was collected.
I learned the deigning is simply stating you have options with your study and choices that will help the process. Looking into previous topics will help with explanations and help you decide what methods to use.
In early childhood research, I learned this is also thinking about what is appropriate and dealing with options and choices as well.

What are some challenges you encountered-and in what ways did you meet them?
I encountered a lot of challenges in this class. I feel that I was lost with my discussions. I struggled with getting the process going, and following the steps. Some ways I met my challenges were with the assistance of my professor; Dr. Todd, and to be honest, research is still a struggle for me.

What are some ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
It has not changed my career. I didn't know the extent of the early childhood research. I understand the importance of it. I know that I will need to learn more and familiarize myself with the definitions, and process of starting the research.

                                                                              Reference
Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S. A., Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early research:
     Perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). Ethics in Early Childhood Research.
     New York, N.Y. McGraw-Hill

Research Around the World

What are some of the current international research topics?
Current 2016 international research topics are the following: a. Gifted and talented: Inclusion and exclusion. b. Creativity and young children: Wondering, exploring, discovering, learning. c. Connecting with babies.

What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website.
I chose the Early Childhood Australia's Advocacy website. Early Childhood Australia's Advocacy (ECA) is the national peak body for early childhood. The debate all matters regarding children birth to eight years of age as well as the families. This includes:

Early childhood education and care (preschool, long day care, family day care, occasional care, mobile services and specialist programs)

Early years of schooling

Outside school hours care

Child and family centres, programs and support services

Inclusion support

Social and emotional wellbeing

Maternal & child health services

Parent education (birth to eight)

Other policy areas affecting children and their families

Our work is informed by our:

• commitment to children’s rights
• knowledge of early childhood development, learning and pedagogy
• commitment to an inclusive and just society
• respect for the rights and aspirations of families
• the active involvement of our members

They advocate through their state territory and state branches. They also advocate on government issues.

What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?
I saw they have an online platform called the ECA Learning Hub. The learning Hub offers great professional development resources for all professionals and educators that work with young children. This allows professionals and educators to learn new ideas and become more knowledgeable about the frameworks, standards, and research about quality practice. learning Hub also have videos, modules and webinars that are great to use as resources.
                                                                         
                                                                        Reference
                                                           
Early Childhood Australia:  Retrieved from:                                     
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Research that benefits Children and Families-Uplifting Stories

                                                           The Benefits of Music

I think this article is important to children and families, because some parents feel that music is just music. They feel that children are not getting anything from music; that's not true. Research has found that learning music facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas. "A music-rich experience for children of singing, listening and moving is really bringing a very serious benefit to children as they progress into more formal learning". Research shows that learning the do-re-mi can help children excel in ways beyond the basic ABCs (http://www.pbs.org.../education/music-arts/).

Music gears towards language development for all children. when a child is born; they learn the different sounds, and decoding of different words. When children are introduced to music, it enhances all these abilities that promotes language development. According to studies musical training gets the left side of the brain which processes language. there's a relationship between language development and music in children; it becomes the root of social competence.

Music can also increase a child's IQ. A man name Glenn Schellenberg did a study and has found that when a children were taking weekly piano and voice lessons their IQs increased. He took 12 children for nine months and gave them voice lessons; another group and gave them drama lessons to see if art had a better effect than music. Then he took a third group and didn't give them any lessons. All the children's IQ were tested before going to the first grade, and then tested before going to second grade. he found that the children that had been given the music lessons IQs had increased higher than the children that had no music lessons.

Researchers have also found that music helps children with spatial temporal skills to help them with solving math problems. Not only does music helps math skills, but helps children with art, gaming, architecture, computers and even engineering skills.

When Christopher Johnson did a study on music with children in elementary; he found that these children scored 22 percent higher in English, and 20 percent higher on math scores on standardized tests. The studies have shown that music can improve a child's learning abilities. It allows the children to learn discipline, and learning a skill.
                                                                                   Reference
The Benefits of Music Education. Music & Art. Education. Retrieved from:
       http://www.pbs.org./education/music-arts/the-benefits-of-music-education

Your Personal research Journey

The topic that I chose was; Death Understanding and fear of Death in Young Children. The reason why I chose this topic was because death and fears are common in our lives everyday. Death and facing fears can be not only not be understandable, but confused. It can be a puzzle that has a lot of missing pieces.

 Professionally, I have to face these problems with my young children and their families. I need to know how to discuss this issues without being bias. I need to know what resources I need to accomplish this task. I can honestly say these terms in the book, is very confusing. When I started the class, I had no book, and thought I was going to be lost. Now its more confusing. I constantly view the chart, but too me; its still confusing.

I know what to look for certain material from the chart. I have always felt that research was hard. I have that research anxiety. I am asking you, my colleagues to help me figure out the process of research. I need to know how to access the right information, and what to do with the information. I would like to know your resources that you think that can help me with this course. I did go to the internet and goggled other resources, and found that some of them had the same similarities. I hope that someone can assist me.


                                                        

Final Blog Assignment

I will start off saying that I have learned a lot from this course. My colleagues and I have shared information among each other that will help me in the classroom and out of the classroom. I did enjoy reading some of the colleagues international contacts, unfortunately I didn't hear from no one. I did get on Facebook, and saw some students from Walden that were from other countries. I read and saw pictures some posted showing what their classrooms look like in Africa, or Nigeria. I have learned that the international field faces some issues that we are facing. I learned that some are struggling with training just like we are. Some need better funding for schools, better healthcare. I can say they want the best for their children just like we do in the United States. It is a shame that the early childhood field is so behind. They are wanting their children to receive high-quality care as well. We are all fighting and advocating for our children and families to receive the care and learning to make them successful in life. We all know that early education is a foundation for all children.

My goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations to get high-quality care for all children, and keep facilitating for family involvement. my colleagues know that no matter the color, race or creed of a child; they need to be in a program that promotes learning and parent involvement. The children needs a staff that is efficient. my goal is to keep pushing for a change. Every child needs to learn.

I wish all my colleagues the best! I have truly enjoyed all of you! May God keep blessing you with the knowledge and guidance you need in this field. To my colleagues that have never taught in a classroom, always know that there is nothing that you can't do! I wish everyone the best!

"In the early childhood , you may lay the foundation of poverty or riches, industry of idleness, good or evil, by the habits to which you train your children. teach them right habits, then, and their future.life is safe-Lydia Sigourney

Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part 3

I still have not gotten a response from my international contact. My three new insights are from Africa, Latin America, and Arab states.
                                                                       Africa
Africa is a priority for the UNESCO and education is key to the region's development (www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/). There are 15 field offices that work with Africa to keep education up on the agenda of development partners and governments. Their focus is to improve the quality od the teacher's education. The UNESCO establishes programs. China was able to have a teacher training in 10 African countries.
                                                                      Latin America
In Latin America the UNESCO assisted the governments in the implementation of public policies. They encourage the civil society to be engaged in defining education. They have equipped classrooms with materials, for learning a second language to assist the teachers for preserving linguistic and cultural diversity.
                                                                  Arab States
Arab states government agencies work to facilitate policy dialogues. they work to advance different projects for education in their region.

                                                                        Reference
"Early Childhood Care and Education." Retrieved from:
        www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-education.

         

Sharing Web Resources

Follow some of the outside links that you have not yet explored. Where do they lead?
The other links that I have not explored on the NHSA websites were links that discussed why head start matters, the head start model, and the head start locator. I scanned through other links that talked about the impact on sequestration, alumni, and innovation. The head start locator and head start model was also discussed on a link.
Thoroughly search one area of the site. What do you find?
The National Head Start Association is embarking on intentional work designed to systematically seed the kernels of impact and effectiveness that Head Start is known for. We are engaging the Head Start community in a discussion about impact and helping our members continue Head Start’s legacy of leadership as the early learning landscape evolves. Our work is supported by research that clearly demonstrates that the lowest-income and most at-risk children benefit the most from high quality early care and education.
When President Johnson appointed Sargent Shriver to lead his administration’s war on poverty in 1964, Dr. Robert Cooke of Johns Hopkins University was recruited to head a committee whose recommendations would lead to Head Start. Dr. Cooke assembled a panel of experts in child development, early education, health, nutrition and parental education to design a comprehensive program for the youngest, most at-risk children. We’re returning to our evidence-based roots and engaging with both internal and external experts. NHSA is committed to this effort because we believe that the carefully designed model of Head Start is evergreen (https://www.nhsa.org/innovation). NHSA states they are returning to evidence-based roots and engaging with both internal and external experts. It states the CDA competency-based credential, Sesame Street, and Early Head Start were the ones who brought the importance of early brain development into the consciousness of the country. These are some major innovations that Head Start has introduced to policy makers over the last 50 years. NHSA will continue to support the practitioners in the improvement of quality early childhood services for the families and children they work with.
If you received an e-newsletter, follow the link related to one of the issues you have been studying? What new information is available?
I did not receive a e-newsletter, but I was in the knowledge center. When I searched the state of Louisiana, They had nothing on the site regarding the issues in Louisiana, or any updates regarding early childhood education.
Does the website or the e-newsletter contain any information that adds to your understanding of equity and excellence in early care and education?
When I searched the knowledge center under Center for Policy, Data, and research , I noticed there was another link; Action research. They were speaking on the quality of teachers as well as the program and children. There were resources that explained the benefits of the action research in early childhood settings.
What other insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain this week from exploring the website and /or the e-newsletter?
The events and news link showed that a conference will be held on December 5-8, 2016. the conference is a parent, staff and leadership training conference. The event will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They want parents, senior administrative staff, board members, policy council members, and others interested in training. They will focus on panels, sessions, and speakers that address a variety of the issues relevant to staff who work with families, and parents. Other trending issues addressed will be social justice, vulnerability, dual language learners, and poverty. They will address the new Head Start Program Performance Standards.
                                                                           Reference
National Head Start Association. Retrieved from: https://www.nhsa.org

Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part 2

                                                                             Brazil

My first insight is strengthening leadership around early childhood development through an executive leadership course for policymakers. The first three cohorts of 40–45 senior-level Brazilian policymakers came to Harvard in 2012, 2013, and 2014 for an intensive week of instruction, skill-building, and project development. Participants returned home and continued to work in small groups to develop and refine action plans for implementation in their jurisdictions. Follow-on activities included reconvening in São Paulo for a workshop on implementing policy change in Brazil, a day for program alumni to meet and learn about each other’s work, and the April 2015 launch of a complementary instructional and skill-building program in Brazil for municipal level leadership and state and federal mid-level technical staff (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/about/what-we-do/global-work/). The video of Mary E. Young stated that policymakers need to understand the science and important of early learning. The class was to bring Brazilian people and policy makers in together to know how to bridge the gap fro early learning, and to see why it is so important to invest in early childhood.

My second insight- Launching an innovation cluster to bring researchers, practitioners, and program developers together to co-design and test new strategies for addressing childhood issues in Brazil–and then to share their successes and failures (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/about/what-we-do/global-work/). Practitioners and researchers devote a lot of time and resources to make sure a program is effective. They collaborate to identify what is working and what is not working. They want to understand the implications of what they are learning. Then they build on the information what each one have found.

My third insight- There are resources for the Brazilians. These resources are Portuguese resources. The video talks about different subjects regarding children and families. One of the video is on the Three Core Concepts in early development. It states that if a child have a healthy development when they are young; it gives them the building blocks for lifelong health, success in parenting for the next generation, strong communities and educational achievement. It also illustrate how neuroscience gives a better view of how long early experiences are built into our brains and bodies.
                                                            
                                                              Reference
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2010). Global Children's Initiative.
          Retrieved from: http://developingchild.harvard.edu/about/what-we-do/global-work/.

Sharing Web Resources

What specific section (s) or information seemed particularly relevant to your current professional development?

I like the knowledge center on the NHSA website. The knowledge center provides the infrastructure that generates, curates, communication, and connects knowledge across these groups to support the future of Head Start and Head Start children (www.nhsa.org). The knowledge center has four centers that supports the early childhood field. The Center on Advocacy- it focus on alumni, parent-support, and a bipartisan strategy that organizes national, state, and local activities to make sure head start have a successful future. Center for Practice- engages organizations that are committed to Head Start families and children. Its purpose is sharing knowledge, creating resources for quality and innovation, so that we have a community of learners to strengthen Head Start programs. Center for Policy, Data, and Research- produces new information to lead reform for stronger children and family outcomes. Center on the States- supports and cultivates best practices in State- based early learning systems. It always supports Head Start communities through a network of people to prepare them to be visionary leaders, trusted partners, and voices for families and children.

The National Read aloud challenge is a resource that I find that can be a little controversial. NHSA are joining forces to increase awareness and supports for families to read to their child. I think this is awesome program. It gets the families involves in their children's education. My question is how do you know you know families are actually doing this at home. NHSA provides a toolkit that they can download and use. What if the family can't read? How does this help them? Now, I'm asking you is it successful? This why I think this issue can be controversial.

The NHSA website have a book called, "Learning Together". The author of the book is Michael Kaufman. After reading the reviews, the book can give great insights on how the politicians, neuroscientist, and other lawmakers are doing for the early childhood field. It talks about the investment in effective early childhood education programs.

My new insight on the website was learning about the News, updates, reading their blog and when the upcoming conferences and events that are happening in the early child hood field. I found this to be resourceful for me. I am able to attend some of the events, and can voice how I feel on some issues. Most importantly, I can meet new people and collaborate with them on early childhood issues.

                                                                            Reference
National Head Start Association. Retrieved from: http:/www.nhsa.org.

Getting to know your International Contacts-Part 1

                                                                            Ghana
I would like to share my three insights on education, health, and nutrition on child poverty and  disparities in Ghana.

Education: Disparities between boys and girls especially in levels of educational attainment are being reduced as a result of specific interventions at all levels of the economic, political, social and cultural structures in Ghana. Despite the progress made to narrow the gender gap in education, a lot; more needs to be done in the area of retaining girls at school beyond the first six years of basic school(http://www.unicef.org/socialpolicy/files/Ghana_reportdesign_July2010.pdf). The government should adopt special packages for the girls in deprived areas. When these girls don't get the necessities like food, tuition materials, sanitary pads; they are not in full attendance at school. The government needs to take steps to legislate laws that support implementation of FCUBE and expand school enrollment when concerning child education. The government needs to conspire with a view to expanding preschool access; to make sure the transition from home to school is implemented.

Nutrition: There is a high malnutrition rate in rural areas and Northern Ghana. Analysis shows that this is a serious problem and have gotten worse. Nutrition should be their top priority, because of related disorders and deaths in young children in Ghana. The main key is to expand resources for nutrition programs. Government agencies should work together and target the areas that are suffering with malnutrition.

Health: The main objectives concerning health are improve malaria case management, enhance multiple prevention, improve immunization coverage, reduce HIV impact on children, enhance focused research, and promote collaboration and partnership. This will help children get the services they need, and provide transportation for the hospitals, and adequate shelter and nutrition. They will be protected from infection and other illness. The government should involve the families and communities to assess the problem.

The total number of children in the age group 0-14 was 6,728,457 in 1991; by 1998 it increased to 7,776,125 reaching 8,823,792 in 2005. By 2006 the number of children increased to 8,973,459. About 52 percent od children were considered as poor in 1991; the child poverty rate fell moderately to 40.1 percent in 1998;/by 2005/6, 29.1 percent of children were estimated to be poor (http://www.unicef.org/socialpolicy/files/Ghana_reportdesign_July2010.pdf).
                                                                  Reference
UNICEF National and regional child poverty/deprivation reports. Retrieved from:
          http://www.unicef.org/socialpolicy/files/Ghana_reportdesign_July2010.pdf

Sharing Web Resources

The name of my web resource that I chose was the National Head Start Association. The link is https://www.nhsa.org/get involved/join/membership.

The National Head Start Association is a nonprofit organization. They believe that every child has the ability to succeed in life; regardless of their condition of birth. NHSA has worked meticulously for policy changes that guarantee all at-risk children to have access to the Head Start model of support for the whole child, as well as the community and the family.

On July 7, 2016; the House Appropriations sub committee for Labor Health and other related agencies passed their FY17 funding bill. In 2015, the bill cutting was 570 million, from last year's FY16 level. The bill included 141.6 million dollar increase for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The bill increased the Head Start Workforce meet rising operating costs through a cost of living adjustment. This will allow Head Start programs all over the country to keep pace with rising operating costs and support and retain staff.
 
I learned that NHSA have a knowledge center. The Knowledge Center provides the infrastructure that foster communities, curates, and affix knowledge across these groups to support the future od Head Start and Head Start children. The work is organized through four centers, and they are: Center of Advocacy, Center in Effective Practice, and the Center on the States. These centers a re designed to support the Head Start field in both daily practice and ongoing advocacy.

 

 

Establishing Professional Contacts

I chose the second website;
UNICEF has local organizations and representatives worldwide. Check out the country specific links and contact a local representative:
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html to locate and contact two professionals. The UNICEF are the leading advocate for children's rights. This website is where you can learn about their goals and accomplishments for each region. I went to contact us and emailed them at accra@unicef.org. I also tried to fax them at 773.147; I was not successful. It have been three days and I have not heard anything from an early childhood professional. my second contact was Jamaica. I contacted them at Kingston@unicef.org. I sent a fax to 929.8084, and it did go through. I am waiting for a reply. I explained to both of my contacts that I am a student in the United States that is working towards a Master degree in the early childhood education. I stated that I would like to discuss their work, the state of the early childhood field in their country, and any concerns, as well as their hopes and dreams for this field. I may have top go the alternative assignment if I have not received anything by Monday.

" My Supports"

What does support means too me?
Supports means, having people in your life everyday that is there to support you through challenges, careers, crisis, disappointments or what ever you are going through. They build a rapport to make sure you stay on task by meeting these goals and challenges. They are the voices that you constantly hear.

My daily environment supporters are my family, friends, and co workers. They are my supports through emotionally, physically and intellectually. My family starts me off every morning with a "I love you" call. They tell me to have a great day. My sister is there to listen when I feel like I need to give up. She is my motivated, and supports me emotionally. My friends are they when I need the extra shoulder to lean on. My co-workers support me by working as a team and making our program a success.
I always wonder what I would do without these people in my life. I never want to feel alone, and they remind me constantly that they are there and will support me always. I benefit from the positive things that is provided throughout our conversations. They keep me motivated and striving for the best. Without these supporters, I would be lost. I wouldn't know what to do if I lost any of these supporters. I need to be able to express my self and for these supporters to be there to listen. I see things going down hill and me not accomplishing my goals. My life would be empty; an open space. I need them, and without them; I am nothing!

My biggest challenge is working a fulltime job, a part-time job and going to school. They are days when I just wake up and cry. I literally want to just stop! I get angry because I feel like I am missing out on life and everything that is around me. This is when those supporters jump in. They encourage me to keep moving forward. They remind me why I chose to return to school. They remind me of my goals that I always talk about. These people lift me up constantly. Again, I will say; I need these supporters to help me finish this challenge and complete my goals. I feel everyone need positive supporters. Everyone need some people that are there every day. I am a supporter to these people also. I play a big factor in there lives when they are struggling. My life will be invisible with out each and everyone of them.

As a teacher my students support me by giving me hugs, and smiles everyday. When IO walk in the classroom, I know that I am in the right place. I know that I have a purpose, and it is my students. My students teach me things, and we learn from each other. They know when my day is bad. They comfort me, by asking me; am I okay. Children can be the best supporters in the world.

Childhood connections to Play

 

My Two Quotes for Play

 

 

 

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning. -Diane Ackerman-

 

                                                    

Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning. -Fred Rodgers-

 

 

My Essential play items

 

 The Inchworm

 

The Baby That-a-way 

The Role of Play in my Childhood

When I was a young child growing up in the 70"s were different from the way children play now. My childhood was awesome. I played in the mud, and made mud pies. I used cardboard boxes as my ovens for my pies to bake. We played games like; red light, Green light, Stop! Mother May I?, Freeze Tag and kickball. These games were made up by my friends and I. We ran and screamed and laughed until out tummies were hurting. I remember staying out until 1am in the morning while my grandmother and the neighbors would sit out on the porch and have talks. We would also play in the woods and pretend we were hunters looking for food. My favorite two toys were the baby doll; That -a way, and the inchworm.

The way play was supported when I was growing up

My family believed that we should get in the heat, and play until the we hours in the morning. My family supported us in play by getting out there with me making mud pies. My parents, and even grandparents played the made up games, such as freeze tag. They encouraged us to get out and run until we couldn't run anymore. I couldn't never say, I was bored. If I wanted to play something and didn't quite know how to get it started. My parents would assist me, but would always let me figure it out by myself.

What's different or similar from play in this generation and how play help me throughout my childhood and adulthood.

They way children play now is very different from when I was young. Today the children complain about the heat, or they are bored. They play by getting on the computers, Ipads, Tablets, cell phones, and different video games. They don't make mud pies, play in the ditches and woods they way I did. They are engaged with technology. The only thing that I see is similar to the way I played is that I have seen some children today play kickball, and freeze tag. As a child engaged play for me was the mud pies, that definitely taught me how to bake a cake. I used my cognitive skills to think out of the box. I made up games that taught us how to become team players, which I utilize now in my workplace. I am glad that I was able to get out and enjoy my childhood by utilizing my skills that enhanced my social skills. I was glad that we didn't have technology to hindered us, and make us lazy. That is why as an educator; I encourage play in the classroom. I utilize all my centers throughout the class. I want my students to be engaged and learn real-life experiences.

Lower levels of physical activity, both in organized sports and at play, account for a lot of the rest, they say. U.S. health authorities say children should be getting 60 minutes of active play a day, but only one-third are getting that. And from the 70s till now, the number of global households with TVs, VCRs, computers, Internet access and video games has soared. There's a lesson for parents in this, too, and not just that they to push the kids off the couch (Shute, 2013).
                                                        
                                                         References
Shute, Nancy (2013). Kids Are Less Fit Today then You were back then.
                       http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/11/20/246316731/kids-are-less-fit-                       today-than-you-were-back-then
        

 





Relationship Reflection

Family is my life! Everyone need to have a social bond. We bond first with our families. This is  where we learn how to love, care, socialize and understand our emotions through the relationships with our families. These are the people that have guided me  and supported me my whole  entire life. these skills that we develop from birth continues through adulthood. This relationship is needed and important to me, because family is always there when no one is around. my family has made me the person that I am today. The relationships that I have with my family are healthy and stable. Families are important because they bring me happiness as well as challenges! These people are my rocks!

                                                         My Rocks!

My friend Monica Davis is my BFF. She is the one who encourages me and pray for me every day. This woman is the light of my life! She keeps me laughing at work when I am frustrated, and always lends her ear! A special bond that will never be broken!


Each person that I have build a relationship with on this blog has been and is positive. My children and have I have positive relationship; where they are comfortable with telling me anything. We support each other. My sister is always there no matter what I am going through. We spend a lot time with each other. my mom died when she was 16. I am mother and sister!

I have learned that relationships can be challenging . I am speaking from my perspective. I have to be comfortable with you to build a relationship. I need to know that I trust you. The relationship have to be well- formed. I know that when I try to bond with a person and they pull away; it's very challenging. I believe that my family is my partnership, because we make decisions together! We stand as a team.

I am a people person. I am a leader on my job. I assist and help where I am needed. I know my relationships
of my past experiences and family involvement and the nurturing that I have had as a child is the reason why I am capable of continuing my life as an early childhood teacher.
                                                                                                

     

When I think of Child Development

                                                                
                                                                 A Children Quote
                                           
                                                           "Childhood is that state
                                                            which ends the moment a
                                                             puddle is first viewed as
                                                             an obstacle instead of an
                                                             opportunity."
                                                                             -Kathy Williams

Testing for Intelligence?

What do you believe should be measured or assessed?

      First all let me say, I am against standardize testing, and common core. I believe that these test are not design for children, when the material on the test is not what the teacher is teaching. For example, when common core started, children did not do well at all. One reason was because the material that was on the test was not the material that was being taught in the classroom. The teachers couldn't pass the test. When parents so what their children were being tested on; they couldn't pass the test. Then, they wanted to educate the parents after the test had been administered and the children didn't do well. Think about how many children have test anxiety. You know some children when they see a test, they automatically freeze. Does that mean that they don't know the material? "No!"
      When I think about measuring a child's mind; I think about what should the child and what do I need to teach to make sure that the child is getting what they need and what they should know. I believe children learn more through hands on experience, which is a good way to measure what they know, especially dealing with young children. I will teach the basics; for example, when introducing the letters of the alphabet. I show the letter, introduce the letter and incorporate the letters in my centers. For example, we make the letter using playdough, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, and different art materials, which is done through art. I add the letters to my writing center, I use file folder games. I utilize songs, fingerplays, music, and rhymes to introduce the letter. Children are being measured, learning, getting hands on experience and playing at the same time. I am a firm believer that children learn by being creative.
            When I assessed my student to see what they learn, I usually use cards, interactive technology games, I add letters, and asked them to simply pick up the letter that I asked for. This is a great way to see what that have learned when teaching young children. I believe teaching this way gives them opportunities to think out of the box, and be creative.

Finland

Black &William,(1998) suggest that Finland's high scores on the PISA are due to a lack of high-stake testing. These students are not required to take a national standardized high-stake test until they transfer over to secondary school, and they only test if they decide to go to higher education. Finland states the purpose of their assessment is to improve learning. Their formative assessments is only used for the purpose of learning. Finland believe that the pressure of high-stake assessments will inhibit the development of formative assessment. Finland states the United States rely on testing their students, which in turn result in teaching tom the test. The children are given a normative assessment in the early part of their early learning to see if they have any disabilities. All children are placed inn the same classroom. They do not place children by their ability; they have a second teacher in the classroom to teach the children that are struggling. Finland focus only on learning, so they don't have extra curricula activities like sports,  bands, football teams etc. They only have language, history, science , math, music, recess, and carpentry. Their assessment are also based around improving their instruction and learning.

My Comments

My concerns with all the testing here in the United States is that we are losing students and teachers. Parents are beginning to home school. I totally disagree with home schooling, because it takes a way socializing, learning new ways to learn, and meeting people. Children need to be able to interact with their peers. These test are stressing the students, parent, and teachers out. I wonder what is happening to our education system. I know where I live, which is Shreveport, La. we have lost teachers, and a lot of our schools have been closed. I believe teaching the old way works, without all the testing. I think we need to only incorporate the skills that are needed for our children to be ready for this global world!
                                                            Reference

Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (1998). Assessment and classroom learning. Assessment in Education,

5(1), 7-74.


      

Consequences Of Stress on Children's Development

                Violence

 

 

            In almost all families of every income, ethnicity, and nation, parents want to protect their children while fostering their growth. Yet far more children die from violence-either accidental or deliberate-than from any specific disease (Berger, 2016). I can honestly say, I have never as a child had to deal with any of these stressors. I see a lot of these stressors everyday, because I work with families that is associated with these kind of problems.

             I had a family that was dealing with violence. Mom had three children that was 5, 12, and 14 years of age. The dad was hurting the oldest, because he was not his biological child. Mom knew this was happening, but she would find some way to make an excuse. The dad was beating the child with his fist, or anything he felt like picking up at the time. Mom was by making excuses, making promises or just acting like she really didn't know what was going on in her house. Mom would asked the child, "How did you do that.?" Mom knew dad was doing this to her child. Mom would also promise the child that she would buy them something or take them somewhere special if they wouldn't tell anyone what happen. I asked mom was this her way of surviving by lying and hiding the truth. Mom told me that I could not tell her how to run her house. I told mom that I may not can tell her how to run her house, but I am a mandated reporter.

              One day I did a pop up visit at their house. When I open my car door, I could hear the screaming, crying, and pleading for someone to stop. As I was approaching the door, I dialed 911. When I open the door, the child was covered in blood, and barely moving. The police walked in an immediately grab dad. The child had been beaten with a child's plastic bat. I called CPS and they came and removed the other children. mom went to jail with dad. The child has some memory loss, and has lost mobility to his right arm. This was stress on the entire family, because it was stressful on mom and the child for lying. The child was dealing with the most stress, because he had to make sure he was doing all the right things to keep dad from hurting him, but what was the right thing? Child Abuse is violence.

 

 



Here are some other regions and countries where children are experiencing stressors like war, poverty, racism, natural disaster, isolation, hunger, noise, chaos, disease, environmental pollution, and violence.

 

Caribbean Region, Belize, Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad, Africa, and Kenya.

 

What happens to children's biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial development when they experience these stressors?

 

These children can be emotionally torn down, and can become vulnerable. They can experience brain problems and physical problems. Other problems could be; humiliation, embarrassment, anxious, depression, anger problems, and worried about self or loved ones. All of these problems ties into the developing domains.



                                

                                                                       Reference

 

Berger, K. S. (2016). The developing person through childhood (7th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers

 

  

            

 

 

 

                   



Child Development and Public Health

My public health topic is on mental health of mothers, fathers, and families.

Describe in what ways this topic is meaningful to you.

This topic is very personally to me, because I am a Parent Specialist Officer ( PSS ) for Ekhaya Youth Project. My job as a PSS is to support families with mental health problems and assist them with coping with issues that will involve their families. I always remind my families that parenting is a challenge for some people; especially for parents or family members that have mental health conditions. When I see my families; I remind them that their problem does not affect everyone in their family. We work on social skills, and what to do when they become overwhelm. I tell them their condition affects their behavior, and their relationship with their families. We discuss the importance for taking their medication and keeping their doctor appointments. I give them numbers to call if they need to talk about anything, or if they become suicidal. In my experience I have seen children get taken away from their mother, father, or family member, because they have attacked them, and seriously hurt the person. I see family members, and children get verbal abuse on a daily basis.
I give them ways to cope with their problems. This is a very serious problem nationwide, that will lead to some serious factors. This mental health issue will always be a global issue.

Information about mental health of mothers, fathers, and families in Jamaica.

Mental health issues are considered to be a hopeless fact in Jamaica. If a family member have mental health issues in Jamaica, they will receive primary care under the mental health program. The care is performed by psychiatrists or mental health officers. These people will modify their drug doses and use other therapies, if they are trained in that field. The Jamaicans gives lectures and hold meetings with their parishes to educate their people about mental health. There is very little help in Jamaica with families that are destined to have mental heath problems. Statistics in Jamaica states; if a child is fatherless, they will suffer with anxiety, depression, suicidal and psychosomatic. I will remind you once again that this is a major problem nationwide.

Ways this information may impact my future.

I know that we are blessed in the United states, because we have so many resources that can help us. I strive really hard to make sure these families I serve needs are met. I will continue to educate myself through my trainings and workshop. I have seen what happens when these families do not meet their requirements to learn how to cope with their problem. I will always implement what I have learned by finding strategies, and resources to help the adjust with matters dealing with their families. I know that visiting the doctor, and taking meds are also essential. That is why I will continue to check their daily chart for meds.

Childbirth In Your Life and Around the World

                                                                My Birth Experience

I was pregnant with my first child in 1984. I was laying in the bed one night watching tv and I felt a sharp pain in the bottom of my stomach. I didn't move; I just laid there thinking the pain will stop. I was only seven months pregnant. All of a sudden,blood begin to run down my leg. My underwear was full of blood. I started crying and screaming for my mother. My mom came in and called 911. The paramedics came and immediately said, "She is going to lose this baby!" I remember asking God to let my baby live, and to take me! That was the last thing I remembered. When I woke up, I was so sore, and felt like my skin was so tight. My mother said, "Baby you had a baby boy, and take it slow, because you have staples, and running a temperature." I looked at my mom, dad, and my child's father and noticed their eyes was filling up with water. I asked my mother to tell me what was going on. Mom said, "My grandson is so tiny and his lungs are not fully develop." mom said, "He cannot breathe on his on!" I said, "I want to see my son now!" Mom helped me out of the bed, and put me in a wheelchair. We started going down the hall, and I began to pray, and asked God to heal my son. I went in the NICU unit and there he was laying there with tubes from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet! OMG!! He was so tiny! I asked the nurse how much did he weigh. She said, "2lbs and 10oz. My baby looked so helpless. I asked the nurse to get the doctor for me. The doctor came in and told me that my placenta was separating and he did an emergency C-section. He told me that there was nothing that he could do to help my baby. He stated that my baby wouldn't make it through the night. My mom said, "Please help my grandchild; there has to be something that you can do!" The doctor said, "I am so sorry." The nurse told me that I needed to go back in get in bed, because I was still running fever. We went back to the room, and I told everyone to leave, because I needed some time to myself. I laid there crying all night. The nurse came in and whispered in my ear; "he is breathing on his own!" I started crying harder and thanking God for answering my prayers. My walked in and said, "he is going to make it! mom said, "I was not going to leave you are my grandbaby! Today, De' Mikael is 31 years old, a UPS driver, and a daddy himself!
 
What do you remember about the event?
I remembered being afraid. I was puzzled, because I couldn't remember what I had done to make this happen! I kept saying, "What have I done!"

Why did you choose this example?
I chose this example, because so many women go through different experiences having babies. C-sections and early births can come from different things pertaining from prenatal care and childbirth. My experience may help someone.

What are your thoughts regarding birth and its impact on child development?
My thoughts are; birth and child development is very essential, because the birth of  a child is amazing. The mom bonds with the child and from day one, make sure that the child is developing normally. Mom notices things that can be fixed, before it gets overlooked. She sees all the early inventions in her baby.

Choose a region in the country.....Africa
babies in Africa chances are very low. There are 11 million premature births in Africa. ten percent of the births are premature.
The similarity is Africans just like Americans both are 37 weeks pregnant when premature babies are born.
The differences...We have quality heath care with doctors and they have their moms or grand mothers delivering their children, without professional training. If emergency happens when have transportation. Africans have to walk while they are in labor to get help.
I can say that I would not make it living in Africa having a baby without meds, and the proper equipment for my baby and me to live!                                               

A Note Of Thanks and Support

To my Colleagues and Walden Faculty,
      
               The time has finally come for us to go to the next level. I want to thank each and everyone of you for supporting me in EDUC-6005-7 course. Words cannot express how I feel at this moment. I feel like I know each and everyone of you personally. You have supported me by giving words of encouragement when I felt frustrated, or even lost. Thank you for the comments and knowledgeable information that you have shared with me in this course. I have really enjoyed the collaborating experiences, and listening to what you have brought to this field. It was so nice meeting people that brought all kinds of creativity to this course.

               My colleagues, I hope that you have taken what I have shared with you throughout my journey as an Early Childhood teacher. I have supported you by commented on your post, and giving examples of what I have experienced as a teacher. I have supported you by learning from you and taking that information and sharing with other colleagues. I am glad that I had the experience to be a voice for you!

I want each and every one of you to continue to strive for the best! As you continue this journey always remember that you are the one that will make a difference in those children and families lives. My wish for my colleagues is to become successful learners and to utilize what they are perceiving in this field. I want them to become professional teachers, educators or whatever they choose to be. I want to leave this with you....YOU ARE THESE CHILDREN FUTURE! EARLY CHILDHOOD DOES MATTER! I have really enjoyed everyone! I will see you down the road as we continue our life-long learning!

                                                                                                      

Examining Codes of Ethics

NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct

 

 

Ethical Responsibilities to Families

 

 I-2.2- To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with families we serve.

I think that it is very important for every family to feel comfortable with their child's teacher. I constantly remind my families that we have an open door policy. I welcome them at anytime so that they can see that their child is in a safe learning environment. I want them to trust me with their child. I always speak in a professional tone, and remind them that I am here for them and their child.

 

I-2.7- To share information about each child's education and development with families and to help them understand and appreciate the current knowledge base of the early childhood profession.

 

I would say this is not only meaningful, but is important as well. I share information with my families regarding their education on a daily basis. I communicate with my parents through letters, portfolios, conferences, and most of all home visits. I let my parents see the progress their child has made by starting the portfolio at the beginning of school. I will always let my families know when I see some development delayed issues. I explain to my parents on the first day, why early childhood is important, and why we need to communicate throughout the school year.

 

I-2.9- To participate in building support networks for families by providing them opportunities to interact with program staff, other families, community resources, and professional services.

 

Our program offers parent involvement, in fact welcomes all family members. The school get a panel of parents that takes the positions as presidents, vice presidents, treasures, and secretary. These parent attends all meetings regarding Head Start issues. They come and ask the teachers what they need, or what they would like for them to discuss in the meeting regarding early childhood. They join other families, professionals, and the community at these meetings. I encourage my parents to become a part of this panel. I tell them this is the time to be heard, and voice their opinions.

 

DEC Code of Ethics

 

5.We shall use individually appropriate assessment strategies including multiple sources of information such as observations, interviews with significant caregivers, formal and informal assessments to determine children's learning styles, strengths, and challenges.

 

I do observations daily on my children. I look for something different, creative, and meaningful. I take these observations and record them into teaching strategy. This is where I level the children to see where they are at the moment. I can also use teaching strategy to see progress. This information goes to the Department of education. We have professionals come in and talk with the teacher about a child's progress. If the teacher see any issues, she and the team get together along with the parent to see what they can do to help the child. We use this assessment to analyze the child's strength, challenges, and learning style.

 

 



Growing Your Collection of Resources

                                                            Course Resources

Part 1: Position statements and Influential Practices
NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap
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_infanttodllerFPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://community.fpg.unc.edu/sites/community.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/FPG_Snapshot_N33_EvidenceBasedPractice_09-2006.pdf
Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42-53.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Part 2: Global Support for Children's Rights and Well-Being.
Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://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 media segment 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/
Click on "Mission/Vision" and "Guiding Principles and Beliefs" and read these statements.

Part 3: Selected Early Childhood Organizations
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/

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/

Institute for Women's Policy Research
http://www.iwpr.org/

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.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067

Voices for America's Children
http://www.voices.org/

The Erikson Institute
http://www.erikson.edu/

Part 4: Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library

Tip: Use the Journal option under Search & Find on the library website to find journals by title

YC Young Children

Childhood

Journal of Child & Family Studies

Child Study Journal

Multicultural Education

Early Childhood Education Journal

Journal of Early Childhood Research

International Journal of Early Childhood

Early Childhood Research Quarterly

Developmental Psychology

Social Studies

Maternal & Child Health Journal

International Journal of Early Years Education

Additional Resources
Research News You Can Use: Family Engagement and Early Childhood Education By: Kyle Snow Ph.D.
https://naeyc.org/content/research-news-family-engagement
Early Childhood News-Article Reading Center
http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=548
Book: Early Childhood Education: History, Philosophy, and Experience By: Cathy Nutbrown, Peter Clough, Philip Selbie