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.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Saturday, September 17, 2016
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
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
Saturday, September 10, 2016
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.
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.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
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.
Friday, August 5, 2016
" 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.
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.
Friday, July 22, 2016
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 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
Friday, July 8, 2016
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.
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.
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