When I Think of Research

When I Think of Research

This class was a wealth of information when it comes to conducting research.  I learned about the validity of sites when it comes to retrieving information online.  This was very helpful even in regards to everyday life.  I have a good handle on what a quantitative design is and a qualitative design. 

When doing research;   now I know now how to break my research into parts.  I know how to decipher between my different types of variables.  This helps me decide which constraints I would like to put into play when it comes to my research pool.  I also understand the emphasis on ethics, especially when it comes to the field of early childhood education.

When conducting research I see that each project starts with a question or theory.  From that question or theory you need to consider different techniques you will choose to collect your data.  When formulating your pool you need to consider your variables. 

The tricky elements of equality in research are very new to me.  Equality can lead to many constraints and brings into to play many extraneous variables.  Equity leading towards justice and fair is easier to obtain than just equality as it stands alone.  Of course your research pool will have to have evidence of some constraints in order to keep its validity.  When it comes down to it you have to choose what variable you need to take into consideration, and remember to be just and fair when it comes to picking your research pool.

I have learned that there are so many professions that you can pursue when deciding to enter the field of early childhood education.  I feel that researchers can be the fields biggest advocates when they conduct studies and prove what you believe is the greatest benefit to early childhood education.  This course has thought me that a lot of thought, studies, and careful consideration goes into formulating ideas, and processes for early childhood education.

Research Around the World

Research Around the World               

                               

I chose to discuss some of the practices that early childhood researchers and professionals are discussing in Australian.  Some of the trends, issues, and research topics that are listed on the early Early Childhood Australia site are:

Belonging, Being and Becoming

School readiness and children's transitions

Sustainability, global warming and climate change

Baby and toddler sleeping

Child health and childhood obesity

Educators in uncertainty over Early Years Quality Fund

Qualifications matter in Early Childhood

Australia early childhood professionals and advocates seem to be facing the same issue and concerns that we face here in the United States.  Funding for quality early childhood programs is a constant fight.  Australia educational professionals are pushing for inclusion as well.  Reading some of the information provided on this site was just like reading one of the reputable sites here in the United States dealing with early childhood issues, events, and politics.   

There’s a huge push to educate young children on global warming and its huge effects in Australia.  I feel that this is a topic that is not discussed with our young as much here in the United States.  Global warming is going to get worse over the years.  The effects will be greater on the children now who will be adults dealing with this issue then.  If we instill good habits and educate young children then they can become more aware and begin at an early age learning how to preserve the environment.

Early Childhood Australia, (2013). Retrieved from

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/resource_themes.html

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories Option 1

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

A large population of the scientific community focus on preventive health care that helps improve the ability to treat childhood diabetes and childhood cancer, and the ability to prevent childhood infections through immunization.  The medical community is stating that they “know a lot more about almost all diseases, and armed with this information we have improved the care of children worldwide” (Clements, 2007).

I chose to focus on how research has benefited children with type 1 diabetes.  My goddaughter Samara was diagnosed adolescent diabetes at age 3.  Up until the age 8 she was getting daily shots of insulin.  Samara was very self-conscious about having diabetes.  All the other children would ask her questions, and teachers seemed very uneasy and always on edge.  The OmniPod Insulin Management System has   made Samara’s life so much more enjoyable.  The thing that Samara loves most about the pod is that it lets her be more self-sufficient and it doesn't bring as much attention to her.  Samara is able to be more flexible in what she eats and her daily activities.  This pump has daily dosages pre-programmed, that can also be changed based on what she is going to eat.  Instead of getting pricked in the finger and getting her blood tested the pump is keeping constant tracks of her levels.

The pump was introduced to the medical community in the 1970’s so of course Samara wasn't a part of any huge study.  However Samara and her mother are very thankful and happy for those children who originally tested out the OmniPod.  Samara’s doctor still monitor, and ask Samara detailed information about how the pod makes her feel emotionally, and physically.  I am one to vouch for her being a happier and more confident child in terms of the pod verses the use of the traditional tester, and needles.  I’m thankful too because I felt horrible every time I had to give her a shot.

Reference

National Center for Biotechnology Information, (2010).  The OmniPod Insulin Management System: the

latest innovation in insulin pump therapy.  Retrieved from

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3118276/

Research Simulation General Topic to Subtopics: Part 2

Research Simulation General Topic to Subtopics: Part 2

I would like to learn more about the policy maker’s contribution when it comes to early childhood programs.  On a personal level I am interested in finding out how do policy makers come up with the criteria that would make someone eligible for assistance when it comes to the early educational programs.  I felt that myself and many other middle class citizens fall between the cracks too often.  Middle class families often run into the problem of making too much for assistance and not making enough to pay for quality early childhood programs.  I want to find a way that loosens up the guide lines so that more families will be eligible for assistance, however minimize fraud!!!

I find that the simulation process helps you stay focused on your topic of choice.  It teaches you the building steps and assist you in writing a paper that is based on true facts, and organization.

I am asking and hoping that my classmates will reference anything that is relevant to my topic of choice.  Things that supports a stronger middle class and resources that oppose it.  Most importantly the role that policy makers play in deciding who is eligible for something and who is not.

Final Blog Assignment-- Learning about the International Early Childhood Field

Learning about the International Early Childhood Field

Corresponding with my international early childhood professional has been resourceful and enlightening.  The three things that will stick with me the most is the quality of life in Togo, the size of the classrooms, and how little emphasis the government puts on early childhood education.

The quality of life in Toga is very poor.  The majority of the children and their families live in poverty.  There are many times were there is no electricity to run the classrooms effectively.

The sizes of the classrooms are huge.  They are especially large for young children who need more supervision than the older children in the upper grades.

I was shocked to learn that Toga’s government does not put much emphasis on early childhood development.  This was surprising to me because of the importance I see stressed here in the United States.

Raissa seems to do so much with what little resources she is allocated.  My goal would be to make all educators more aware of the teaching conditions and learning environment in Toga.  I would want Raissa’s efforts to be an example to all of us educators here in the United States.  I think that if we realize that the trending issues we have in regards to early childhood education is nothing compared to some other countries would make us appreciate the efforts that are being made to make early childhood programs better.  This is not to say we don’t still put the same demands on the government but maybe look at the issues and think of ways to improve the conditions with a more diplomatic approach.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

            Over the weeks in this course Raissa has given me some good insight on the practices there in Toga.  It makes me so much more curious.  I do think that some of our conversation gets lost or confused in translation.  Raissa's government has not really invested into Toga's early childhood educational push.  After hearing about a government that doesn't do much for children or their people makes me appreciate the United States and the efforts that a government like ours does make.

Raissa states that there isn’t a huge government concern when it comes to education there in Toga.  The concern is mostly on a community level.  The quality of early childhood education is poor there.  The well-being of a child there isn’t a big concern health or educational wise.  More of the emphasis’ in regards to education is put on the latter years of schooling.  Issues that the people in the communities try to address are over-sized classrooms, funding for resources such as books, paper, crayons…etc.  There is not much money to pay the teachers too.

To become a teacher at any level you do have to attend school at a University.  Once you attend school at the university you can then teach in a classroom.  There are some families who keep children in the neighborhood.  However it is more to just watch the children, and not really teach them.  The children do pick up some life skills by helping around the house.

Raissa said that her professional goal is to raise awareness of the importance of teaching the children young.  In addition to keep doing the job that she does.  Teach the children, give them a sense of belonging, in some cases being a positive adult figure in their lives.

Raissa stated that some of her dreams include being paid more; not for her own financially gain.  Raissa said that she uses a lot of her own money to do for the children.  So if she had more money she’d be able to do even more.  Raissa will hope that one day her government would not be so corrupt and many changes will be done when it comes to overall education in Toga.

Sharing Web Resources “Week 6”

Sharing Web Resources

“Week 6”

My original resource is the site of National Institute for Early Education Research http://www.nieer.org/.  A couple of the outside links that NIEER leads to is CENTER ON ENHANCING EARLY LEARNING OUTCOMES (CEELO), and PNC-NIEER: A Strategic Partnership in Support of Early Learning in the States.  The link to the CEELO site discussed many different initiatives in regards to assessments of early childhood education programs.

The Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) goal is to strengthen the capacity of State Education Agencies (SEAs) to lead sustained improvements in early learning opportunities and outcomes. CEELO will work in partnership with SEAs, state and local early childhood leaders, and other federal and national technical assistance (TA) providers to promote innovation and accountability.  (National Institute for Early Education Research, 2013)

One of the biggest stories on the e-newsletter that I receive was about the government shutdown and the harsh impact the shutdown has on some children’s programs.  With the government being shut down there’s no money to pay the staff, in addition to some grants that expired on October 1^st which caused these centers to be closed (National Institute for Early Education Research, 2013).

I learned that the number of seats for children to attend early childhood programs has increased.  This means that more children can attend programs.  The increase has been increased mostly in the poverty stricken areas.  I’m happy for the increase but I do wish it could happen in all areas.  However the chance to even be able to educate one more child is a step in the right direction.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2 Excellence and Equity of Care and Education for Children and Families

Excellence and Equity of Care and Education for Children and Families

In correspondence with my international early childhood education professional I learned that the conditions there in Togo is very poor and bad; mainly because of the government.  She said their government is very corrupt.  Raissa was saying that sometimes homes won't have electricity for days because of the government is stealing money and resources.  The people who run the government don't care about the students, or the people.  People who are in power there buy their way to the top, and steal to stay there.

The children grow up in very poor environments.  Raissa says where in the past at least children game to school with a little bit of social and life skills.  She said that that is no more.  Teachers there have to be mother, small provider, and teacher.  Classrooms are over crowded which makes it hard to keep control and organization.

Raissa says that the kids make it all worth it.  She tends to be very stern when needs be, but is very nurturing, and easy going.  She said it's definitely not the pay that makes her job worth it.  It's all the hugs as appreciation she receives from the children as gratitude.

Sharing Web Resources

Sharing Web Resources

NIEER News Releases provides me adequate information about the latest issues and trends in regards to early childhood education.  The article 10-Year National Preschool Study Finds Decreased Support for Quality and Greater Disparities in Access posted on August 14, 2013 goes right in line with this week’s discussions.  However it gives it a different spend.  It’s actually referencing the decline in funding from the government due mainly because of the recession.

The article talks mainly about how the burden for early childhood programs now lays on the state.  The unintended consequence of that is that now educational opportunities are not going to be equal nationally.  By moving the power to the states means that some children will receive a better education, which means that now every child will not have the same competing chance when they get older.  These cuts do not go in line with what economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support for the early childhood field.

Like most policymaking, these government cuts were put in place based on a particular understanding of what returns public dollars would yield in the educational system. Yet it seems that educational policy is not in sync with new research-based understandings of child learning. For us to have a more effective and holistic approach to educational policy, we need to better understand the role that early childhood education plays in the overall learning of a child. (Nobleza, 2013)

It’s amazing about the amount of information that is available on this site.  It focuses on trends that are evident in individual states as well as nationally.  It touches on topics centered on early childhood development such as poverty, politics, and government cuts.

References

Nobleza, M. (2013).  A Creativity-Focused Agenda for Early Childhood Education Policymaking.   

Retrieved from

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-nobleza/a-creativity-focused-agenda_b_3992121.html

National Institute for Early Education Research, (2013).  10-Year National Preschool Study Finds

Decreased Support for Quality and Greater Disparities in Access.  Retrieved from

http://nieer.org/news-events/news-releases/10-year-national-preschool-study-finds-decreased-support-quality-and

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

 International Contacts-Poverty

One of my conversation partners name is Junior.  Junior is teaches in Togo.  He studied in France for his upper level education.  Here are the questions that I asked Junior, and his answers:

Me:      Are the classrooms that you teach in very diverse?  In addition how is diversity measured there….by tribes, language, ethnicity, cultures?

Junior:   Poverty here is very high.

 There are class system in every community here.  The rich on the top, followed    by the middle  class, and finally come the poorest.

 There are all types of diversity you listed (tribes, language, ethnicity, and cultures).

 I had the chance to teach in a private school and there study rooms are a little better (maximum 30  per class) unlike public school there are over 50-60 per class.

Me:      How is the health care there for the children?  Do the children have enough food, water, clothes…                 etc?

Junior:   The children have not many hospital so the health here for not only children but

all of us is below.  Many disease, and the mortality rate is high especially for                           

child.  Not enough food and water for children, and most died at young age.

Me:       Do you know what the average income is there?

Junior:   The average income here is very low and is 38000 cfa(80-83$) by month.

Me:       Anything else you can share in regards to “poverty” and the lifestyle and living arrangements there in  regards to young children ages birth to seven years old.

Junior:   Young children are the most vulnerable to extreme poverty.  Most especially in village many died  soon after birth.  The education problem also affects many children especially in rural areas.  But it’s  no longer.  The government passed a law to help children.  Currently free education is free for  children attending public schools.  But parents still complain each academic year that the spend on  fees and all the steps they need to do before their children are allowed.  Most do not have the  chance of being accepted.  But when you move on to the university degrees, it was fortunate to  receive a grant of up to 230$ per year.

            I enjoyed communicating with Junior.  He had a lot to share.  Poverty in the sense of how think of it is still very common even among the children with educated parents.  I copied and pasted what   he said pretty much word for word.  I wanted to show you all how well some educators are able to communicate the English language.  Yes it’s not 100% grammatically correct but very close.  I did clean it up a little bit but not much.  I’m saddened to say that I would not be able to communicate in his language if I tried.

Sharing Web Resources-Trends and How They Relate in Terms of Diversity

The newsletter that I subscribed to is the National Institute for Early Education Research found at http://nieer.org/.  There are many issues addressed such as home visits to encourage good health reform for the children, addressing the benefits for early start programs in regards to lower future crime rate, and advocating for different ethnicities to focus on early childhood development programs.  Considering that our main focus is trends and diversity this week I chose to focus early start programs in regard to different ethnicities. 

The article that I read is 'Preschool for All' Shouldn't Be 'One-Size-Fits-All.'  The article is based on information gathered from the Illinois school system.   The article mainly focuses on Hispanics and the effect of the lack of participation when it comes to the early start programs before the age of four.  “The data show us that at-risk and low-income -- many of whom are Latino -- kids gain more from preschool than their peers; inversely, they have more to lose by not attending” (NIEER, 2013).

Many government programs stress the need for children in this case Hispanics to get connected with high quality educational programs starting at birth.  The emphasis is stressed on high quality education/programming.  High quality programs depends on; teachers who are well trained, teachers or aids who are bi-lingual, and a program that encompasses the linguistic and cultural factors.  The trend in Illinois is that the state is mandating that pre-school teachers be bi-lingual or is working towards it.  “In building a teacher pipeline that can effectively support diverse learners, we must provide all teachers with opportunities for linguistic and cultural professional development -- and adopt practices that attract diverse teacher candidates to the profession” (NIEER, 2013).

I like that the state of Illinois is taking a big stand to lessen the gap between the students whose primary language is not English.  As educators we need to focus on the every child; however it is important to make sure that every child starts on the same “playing field.”

I would encourage everyone to read this article.  I know I found it very interesting!

'Preschool for All' Shouldn't Be 'One-Size-Fits-All.  Retrieved from:

 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sylvia-puente/preschool-for-all_b_3902433.html

Sherry

"Establishing Professional Contacts"

Issues and Trends in Early Childhood

 "Establishing Professional Contacts"

I finally received a response back after sending out many emails.  I tried different resources when it came to me engaging with an international early childhood educator.  I did not find the sites that Walden University to be very helpful.  Most of the email addresses did not seem to be valid.  Here are a few of the websites and there links that I tried.  The site that worked for me was the, “The Global Classroom Project site.”  I’m still seeking another contact to ensure success when it comes to my blog posts.

The educator that I was able to make a connection with is Raissa Tilaime Charif.  She currently lives in Kpalimé which is in Africa.  Raissa is originally from Diégo-Suarez, Antsiranana.  Africans speak French in the part of Africa she grew up in.  Raissa says that she has a “blended classroom she teaches kindergarten and 1st grade.”  I think we both look forward to discussing and sharing about different trends

1.       The Global Alliance of NAEYC has e-mail addresses for early childhood professionals worldwide:

http://www.naeyc.org/resources/partnership/globalalliance

2.       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

3.       The Global Classroom Project

Enabling teachers to connect, learn, share, collaborate, and lead – globally!

http://theglobalclassroomproject.wordpress.com/

Part 2, "Expanding Resources"

I subscribed to NIEER online news.  They also have other venues that they share information such as Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.  NIEER’s website is very easy to follow and navigate through.  By subscribing to NIEER newsletter I can receive the latest information on hot topics, early childhood education research, and upcoming events.  This is the URL link:  http://nieer.org

"My Supports"

Emotional support is what I need most from the people around me.  I need my friends and family to keep supporting me when it comes to all of my goals and dreams.  My goal to open up my own daycare.  It would not seem as tangible without the reassuring support that I receive from those around me.  The positive support that I receive in regards to my goals gives me the strength to go on.  Every time someone tells me that they can see me with my own daycare makes my heart smile, and it convinces me even more that I am on the right path to doing what I am really meant to do passion and career wise.

I haven’t had to depend on anyone financially in years.  I do occasionally need help fixing a few things around the house.  I usually have a list for my uncle “dad” when he comes to visit.  My uncle has always been very resourceful when it comes to fixing things around the house.  I’m trying to train my boyfriend but that’s still a work in progress!

I think that it would affect me the most if my uncle “dad” was not around  I call him for advice on what to put on my lawn, what kind of plants to plant, what kind of spray do I get for my garage when it’s squeaking, and so on.  My uncle "dad" is a good man.  He worked in corporate America for years before retiring in his early 50's.  He said that he was going to retire, build a house in Florida, and open up a lawn care business.  My uncle "dad" has always loved doing yard work. It makes me feel extra good when my uncle supports me in the things that I want to do, because he's always done what he said he was going to do.

The only other support that I can’t wait to have, is financial.  When I say financial I don’t mean I need to borrow or get money from anyone.  I think of how much money will I will have freed up when my boyfriend and I move into together.  I’m excited about being able to split up an expensive mortgage, not to mention the utilities.

My future challenge is going to be opening up a successful daycare.  I will need support, patients, physical help from family and friends.  I will seek support and advice from friends who are already teaching in early childhood.  Just thinking about the challenge that awaits me is overwhelming but yet; I welcomes all the future stress and obstacles.

"My Connections to Play."

"My Connections to Play."

Quotes that best describes my younger self:

1. Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.

2. Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning. Fred Rogers “American television personality”

I enjoyed playing board games as a child.  Trouble, Uno, Connect Four and Checkers were some of the first games that I learned how to play.  I was really good in Connect Four and Checkers.  Most games are based on strategy, which makes you think.  It gives you practice on thinking ahead and in some cases problem solving.  This would have been a good way for adults and educators to gauge my cognitive development.  I still till this day enjoy all of these games and more.  Monopoly become my favorite as I moved into my teen years and adulthood. 

Playing basketball and soccer did so much for me as a child.  I was fortunate enough to be naturally athletic.  Your peers usually liked you if you were good in sports.  They would always want you on their team, which is definitely a popularity booster.  Sports gave me a lot of confidence on and off the court and field.

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."

Albert Einstein

My childhood friend and I would always coming up with new business adventures.  Our parents mostly her mom would help us make the Kool Aid, popcorn, lemonade or whatever else we were selling.  My parents would give us $5 dollars to help us get started.  Our neighborhood would contribute by being our customers and buying our treats and goodies.  It brings a smile to my face when I think of the neighborhood I grew up in.  If I was selling something for school they would always buy it.  If I was doing a fundraiser they would always sponsor me.  That's truly a neighborhood raising a child!  

It saddens my heart when I look at children today and how play is related in today's society.  I don't witness too many kids running around and playing in the neighborhood.  I'm always surprised to see all the children at the bus stop.  I'm like where did all these kids come from.  Children of today live in an era where play and learning involves electronics.  Of course the kids don't know anything different; so playing their XBOX, Play Station, WII, Connect, and so on seems very normal to them.  I think that this has a lot to do with childhood obesity.  I would encourage my children to go outside explore, run, and be free.

I don't think that's there's a huge difference between myself as a child then and now as an adult.  Of course I've grown and matured, but the things that I loved as a child I still love as an adult.  I do a little volunteering when it comes to teaching children how to play soccer who mostly live in urban areas.  I still enjoy playing board games.  I have even added a few more favorites to my list.  My little businesses that I use to have in the past has made me realize that I am destined to be an entrepreneur.  This journey has lead me to Walden University with hopes of opening up my own educational facility one day.



References:

1. Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.

Albert Einstein

Retrivied from: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_imagination.html#HuVxgEZJryv7kIwM.99

2. Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.

Diane Ackerman.  Retrived from: http://www.thestrong.org/about-play/play-quotes

3. Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning. Fred Rogers “American television personality”

Retrived from: http://www.thestrong.org/about-play/play-quotes

Relationship Reflection

Relationship Reflection

It’s important to me to have trusty worthy people in my life.  I tend to be a very social person.  I have people in my life that make me smile every time they look at me.  I have those who motivate me, those who love me, and those who always have my back and best interest at heart.

My parents have always been there for me.  They thought my siblings and I to always work hard for the things that we want but always assured us they were there if we needed them.

Melissa is one of my oldest friends.  We grew up together.  She was my first business partner. We use to have a weekly lemonade stand.  I was the one who always came up with our daily adventures and Melissa was always there to see our mission through.  We were inseparable. We have been friends for 30 years now.  We don't speak everyday but love each other like sisters. 

My niece and nephews make me strive to be a better person.  I want them to grow up to be loving and generous people.  So I try to lead by example.  I encourage my niece to always give back and serve.  We have done several community service programs together.  I will keep the tradition going with my nephews and my own kids when I have them

My boyfriend also motivates me professional.  He is on the road to being very successful and I want to make sure I’m not far behind.  He’s there to support me emotionally.  No matter how stressful my day is he always makes it better.  Of course like any relationship we have disagreements.  I have found that good communication and compromise is what keeps us going.

.

This is my sister and my Aunt "Mom."  My immediate family also consist of my Uncle "Dad" and my brother.

 

My doggie Remmi!

I had a lot to do with the early development of my niece.  Clarice use to be my little shadow.  My parents bought “Hooked on Phonics” for her and I use to work with her every day at the age of three.  We worked with letter and sounds.  Now she is attending Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall.  Clarice had her pick at any college she wanted to go to.  I’m proud to be her auntie.  She has always looked up to me and is even choosing to pledge the sorority I pledged!  I would like to continue to educate and make good impressions on children.

Visual Media-- Part 1 "Father's Love" Part 2 "Abuse/Neglect"

Father’s Love

Of course in an ideal world both parents would be present in a household.  However we all know that isn’t always the case.  I picked these two videos because I wanted to stress the importance of a father in child’s life.  A father needs to show a boy how to be a man; and show a young lady how to be loved and treated by a man.  I have a few friends that are spilt up with their children’s fathers.  I have witnessed all of these ladies encourage and consider themselves lucky to have men who know the importance of their presence in the child’s life, even though their union didn’t work out.  Two out of the three of my female friends feel that they don’t know how to have a successful relationship because they were never taught how to be loved by a man.  That reason alone is the reason they would never push their children’s fathers away. 

A boy with cerebral palsy walks to his Marine dad for the first time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hU6gR4zHnM

Soldier Surprises Daughter at Spelling Bee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7npunWUVsw&NR=1&feature=endscreen

Abuse/Neglect!!!

9-year-old Attacks Toddler, Daycare Worker Arrested, Neglect of Minor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGPpkwZ85NY

This video is very disturbing on so many levels.  My first question would be why is there a 9 year old boy in a toddler room to begin with?  I’m shocked and appalled that the little boy was even able to get away with all of this.  If the daycare providers where even doing half of their job, they would have seen the bruises on the toddlers.  After seeing the bruises should have inquired and wondered where they came from. 

After watching this video you wonder where does the original problem stem from?  What is going through this 9 year olds head?  You wonder what he has been subject too.  What kind of adult is he going to grow to be? 

What would you suggest be done to this 9 year old child?

Testing & Assessment

I think there should be a series of test that are ran to test and access a child’s knowledge base.  I do believe there should be written standardized test.  However I think that should only be a piece of all those goes into the categorization of a child.  I believe that a part of the test should be done verbally.  What if a child knows the information but they don’t know how show all their complete thoughts on paper but can verbalize it better.  Communication is even challenging for adults.  I for one never did well on standardized testing.  As a young child I didn’t always understand what they were asking me.  Of course it’s hard to give the right educated answer if you don’t understand the question. 

I also think that maybe something could be done on the more tangible side.  Meaning where a child is able to do something physically.  Maybe a child is better at creating and can communicate more through actually doing something, than answering questions.  Again as adults we later begin to communicate through books, music, paintings, and verbal communication.  “Our intellectual abilities are divided among at least eight abilities: verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, naturalistic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal,” (Ferguson, 2009).   

I choose the Ukraine as a country to look up in regards to their educational assessment of grade students.  My boyfriend is originally from the Ukraine and it’s a country that doesn’t seem to been on the United States radar, especially in regards to education. 

I was surprised to learn that the Ukraine has not participated in any of the inter-national learning assessments, nor has it carried out a national assessment of students’ learning, (Inna, 2010).  It’s said that the quality of education in Ukraine is measured on the basis of proxy indicators, (Inna, 2010).  In many cases children from K-12 attend school together.  It seems to me their biggest noted assessment is how well a student knows English.  It was surprising to me that I couldn’t find much information in regards to the educational assessment in the Ukraine.  I always thought you could find tons of information about anything you googled.

 

Additional link to look up: Educational System of the Ukraine   http://www.bibl.u-szeged.hu/oseas/ukr1.html

 

Ferguson, C. (2009, July 14). Not everyone is a genius. The chronicle review. Retrieved from: http://chronicle.com/article/Not-Every-Child-Is-Secretly/48001/

 

Inna, K. (2010, June 16). The 2010 Independent External Assessment Testing in Ukraine: Why has it been questioned? Retrieved from: http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/blogs/miss-inna/english-language-2010-independent-external-assessment-testing-ukraine-why-has-it-bee/

A child's enviroment & stability! Abuse

I feel that a child’s stability and environment can impact how a child develops. The first years of my life I moved a lot, and would sometimes find myself in hostile environments. Of course poverty was evident but not too the point where I can say I didn’t have any food or clothes. I was more introverted and behind in school. At the age of 6 my mother passed away. I was placed in several different foster homes in such a short period of time. By the age of 7 I then moved to New York to live with my Aunt and Uncle. My environment definitely effected my cognitive development. My Aunt and Uncle provided a safe, and stable environment for me. I wasn’t switching schools every couple of months like I had done in the past. Going to school and doing well were stressed in my Aunt and Uncle’s house. When I first moved up to New York the administration and teachers tried to put me in classes for children with special learning needs. My aunt and uncle fought and insisted that I didn’t have any learning disability I was just extremely behind. So at this time they made me repeat the second grade considering that I didn’t have enough attended days of school in the previous year to pass me anyways. By the end of the second grade I broke out of my shell. It didn’t take me long but I spoke more in school then I ever had before. I still didn’t feel comfortable enough to read out loud or answer too many questions scholastically. My parents got me some extra help outside of regular school and by the 4th grade I was right on track academically. I don’t remember much else about my childhood except that my mother was in an abusive relationship that lead to the guy killing her. I’m sure at the time these factors impacted my psychosocial development somewhat. I would be taken out of class once a week to go primary projects. To me it was play time. We would play games and talk. As I got older realized that it was some kind of therapy. I always wondered why the lady asked me so many question. I thought she was just nosey. My aunt and uncle provided an atmosphere that I felt safe in, as well as providing me with the things that I needed and wanted. I think that all of a sudden having an older sister and brother helped me tremendously in my development. They inadvertently showed me what was expected of me, how to act socially, and just simply how to have fun. As many as 100,000 children were displaced by the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan's north-west coast, (McCurry, 2011). The tsunami changed so many children life’s. With a natural disaster like this it causes a lot of chaos, and puts children and their families into poverty, and in some cases to go without food. Many children were separated from their families, as well as losing their parents, and other family members. Save the Children foundation is still raising money to continue to help children. They raise money to feed, cloth, and shelter the misplaced children. Reference: McCurry, J. (2011, March 15). Japan earthquake: 100,000 children displaced, says charity. The Guardian, Retrieved: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/mar/15/japan-earthquake-children-displaced-charity.com

Child Development & Public Health- SAFE WATER

I feel that safe water is a bigger issue than most Americans think. I think that Americans take healthy clean water for granted. Water in the United States is regulated. In some cases minerals are added to our water. Things, such as fluoride. Adding fluoride to our water helps fight against tooth decay. However having too much fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis. Fluorosis is a defect of tooth enamel caused by fluoride’s interference with the tooth-forming cells. (Fluoride Action Network 2013). Clean water issues are even more serious in countries such as Africa. Many infants born and raised in Africa are susceptible to many diseases found in water. Infants and young children are especially susceptible to diseases because their immune systems are experiencing everything for the first time. Even in developed countries, lots of moms boil water before giving it to their children - just to be doubly safe. In poor countries, the fuel for the fire can be so expensive that mothers can't afford to boil water and cook food (The Water Project 2013). Clean water is a good start to good health. Half of the world's hospital beds are filled with people suffering from water related disease? In developing countries, about 80% of illnesses are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions. Tiny worms and bacteria live in water naturally. But typhoid fever, cholera and many other diseases still run rampant in the developing parts of the world, such as Africa (The Water Project 2013). I would like to look even deeper into the safe water issue. Especially when it comes to "fluorosis." I don't think this is something that many people who live in America think about. I feel that maybe it's unnecessary for so many infants and young children who live in America to suffer from this. If I did have to choose the worse of two issues it would be "fluorsis" over some of the other life threatening diseases water is causing in countries like Africa. Flouride Action Network,(2013). Improving Health In Africa Begins with Water. http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/ The Water Project, (2013). http://thewaterproject.org/

Childbirth In Your Life and Around the World

I can't say that I have any personal experiences when it comes to child birthing. Many of my friends have had good prenatal care. I've seen them watch what they eat, take their vitamins, and make sure they stay away from known substances that could harm their baby. I've heard a couple stress c-sections ignoring that the healing time is suppose to be greater. They felt that they'd take that any day rather than to have their vagina torn. Then I have the one's who brag about having a natural childbirth with out drugs. Now these friends are the ones I shake my head at and laugh at the most. I know for myself I will ask the doctor to give be a double dosage if need be. I'd rather give up bragging right then to endure pain any day! With all this being said I can proudly and rejoicefully say that they have all given birth to healthy babies. There has been a couple of miscarriages amongst the group but nothing because of what one of my friends may have done. My friends have been the lucky and fortunate ones. However you do have some women who do everything right and then they still face complications when it comes to the baby that they have brought to term. Then you will have some woman who are very carefree and relaxed when it comes to giving their fetus the care, and nature it needs and everything comes out right. So even with all the studies,and test there still is no way to know for sure what will be yours and your babies fate. However it's strongly suggested and proved that you do the things that you are suppose to do to increase your chances of a healthy child birth. With that being said I would like to share a story that I'm sure we are probably all aware of. It's the one about the the three young ladies that have been held captive for 10 years. One of the captives Amanda Berry ended up giving birth to a little girl who is now 6. I'm sure it's safe to say that Amanda did not have the proper prenatal care. Nor did she live or give birth in a non stressful environment. It's said that Amanda gave birth in a kids plastic swimming pool, and delivered by one of the other young female captives. Of course only time will tell but it's said that the child is healthy in the physical state. I choose this story to support to a certain degree of what I said above. The biggest difference is that Amanda Berry didn't have any choice when it came to prenatal care, and the conditions that she had to delivery her baby in. Africa: It's said that giving birth while squatting is a common practice in Africa. It's also very common to use a midwife. "In some ways what we do in Western society is completely idiotic if you understand physiology," says Dahlen. "Lying on your back to give birth is about the most stupid thing you can get a woman to do because she is trying to push her baby uphill as opposed to using gravity. What we currently do with about 90 per cent of women giving birth on a bed on their backs is completely and utterly ridiculous," (Smith.S 2012) Dahlen does make a lot of sense. However I don't think that I will be giving birth while squatting unless I'm in Africa! 1. Smith, S (July 2012). A better way of Giving Birth. http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life/a-better-way-of-giving-birth-20120724-22mqq.html 2. Botelho,G (May 2013). Ohio kidnapping case: Amanda Berry's baby delivered by another captive. http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/08/us/ohio-missing-women-found/index.html?iref=allsearch

Examining Codes of Ethics

Examining Codes of Ethics

Adopted Code of Conducts:

These are the three Codes of Ethics that are most meaningful to me.  I feel that if you keep these 3 near and dear to your heart it will take you far.

We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with

whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture. Code of ethics  (2000, August).

My Take

-I think that it is important to respect those around you and their views.  Sometimes we tend to get so wrapped up in what we think, and we become closed minded when it comes to other suggestions that could help us become even greater.  Just because an idea doesn’t go in line with our thinking doesn’t make it a bad idea.  There’s something to learn from everyone! 

We shall recognize our responsibility to improve the developmental outcomes of children and to

provide services and supports in a fair and equitable manner to all families and children. Code of ethics (2000, August)

My Take

-I think this goes under the concept of teach one teach all.  As an educational professional we have to keep in mind that everyone child no matter their race, or income background deserve a good education. 

We shall collaborate with families and colleagues in setting meaningful and relevant goals and

Priorities throughout the intervention process including the full disclosure of the nature, risk, and

potential outcomes of any interventions. Code of ethics (2000, August)

My Take

-I believe that the more you incorporate a child’s family into their educational development; the chances for that child to succeed become greater.  By getting a family involved, you may find that you have more support and someone to help enforce what you are trying to teach. 

Article:

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from

http://www.dec-sped.org/

Resources that I found useful this week: 

• Lifetime Effects: The HighScope Perry Preschool Study (2005). Retrieved April 6, 2013, from 

           http://www.highscope.org/content.asp?contentid=219  

• Child Welfare Information Gateway 

         https://www.childwelfare.gov 

          This site is about help protecting children and strengthen families.

•  Georgia Association on Young Children 

          http://www.gayconline.org 

          This site is about an organization based out of Georgia in regards to Early Childhood              Education. (GAYC)

 
 Resources that Walden University provided for me-
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_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
  
  Note: The following article can be found in the Walden University Library databases.
  
• 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.
  Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title.

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.

Note: Explore the resources in Parts 3 and 4 in preparation for this week's Application assignment.

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//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
  
• 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 A-to-Z e-journal list to search for specific journal titles. (Go to "How Do I...?", select "Tips for Specific Formats and Resources," and then "e-journals" to find this search interface.)

• 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                                                                                

Quotes by Dr. Lilian Katz, Dr. Susan Bredekamp, and Louise Derman-Sparks

“Let’s keep up the good work for the sake of the children. The best way to influence others is to do the best we can! It may very well be that what we do speaks more loudly than what we say.”                                                                                              

Dr. Lilian G.  Katz


“Never underestimate the power of ideas- bad ones as well as good ones!”

Dr. Lilian G. Katz


I like both of these quotes.  As an educator it's so easy to get in a routine.  To the point where you start just going through the motions.  I think it's important for a teacher to stay motivated in order to be as effective he or she can be.



 “child-initiated activity is all that’s important and that teacher-directed instruction or any form of teacher-directed activity is not appropriate.” by Susan Bredekamp. (ECT Editorial Staff, April 2006)


“Effective teachers are intentional in everything they do – they are purposeful, they’re playful, they know what they’re doing and they can explain it to other people” – Dr. Susan Bredekamp, Author of NAEYC’s Developmentally Appropriate Practice


 I feel that Dr. SusanBredekamp's is saying teach a child a lesson of some sort in everything that we as educators do.  Be mindful or our actions because the children are watching and observing.






"to make sure that all children were taught in an enviroment and ways that truly nature their abilities to grow" - Louise Deman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus. Pacific Oak College, CA.


I like this quote from Louise Deman-Sparks.  It serves as a good mission statement for myself.

Quotes by Dr. Lilian Katz, Susan Bredekamp, and Lauise Derman-Sparks

“Let’s keep up the good work for the sake of the children. The best way to influence others is to do the best we can! It may very well be that what we do speaks more loudly than what we say.”                                                                                               
Dr. Lilian G.  Katz

“Never underestimate the power of ideas- bad ones as well as good ones!”
Dr. Lilian G. Katz

I like both of these quotes.  As an educator it's so easy to get in a routine.  To the point where you start just going through the motions.  I think it's important for a teacher to stay motivated in order to be as effective he or she can be.


 “child-initiated activity is all that’s important and that teacher-directed instruction or any form of teacher-directed activity is not appropriate.” by Susan Bredekamp. (ECT Editorial Staff, April 2006)

“Effective teachers are intentional in everything they do – they are purposeful, they’re playful, they know what they’re doing and they can explain it to other people” – Dr. Susan Bredekamp, Author of NAEYC’s Developmentally Appropriate Practice

 I feel that Dr. SusanBredekamp's is saying teach a child a lesson of some sort in everything that we as educators do.  Be mindful or our actions because the children are watching and observing. 





"to make sure that all children were taught in an enviroment and ways that truly nature their abilities to grow" - Louise Deman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus. Pacific Oak College, CA.

I like this quote from Louise Deman-Sparks.  It serves as a good mission statement for myself.

Quotes by Dr. Lilian Katz & Dr. Susan Bredekamp

“Let’s keep up the good work for the sake of the children. The best way to influence others is to do the best we can! It may very well be that what we do speaks more loudly than what we say.”                                                                                                
Dr. Lilian G.  Katz

“Never underestimate the power of ideas- bad ones as well as good ones!”
Dr. Lilian G. Katz

I like both of these quotes.  As an educator it's so easy to get in a routine.  To the point where you start just going through the motions.  I think it's important for a teacher to stay motivated in order to be as effective he or she can be.


 “child-initiated activity is all that’s important and that teacher-directed instruction or any form of teacher-directed activity is not appropriate.” by Susan Bredekamp. (ECT Editorial Staff, April 2006)

“Effective teachers are intentional in everything they do – they are purposeful, they’re playful, they know what they’re doing and they can explain it to other people” – Dr. Susan Bredekamp, Author of NAEYC’s Developmentally Appropriate Practice

 I feel that Dr. SusanBredekamp's is saying teach a child a lesson of some sort in everything that we as educators do.  Be mindful or our actions because the children are watching and observing. 





"to make sure that all children were taught in an enviroment and ways that truly nature their abilities to grow" - Louise Deman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus. Pacific Oak College, CA.

I like this quote from Louise Deman-Sparks.  It serves as a good mission statement for myself.