THANK YOU

As we end this class, I would like to thank all of my colleagues for the knowledge and experiences they have shared with me throughout this course. I have learned so much from each one of you. You have encouraged me and inspired me to continue the work I am doing in this profession. I know this will not be the last time we all cross paths but I wish you all the best.

Stages of Team Development

When I was in college, I worked at the Gap Outlet. I had been their for a while so I had built relationships with my managers and my co-workers. Since most of us had started working their at the same time, we were like a little family that supported and encouraged each other. After I graduated, I decided to move back home to Atlanta, which was three hours away. I had considered staying because I really cared about those I worked with and part of me didn't want to leave. It was hard to say good-bye because I felt like I was leaving my second family. They took me in and helped me out when I faced some hard times. When I could not go home to my own family they took me in. They were their for me to talk and they helped me during times when I felt like giving up. We didn't just work together, we actually spent time outside of work together. Before I left we all got together and just hung out. We had fun that night just reminiscing on all the fun things we had experienced throughout the year. Just sharing that time with them and hearing all their encouraging words made leaving a little easier. We vowed to keep in touch as much as possible. When thinking about how I will adjourn from the group of colleagues that I have formed, I hope that we are able to still keep in touch, whether it be through our blogs or email.  I feel that adjourning is essential to the stages of teamwork because it gives time to give closure and wish others good luck on their future endeavors. I feel that groups that form on the basis of the five stages and have been built off of meaningful relationships are more likely to groups that stay in contact with each other. It is likely that any group that reached Stage 4: Performing will keep in touch with each other as they have become a very close knit group and there will be sadness at separating and moving on to other projects independently (Abudi, 2010).

Reference:
Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

Conflict Resolution

In considering disagreements and/or conflicts I have recently experienced one strategy or approach that I could have used would be the win/win approach. "The win/win approach is about changing the conflict from adversarial attack and defense, to co-operation.
It is a powerful shift of attitude that alters the whole course of communication (CRN)." In my instance, I was having an issue with my assistant and feeling like she was  basically not doing her job in the classroom. I felt that because she had been in that class for a long time and no one has said anything about her actions that she felt as if she was doing anything wrong. In my case, even though I didn't say anything to her and management did nothing to help the problem that I just let it go and did nothing about it. Instead of saying something to her I basically picked up her slack because in the end it all fell on me anyways. I had gotten to the point where I only expected her to do what she usually did which was nothing. She never really interacted with the kids and didn't help when it came to planning. I think another reason I sat back and didn't say anything because I didn't know who how to approach the situation and I didn't think she would respect my thoughts because she had been their much longer than I had and was older than I was. Anyways, I think the win/win approach would work because its a resolution that focuses on us coming up with a way to work together and both of our needs and wants are met. By working on our needs and not just a solution we can address all our issues. "Addressing each person's underlying needs means you build solutions that acknowledge and value those needs, rather than denying them (CRN)."

I think another approach I could have used would be the creative response approach to conflict. This approach is about turning problems into possibilities. In my issue, I never really approached the situation. I just complained about how bad it was but never did anything about it. I could have chose to see what could be done, rather than staying with how terrible it all was.

Reference:

Conflict Resolution Network. (n.d.) CR Kit. http://www.crnhq.org/pages.php?pID=12#skill_3

 

Who am I as a Communicator?

In thinking about the differences and similarities between how I evaluated myself as a communicator and how others evaluated me, there were more similarities than differences. One thing that surprised me was how my colleague viewed me as a communicator. She viewed me as be the type of person that is not afraid to communicate or speak my mind. She perceived me as being a person that feels comfortable and confident communicating. To me this was surprising because at work I don’t communicate as well as I would like. I am effective when I communicate with my parents but when it comes to communicating with my colleagues I tend to be more quiet and reserved. I would say that my lack of communicating with my colleagues comes from the environment in which I work. For the most part my results were correct about the type of communicator that I am. In the results I received when I evaluated myself, it revealed that I am empathetic and concerned with the emotions of others, which is true. I am genuinely concerned for others and sometimes put their needs above my own. I can see how this could also interfere with my judgment because I try and see the best in everyone and I tend to be very trusting. It also showed me that when communicating sometimes I lack confidence in my speaking but that is because I worry about what others say or think. These evaluations have opened my eyes and showed me areas in which I need to improve in order to be an effective communicator.

Communicating with Different Cultures

Question 1: Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?
Question 2: If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

I have realized that when I am communicating with my Spanish speaking parents I tend to ise my hands a lot.  Sometimes its hard for us to communicate with one another so I guess I try to use gestures to help me communicate. I also use written communication. I translate all written paper work to Spanish so that all my families are aware of whats going on in our classroom. I have some Spanish speaking parents that send notes that they have translated to English in order to communicate with me. Some of my other parents know some words in English, so sometimes I am able to catch on to what they are trying to say.
When communicating with some of my Spanish speaking students, I use pictures to help me communicate. It helps that I have learned some Spanish words and phrases to help me communicate.

Communication is not always my strongest area. I communicate differently when I am with my friends than when I am hanging with my guy friend. When I am with my friends, I talk up a storm. Expressing my feelings is easy. When I am with my guy friend, I am quiet as a mouse. We have been friends for years and when it somes to talking, I become a very private person.

Three Strategies to Help Communicate Effectively
● Learn more about how different cultures communicate. Learn a few phrases that could help me build a relationship with my parents.
●Become more confident is my speaking and expressing my thoughts.  Feel free to speak my true feelings.
●Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Communication in Television

The show I decided to watch is a show called How I Met Your Mother.  It is a show that I would not typically watch but from watching it seems interesting. In my first viewing of the show without the volume the characters where sitting at a table in a bar talking. It seemed as if one of the characters was telling a story because the other characters where looking at the person speaking and it seemed as if they were responding to what she had said. From the body language of two of the characters I can assume that they are in a relationship because they were sitting close to each other. They all seem to be friends. As I continue to I noticed that two more of the characters seem to be in a relationship as well. They were talking but I think the female character was not happy with what the male character said and she walked out of the room and closed the door. The male character didn't seem to be affected by her words at first because the expression on his face was one of joy and not sadness. Later on he showed a different emotion when he looked upset and sad about the situation with his girlfriend (one of the main female characters).  There was a part in the episode where two of the guys were in a classroom and one of the males was standing in the front and the other was sitting at a desk taking notes. The one standing in the front was showing pictures and talking about the girlfriend of the other character. When the girlfriend found out she looked very upset and hurt. She had the look of anger in her face when she confronted the two men on what they were doing in the classroom. As she walked in the room the two men seemed surprised and tried to run after her when she stormed out. At the end of the episode the couple where sitting outside on the stairs talking and looked like they were making up because they hugged and kissed.

After watching the show with the volume on, I see that most of my assumptions were right.  In the episode one of the characters, Ted was trying to teach his friend Barney all about Robyn and how to keep her interested in their relationship. Ted was telling Barney ways to keep her happy and her likes and dislikes. When Robyn found out she was very upset even though the intentions were not to be deceitful but to be helpful. The nonverbal cues really helped in figuring out what was going on in the show. Comparing what I thought to what actually happened I was pretty on point. The characters body language, gestures, and facial expressions really helped in trying to figure out what was going on. 

Communication is Key....

If I had to think of one person who demonstrates effective communication skills, it would have to be father. He is easy to talk to and really listens to what you have to say. He doesn't judge and always keeps an open mind. Most people who know me, know that I am not always the best communicator, especially when it comes to my feelings. Sometimes its hard for me to talk to people but its not that way with my dad. I know most people are thinking that's how its suppose to be between a father and daughter, well are relationship is one that has been growing more now that I have gotten older. None the less talk with him puts me at ease because I know he is truly listening. My father is definitely someone whose communication skills I would model. When he speaks, others listen and when others speak he listens. He is genuinely interested in what others say. He speaks with confidence and is honest and respectful.

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds.
 
I hope that by working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds I will learn about different cultures and languages. I hope to learn new traditions and customs. I also hope I can learn how different group function in a society where they are not seen as the norms and ways to help meet the needs of such diverse groups.

One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice

One goal that I would set for early childhood field would be to incorporate a lesson or activities into the curriculum that promotes diversity, equity, and social justice. I feel that  we an stop discrimination and oppression by teaching equity to our younger generation.

Now that we are at the end of yet another class, I would like to thank those who have been on this journey with me. Though the journey is not over and it probably wont be the last time some of us cross paths, I just want to thank everyone for their comments, stories, an opinions throughout the course. You have added to my understanding of diversity, equity, and social justice. Again thanks and good luck.

Thank You

 

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Scenario
You are working in an early childhood setting of your choice—a hospital, a child care center, a social service agency. You receive word that the child of a family who has recently emigrated from a country you know nothing about will join your group soon. You want to prepare yourself to welcome the child and her family. Luckily, you are enrolled in a course about diversity and have learned that in order to support families who have immigrated you need to know more than surface facts about their country of origin.

The name of “your” family’s country of origin: Indonesia
At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family

1. I will first learn about the language. I would try and learn some simple phrases that would help break the ice between me and the family. 
2. I would learn about their customs (i.e. how the communicate, dress, family roles, and etc.)
3. I would research the schools there. What the children learn and in what way?
4. I would learn about their food.
5. I would think of ways I can include their culture into my classroom. How can I make the learning environment welcoming. 

A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family

I hope that these preparations would help my new family feel welcomed and at home. I think it will show my parents that different cultures are embraced and treated as equal. For me it would help me understand my family a little more before meeting them. It would give me an idea of their culture and how to communicate effectively with my new family.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I haven't had many experiences dealing with bias, prejudice, and oppression. In thinking about incidents that I have accrued in my life I can think of one that could be looked at as gender bias. My last relationship was a tough one for me. We were together for a year and in that time I felt unappreciated and in a way used. For those that know me, know that I am very hard working and try to maintain a balance between working two jobs, school, and my personal life. I guess he didn't see it that way. My ex would get upset because apparently I was not doing enough around the house. He expected me to come home (after working both jobs), cook dinner and clean the house. He would say that I was making excuses when I would say I didn't have time or I was tired. On top of my already busy days, I would have to come home and do homework. In my head I was thinking, he only works one job and spends most of his day at home, so why couldn't he just help me out around the house. He tried to make me feel as if I was this unclean selfish person. Needless to say that was one of the many issues we had and I refused to stay around someone who could not support me bettering myself.

During my incident he made me feel as if we I wasn't thinking about the household. Though I was providing for us due to him not being able to keep a job. He made me feel like his views on the role of a women was misconstrued. I think because his mom was a single parent and she did that for him, he thinks that all women are suppose to cater to him. Boy was he sadly mistaken. He just made me feel like nothing I did was enough and it hurt because this was someone that I have known since the 7th grade. Though I tried to explain to him how tiring and long my days were nothing seemed to matter because things weren't getting done when he wanted. The best thing I could do was remove myself from the situation and I did. And I must say, I'm a lot happier and I continue to work hard to accomplish my goals. 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

For this assignment, we were asked to talk to at least three people and ask their definition of culture and diversity. The three people I chose to talk to were my mother, my male friend, and my teaching assistant.

For the most part, I got the same response on the definition of culture. From what I gathered, they all believe culture to be traditions, views, and beliefs of a group, typically based on their ethnicity or cultural background. My teaching assistant is Indian and to her culture involves things such has how she dresses, what she eats, and even how she interacts with others.

When I asked the for their definition of diversity, the response that I received was, "It's what makes us unique and different." Its a mixture of our language, gender, economic stand point, political views. To those I asked, it could be a number of things.

The answer I received seem to reflect some of what I have learned thus far about culture and diversity. When looking at someone's culture we look at their beliefs and traditions. What we miss is that someone's culture is not always a direct reflection of their ethnicity. Culture is more than just the color of your skin or what others perceive to be the norm of that group. One's family culture can be different from the dominant culture. Diversity can consist of so many things and can be viewed as things that make us different from other cultures. Diversity can also be seen as not having any connection to a particular culture. It would refer to sexual orientation and political views.

In reflecting on the thinking's of others, it has shown me that their is still a lot for me to learn when I comes to culture and diversity but I feel that I am on the right path.

My Family Culture

Scenario
A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your family culture.

My Response
Trying to decided of three items I would take that represent my family culture was a task. For me, I don't have many items that I feel would reflect my family and our culture. I know for sure, I would bring my bible. For me, my spirituality and religion play a huge role in who I am and how I live my life. It is a direct reflection of my families beliefs. I would explain to other that this item is important because it gives me hope and connects me to a much higher being. It gives me in faith in a society that has been destroyed due to the catastrophe. 

The second item I would take would be my family photo album. I would take this because it shows where I have come from. It contains photos of several generations and is a big part of my life. It is the way I stay connected my families history. I would explain to others that it is a huge part of who I am. By bringing this I am able to keep the history of my family alive and I am able to share it with future generations, so they will know where they come from. Not only is it filled with pictures, each picture has a story and a memory that I can keep alive.Its a reflection of where I have been and where my family has been.

Coming up with a third item to bring is hard. As I sit here and type this, my  mind is coming to a blank. I am struggling to think of something that would be a representation of my family culture and in all honesty I can't think of anything that would. I think I'm struggling with coming up with items to bring because my culture is not reflected my material items or things that you touch. It's in the way I live my life. I'ts the way I was brought up and the customs and beliefs of my family that shows my culture. Even if I was told I could only bring one item, I don't think I would struggle with what to bring. I would take my family photo album, not to say my bible is not important to my culture, but to me it is something that I would live without because I'm very familiar with its word. I don't need it in my possession  for it to have relevance. I can still have my faith and spirituality without having my bible. Once lost the photos in my family album can not be replaced. 

As a result of this exercise, I am able to see that my families culture is not reflected my items but in how I speak, interact with others and live my life overall. Once I have children, it will be reflected in how i raise them. Its who I am and not what I have the shows it. 

When I Think of Research....

Before taking this course on building research competence, the thought of conducting a research project or even reading the analysis of a study terrified me. Even when I have read case study before, at the end I always asked myself, "Now, what did I just read?" After taking this course, I can see that I am a little more comfortable with reading and conducting research/case studies. Through out this course I have learned a great deal of information from the proper way to read a case study, to how to design one. I now have a greater understanding of what it takes to conduct research that is valid and beneficial to the ECE field. I also understand the purpose of research. It can help answer questions through observation, experiments, data collection, and interviews. The thought of research doesn't scare me as much now as it did before. 

When it comes to planning a research project in early childhood, it is important to think about the issues that are faced in the field and consider how a research project can make a change. You should also consider your interest and the interest of others. When designing a research project, one must understand that it takes times. Good design will ensure that your research provides you with data that enable you to achieve what you set out to achieve--whether it is to describe, understand or explain what interest you (Naughton, 2010). Your design is your plan that will address specific questions and their expected outcomes. In conducting research one must first gain permission from participants. I think one of the major things that has been stress and just making sure the data collected supports your topic and is accurate and valid.

My biggest challenge throughout this process was just making sure I comprehend the information I read. At time I was lost but I think by rereading the text and putting the information in my own words. I was able to better understand it. My perception of an early childhood professional is still the same. I still see us as important members of society, that work hard to provide better learning experience for the children. 

Before I end my blog, I would like to thank my colleagues for all their input and thoughts. THANK YOU!

Reference:

Naughton, G. M., Rolfe, S. A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research.

Open University Press.

Research Around the World

The international web site I chose to view is Early Childhood Australia. This organisation advocates for children ranging from birth to the age of 8 by helping to ensure quality, social justices, and in equity in all issues related to  the education of children. Early Childhood Australia is the peak early childhood advocacy organisation, acting in the interest of young children, their families and those in the early childhood field (Early Childhood Australia, 2012).

Early Childhood Australia is seen as the equivalent to the U.S based NAEYC. It provides information on their Code of Ethics, position statements, early childhood news, and other EC information. In viewing the website, I noticed that a lot of the international topics relate to issues that children, families and EC professionals in the U.S. These topics include:

• Quality improvement
• Secure transitions
• Partnerships
• Respecting diversity
• Learning and teaching through play
• Building confident learners
• Bullying
• Supportive relationships
• Health, and many other topics.

It was interesting to see some of the articles written on the Early Childhood Australia newsletter. In my search I found an article takes a look at how educators plan for adventurous or risky play. It talks about how children have limited outside time because parents and educators  fear for their safety due to the increase in violence that has occurred. 

               The nightly news creates an atmosphere of fear about the outside worlds, as we view images                of violence that reinforces a perceptions that it's not safe to be outside. So we protect our                    children even more, and in doing so we remove them from the natural environment and                      move indoors. In our desire to 'keep children safe' we create play environments that a                         devoid of adventure and  interest (National Quality Standard Professional Learning                             Program, 2013).

To me this article caught my attention because it was interesting to see how play is viewed in the Australian community. Though this may not be the view of all that live in Australia, it was shocking to read that parents fear for their child's safety when they simple do something that many take for granted.

What I also found interesting about this web site for this organization was that there was a section devoted to school readiness and children's transitions. In this section it provides parents, caregivers, and educators with resources that will assist them in  helping children make the transition from child care to preschool and preschool to school. This section would be very useful especially with school beginning this Wednesday in the area I live. For most of the kids attending my Pre-K class have never been away from their parents, especially not for majority of the day. From my experience, those children have a hard time separating from those parents. This section of the web site would be helpful in giving ideas on how to make that transition smooth for the child, parent, and teacher.


Resources

Early Childhood Austrialia (2013) http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

National Quality Standard Professional Learning Program. (2013). Talking about Practice: Adventurous 

                play- Developing a culture of risky play. Retrieved

              from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-

              content/uploads/2013/07/NQS_PLP_E-Newsletter_No58.pdf

Research that Benefits Children and Families-Uplifting Stories

If I had the means and knowledge to conduct a research studies about any topic in the early childhood field I would focus on childhood obesity and how it affects children health and development. I think this topic is one that should be addressed especially with the growing number of children in the world that battle this issue.I would address how lack of exercise and improper  dieting can have life long affects on children emotionally and developmentally. Overweight children, as compared to children with a healthy weight, are more likely to develop many health problems such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are associated with heart disease in adults (Marcus, n.d.). According to an article posted on CNN's website, studies have variously found that obese students -- and especially girls -- tend to have lower test scores than their slimmer peers, are more likely to be held back a grade, and are less likely to go on to college. 

A study on this issue would be very beneficial to children and their families. It would highlight the effect obesity has on children and how not changing the daily routines can affect a child throughout their life. It would give parents suggestions on how to help insure that children have a healthy development through proper diet and exercise. I believe it would motivate parents to make a change and help decease the number of children who suffer with obesity.

References

Gardner, A. (2011). Does obesity affect school performance?. CNN Health. Retrieved from 

           http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/14/health/obesity-affect-school-performance

Marcus, L. & Baron, A. (n.d.). Childhood Obesity: The Effects on Physical and Mental Health. The Child 

           Study Center. Retrieved from http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles

          /childhood_obesity_effects_physical_mental_health

Reseach Journal Entry #1

For the simulation and this course, I decided to focus on the topic; the importance of play in early childhood development. This topic has become a recent interest because of the information I have learned in previous classes and my experience working in a prekindergarten program located in a day care setting. Throughout my journey in the EC field, I have been taught many different views on the role of play during early learning. In college, play was never a focal point of my learning. The information I was taught never showed the importance of play and focused more on teaching standards and how to incorporate them to each subject area. Even during my student teaching, the time children spent playing was limited to a few minutes outside and the time spent in gym, which was about 20 minutes, two days a week. Play was hardly incorporated into the daily routine of the children. It wasn’t until I began taking classes at Walden that I began to learn the importance of play in a classroom. I also began to learn more through my training and work done at my current job. My job stresses the importance of play in the classroom and pushes us to incorporate more activities in which children play an active role in their learning through exploration and just being wide-eyed curious children. The classes I have taken thus far have showed me that children can learn a lot through play but what I wonder is how it helps in their development.

 

 

The simulation process has been very eye opening thus far. I have learned a lot about finding resources that are credible. Though the process seems like it takes a lot of work and at first glance can be a little overwhelming, I think once I get into the groove of things I will be okay. The research chart has been a great tool in understanding new terminology and breaking down my topic in a way that makes the research process a little more understandable. Even the information on how to read research papers has been very helpful. Without it I probably would have tried to read an entire research paper and then began to freak out when I didn’t understand what I read. I have learned a lot so far and look forward to learning morning.

 

Before I end this week’s blog, I would like to ask my colleagues to share any resources they may have on my topic and I would gladly do the same in return. Thanks.

 

Ashley

Reflection

 

Throughout EDUC 6162:Issues and Trends in Early Childhood I have gained great insight from the international professionals and websites. Learning abut the international early childhood field has been beneficial to me professionally and personally. In learning about the international early childhood field I have a deeper understanding of how children are affected by changing demographics, poverty, the influences of economics, neuroscience, and politics, and equity and excellence in care and education of children, families, and EC professionals. I have also gained insight on ways I can help the children here in my area that face these same issues. The work that the international organizations do is inspiring and motivating. They make me want to do more and continue learning about these issues that children face. I am also motivated to continue learning about the different organizations like the Global Fund for Children and the Children's Defense fund, just to name a few. My goal is to continue educating myself on international issues and trends and one day get in contact with an international EC professional.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

For this weeks blog I decided to listen to the audio podcast of Delfina Mitchell. Mrs. Mitchell is the Director of the Liberty Children's home located on the outskirts of Belize City. This programs has been open since 2005 and is for children between birth and 5 years old. The children at this care center have been abandoned, abused, or orphaned. Many have disabilities, special need or are HIV positive. The focus of the Liberty Children's home and Liberty Foundation is to provide care and education to those children in need. They strive to provide high quality services of the children in Belize. They provide children with much more than just shelter and food, they provide them with an environment where children are respected, nurtured and treated as individuals. By helping children regain their self-esteem, the Liberty Children's home help children develop trust in adults and to form healthy relationships. 

In the podcast Delfina Mitchell talks about a 9 year old boy named Joseph that has recently joined the Liberty Children's home. Joseph was living in a bad situation in which he was abused and had witnessed his sister being abused and because of that he had shut down and did not speak for over a year. When he arrived at the children's home he was accompanied by his 6 brothers and sisters. Joseph was home schooled on the children's home grounds but eventually he was enrolled in school in another part of town. He struggle in school and after one week he was kicked out of school and sent home because he had a problem understanding. Mrs. Mitchell tells a story about when her and Joseph went horse back riding and he began to tell her about the abuse and neglect that he had encountered. For Mrs. Mitchell, some of it was hard to understand because it seemed as if he had regressed in his age and she had difficult understanding some of his words. Though he talked that day while riding horse, Joseph began not speaking again. As time passed he began to speak a little each week that had passed. The staff at Liberty Children's home began to provide Joseph a few hours a day of schooling and allowed him time in the garden because he enjoyed being outside. With the combination of slowly introducing him to the school environment and providing him medication, Joseph began to open up more and more. The kids would stop to listen to him when he spoke because they were shocked that he was talking. When Joseph spoke everybody wanted to listen.

The work that the Liberty Children's home does helps provide children with a safe haven. An environment where they can regain their childhood and innocents. It helps them heal from the traumatic situations in which they come from. It helps build their confidence in themselves and in others.

UNESCO's Early Childhood Care and Education 

For the second part of my blog assignment, I explored the UNESCO's Early Childhood Care and Education website. This organization works to improve education around the world believing that it is key in social and economic development. "The Organization aims to help build a sustainable world with just societies that value knowledge, promote peace, celebrate diversity and defend human rights, achieved by providing Education for All." 

I found it great that when it comes to access and equality that countries have committed to expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education especially for children who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. Governments in the United Nations are being urged to expand equitable access to quality early childhood services focusing on the importance of creating policies that favor the poor. The UNESCO also promotes high quality childcare for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing these children with high quality services, it promotes motivation, confidence, good cognitive and linguistic development and school readiness. 

Resources

http://www.libertyfoundation.org.uk

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/

http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/world-forum-radio/

Sharing Web Resources

This week I did a little more exploring of the Global Fund for Children website. Since this is an organization that partners with others in order to change the lives of children, I was curious to know what partners/supports they had. In my search I found that the Global Fund for Children partners with a variety of corporations and foundations that devote time, expertise, and financial support. These partnerships help deepen the impact and expand the organizations reach in order to improve the live of vulnerable children around the world. 

 As I have stated in a previous blog, one major partner of this organization is the Nike Foundation. This organization along with six others form the Grassroots Girls Initiative and help fund organizations that equip adolescent girls with resources, tools, and options they need to create better lives for their families, community and themselves.With support from the Credit Suisse EMEA Foundation the Global Fund for Children has been able to fund educational opportunity and vocational training for children and youth in Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East. Johnson & Johnson contributes by working with children who have been infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS and children who are at risk of abuse or gender-based inequality. Another organization that plays a vital role in the work done by the Global Fund for Children is the ELMA foundation. This foundation supports community-based organizations that are creating opportunities for children in Africa to be healthy and educated.Those are just a few of the foundations and organizations that have partnered with the Global Fund for children to help improve the lives of children in need around the world.

I have not received a e-newsletter for this organization but the website has tons of new stories and videos. One of the stories/blogs that caught my interest was a blog written by a girl named Precious K. She is a youth participant at Media Concern Initiative in Lagos, Nigeria. In her blog she talks about her experience in Adobe Youth Voices (AYV), which is program within the Global Fund for children that empowers youth to share their voices and express their understanding of the world by employing various technologies. They are able to use digital art, video, and animation to express their understanding and voice their views. In her blog, Precious says that her experience with AYV has given her real knowledge and many advantages the can help others come together to create change in her community and the world through the use of multimedia tools. Through the program she learns about teamwork and is able to create personal projects. Adobe makes it easy to convey and idea or pass along information. The knowledge that she has gained from this program will help her with your future and the present.

""Stop Bullying" by Sanggar Anak Akar (Indonesia | 2010-2011)"

The work that the Global Fund for Children does is inspiring. With the help and support from corporations they have been able to change the lives of children all around the world. I think the idea of the Adobe Youth Voice is great. It allow children to voice their concerns and helps them understand the world they live in. It also teaches them skills that they can use later in life. They learn how to be team players and are able to speak out on their own knowledge and views. It gives them a voice and I think that is great.

"Tanadgoma – Library and Cultural Center for People
with Disabilities (Georgia | 2011-2012)"

""Stop Trafficking" by Sanggar Anak Akar (Indonesia | 2010-2011)"

Resources: 

Global Fund for Children-https://www.globalfundforchildren.org

Adobe Youth Voices: http://voices.globalfundforchildren.org

Getting to Know My International Contacts—Part 2

The podcast that I decided to listen to this week is talking with a women by the name of Maysoun Chehab. She is the Regional Early Childhood Care and Development Program Coordinator at the Arab Resource Collective (ARC). Your probably wondering what the Arab Resource Collective is. It is a non-profit and no governmental organization based in Beirut, Lebanon. In working with the ARC, Maysoun Chehab has coordinated ECCD projects in Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Egypt, and Yemen. Her most recent works includes introducing a conflict resolution model program to Lebanese schools. She has also developed a post-conflict community based psychosocial intervention program in Lebanon.

In the podcast Maysoun talks about her work with the ARC. The ARC works with ECD practitioners, policy makers and the ECD community in order to raise their awareness about early childhood care and  development and child rights. They also train early childhood caregivers on best practices. The ARC also produce Arabic resources that target the community, parents, and teachers. These resources provide information on issues related to early childhood care and development. 

I think the work the Maysoun does with the Arab Resource Collective is really inspirational. Organizations like this can be beneficial to not only the children but the parents and community too. I think its great that the help educate others on the issues of early childhood and development. 

Harvard University's "Global Children's Initiative" Website

In exploring the Global Children's Initiative website I came across an article entitled, "Zambian Early Childhood Development Project." Immediately I became interested in learning about this project and the work it does. The ZECDP is a collaborative effort to measure the effects of an ongoing anti-malaria initiative on children's development in Zambian. In order to measure the full impact of the anti-malaria campaign on Zambia's human capital development, the ZECDP created a new comprehensive instrument for assessing children's physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development before and throughout their schooling careers--the first assessment tool of its kind in Zambia (Center of the Developing Child, 2012). The Zambian Child Assesment Test was completed in May 2010 and combined existing child development measures with newly developed items. The early stages of the project demonstrate that comprehensive child assessments are feasible within standard population-based household surveys. The hope for this project is that will not only improve understanding of child development but also help identify key interventions towards improved outcomes in a changing world. 

Resources:

Center of Developing Child. (2012) Zambian Early Childhood Development Project. Retrieved from 

                  http://developingchild.harvard.edu/activities/global_initiative/zambian_project/

Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website:             

                  (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/)

World Forum Foundation Radio: Episode 5-Maysoun Chehab

                  http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/world-forum-radio/

Sharing Web Resources

The Global Fund for Children have not sent out a new newsletter, so in this blog I will talk about some a recent post  that have been added to the website.

The post that caught my attention was a post about the Grassroots Girls Initiative. This organization is partnered with the Nike Foundation. Their current grant with the Nike Foundation enables them to support approximately 20 partners that are working to equip adolescent girls with the resources, tools, and options they need to create to better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. 

The post talks about how venture philanthropy can close the poverty gap. The Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) is a group of professionals from more than 25 countries that come together to share ideas and strengthen the presence of venture philanthropy and social investment across Asia. This group includes venture philanthropy organizations, impact investors, private equity, wealth management, academia and grant makers. I found it interesting that one-third of all children living in developing countries live in extreme poverty and some of the highest rates are found in South Asia. In South Asia more than 70% of children live in poverty, to me that number is extremely high. These children are more susceptible to trafficking and child labor and miss out on going to school. That saddens me to hear that these children are being robbed of essential opportunities needed to develop into healthy adults, not to mention robbed of having a normal childhood. The rise of venture philanthropy in Asia is necessary because they "offer a bend of capital and business advice to help entrepreneurial organizations achieve their ambitions for growth and development ( Lindsey, 2013)." At the recent AVPN inaugural conferences, they discussed the importance of making long-term sustainable impacts on children in their early stages of development, especially in the communities they serve. Strategic investments in community-based organizations provide security and hope for millions of people worldwide (Lindsey, 2013).

Resources

Lindsey, K. (2013). How Venture Philanthropy Can Close the Poverty Gap. The Grassroots Girl Initiative. 

               Retrieved from https://www.globalfundforchildren.org/gfc-in-huffington-post-how-venture-

               philanthropy-can-close-the-poverty-gap/

Issues and Trends: Poverty

In this week's podcast, Susan Lyon talks about here experiences and work in the Early Childhood profession. She started teaching at the age of twenty-two and since then her passion for children has continued to grow. In working with children, she wanted to advocate for children by listening to there wants and needs. Susan Lyon wanted to make an impact on children's lives and prove that quality work can be done in public centers. After seeing the exhibit "100 Languages of Children", she was inspired to bring it to the Northern California area. She held professional developments and brought Italian educators in to speak. Eventually, Susan Lyon started a project called the Innovative Teacher Project.The project consisted of a network of schools holding a round table. The schools take turns presenting their school to the group and they hold discussions on quality work. 

The podcast was kind of vague when it came to the issue of poverty. Though it was, I could see how a project like this can help areas where poverty exist. The way the schools in this community come together for the benefit of the children is a great way to learn more about the children and families in the community. You are able to see the needs and wants the children in the area and work together to improve the quality of service they provide. I think another way to extend on this program would be to proved families with tools and resources that could assist them in their needs.

I was unsuccessful in my attempt to reach Susan Lyon, so I have completed the alternate assignment. The country I chose to read about is Mongolia. Through my reading, it seems that the government is aboard the "lets reduce poverty train." They have developed a plan of action and a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. The paper sets out the principles of poverty reduction policies in Mongolia. These include economic growth, rural development, human development and good governance. In Mongolia, they also deal with people migrating to the area. Since the 1990's the migration has increased rapidly and the patterns of movement has changed. Migrants are moving from rural areas to more urban areas. Many of this migrants face hardships and don't benefit from the move. Children growing up in those households do not benefit either. 

Resources
Childhood Poverty Reserach and Policy Centre: http://www.childhoodpoverty.org
World Forum Foundation Radio. http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/radio.php

Sharing Web Resources

Last week I wrote that the organization I would focus on and learn more about was 
the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
 I have decided that I wanted to focus on another organization instead, one that has recently caught my attention. The organization is the Global Fund for Children and they focus on helping children regain their innocents and help them enjoy their childhood by allowing them to just be kids. They work with trafficked children, refugees and child laborers all around the world. They transform the lives of children on the edge of society by helping the regain their rights and pursue their dreams. Global Fund for Children invest in organizations that enable the most vulnerable children in their communities to thrive. This organization does a lot of great work that benefits children in harsh situations. 

The Spring newsletter for the Global Fund for Children had a lot of interesting information. One of the first thing that caught my attention, was the letter written by the CEO. In it Kristen Lindsey talks about how stress and trauma from a tragic situation effects children's development and everyday life. She talks about how sever stress can cause a child to have difficulty learning and developing health relationships. In order to aid in the problem and find a solution Global Fund for Children and their partners help by guiding children and youth through the steps of grief and recovery and help them prepare for adulthood. 

Through the efforts of the Global Fund for Children and their many partners, they were able to invest more than $960,000 to other organizations that work in conflict affected areas in 26 countries. They partnered with more than 60 organizations and was able to touch the lives of more than 200,000 affected children. Their goal is to create local solutions to protect and heal children and families in conflict-affected areas and thus far they are doing a great job but their is more work to be done.

Reference: The Global Fund for Children http://www.globalfundforchildren.org 

Getting Ready—Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

In order to establish professional contacts, I decided to reach out to two professionals whose organizations have struck my interest. In choosing the two professionals I wanted to get in contact with, I thought about educational programs I would find most interesting and areas I didn't know much about. The first professional I chose to reach out to is Mr.Eric Atmore. He is a part of the OMEP South African National Committee and a member of the National Early Childhood Development Alliance. The purpose of these organizations is to improve the quality of practice in the Early Childhood field and to see ways to cooperatively and positively influence policy-making and implementation. I look forward to learning more about the South African Early Childhood programs. The second professional that I decided to reach out to was Mrs. Yvonne Dionne, OMEP Comite National Canadien. She is a member of the Canadian Child Care Federation. What caught my interest about the Canadian Early Childhood program and practices is that they promote safety and healthy growth and development through providing the best in early learning and child care knowledge and best practices. Their website provides tools and resources that are helpful to parents and educators.Though I have not received a response to my emails, I remain hopeful that I will gain  great professional contacts. 

In selecting a early childhood organization to study, the chose was not hard to make. Throughout the courses I have taken, I have began to learn a lot about the National Association for the Education of Young Children. I wanted to continue learning about this association and how its view on the Early Childhood field. 

"NAEYC's mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources." (NAEYC website) I think this is a great website and a great association. The focus on improving professional practice and working conditions, working to achieve a high-quality system of early childhood education and build high -performing and inclusive organization of groups and individuals.

References:Canadian Child Care Federation: http://www.cccf-fcsge.caNational Assocaition for the Education of Young Children: http://www.naeyc.org/

My Supports

When thinking about the support I receive on a daily basis, I use to think I didn't have any but thinking in terms of emotional, practical, and physical, a few come to mind.

The emotional support I receive from loved ones on a daily basis impacts and effects my life tremendously. I have taken on a lot recently. Working two jobs and attempting to get my Master's has caused me to over work myself sometimes. For me having family that is supportive and willing to help me out allows me to continue on this journey and reach the goals that I have set for my life. My mother and father have definitely been my rock. Whenever I need to talk or just vent they are their to listen. They encourage me when I feel like giving up and they guide me when I'm lost. Through my journey, by boyfriend has also been supportive. Since my days are long he helps me by taking care of the house and making sure things get done when I forget. As weird as it sounds, he also makes sure I eat. I'm always on the go and sometimes forget to eat. He reminds me to take care of myself and is always a helping hand. My best friends are also supportive on a daily basis. They motivate me to keep going and just show me so much love. For me, having this people in my life just strengths my faith and gives me the courage to keep pushing through all my trial and tribulations. 

The practical support I receive on a daily basis would have to be monetary. I hate to say it but money plays a big role in my daily life. I work two jobs in order to support myself and my dreams. In order for me to go to work everyday I must have gas and I need money to put gas in my car. Without money I would not be able to go to work, even taking the bus cost money. I also need money to buy food. In today's time and age money is a necessity and is needed for everyday survival. 

On a daily basis I receive physical support from my co-workers. In the classroom, the lead teacher and I work together to ensure that we create a safe learning environment. We work together to complete daily tasks such as small group and large group activities, outside time, lunch time and other daily routines. Without us supporting each other the job would be much harder. If I didn't have her support in the classroom, I don't think I would be able to manage 22 rambunctious and curious children. The classroom would lack order and be filled with ciaos. At my second job (Sales Associate at Old Navy), my co-workers support me in completing tasks that allow us to ensure a great shopping experience for our customers. They help me when I need assistance in ringing a customer up or locating merchandise. Without my co-workers the job would be a lot harder and I would not be able to provide great customer service. 

Imagine a Challenge

 

The challenge I chose to imagine is me losing my job and no longer being able to afford my apartment. This is not a challenge I am going through but it is one that I fear and would need support to get through. Hypothetically speaking if I was to encounter this challenge I would first hope for the support of my loved ones. I would want them to just comfort me and help me focus on a solution to the problem. I am a highly emotional person and tend to react to situations by stressing. My hope is that they would just motivate me and reassure me that everything would be okay. I also hope that the would help me in my time of need and I know they would. My parents would support me by giving me somewhere to stay until I get on my feet. I would need monetary support and in this situation I think my parents and boyfriend would support me in that area. I would need physical support to move things out of my apartment and into my temporary place. If I was in this situation I would need a lot of support and I know that with the family and friends I have, I would get it.

My Connections to Play

I think play today is more centered around technology. Children are spending more time in front of a TV or video game and less time outside. I know for me as a child, I enjoyed being outside and my parents encouraged me to go. For me growing up, playing outside with my friends was my outlet. It was my way of expressing my creativity and using my imagination. As a little girl, I was kind of rough, I guess you can say I was a tomboy. I got dirty, ran around and climbed trees. Play was my time to be me and just do the things I enjoyed. I feel that children today are relying more on technology for fun instead of creating situations in which the can learn from through playing. Play still plays a role in my life today. I'm the type of teacher that loves to play with my students, inside and outside.

Quotes on Play

"Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood, for it alone is the free expression of what is in a child's soul."
-Friedrich Froebel

"Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity."
-Kay Redfield Jamison

" For a small child there is no division between playing and learning; between the things he or she does just for fun' and things that are 'educational.' The child learns while living and any part of living that is enjoyable is also play."

-Penelope Leach

Essential Play items for my younger self

The most essential item I needed  to play was a free open space and trees that I would climb. Paradise.

I enjoyed riding my bike with my friends and family.  

I love to jump rope.