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.

Relationship Reflection

Relationships/partnerships play a huge role in my life and have since I was little. They have helped me grow and evolve and I have learned so much from those that I have relationships/partnerships with. These positive relationships help physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Through my relationships I have been able to deepen and expand my experiences of love and meaning. For me I enjoy connecting with others and building lasting and life long relationships. It is important for me to have people that I know are always there for me and vice versa. Below are several people with whom I currently have positive relationships/partnerships with.

The first relationship is the relationship I have with my mother. Throughout my life she has been my support system. She was the one that nurtured and protected me. My mother has always encouraged me and supported my wishes and dreams. She is there for me when I need and can always pick me up when I'm down. Though our relationship has not always been perfect, we have always remained close. 

My brother, mother, and myself.

The next relationship that is important to me is the relationship I have with my dad. Growing up he wasn't always around and not because he didn't want to be. My father drives trucks and has since before I was born. As a little girl he tried to maintain a positive relationship between the two of us by frequent calls and visits. For me that played a huge role is us developing a lasting and positive relationship. When I got older, my father moved from Houston, TX to Atlanta, Ga. He also began to take trucking routes that were local and allowed him to be home one the weekend. Our relationship has become one that is important to my life and growth. I can talk to my dad about anything and he is always there for me. We talk frequently and have our weekend daddy-daughter days. My relationship with him has taught me a lot about myself. 

My father

Another relationship/partnership that is influential to my life is the relationship I have with my boyfriend Gary. I have known him since the 7th grade and he has been my best friend since then. Growing up he was always there for me. He protected me and was a shoulder I could lean on. With him, I could always be myself. After we graduated high school, I went away to school. Even then he still came to visit and we talked often. During my last few years of college we stopped talking as much and didn't see each other often. It was until I graduated from college and moved back home that we reconnected. Once we reconnected, it was like that friendship that we had never went away. That friendship has now grown to something deeper. He is not only my best friend but he is my partner and I love him dearly. He understands me and knows everything about me. He supports me and encourages me no matter what. 

Me and my boyfriend Gary

My relationship with my best friend Milli is also one that I can say has a positive influence on my life. The relationship between Milli didn't start off as us being friends. We met in college through a mutual friend and because of certain circumstances, we did not like or care for each other. Overtime we began to bond and become friends. Since then our friendship has grown. I know consider her to be my best friend and my sister. She has always been there for me and she always helps me not matter what I'm going through. Milli is there when I need someone to talk to or just tell how my day was. She is an important person in my life and I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Me and Milli

For me communication plays a huge role in any relationship. I also believe honesty and loyalty play a role in developing and maintain any relationship. I struggle with trusting people sometimes so for me its hard to develop relationships. The relationships and partnerships that I have are ones that have been through a lot and overcame it all. They have proven to be key factors in my life and learning. At times some of my relationships face challenges due to distance but through that I have learned that no matter how far you are from someone if it is a true relationship and both parties feel the same way about each other and their relationship then it will last a life time. My relationships have shown me that I need to be able to communicate with those I am around and that helps build a positive relationship.

My Favorite Quote

"Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future"
-John Fitzgerald Kennedy

To me this quote is so true and as an educator helps me see how my job plays such a important role on a child's growth and development. The lessons and skills we teach children during their early childhood years helps shape the kind of adult and person they will be when they grow up. It is important that we teach children life long lessons so that they are able to have a successful future. The children that we teach now are our future and its important that we prepare them as we teach them. Children are valuable and we should teach them and treat them with that in mind.