Poverty is something that thankfully I or my brother did not have to endure; but our parents and grandparents did. I would hear plenty of stories from both of my grandmothers, who would remind us how blessed we were. Cars, they didn't have that luxury; they had to walk miles to school and other places just to get around. They stated that families often stayed together, not just immediate, but extended families as well. Today we are able to get medical help and medicines freely; but back in their days, many people died of illnesses because they couldn't afford medical coverage. Sickness relief came from many remedies of "home therapy" with products they had at home such as fatback, etc. My mother was raised in poverty as well, but it wasn't as bad as it was for her mother. Her father left the family dynamic when my mother was young, so that left my grandmother alone and raising four children on her own. My mom was a fashionista, but money would not allow the funds for the family to buy outfits; so my mother compensated by learning to sew and created her own fashionista outfits!! My grandmother had to work several jobs and that often required the older kids to watch the younger kids. Quite different from today as we rely on daycare or babysitters.
The country that I chose was Africa. They are known for issues of poverty as well as hunger, and even diseases acquired because of the health, poverty, and famine issues at stake. Many parts of Africa are places that have very unhealthy citizens because of poverty issues. Presently, ebola is killing many people in Africa, as well as a few in America, who brought the disease with them from Africa. Infant mortality is high, while Life expectancy, literacy, and education are all low. The best educated often choose to leave the continent to seek a better life. Many Caucasians have fled due to employment bias. Poverty is so bad in Africa, that US luxuries like radios, televisions, and automobiles are very rare.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
The death of a child is something that we all have a hard time coming to term with. This is especially if the death is something that could have possibly been prevented, in some cases. This is why this topic is of such importance to me. Up until the mid-1990's, tens of thousands of children have died from SIDS. In North America it is known as crib death, and in England SIDS is known as cot death. In the beginning SIDS was a mystery because parents put their seemingly healthy babies to bed safely, to find them dead the next morning. In South Australia, a scientist by the name of Susan Beal studied all infant deaths that occurred because of SIDS. Somethings appeared to be non-factors, while others such as maternal smoking and lambskin blankets. Soon Beal would find variations within various cultures/ethnicities. It seemed that China had less incidences with SIDS than other countries. Beal noted that the reason could be because infants in China slept on their backs, while other countries practiced putting infants to sleep on their stomachs. After this realization, Beal realized that sleep position mattered. News of her findings were spread from country to country, and soon "Back to Sleep" was the new method of placing infants in their cribs. "In the United States, in 1984, SIDS killed 5,245 babies; in 1996, that number was down to 3,050; in the past decade, it has decreased to about 2,000 a year" (Berger, 2012, p.5). Other risks of an increased risk for SIDS includes; low birth-rate, cigarette smoking in the household, brain-stem abnormalities, soft blankets or pillows, and bed sharing. I currently work with preschoolers, but if I were to ever go back into the infant room, I would place all infants on their back while sleeping, and give them the correct amount of tummy time for learning to crawl. Of course, daycare centers don't allow smoking or bed sharing, so this wouldn't present a problem.
References
Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
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The death of a child is something that we all have a hard time coming to term with. This is especially if the death is something that could have possibly been prevented, in some cases. This is why this topic is of such importance to me. Up until the mid-1990's, tens of thousands of children have died from SIDS. In North America it is known as crib death, and in England SIDS is known as cot death. In the beginning SIDS was a mystery because parents put their seemingly healthy babies to bed safely, to find them dead the next morning. In South Australia, a scientist by the name of Susan Beal studied all infant deaths that occurred because of SIDS. Somethings appeared to be non-factors, while others such as maternal smoking and lambskin blankets. Soon Beal would find variations within various cultures/ethnicities. It seemed that China had less incidences with SIDS than other countries. Beal noted that the reason could be because infants in China slept on their backs, while other countries practiced putting infants to sleep on their stomachs. After this realization, Beal realized that sleep position mattered. News of her findings were spread from country to country, and soon "Back to Sleep" was the new method of placing infants in their cribs. "In the United States, in 1984, SIDS killed 5,245 babies; in 1996, that number was down to 3,050; in the past decade, it has decreased to about 2,000 a year" (Berger, 2012, p.5). Other risks of an increased risk for SIDS includes; low birth-rate, cigarette smoking in the household, brain-stem abnormalities, soft blankets or pillows, and bed sharing. I currently work with preschoolers, but if I were to ever go back into the infant room, I would place all infants on their back while sleeping, and give them the correct amount of tummy time for learning to crawl. Of course, daycare centers don't allow smoking or bed sharing, so this wouldn't present a problem.
References
Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
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Saturday, January 10, 2015
Birthing Experiences
The birthing experience that was special to me, would actually be two instead of one! I have two boys and both experiences were equally amazing!! With both experiences, family support, love, and loving environment were the most important during the birthing process. As we all know, environment was one of the important aspects that Smidt mentioned in one of our textbooks. My entire immediate family joined during the birth of both of my children! They supported me with love, care, and emotional support for myself and both my children. Family and love are both of the utmost importance to the developing child.
The country that I chose to focus on for birthing experiences was the Philippines. I have three best friends/family members whom are mixed with African American culture as well as the Filipino culture; so this is why I chose this country. Filipinos put a very high value on family just as I did during my birthing experience. Although one difference is the fact that in the Philippines, the value of childbirth is not only shared by the family, but also with the whole community. During labor, pain is thought to be alleviated by placing a squash leaf on the birthing woman's abdomen; whereas I just used an Epidural. Touching of the laboring woman is not allowed in the Philippines because they feel that the laboring woman's pain will be transferred to the hand holder; but during my American birth, nurses encouraged my husband to hold my hand. Guests who are in attendance at a birth in the Philippines are not allowed to stand near the door because of possible labor complications; but in America, my family was pretty much allowed to stand where they pleased in the hospital room.
It seems as though many beliefs for Filipinos are based on superstition; whereas American births are based more on science. Even though these things differ, both Filipinos and I believe that families should be a natural presence during the birthing experience!
Reference:
Wilde, A.(2014). Birthing Beliefs in the Philippines. Retrieved from http://classroom.synonym.com/birthing-beliefs-philippines-9141.html
The birthing experience that was special to me, would actually be two instead of one! I have two boys and both experiences were equally amazing!! With both experiences, family support, love, and loving environment were the most important during the birthing process. As we all know, environment was one of the important aspects that Smidt mentioned in one of our textbooks. My entire immediate family joined during the birth of both of my children! They supported me with love, care, and emotional support for myself and both my children. Family and love are both of the utmost importance to the developing child.
The country that I chose to focus on for birthing experiences was the Philippines. I have three best friends/family members whom are mixed with African American culture as well as the Filipino culture; so this is why I chose this country. Filipinos put a very high value on family just as I did during my birthing experience. Although one difference is the fact that in the Philippines, the value of childbirth is not only shared by the family, but also with the whole community. During labor, pain is thought to be alleviated by placing a squash leaf on the birthing woman's abdomen; whereas I just used an Epidural. Touching of the laboring woman is not allowed in the Philippines because they feel that the laboring woman's pain will be transferred to the hand holder; but during my American birth, nurses encouraged my husband to hold my hand. Guests who are in attendance at a birth in the Philippines are not allowed to stand near the door because of possible labor complications; but in America, my family was pretty much allowed to stand where they pleased in the hospital room.
It seems as though many beliefs for Filipinos are based on superstition; whereas American births are based more on science. Even though these things differ, both Filipinos and I believe that families should be a natural presence during the birthing experience!
Reference:
Wilde, A.(2014). Birthing Beliefs in the Philippines. Retrieved from http://classroom.synonym.com/birthing-beliefs-philippines-9141.html
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Thank You!!
Saturday, December 13, 2014
NAEYC and DEC Codes that are of Importance to Me:
1.) We shall maintain confidentiality and shall
respect the family’s right to privacy, refraining from
disclosure of confidential information and intrusion
into family life. However, when we have reason to
believe that a child’s welfare is at risk, it is permissible
to share confidential information with agencies, as
well as with individuals who have legal responsibility
for intervening in the child’s interest ----I feel that this ideal is of significance to me because it's always important to remember that a families business is nobodies else's! With that being said, all things concerning the family and well-being of the child should be kept in confidence between the center and family involved. But there are also instances that information should be provided to other outside agencies such as DFACS, court systems, etc. These are times when personal information needs to be shared for the best outcome for the child. (NAEYC Code)
2.) To establish and maintain relationships of
respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and
cooperation with co-workers---I feel that classrooms and centers flow so much better when the players work cohesively. When team members don't get along, the friction starts to show throughout the center. This is why I feel it's very important to respect those who are around you and whom you work with, especially within the classroom. Even young children can sense tension and feel when something is not right, so it's best for all members of the team to be respectful players, and when problems arise, get them solved immediately. (NAEYC Code)
3.) We shall continually be aware of issues challenging the field of early childhood special education and advocate for changes in laws, regulations, and policies leading to improved outcomes and services for young children with disabilities and their families---Education is an ever evolving thing. I think it's important for those who are in the field of education to stay current and educated with new ideas and techniques that are developed within the field. Every year Head Start offers Preservice classes for employers to learn more about ECE. I feel this is wonderful as the organization is keeping it's employers educated. (DEC Code)
1.) We shall maintain confidentiality and shall
respect the family’s right to privacy, refraining from
disclosure of confidential information and intrusion
into family life. However, when we have reason to
believe that a child’s welfare is at risk, it is permissible
to share confidential information with agencies, as
well as with individuals who have legal responsibility
for intervening in the child’s interest ----I feel that this ideal is of significance to me because it's always important to remember that a families business is nobodies else's! With that being said, all things concerning the family and well-being of the child should be kept in confidence between the center and family involved. But there are also instances that information should be provided to other outside agencies such as DFACS, court systems, etc. These are times when personal information needs to be shared for the best outcome for the child. (NAEYC Code)
2.) To establish and maintain relationships of
respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and
cooperation with co-workers---I feel that classrooms and centers flow so much better when the players work cohesively. When team members don't get along, the friction starts to show throughout the center. This is why I feel it's very important to respect those who are around you and whom you work with, especially within the classroom. Even young children can sense tension and feel when something is not right, so it's best for all members of the team to be respectful players, and when problems arise, get them solved immediately. (NAEYC Code)
3.) We shall continually be aware of issues challenging the field of early childhood special education and advocate for changes in laws, regulations, and policies leading to improved outcomes and services for young children with disabilities and their families---Education is an ever evolving thing. I think it's important for those who are in the field of education to stay current and educated with new ideas and techniques that are developed within the field. Every year Head Start offers Preservice classes for employers to learn more about ECE. I feel this is wonderful as the organization is keeping it's employers educated. (DEC Code)
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Course Resources
Early Childhood Resources:
Position Statements and Influential Practices:
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, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://community.fpg.unc.edu/sites/community.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/FPG_Snapshot_N33_EvidenceBasedPractice_09-2006.pdf
- Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42-53.
Global Support for Children's Right's and Well-Beings:
- Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://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.
- World Forum Foundation
Selected Early Childhood Organizations:
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org/ - The Division for Early Childhood
http://www.dec-sped.org/ - Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
http://www.zerotothree.org/ - WESTED
http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm - Harvard Education Letter
http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85 - FPG Child Development Institute
http://www.fpg.unc.edu/ - Administration for Children and Families Headstart's National Research Conference
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/ - HighScope
http://www.highscope.org/ - Children's Defense Fund
http://www.childrensdefense.org/ - Center for Child Care Workforce
http://www.ccw.org/ - Council for Exceptional Children
http://www.cec.sped.org/ - Institute for Women's Policy Research
http://www.iwpr.org/ - National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/ - National Child Care Association
http://www.nccanet.org/ - National Institute for Early Education Research
http://nieer.org/ - Pre[K]Now
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067 - Voices for America's Children
http://www.voices.org/ - The Erikson Institute
http://www.erikson.edu/
Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library:
- 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
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Words of Inspiration and Motivation
"Poverty must not be a bar to learning and learning must offer an escape from poverty"
Lyndon B. Johnson:
Former President of the United States Of America who played a major
role in the organization of the Headstart Program
Eunice Kennedy Shriver:
Founder of Special Olympics
"I had a built in passion that it was important to make a real contribution in the world and to fix all the injustices that existed in the world and I wanted to do that through teaching"
Louise Derman-Sparks:
Professor Emeritus
Pacific Oak College, CA
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