When I think of Reseach...

I have gained so many new insights regarding structuring research topics. I have learned that research is a process and has to be done in stages, with revisions in order to get to the core of your point. My ideas about research have changed as a result of gaining an understanding of research as a process, and that process can be a fun one, and insightful. Developing a time line designing and conducting research can be a tedious process however to get the most useful data that is valid it is a necessary process. Some of the challenges that I incurred were reading so much information that it hindered me from getting to main points. Dr. Terry gave wonderful advice when she suggested that you read the abstracts and or summaries and study the flow of the article to identify where you can retrieve the substantive information for your research. I have always respected researchers; I live in a state that is world renowned for its research contributions to the profession of early childhood. To this end, my respect and appreciation for those who commit their professional careers to conducting research so that we might benefit from their findings has increased. My perspective of research has more of a scientific view than before, truly it is a science designing, and being strategic about concepts and data.

Reasearch Around the World

I have chosen to review the following website:
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/index.php
Some of the current international research topics include:
Bullying
Nurturing the Spirited Child
Code of Ethics: A guide for everyday practice
Active Children
Diversity
Engaging Families
The new and surprising insights that I have gained while perusing the website include the fact that they struggle with the same issues that we do in regards to getting policy makers and legislatures on board to support initiatives that will further enhance and strengthen and enhance our profession. "We are calling on commitments from both sides of politics to implement the national quality reform agenda endorsed by COAG last year.

Noteworthy Info:
As an activist organization—ECA supports the key role of parents in their children’s wellbeing and early learning

Early Childhood Australia:

Spoke out in support of paid parental leave
Applauded the paid maternity leave decision as an important first step
Participated in paid maternity leave implementation consultations
Recognized the importance of secure, stable and reciprocal relationships to children’s wellbeing in its advocacy generally, and including in its publications program.

Research That Benfits Children and Families

In 2009 I gave birth to a beautiful little girl, who had a few challenges once she arrived. I was thankful to have a very close friend who was an early intervention specialist who worked and is still working with us to ensure that our little one is meeting all developmental milestones.
I remember her saying that she was hesitant about taking our case since we were so close, and her supervisor, and husband advised her not to get "to involved" however she decide that she could do it without it becoming a conflict.

During one of my courses I came across an article that TOTALLY supported the concept of intervention specialist and families having close relationships and found it to be very beneficial to the family but more importantly to the child. The research identified that parents were more willing to follow the interventionist suggestions based on a trusted relationship. I emailed the article to my friend, and expressed to her this is why it worked!! I sent a copy to her supervisor, in the hopes of shedding light on new research and ideas about intervention and the relationships associated as a result. My child has had the extreme benefit of working with the best physical therapist, and speech therapist that have made a wonderful difference in her life, as well as mine. Thankful for those who are committed to enhancing the lives of children through practical work and research!!

My Personal Research Journey

The subtopic I chose for this assignment was Professional Development initiatives, benifits and implications. The research process was quite overwhelming there is so much information on the topic and various components of the topic. With that said I had to be very intentional about sticking to the subject. Not to my surprise the information that I discovered supported the work that I do on a daily basis, and is in keeping with best practices that have been proven to work in the field with the teachers. Professional development initiatives are essential for the survival of high quality, nurturing learning environments. It is proven that there are grave differences between teachers who are involved in professional development initiatives vs. those who are not. I am amazed by the new PRO-Quest in the virtual library which makes conducting research quite easy, and also suggests related topics based on your search. Quite amazing!

Final Post 6161-2

Consequences of Learning about the international Early Childhood field:

1. International concerns for young children have some similarities to issues that we face in US.

2. All children despite their socio-economic status deserve the right to grow and thrive in a healthy environment.

3. Our profession is really a profession! There are global organizations working on behalf of children and their families.

One goal that needs to be addressed globally is universal health care for families especially young children.

Exploring UNESCO'S Website

Within the division on UNESCO, there are several components, one being Early Childhood. The Early Childhood component is divided into four sections Access, Quality, Investment, and Governance. What I admire most about UNESCO’s website is the organizational manner in which the site connects you to policy briefs that are reflective of the current issues directly related to their core objective. For an example issues and challenges directly related to ACESS are addressed as the mission, and the website offers additional links to policy briefs that explain what is taking place within government and decisions that are being made in regards to policies regarding the issues Access for children.
Three main issues I discovered

1. Were Access to quality Childcare
2. Sustainable quality programs for all children despite economic status.
3. The challenge of balancing Governing Bodies.

The materials that were available were dated. Many of them produced in 2002-2007. The issues that were presented however are relevant to our current studies. The methods in which they choose to face challenges are unique and quite enlightening.

POVERTY

This week I read the article that was linked to the assignment entitled CIP-Knowledge for Tracking Childhood Poverty. As I read the article I discovered some interesting research efforts that are underway to deepen their understanding of issues of poverty and how to address them from more complex apsects. I was also amazed by the organizations efforts to create policies that will ultimately affect how children will be addressed during the challenging times of experiencing poverty.

I was shocked when I saw the word "ghettoise". For clarification I had to research the word to gain an understanding of what it meant. According to the free dictionary it is defined as the following:

ghet•to•ize (gt-z)
tr.v. ghet•to•ized, ghet•to•iz•ing, ghet•to•iz•es
1. To set apart in or as if in a ghetto; isolate.
2. To make into or similar to a ghetto: "He left a city ghettoized and strangled by highways and the auto" (New York).

CHIP is committed to "prioritizing" vs "ghettoizing" young children, and they are vested in being pro-active to issues that can have lifelong effects of children who are born into poverty stricken situations.

Save The Children's Mission in East Africa 2011~

The Save the Children foundation’s web site

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm


To Support their efforts please views the following website:

http://www.imgonnabeyourfriend.org/


One of their numerous mission porjects:

Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

For this assignment I have chosen to connect with the Save the Children. Save the Children is the world's leading independent organization for children. Our vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Our mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. I have made an effort to email one of the three listed individuals to establish a connection. Her name is Wendy Christian, and I look foward to learning more about their global perspective and how they handle the challenges that young children face in adverse times. For Part 2. of the blog assignment I have chosen to research The British Association for Early childhood Education. I recently spent a week in London, and I think this will be interesting to discover more about their Early Childhood Education system and associaitons.

Please take a moment and check out this youtube clip about the organizations efforts.

MY SUPPORTS~

Challenge:
Traveling for business and leaving my family. The factors from my environment that would support me would be:

1. Prayer
2. Family
3. Sister-Friends

Prayer-Is foremost an essential element in my life, without it I would be misguided. Prayer has become a major support for me; it has been a source of strength for me during challenging times in my life. Prayer is what keeps me grounded and what sustains me and is a staple for my spiritual development. The benefits of prayer for me personally have been second to none, more so the results of prayer have resulted in guidance, peace, comfort, relief, and confidence.


Family- My family is supportive of me in so many ways. It may me a phone call, or written note of encouragement that will lift my heart and help me make it through the day. Most of all seeing the smiles on my children’s face gives me an unspeakable joy that makes life that much sweeter. Without my family supporting me, I don’t think that I would be equipped with the necessary tools to be the person I am today. My family has contributed into my personal development, character, and integrity traits which have afforded me the opportunity to experience once in a lifetime opportunities!


Sister-Friends-Having girlfriends who are sisters are a phenomenal experience! I have several special women who are friends but more like sisters, they are there to support me, encourage me, and we do this for each other creating lasting bonds. In life if you are able to partake of healthy meaningful friendships you will experience joy, laughter, and most of all unconditional love.

MY CONNECTIONS TO PLAY

Quotes

“The activities that are the easiest, cheapest, and most fun to do – such as singing, playing games, reading, storytelling, and just talking and listening – are also the best for child development.” ~ Jerome Singer (professor, Yale University)

“It’s not so much what children learn through play, but what they won’t learn if we don’t give them the chance to play. Many functional skills like literacy and arithmetic can be learned either through play or through instruction – the issue is the amount of stress on the child. However, many coping skills like compassion, self-regulation, self-confidence, the habit of active engagement, and the motivation to learn and be literate cannot be instructed. They can only be learned through self-directed experience (i.e. play). ~ Susan J. Oliver (author, Playing for Keeps)

My family and caregivers supported my play by allowing me free play time outside at every given opportunity. I remember my mom allowing me to go outside and play all day she required that I return home before the street lights came on. While we were outside we would ride bikes, play dodge ball, double dutch, and jack rocks. During the winter months when it snowed we would get a cardboard box and slide down a steep hill, I can remember that being very, very fun!!

Today most children are not afforded the opportunity to play outside until the “street lights” come on because parents are fearful of childhood crimes such as abductions, and pedophiles. Many parents have their children involved in extracurricular activities and or academic enhancement programs to help them become more efficient in a subject matter leaving little to no time for play.

Play has been an influential contributor in my life, as I reflect upon my childhood play experiences I am able to reminisce about the numerous memories of playing with childhood friends, and some of my favorite childhood games. Through play experiences I have learned the art of negotiating, and dealing with conflict. As an adult I have met many individuals who were not cooperative, and very argumentative. Learning how to negotiate as a child has helped me to address individuals who are challenged. Being creative can also be attributed to my early play experiences where I had the opportunity to create games, and use things like cardboard boxes as a sled to make the most of my play time. Overall I feel that I had a meaningful childhood full of experiences that have helped me become the well rounded individual that I am.

Relationship Reflection
Relationships are essential to human survival, and most individuals seek to connect with someone who offers an aspect of companionship, or connection in some shape or form. There are various types of relationships, and for this particular assignment I chose to focus on two significant relationships that have attributed to my personal and professional growth. For me positive relationships have been a staple in my life, and I seek to develop those relationships which will be purposeful, and respectful. In regards to professional relationships in order for them to be successful it is imperative to establish relationships with those who will further help you to accomplish goals and objectives. Most business professionals heavily rely on the concept of networking which enables professionals to connect with other individuals for the purpose of establishing mutual business relationships that will benefit both individuals and accomplish specific goals. I have uploaded several photos of individuals with whom I have meaningful and significant partnerships. Within these relationships we share a mutual respect for each other, and we collaborate in order to achieve a variety of common goals.


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This is a photo of my co-worker Robin and I. We work together on a special initiatives project for Afterschool programs in North Carolina. Our relationship is most unique because although we do not see each other every day we share a common interest and that is improving afterschool programs for young children, and also providing high quality educational opportunities for afterschool providers. Our relationship over the years has developed into one that extends outside the scope of work that we do. We share personal stories of victory, and defeat, and the strength of our relationship is our ability to listen to one another, share openly, and respect each other. At times our relationship experiences the challenges personal commitments, as well as time restraints. We are both very busy, and although we occasionally see each other it is not as frequent as we would like. Although we don’t see each other on a daily basis, when we do connect it is like we have never been apart and that is special. We serve on several boards together, and we work in neighboring counties and as a result we often collaborate on various assignments and special initiatives. Robin is my senior and comes with a variety of experience in addition to a wealth of knowledge regarding child care and child care systems. It is to this end, that she is able to make meaningful contributions and share invaluable insights that

Above is a photo of my college sweetheart, best friend, confidant and spouse and myself at the Forsyth County Country Club (A work sponsored fund raiser for my employer). Thomas and I together have built a very open, loving, and honest relationship built upon trust, and mutual respect. This did not happen overnight, it took time and most of all the essential ingredients for any successful relationship the element of listening, and reflection. Our relationship is positive because there are commonalities that we share such as desiring the best for each other (Love), hobbies, community affiliations, as well as morals and values. In an effort to maintain our positive relationship we both seek opportunities to make personal investments to improve ourselves, which in turn improves us collectively as a couple. More importantly we share the common factor of faith and hope in God that we depend on daily to help us with all of the challenges that life can bring. Not only are we husband and wife, but we are also father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, and friend to mention a few. With all of the responsibilities the aforementioned relationships impose, it becomes imperative for us to carve out special time for just the two of us in order to maintain and enhance our relationship. So as for challenges, they are numerous however we are committed to each other and seek opportunities to learn about ourselves as individuals, as well as a collective unit which helps us to be better teammates who are happily married! What makes our relationship a working partnership is TEAMWORK, we willingly acknowledge that we are a team committed to each other personally and professionally.

You Can Do It!

I am convinced even more that children develop into their best when they have supportive, loving, caregivers, and environments. When we praise children their self-confidence increases dramatically which builds their self-esteem. Even toddlers love it when you praise them, as well as school-agers. The journey of embracing life-long learning has reignighted my passion and belief that young children possess unlimited possiblities, it is our responsibility to nuture, and lovingly guides them along their journey. I chose the video clip because it captures the essence of what I believe young children are capable of. Enjoy~

Testing for Intelligence~

When considering a commitment to viewing young children holistically, I firmly believe that children should be assessed from that same vantage point. When you consider what makes a child, who are they as a person, what are their unique talents and strengths? Then you can gain a greater perspective on who they are and how they learn as an individual. It is imperative to identify their learning styles, and provide instruction that will promote learning, and retention.  I believe learning can be assessed in various ways such as demonstrating they have mastered a subject by completing a project, and or assignment that reflects their interpretation.  Children around the world are assessed in various ways, some countries use assessment tools,  some measure success based on effort, and some  measure a child’s potential on their health and physical well being.  While conducting research for this assignment I discovered PISA, The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) which is a worldwide evaluation of 15-year-old school students’ scholastic performance.   It is coordinated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), with a view to improving educational policies and outcomes.  The program is quite extensive and offers an array of strategies that school systems are using globally. For further information please review the following website.

http://www.pisa.oecd.org/pages/0,2987,en_32252351_32235731_1_1_1_1_1,00.html

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development Video~Joplin MO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KIaGlFtWDw

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

As I reflect upon the birth of my last child. I am reminded of the joys that came along with her arrival in addition to the unforseen stressors such as health complications, and the realities of genetic testing. No one can ever prepare you for the curve ball that may come after the birth of your child, especially if you had a normall pregnancy. When my infant was born she was diagnossed with a merconium plug, and also had an imature suck @ birth. There were several other complications that were present, and we had to be in the neo-natal unit for 2-weeks. During those two weeks, my newborn endured blood draws, poking, proding, as well as other procedures to test her heart, and to remove the merconium plug. The stressors of having such a rough start, and not being able to bond initially were difficult for us as her parents in addition to her being a newborn infant. There were some traumatic responses that she demonstrated as a result of her being in the NICU such as shivers, crying, and de-attachment. Those memories are probally long gone for now, however the impact of her experience will always be in my heart. There were several key stakeholders who contributed our little one's succes, and enabled us to connect with people who could intervene and help us on our journey with our new baby. We had a lactaction consultant, who was there to help support me in my efforts of breastfeeding despite the sucking challenges she had. We also had a parent coordinator who was instrumental in connecting us with the CDSA. The CDSA provided early intervention support to enusre that she was devleoping appropriately, and there to provide intervention services with physical, speech, and play therapist. They were great supporters, and as a result of their services, our daughter is the typical 2year old and developing quite nicely.

Recently, there has been several outbreaks of tornados in the mid-west. In particular Joplin, Missouri has recently been the latest victims of the mother nature's fury. When natural disasters occur, there are many people impacted, and mostly the lives of young chlidren are most disrupted. Even in times of crisis children need the experience of being children by playing, coloring, and just simply being a child. According the the NACCRRA website there are over 500 children without childcare. In an effort to minimize harm, and other stressors they are taking donations to relieve the financial restraints of child care supplies in additon to individual children's emergency needs. Items include but are not limited to the following: Childrens books, Infant/toddler/preschool clothes, toys, brib blankets, diapers, wipes, sippy bups, bottles, and infant formula. For more information on ways you can help contact : Child Care Aware of Missouri Attn: Joplin 1000 Executive Parkway Dr. Ste 103 St. Louis MO 63141
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KIaGlFtWDw

Public Health Topic: Breastfeeding

Traditonal Birth Attendant Liberia Video Clip

My Personal Birthing Experience~Traditonal birth attendants in Liberia.

Having my second child a little over a year ago was nothing like my experience when I had my 10 year old in 2000. They were two different experiences. With my first child I was in labor for 10 1/2 hours and had a c-section after the long labor. While in recovery, the nurse brought my new born to me to nurse she immediately latched on with no problems, everything was perfect. She passed all test, and she had no medical complications. However with my second child, my pregnancy presented some minor challenges, as well as the delivery. My second child had a merconium plug (intestinal blockage) which caused a few problems and required us to be in the NICU. Being there made me sensitive to the hardships families face when things go wrong during the delivery process. It can be quite scary, however through innovative technology, and a caring team of medical professionals we were able to overcome the challenges that my little one faced. My thoughts regarding birth and the impact on child development are earmarked by my personal experiences. I believe that from the beginning children need observant, caring, knowledgeable caretakers/parents who will responsive to their specific needs. I am an avid believer of early intervention because intervention is just that, intervening before delays onset. Intervention helps with the fostering of healthy development in young children. As a parent, having an awesome support system in place to help us through some of the hurdles that we experienced made it possible to lovingly guide my little one.

I choose Liberia as a place to research birthing experiences. I found interesting facts regarding the efforts that have been implemented to ensure that women and children have safe, clean deliveries in a country that is recovering from years of war. The video clip shares the birth attendant’s perspectives as trainees as well as live footage of the hands on experience that the organization provides. What I found most unique about the methodology for teaching was the use of songs and drama skits to re-enact scenarios that might occur. This is done because most of the women are illiterate; however they are able to possess the remarkable strength to be leaders in their communities as birth attendants. The video is a bit lengthy, but I am sure you will enjoy the perspective of a resilient country on the rise from war and oppression.

NAEYC CODE OF ETHICS

NAECY is known for its content rich contributions to the field of early chilhdhood education. Below are three ideals that resonate with me that are derived from the Statement of Committment:

Ideal 1 Ethical Responsibilities to Children: I-1.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.
It is imperative to possess a general knowledge base of early childhood care and education in order to make informed decisions, in addition to sharing information with families and other stakeholders. As a practitioner in the field I am ethically responsible to stay abreast to current information, new trends in the field in addition to connecting with colleagues globally through seminars and global conferencing. Also becoming a lifelong learner is crucial to the overall enhancement of my professional development as a leader in the field. Staying informed through formal continuing education in addition to training will ultimately help me to better serve young children by providing relevant content to those who directly serve families and young children.


Ideal 2 Ethical Responsibility to Parents: I-2.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base related to working effectively with families and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

In order to effectively serve and assist parents you must have a working knowledge base in order to provide them with the most current information and strategies that will assist them in making decisions regarding the well being of their children. This ideal is significant in my current work as it pertains to providing referrals to afterschool programs that are equipped to provide quality afterschool programs in addition to other school age resources.


Ideal 3 Responsibilities to Coworkers: I-3A.1—To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with co-workers.


Establishing and maintaining positive relationships that are built on respect, trust, and confidentiality are imperative for successful working relationships. In an effort to collectively collaborate on the behalf of children and families practitioners should possess a mindset of unity and focus on the overall objective of helping children and families. This ideal is relevant in my current work due to the collaboration that takes place with other agencies in our local community as well as in our region that serves a large geographical area. These collaborative efforts help ensure positive outcomes for providers as well as children and families. Confidentiality is always at the forefront when working on behalf of providers, children, and families. Operating with a keen sense of discretion will help build lasting relationships with community partners as you work together to serve your community.

Resources

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/main/about.cfm


Administration for Children and Families Headstart’s National Research Conference
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/


HighScope
http://www.highscope.org/


Children’s Defense Fund
http://www.childrensdefense.org/


Center for Child Care Workforce
http://www.ccw.org/


Council for Exceptional Children
http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home


Institute for Women’s Policy Research
http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm


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.preknow.org/


Voices for America’s Children
http://www.voices.org/


The Erikson Institute
http://www.erikson.edu/

PASSION AND MOTIVATION QUOTES~

“It was the most joyful experience; where I felt like everything within me was being called on to teach. And also it was very rewarding, it made me feel whole. It made me feel creative. And so it became my lifelong work with early childhood education and the passion to make sure that children were taught in environments and ways that truly nurtured their ability to grow and develop to their fullest ability.”

Louise Derman-Sparks
Professor Emeritus
Pacific Oak College, CA
Video: The Passion for Early Childhood



"True leaders lean from their mistakes, if they are willing to change, not just the Early Childhood Education system, but themeselves. Leaders may not lead every time or in every situation, but they can emerge at anytime."

Marcy Whitebook, Ph. D (2010, May 15)Leading for Change:Anyone, Anytime Inaugural Karen Kaye Memorial Lecture Connections For Children, Santa Monica, Califorina.

PERSONAL CHILDHOOD WEB

Week 3 blog assignment 2

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Special Quote~

Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.
                                                    Mr. George Washington Carver

One of my favorite children's books

Here is a link to one of my favorite children's books please take a moment to listen and enjoy: