Throughout this course I have been exposed to the international aspects of the field. By learning about the international spectrum I have become aware of my lack of knowledge that happens outside of the us, the amounts of poverty that flood the and streets here and there, and lastly it has helped me to find my personal and professional reason of why I am in the field.
I lack knowledge an in depth knowledge in the field. With this course I felt I gained a deeper understanding but on a continuous path to become a professional in the field. Both personally and professionally learning about the early childhood field internationally forces me to go above and beyond to expand what I know. I examined websites such as UNICEF who helps children internationally and locally.
Then there is the poverty levels that are not only internationally but in the county that I live in. I reside in the Inland Empire which is currently amongst the top 25 metropolitan areas with the highest level of poverty. This is an area that I have grown up in, play in, and where I call home. However our type of poverty may be much different from those living in other countries. Yet poverty can have the same effects anywhere and that is the possibility of robbing a child from what we aim so hard to promote, childhood.
Lastly this course fueled my desire for high-quality ad equity. There needs to be similar experiences and standards across the board to offer the best opportunity for all children. Our field needs well educated, knowledgeable, and competent people. This has become my goal. To do good for all.
My goal for the field and international awareness is for us to continue to work together and collaborate together to do what we can for all children to be offered a chance at breaking cycles, being well taken care of, and getting an education. I have learned our field requires much more of us.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Getting to Know your International Contacts Pt. 3
For this weeks assignment I once again needed to use the alternative option and glad I was able too. I visited the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Education website (WWW.UNESCO.org). This website is new to me and full of information and additional links for further related information regarding other countries.
The related information provided discussed the efforts made in other countries regarding quality, resources/funding, and expansion of programs. Since there is no universal set criteria in regards to teacher quality at sites and centers the main focus is looking at the child hollistically which is not a phrase we hear often. Also with so much of a focus on prepping children for formal schooling the hollistic approach can be easily forgotten. With this a possiblity it is crucial to have active involvement from the parents, the community and through play. Each one of these makes the services being provided revelant.
Funding is not only a proble. In the United States but in other cointries as well. Funding is typically made more available for the children with the means. However, because "state" funding is typically smaller those children that are disadvantaged are often left with the scraps of programs. With the use of non-profit and for profit centers can be beneficial because they will.provide the funds needed. Yet, private funds have to also make sure that disadvantaged children are being serviced as well.
Lastly, the website discussed the access and equity which is the balance of children and funds. Most disadvantaged children again are being left with the mediocre programs while those who have the means and funds are receiving the better services.
Equity goes beyond the United States and is a trend in other countries as well. Funds play a big part as well as governments.
The related information provided discussed the efforts made in other countries regarding quality, resources/funding, and expansion of programs. Since there is no universal set criteria in regards to teacher quality at sites and centers the main focus is looking at the child hollistically which is not a phrase we hear often. Also with so much of a focus on prepping children for formal schooling the hollistic approach can be easily forgotten. With this a possiblity it is crucial to have active involvement from the parents, the community and through play. Each one of these makes the services being provided revelant.
Funding is not only a proble. In the United States but in other cointries as well. Funding is typically made more available for the children with the means. However, because "state" funding is typically smaller those children that are disadvantaged are often left with the scraps of programs. With the use of non-profit and for profit centers can be beneficial because they will.provide the funds needed. Yet, private funds have to also make sure that disadvantaged children are being serviced as well.
Lastly, the website discussed the access and equity which is the balance of children and funds. Most disadvantaged children again are being left with the mediocre programs while those who have the means and funds are receiving the better services.
Equity goes beyond the United States and is a trend in other countries as well. Funds play a big part as well as governments.
Sharing Web Resources
When exploring most early childhood websites there are multiple links sending you to other possible resources. This seems to be different with the National Black Child Development center. The NBCDI provides a lit of in house sources. When visiting the resource link one is provided with other publication that are from the institute.
Though I was not sent to other resource websites I was provided with publication both in house and from other sources. Publication were not just about education but also discussed health, classroom engagement and supporting and helping African American Males.
The NBCDI looks at the African American child as a she and looks for ways to promote health and education for both the families and children. Lastly I was happy to see that they have posted the date for their next annual conference. This has gone on my to-do list.
Though I was not sent to other resource websites I was provided with publication both in house and from other sources. Publication were not just about education but also discussed health, classroom engagement and supporting and helping African American Males.
The NBCDI looks at the African American child as a she and looks for ways to promote health and education for both the families and children. Lastly I was happy to see that they have posted the date for their next annual conference. This has gone on my to-do list.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Alternative: Getting to Know Your International Contacts Part 2
Early at the start of this course we were asked to establish contact with an international professional in the Early Childhood field. However, I have been unable to make this happen and have decided to use the alternative route to obtain international information. This weekI read and rereviewed Harvard University's "Global Children's Initiative" website ( http://developing child.Harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/).
This website touches on all the areas that we have talked about in the recent weeks regarding the scientific approach, economical approach and political approach. This is not just a local step but is on a global level. I found the difference is the types of environment and the risk factors that the children and women face. Then three main areas that bare being focused on is early childhood development, child mental health, and children in crisisand conflict situations. Also, Harvard is working with other policy makers around the world to conduct research and learn how to better serve pregnant women, children, and adolescents.
This website has shown me that early childhood is important around the globe. It also makes me ask the question if I want to be the ones who create the policies or become part of the solution.
This website touches on all the areas that we have talked about in the recent weeks regarding the scientific approach, economical approach and political approach. This is not just a local step but is on a global level. I found the difference is the types of environment and the risk factors that the children and women face. Then three main areas that bare being focused on is early childhood development, child mental health, and children in crisisand conflict situations. Also, Harvard is working with other policy makers around the world to conduct research and learn how to better serve pregnant women, children, and adolescents.
This website has shown me that early childhood is important around the globe. It also makes me ask the question if I want to be the ones who create the policies or become part of the solution.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Sharing Web Resources: National Black Child Development Institute
Over these last few weeks I have been exposing myself to the NBCDI website. This website is full of information of the programs and services that the organization provides for predominately Black children and their families.
A resource tool, located on their website, that stood out to me was Being Black Is Not A Risk Factor: A Strengths-Based Look at the State of the Black Child. This publication is used to challenge the thoughts and ideas about the prevailing and overemphasized limitations of Black children.
I found the publication one that would be a great resource for early childhood educators and other professionals in the field. Topics that are covered range from a positive outlook on black children and their families, enhancing academic outcomes for black children and youth, and quality programs to starting smart from the start, standardized test, and supporting education from birth. I found these topics and publication made the wheels turn a bit more for me. As a black women and a mother of two young black boys I want them to have the same chance and opportunities as other children and to be looked at for what skills and knowledge they do have and what they have learned instead of being treated based on the ideas and stereotypes of their possible limitations because they are Black. Also, another positive of this publication is the strengths based approach. This is good practice for all people regardless of your profession. Approaching a person with their strengths and helping them to build upon their challenges creates an inviting and welcoming relationship.
In 2014 I would like to think that racism and classism is an idea of the past and that we are moving forward in our thinking. However, this publication provides evidence that that is not the case at all. When we are still reading about equality, quality, and effective programs for all children regardless of their race, gender, and class we are not as progressive as I would like to think. I would recommend this publication to everyone especially those who are not exposed to many other cultures and races. I think with reading this publication one may notice their own personal and professional biases within the early childhood education field.
If you would like to read this publication it can be found and downloaded for free at: http://www.nbcdi.org/resource
A resource tool, located on their website, that stood out to me was Being Black Is Not A Risk Factor: A Strengths-Based Look at the State of the Black Child. This publication is used to challenge the thoughts and ideas about the prevailing and overemphasized limitations of Black children.
I found the publication one that would be a great resource for early childhood educators and other professionals in the field. Topics that are covered range from a positive outlook on black children and their families, enhancing academic outcomes for black children and youth, and quality programs to starting smart from the start, standardized test, and supporting education from birth. I found these topics and publication made the wheels turn a bit more for me. As a black women and a mother of two young black boys I want them to have the same chance and opportunities as other children and to be looked at for what skills and knowledge they do have and what they have learned instead of being treated based on the ideas and stereotypes of their possible limitations because they are Black. Also, another positive of this publication is the strengths based approach. This is good practice for all people regardless of your profession. Approaching a person with their strengths and helping them to build upon their challenges creates an inviting and welcoming relationship.
In 2014 I would like to think that racism and classism is an idea of the past and that we are moving forward in our thinking. However, this publication provides evidence that that is not the case at all. When we are still reading about equality, quality, and effective programs for all children regardless of their race, gender, and class we are not as progressive as I would like to think. I would recommend this publication to everyone especially those who are not exposed to many other cultures and races. I think with reading this publication one may notice their own personal and professional biases within the early childhood education field.
If you would like to read this publication it can be found and downloaded for free at: http://www.nbcdi.org/resource
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Getting to Know Your International Contacts: UNICEF and Haiti
Sadly, I have still been unable to establish contact with a ECE professional outside of the United States. However, I decided to use the UNICEF website to learn about poverty in a country I am interested in and that was Haiti.
Even before the big earthquake in Haiti, poverty was already at a high. Over 40% of the population is made up of children and youth under the age of 18. Due to the poverty levels and malnutrition an estimated 1in 6 children under the age of 5 with die.
Malnutrition is just one of the challenges that the children and youth in Haiti face. Children and youth are exposed to violence, child sex trafficking , abuse and homelessness.
Due to the cost of education being high and most families unable to afford it only half child attend primary school and even less children attend secondary school. Because of the lack of education only about half of the adult population is literate. However, with the efforts of UNICEF andntje "Back to School Campaign" in 201170% of the children ages 6-18 are attending school and it has ensured education for 903,000 children.
Reading about poverty in Haiti makes my heart sad. These children are not getting a chance to be children. They are working as servants or looking over their shoulder for their own protection and safety. I found the type of poverty in Haiti almost as foreign as the country is to me. No child should have to live that way. Living in an environment lime that does not allow the child to reach their full.potential. also with only half the popation literate how can they progress? The help of UNICEF and other organization will help make a difference but it takes more than the outside working in. Work has to be done from the inside out.
Resource: www.unicef.org
Even before the big earthquake in Haiti, poverty was already at a high. Over 40% of the population is made up of children and youth under the age of 18. Due to the poverty levels and malnutrition an estimated 1in 6 children under the age of 5 with die.
Malnutrition is just one of the challenges that the children and youth in Haiti face. Children and youth are exposed to violence, child sex trafficking , abuse and homelessness.
Due to the cost of education being high and most families unable to afford it only half child attend primary school and even less children attend secondary school. Because of the lack of education only about half of the adult population is literate. However, with the efforts of UNICEF andntje "Back to School Campaign" in 201170% of the children ages 6-18 are attending school and it has ensured education for 903,000 children.
Reading about poverty in Haiti makes my heart sad. These children are not getting a chance to be children. They are working as servants or looking over their shoulder for their own protection and safety. I found the type of poverty in Haiti almost as foreign as the country is to me. No child should have to live that way. Living in an environment lime that does not allow the child to reach their full.potential. also with only half the popation literate how can they progress? The help of UNICEF and other organization will help make a difference but it takes more than the outside working in. Work has to be done from the inside out.
Resource: www.unicef.org
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Sharing Web Resources
National Black Child Development Institute ( www.nbcdi.org) is the organization that I have chosen to learn more about and add to my list of resources. This organization has been around for over 40 years but this is the first time I have learned of it and it has certainly peaked my interest.
The NBCDI is dedicated to the success and well-being of Black children birth through age eight. They work with not only the children but the families as well with the use of community-based, organizations, school systems and Head Start to name a few. Also, the NBCDI provides an effective voice to issues related to children of color in the education system, care, and health of both children and their families.
There are three questions that help to shape the institutes public policy agenda:
The NBCDI is dedicated to the success and well-being of Black children birth through age eight. They work with not only the children but the families as well with the use of community-based, organizations, school systems and Head Start to name a few. Also, the NBCDI provides an effective voice to issues related to children of color in the education system, care, and health of both children and their families.
There are three questions that help to shape the institutes public policy agenda:
1) Is this good for Black children and their families?
2) If yes, how can we support it?
3) If not, how can we make it better?
NBCDI uses these questions to help achieve their mission and to improve the quality of life for Black children and families. Their priority areas are as follows:
1) Empowering Parents, Engaging Communities
2) Improving Childcare and Teacher Quality
3) Ensuring Funding and Resource Equity
Though the NBCDI is geared primarily to working with Black children and their families there goals are aligned with what we have learned this week in regards to changing demographics and diversity. Essentially African Americans were considered to be the minority. However, they are now shifting to the majority. In order to provide quality childcare and education, teachers will need to be knowledgeable and ready for the changes. Quality childcare in the early years is dependent upon the teachers, the programs, understanding the current issues and the willingness to make changes to create better avenues in the early childhood field.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
E-stablishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources
For the start of this new course, Issues and Trends in Early Childhood, we were asked to establish contact with two professionals in the field outside of the United States. However, due to the high demands at work as we prepare for our upcoming federal review I was unable to do this step. I have chosen to forgo using the alternative assignment and work diligently on establishing contact this week. The second part of this blog assignment was amongst my favorite. We were given the chance to explore a different organization that we will become familiar with and learn something new about each week.
I chose to look into the National Black Child Developmental Institute. There were a few reasons that I chose this organization. The first reason was because I myself am a mother of two young Black boys and secondly because their goal is to improve life circumstances and develop Healthy black children . As not only a mother but an educator too I do not want my sons to be part of the statistic and the NBCDI is on a mission to make that change. The NBCDI has worked with black children and their families for the last 40 years providing parenting skills, knowledge and engaging in issues that directly impact Black children and their families.
I chose to look into the National Black Child Developmental Institute. There were a few reasons that I chose this organization. The first reason was because I myself am a mother of two young Black boys and secondly because their goal is to improve life circumstances and develop Healthy black children . As not only a mother but an educator too I do not want my sons to be part of the statistic and the NBCDI is on a mission to make that change. The NBCDI has worked with black children and their families for the last 40 years providing parenting skills, knowledge and engaging in issues that directly impact Black children and their families.
Their mission "to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and their families through education and advocacy".
I am very much looking forward to learning more about this organization and to see how their efforts have helped to change the lives of the children and families that they work with. Stay tuned as I will be sharing what I have learned a little each week.
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