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.
Monday, February 24, 2014
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
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