Thank you to my colleagues in 6165

I would like to thank all of my colleagues and Professor for your words of encouragement and insights as we went through this journey in EDUC 6165:Communicating and Collaborating in the Early Childhood Field. This class was very rewarding and enlightening I really enjoyed this class and look forward to continuing this journey. I wish all much continued success.

BLOG WEEK 6

This week we read about the five stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Consider the adjourning phase for several of the groups in which you have been involved. Think about which aspects of the groups made for the hardest good-bye. Are high-performing groups hardest to leave? Groups with the clearest established norms? Which of the groups that you participated in was hardest to leave? Why? What sorts of closing rituals have you experienced or wish you had experienced? How do you imagine that you will adjourn from the group of colleagues you have formed while working on your master's degree in this program? Why is adjourning an essential stage of teamwork?

During the adjourning stage which the project has come to an end. I think the group of the reunion committee in which I was a part of the planning was the hardest goodbye. I believe this was due to many of the people who were on the committee we had not seen each other for twenty years and we had a good time talking about high school years and the fun we had . I believe high performing groups are difficult to leave especially when you have accomplished something great with this group and you have a feeling of success, proud of what the group has completed. We all felt that the 20 yr. reunion was a success.

Groups with the clearest established norms is considered the usual way of doing things. In groups that I have been a part of the norm has been a gradual process as you move along and everyone knew their specific roles the process moves more smoothly. The group that I was in that was the hardest to leave was he committee of the class reunion. We had all grown close and made reconnections. We made a joke that collectively we hadn’t talked that much in high school maybe here and there but reconnecting brought back old memories. We all just shared and talked about different events and highlights of our high school years. We had a talent show and someone brought a copy of the talent show we actually showed it during our goodbye breakfast.

Closing rituals I wished we had created were when we had our goodbye breakfast I wished we all could have established that we would meet at least once a year so that we would stay connected going forward and continue to work on the reunion year for the 25^th or 30^th year reunion, that way we could continue the reunion process. I believe I will adjourn from my colleagues from experience here at Walden University by continuing to stay connected with them after this journey.

I have enjoyed colleague’s feedback and encouragement. I have met some great colleagues and love the fact that they do not mind sharing ideas, information and experiences. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork due to it shows that you have bonded and made connections with people you have managed to complete a task with. It shows that you all were in the mindset for a common goal and were able to move forward through possible failures and mishaps.

 

Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

In this week’s blog assignment we had to think about any disagreements, or conflicts, we had recently experienced or are currently experiencing at work with a supervisor or colleague, or someone in our personal life. Share at least two strategies you have learned about that might help you manage or resolve the conflict more productively, and why these strategies might be effective. For example, could you suggest a compromise? Could you look for a broader range of solutions to your disagreement? Could you use some of the principles of nonviolent communication or the 3 R's to better help you resolve this conflict.

In thinking about disagreements or conflicts I have recently experienced at work recently we were all told that we had to bid for a schedule there were eighteen schedules to choose and we were told that the schedule’s we bid the schedule that was determined for us would be based on our ranking with the company and performance. We were given a deadline to bid and would know by the end of the month which schedule we were given. When we each got our schedules it was clear that what we were previously informed of was not the case at all, because some people got the schedule at least close to what they wanted and others got shifts that were clearly not based on their performance or ranking.

 Some people were definitely shown some sort of favoritism. Some people have chosen to separate themselves from the situation all together when our schedules take affect the end of the month allowing for themselves not to cause conflict with their managers. I understand that separating oneself from situations is a way to end a conflict which may not allow for a clear win or lose for either parties involved.

I myself would suggest a compromise of sorts allowing for people who were newly hired to have to take the shifts that had later start times versus the people who have tenure with the company to have the shifts of early morning times. I believe by this type of compromising both parties are being satisfied, allowing a win-win and not lose-lose. I know that this would be a cooperative strategy as well where both parties will benefit. The morale of the office would increase and people would be excited about coming to work and being productive.

In relation to being more effective in communication efforts what do you believe are ways to effectively handle conflict resolution skills in work environments?

 

Communication Week 4

For our blog this week, we had to think about the similarities and differences between how you evaluated yourself as a communicator and how others evaluated you. What is the one thing that surprised you the most? Why? What other insights about communication did you gain this week? Choose at least two to share with others through your blog and consider how each might inform your professional work and personal life.

In communicating what surprised me was how I evaluated myself in how I have some anxiety in communicating that influences others. I thought I would have great communication with influencing others. I was very surprised because I always felt that I had great influence and able to steer others in positive directions. In discussions with the class other insights I gained were that in making judgments by viewing a picture of someone we tend make more judgments than if we meet them face to face. We obtain more information by communicating with the person verbally. We should definitely not put as much depth and scope based on a picture of someone answering general questions.

I believe going forward in my professional and personal life. I know that speaking publicly is one of main goals that I need to improve. Listening is one of my greatest assets. I have always been a great listener and being sensitive to ones issues. I have also learned that in being able to communicate it is necessary I am mindful in how I gain the ability to become more of an influence especially in the education sector.

COMMUNICATION STYLES

In this week's blog assignment we were asked the question “Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

Based on what you have learned this week share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.

I find myself communicating with colleagues at work in which I keep communication about the job sometimes sharing family life but always being professional. I think it is important to be professional but socialize in respectful and professional ways. I could communicate more effectively with my colleagues by striking up conversations with others from different departments finding out more about what they do in their particular department. I also believe that being other-oriented will help me at my employer as well staying motivated to develop positive relationships with others who are different from me will help with communicating in intercultural competent ways.   

I also communicate differently with elderly people whom I come in contact with especially in my line of work. I have to be an active listener. Some tend to stereotype towards our elderly, making the assumption that they are all slow and not sharp as they are.  I believe strategies such as eye contact, a hug for comfort helps with communicating letting them feel reassured and that you understand them. I recognize that establishing rapport gives them a sense of comfort you want to be kind and understanding. You also have to be patient knowing that they may need an extra amount of time. In communicating verbally know that you may need to talk slow and pronounce words slowly and accurately. I understand as well that due to their experiences of cultural and historical events they will view life differently. Evidence has shown that we hold stereotypical views of others in reference to their perceived ages (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond, 2011).

References:

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 4, "Interpersonal Communication and Diversity: Adapting to Others" (pp. 85–114)

 

COMMUNICATION

This week’s blog assignment we had to watch a television show with the volume turned off and then watch it with the volume up. The show I decided to watch is a relatively new show called “Instant Mom” on Nickelodeon that my daughter watches. It is a show about a newly married couple where the father had three children from a previous marriage and he and his new wife have primary custody of the children. The relationships of the characters on the show are a family learning to blend their family with their new step-mom and her mom.  

They are expressing nonverbal behavior such as smiling, hugs, shoulder shrugging. They are also showing frowns at times as well mostly from the parents. I assumed they were not a loving family and were going to show how disruptive the children were and did not like the step-mom. I also assumed the children did not like their new step-mom. This show was truly a relatable show to our culture today it showed how the children were very well mannered towards their step-mom she is a few years younger than the dad she is more “hip” than the dad, she knows the latest slang and styles. I would say my assumptions of a show I know, would be more correct because it’s a show that I have seen and know the characters, how their personalities are shown and what they are typical of doing on the particular show.   

In learning about communication from this experience in watching this show I saw how communication is very much a necessity when you are a parent, adult, child, educator, etc. Children should learn how to communicate especially from their parents, families, and teachers. It is extremely important that they are taught this from a young age and are continued to be nurtured on how to communicate as they grow into adulthood.

Someone who demonstrates competent communication within a particular context:

In this week's blog assignment we have to select someone who we think (e.g., family member, celebrity, politician, friend, or professor) who demonstrates competent communication within a particular context. What behaviors does this person exhibit that make him or her effective? Would you want to model some of your own communication behaviors after this person? Why or why not?

The person who I have chosen who demonstrates competent communication within a particular context is Steve Harvey. I listen to him on his radio show every morning when I am driving to work. He is a comedian who really communicates and connects with his audience. He shows you how to communicate within your relationships with people by listening and being attentive. He advises you on how to be able to communicate you have to be able to have dialogue and willing to listen. I would want to model some of my own communication behaviors after him in that I want to be able to grasp your attention and keep your attention.

I want to be a communicator who is confident and not afraid to be who I am and not waiver from my personality. He shows his true self by being genuine, expressing himself with class, tact and poise. He expresses to his audience that you have to be true to yourself and not try and put on any heirs.

Professional Hopes and Goals

In this weeks blog we must reflect on professional hopes and goals.

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds.

 I want to ensure that I am respectful of all cultures. I want to ensure I am being understanding and accepting the idea that there are different ways to be human. I accept that I have to juggle my own culture, culture of the early childhood program, and the cultures of the families. My goal is have my work with them be powerful and meaningful.

One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is that I want to be able to continue to be open when it comes to understanding these issues further identifying ways to cultivate diversity, equity and social justice.

I would like to thank all of my classmates for sharing their knowledge and insights. I am grateful for all information that I have been given by my classmates and Professor. I think throughout this journey I have truly gained a great amount of information and learned so much. Thanks for sharing everyone and much success to all see you in the next course

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Country of Origin “South Africa”

Five ways to be culturally responsive to this family:

One of the first things I would do is learn what language they spoke communicating with this new family will be very important. I would research information about their language and reach out to maybe a local university, church organizations, and non-profits who possibly work with immigrant families, as well as they can possibly assist with interpreting. I would also reach out to social services to see what assistance is possibly available for this family. It is necessary to obtain resources they may need to help them settle into the United States.

I would find out about their culture as it relates to education. I would research to see what their education system if there was any, and what it consisted of also what ways I can relate any education to the United States. I would see what resources I could obtain that were in close relation to what their child was possible accustomed to. I would search information on what their values from their native land that they may incorporate in their home and life in general. It’s important to study their values and see what their values may be in relation to the United States. I would also like to understand the role of the children and build upon what they may feel is necessary for their child.  

Benefits to help both me and the families:

I would hope these preparations would allow me to know that this family would know they are supported and have a great professional who cares about their well-being as well as their child, one who is looking out for the best interest of their child. I would hope preparing has made the transition for them a comfortable experience. I think by ensuring they receive needed resources, housing, food, and items needed for survival. If the child is in an environment they are able to conform to they are allowed to continue to be exposed to things from their culture in the classroom this will allow for a smooth transition as well.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

In this week’s blog assignment we had to explore the personal side of bias, prejudice and oppression:

What memory do you have of an incident when you experiences bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/ or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

I can remember a show called “A Different World” which was about a predominantly African American college in Virginia. This show I can remember dealt with racial issues from many aspects. There was one episode which dealt with racial biases with students at a college football game. There were two students who went to the football game of a rival school of theirs. When the students came out of the game their car had been spray painted with a racial slur. When they confronted the Caucasian students who they felt had spray painted the car they were faced with name calling and racial slurs, as well as physical altercation. They were all arrested and while they were locked up together there was one kid who had been the perpetrator who knew what they did was wrong and apologized for the incident. They were all released and were forced to work together doing community service work.  

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

The students that were Caucasian were judging the African American students on the color of their skin and not knowing anything about them or their characters.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

This incident brought up feelings of sadness, anger, and shame. Even though this was on television this is reality for some of us who are African American, who experience this type of prejudiced on a regular basis in different forms and environments.

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

The mindset of people thinking that because we are of different races, that we should be treated differently because of the color of our skin. In order for us all to move forward we need to not stereotype or have preconceived notions of people of other races. I believe especially in early childhood education that we need to ensure that we are not influencing children to be prejudice. The unfortunate is that if they are being taught this at home there will be conflicts in the school setting.  

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

In this week’s blog assignment we had to describe at least one example of a microaggression in which you detected this week or remember from another time in what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of microaggression.

The microaggression I remember from another time happened to a co-worker named Nancy who was Caucasian who had applied to a position that had become available but did not get the job. Another co-worker named Daisy who was Hispanic got the position. I heard Nancy tell someone else she did not understand why she did not get the position she felt she was well qualified and that Daisy did not speak clear and fluent English and did not understand how she got the job. I felt very embarrassed and ashamed that Nancy would say such a comment. Nancy was blatantly using racial microaggression.

In my observation experiences the effects of discrimination prejudices and stereotypes my perception is that they all can affect people in different ways. Some people are able to shrug and brush off ignorance, but often this type of suffering can allow you to develop self-esteem issues, depression, and isolation from people. In early childhood education it is important when dealing with families and children you need to be careful in how you address others, and are sensitive to their needs ensuring you are being professional at all times.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

In this week’s blog discussion we had to reach out to three friends, acquaintances colleagues and ask them their definition of culture and diversity.

 

The first person I reached out to was a friend of mine who I have known for about twelve years now. Her name is Robin her definition of culture was that she believed culture to be your upbringing and how you were raised in your family. She was raised in a Methodist church. She grew up in a very religious family who their faith was what they truly believed and what kept them together as a family. Her definition of diversity was that she believed diversity to be how we are all different and have our own each individual uniqueness.

The next person I reached out too was a colleague named Steven who I work with who is of Hispanic descent. He advised his definition of culture was the embodiment of his surroundings. He grew up in the Catholic faith. He remembers as a child how they would go to mass as a family. He believed as a child that all families did things together as one and continued this through his life. Growing up they would always have huge family meals and shared stories. There was always time for family and being together. His definition of diversity is that we are all of different races, gender, and ages.

 

The last person whom I asked was my good friend Kim who I have known for over twenty years. She defined culture as your beliefs from your upbringing. She grew up in the Baptist religion. She remembers as a child how the church was the family to them they called each other sisters and brothers and truly believed they were all related. Her definition of diversity is the variety of differences that we all are in this world.

 

In the answers received from the people whom I reached out too they all have some form of deep culture in their lives. For example when it came to religion they all expressed how their religion played a big aspect in their lives not just with the surface culture of the religion. Their extended family relationships and values. I would have to say some omissions of culture and diversity are. I do not believe there was any omission of any culture or diversity studies we have covered thus far. In gathering definitions from others about culture and diversity what they felt the definition of culture and diversity to be, I learned that we all have basically the same analysis that it’s about your family upbringing and how we are all different.    

 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

In this week’s blog discussion we had to reach out to three friends, acquaintances colleagues and ask them their definition of culture and diversity.

 

The first person I reached out to was a friend of mine who I have known for about twelve years now. Her name is Robin her definition of culture was that she believed culture to be your upbringing and how you were raised in your family. She was raised in a Methodist church. She grew up in a very religious family who their faith was what they truly believed and what kept them together as a family. Her definition of diversity was that she believed diversity to be how we are all different and have our own each individual uniqueness.

The next person I reached out too was a colleague named Steven who I work with who is of Hispanic descent. He advised his definition of culture was the embodiment of his surroundings. He grew up in the Catholic faith. He remembers as a child how they would go to mass as a family. He believed as a child that all families did things together as one and continued this through his life. Growing up they would always have huge family meals and shared stories. There was always time for family and being together. His definition of diversity is that we are all of different races, gender, and ages.

 

The last person whom I asked was my good friend Kim who I have known for over twenty years. She defined culture as your beliefs from your upbringing. She grew up in the Baptist religion. She remembers as a child how the church was the family to them they called each other sisters and brothers and truly believed they were all related. Her definition of diversity is the variety of differences that we all are in this world.

 

In the answers received from the people whom I reached out too they all have some form of deep culture in their lives. For example when it came to religion they all expressed how their religion played a big aspect in their lives not just with the surface culture of the religion. Their extended family relationships and values. I would have to say some omissions of culture and diversity are. I do not believe there was any omission of any culture or diversity studies we have covered thus far. In gathering definitions from others about culture and diversity what they felt the definition of culture and diversity to be, I learned that we all have basically the same analysis that it’s about your family upbringing and how we are all different.    

 

My Family Culture

In this week's class we had to imagine that a major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of our country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your family culture.

I would choose to take a copy of my birth certificate, family portrait, my dog Quincy.  These items are what I would take due these items are what I would believe to be of importance. I would describe my birth certificate is something that I hold dear so that I can remember where I come from and who my parents are. My family portrait is self-explanatory it would be something for me to hold on to so that I can remember happier times, and know the life I left behind. It would reflect how are family was before we got displaced and had to relocate . My dog Quincy we would have to take him he has gotten so attached to our family and especially my husband. He is just lovable and so smart. We would be heartbroken if we could not take him.

 

If when we got there we had to give up an item I would have to give up the family portrait. This would make me feel sort of empty this was a memento that was cherished and was what we had of our previous life besides the memories we made as a family. I learned that this exercise made me think about my life in general how if this was to happen it would make me realize how the small things do not matter. I know that only being able to take one change of clothes makes me think about those people who have had devastation happen to them and they have nothing at all their lives changed instantly and were not able to decide what items to take and clothes to choose.  

When I Think of Research........

This week we are to discuss and reflect on what we have learned and what we think of research.

 What Insights have you gained about research from taking this course.

I have gained instrumental information in knowing that you need to research what interests you and the purpose of the research you want to work hard within the expectations of the design you have chosen.

In the early childhood professional when conducting research on children you need to know that children are able to provide an abundance of data about their own experience and education. I have also come to the realization that there are challenges with interviewing children such as creating activities in which children may not find of interest building a rapport or relationship with the children before you interview them.

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

I know that research should be taken very seriously and can be time consuming, if you want to get a thorough research. I recognize that as a professional in early childhood that it is my responsibility to ensure that research is done for the good of children, parents and the early childhood profession, not for financial reasons but for children and families.

What lessons about planning designing and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

In planning the research you want to ensure you are gathering good ideas. I know what is to be researched and how, when, and where the research is to take place. Who will the participates be, the data to be gathered and how I will analyze the data. The design of the research has options and choices. In the process of the design you need to seek balance in the broad topic studied, the original ideas that shape the investigation of the research and the interpretation of the initial thoughts into researchable questions.

What were some of the challenges you encountered  and in what ways did you meet them?

One challenge was developing my research question which was initially too broad. I know now that when you develop and begin your research question you want to be precise. I also realize now that in developing a research you need to focus on a general area to research and refinement of the general topic is necessary. You can break the general topic into subtopics and consider how you might address them.

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

My perceptions of early childhood professionals have been modified in that I realize the performing of research and the studying of research is very beneficial to early childhood professionals. It is our job to determine what our children need as well as parents in order for the children to succeed. If research is done for children more often that not then we will benefit children in tremendous ways. I feel as I journey through this career path I will need to become an effective researcher. Ensuring that my job as an early childhood professional is to conduct a research study that is for the good of our children.  

Research Around the World

 The international website I choose to explore and research was the "Early Childhood Australia" which is the Australian equivalent to the U.S based NAEYC. This website provided an abundance of information about early childhood in Australia. The Early Childhood Australia began in 1938, they were instrumental in establishing many early childhood groups. Their vision: "Every young child is thriving and learning." This organization   advocates for the best interests of young children and where necessary campaign for change. They develop and advocate policies on early childhood education and care. Promote increased awareness and understanding of the needs of young children and their families.

In exploring this website I found on the page a link for child.gov.au. There was information on childcare services. The Australian government offers childcare benefits in which the government helps with the cost of childcare. You have the option of receiving one annual lump sum payment or reduced child care fees throughout the year. The benefits are available if you meet requirements such as your child meets immunization requirements, you or your partner meets residency requirements, your child attends approved or registered care and you have the liability to pay for cost of your child care. The amount your received depends on your income the type of care you use, reason you are using the care and the amount of children you have in care. The following is research that has been done recently: 

Research and reports

Children and reading: A literature review

A report commissioned by the Australia Council for the Arts has been released summarizing current knowledge on children’s leisure reading. The report, written by Dianne Dickenson and Susan Barclay, identifies gaps in knowledge and looks at future research opportunities. The review was commissioned in response to the decline of children’s reading as measured by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

AEU—Equity in schools funding is best

Equity, excellence and inclusiveness in education is a new OECD report that looks at the negative effects of disadvantage for educational performance and highlights the need for equitable school funding. The Australian Education Union (AEU) has stated that the evidence from the report demonstrates that needs-based funding for schools is the best way to improve performance.

 

This website has great information on early childhood, providing several different links on early childhood as well as publications. This was a website that I would add to my collection of resources as I journey through my new career path. This site I found to be very similar to NAEYC here in the U.S.

 

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.ord.au/

 

 

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

 
In researching information that benefit children and families, I found a research study article about children's engagement in preschool and the development of self-regulation. This study was performed to examine the way children's engagement with teachers, peers, and tasks in the preschool classroom was related to their increase in self-regulation skills. Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, control behaviors, and focus attention. Increases in the children's compliance and cognitive control was due to their positive engagement with their teachers. Children's active and sustained engagement with classroom activities was connected with increases in their emotion management.

 

The mix of children's positive and pro-social engagement with teachers or peers and high task engagement or low negative classroom engagement was connected with greater gains in self-regulation. Researchers studied whether children's engagement in the classroom was connected to their development of self-regulation skills in a sample of low-income specifically Hispanic children, a group that has been greatly understudied. The total of participants were 341 children in 100 classrooms across a mass urban area of the southwestern U.S. The average age was a little less than four years old. There were fifty percent female, sixty seven percent Hispanic and the sample primarily low-income. Four children were chosen from each classroom to participate.

 

The findings showed that combinations of children's engagement with teachers, peers, and/or tasks was associated to their development of self-regulation skills. In particular positive engagement with teachers was related to increases in compliance and executive control. Researchers also discovered that children's active engagement in classroom activities was connected with increases in their emotion regulation skills. Children with positive teacher and task engagement showed increases in teacher reports of self-regulation.

 

Results showed as well that observing children's individual engagement in the preschool classroom, researchers can better understand ways to assist children in learning to focus attention manage emotions, and control behavior skills, that are important for future success in school and life. The research findings further support, the idea that children's engagement with other individuals and with classroom activities can aid development of self-regulation skills.

 

This was a great research study that was done by the Curry School of Education who is a part of The National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education (NCRECE) which is an Institute of Education Sciences (IES) funded, cross-university partnership (University of Virginia, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and University of California at Los Angeles) that focuses on conducting research, disseminating research findings, and carrying out leadership activities aimed at improving the quality of early childhood education across the United States.

http://curry.virginia.edu/research/centers/castl/project/ncrece

Personal Research Journey

I have decided to research cultural diversity due to there being so much diversity in my local area. and I know that being that there is diversity I need to be open.
Cultural diversity in the classroom is very prevalent. I believe that learning to cultivate diversity is a challenge especially if you have children from several different cultures in your classroom. I feel that cultural diversity is a topic that should have significant research.
The subtopics I have chosen are “Ways to foster cultural diversity in the classroom”, “How to approach cultural diversity amongst preschool children”, and, “The influence of family of the cultural diversity in an early childhood program”.
Personally, I chose these topics due to I am concerned with ways to foster cultural diversity in the classroom since I do not speak another language. As I begin this process of research I plan to ensure I obtain reliable, quality and factual information. I also believe that researching will assist in how to better understand and be open to different cultures. I would appreciate any insights and information my colleagues would be able to provide. I am new to this journey and feel that any and all information that I am able to obtain would be greatly appreciated.   

Consequences of Learning about the International Early Childhood Field

In learning about international early childhood field, they face many of the challenges we face here in the United States. One of the consequences that I that I found very relatable was the issue of resources. They have corporate companies working to assist them with their resources. The public and private sectors join together to work on the issues that affect the early childhood sector by researching and evaluating programs. These are also consequences that affect the United States as well. The next consequences that is prevalent is the nutrition aspect of early childhood. The need for nutrition in international early childhood is very necessary. The children in early childhood programs need proper nutrition, and it is important that it is received through the breakfast and lunch programs. These nutritious meals are needed to help children grow and develop their minds. The third consequence is the need for the early childhood profession to be taken as a sector that is respected and considered to be of high standards.

One goal for the field of international early childhood education is to be an advocate for early childhood education. Early childhood professionals recognize the importance of being an advocate and promoting advocacy. It is important to be the voice for our children.    

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

In connecting with my international contact this week I only got response from my contact in Jamaica, and she responded with these answers.

 Question 1-We are currently looking at health issues concerning our children. Recently a report was made about the progress of the new health passports that are now used by our parents/health sector. This health passport gives health details on our children from the time of birth through to adolescent. The aim of the passport is to properly inform parents and early childhood/elementary institutions about engaging in healthy practices. Resources are also a big issue for us. The National Baking Company has a fund raising activity for the early childhood institutions. Every loaf of bread sold the company donates a fraction of the sales to getting resources for the early childhood institutions. The company calls this the “Crayons Count Project. So far schools have received at least two boxes of resources from the company. Nutrition is also a big issue. I know of at least two companies in Jamaica that has adopted early childhood institutions by feeding the children, that is, the children receive breakfast and lunch from these companies.
Question 2- Unfortunately a lot is being said about early childhood in Jamaica but not much financial resources are being pumped into the field. Scholarships are being granted through the CHASE Fund for persons who want to pursue a career in early childhood. The government also gives a subsidy of $200 US per month to the practitioners. Unfortunately this is not enough because not all teachers are entitled to this subsidy because they do not have the number of students at the institution. The ratio should be 1 practitioner to 30 children yet the standards ask for 1 practitioner to 10 children in the age groups 3 to 6 years.
Question 3- My professional goals haven’t changed much. I am now more focused in achieving them. My goal is to be that voice for early childhood. In other words to advocate for quality early childhood education which encompasses trained professionals that are paid competitive wages and working conditions.
Question 4-My hope is that in the near future early childhood will receive the respect and attention it deserves. My dream is for every parent to be mandated to participate in compulsory education on early childhood development. This I believe will help with the development and sustainability of any country. The days of ignorance need to be a thing of the past. When parents are also informed it makes the practitioner work a bit easier. There are many challenges but the greatest challenge we have at this moment are resources, that is, money. We are constantly being faced with budget cuts for early childhood, which is greatly impacting on our work as early childhood professionals.

In this weeks assignments I have gained insight on how being a professional is very important in this field not that It is not important in any other profession but, Dr. Vasquez enlightened me on being a professional. In this profession we have a responsibility in this profession, this is a life investment. This profession is very important we are not just babysitters we are educators.

Sharing Web Resources

This week I explore a link to a website I have not observed the website I decided to search was the Center for Childcare Workforce there was a section of the site that was called “What’s New?”   The latest early childhood article in American Educator that discusses the value of early childhood education.   Author James Heckman writes, "The logic is quite clear from an economic standpoint. We can invest early to close disparities and prevent achievement gaps, or we can pay to remediate disparities when they are harder and more expensive to close. Either way we are going to pay. And, we'll have to do both for a while. But, there is an important difference between the two approaches. Investing early allows us to shape the future; investing later chains us to fixing the missed opportunities of the past. Controlling our destiny is more in keeping with the American spirit."

http://www.ccw.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=41

 

The ZEROTOTHREE newsletter and website had a great link to this week’s issue of study. There was an article “Developing a Statewide Network of Infant and Toddler Specialist”. The ZEROTOTHREE is the site I selected at the beginning of the course. In this week study of equity and excellence in early childhood education this article I found very informative. This article was written in a joint effort between the national Infant and Toddler Childcare Initiative (NITCCI) and the Early Head Start National Resource Center (EHSNRC) at ZEROTOTHREE. In the article there was a section titled “Quality of Infant/Toddler Childcare which stated research has made aware that high-quality early childhood development programs help low-income children obtain greater outcomes, both in school and in their communities.  Also there has been longitudinal data that shows these programs lead to an increase of early childhood students staying in school, going to college, needing less remediation, being incarcerated far less and committing fewer violent crimes than their peers who did not attend high-quality early childhood programs.

There was also a multistate study done in 1995 that infant and toddler care was generally poor to mediocre. The study used the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS), this study reported that interaction between caregivers and children were on average, mediocre (a score of 4 out of 7). Activities for infants and toddlers were not appropriate receiving a “poor” score (3 out of 7), and the average scores for health and safety were 2.5 out of 7 reflecting a “minimal quality”.   

In a reading this article I gained some insights on the Infant Toddler Specialist Network (ITSN). Research suggests early brain development and the critical importance of the early years for later development provided information that stressed the importance of quality care for infants and toddlers. Scientific and education communities have acknowledged the first three years of life as critically formative years.

The article listed steps to create an Infant/Toddler Specialist Network:

Step 1: Assess needs and rediness

Step 2: Develop a vision of the network; the scope and focus of the work

Step 3: Find and secure funding

Step 4: Select an organization to administer the ITSN

Step 5: Build an administrative structure

Step 6: Design an evaluation

Step 7: Support the network

States such as North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, Tennessee, Illinois, and Ohio have shared several influences on their developments of ITSN’s. Virginia started the process with the hope that achieving positive outcomes for children begin with providing quality experiences in the earliest years of life. New Jersey was hoping to improve the quality of early care and education by beginning with the youngest residents of the state.   

http://www.zerotothree.org/

 

 

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

In these conversations I have gained insights on how other countries view early childhood. For the most part in comparison to the U.S. these countries have deemed early childhood education very necessary and important as well as more work is needed from all aspects in order to better prepare children in early childhood programs.

In Columbia my international counterpart Laure has provided this feedback: In Colombia there has been a strong and serious work done on the subject of early childhood education from various scenarios. The Ministry of Education and some ONG’s have allocated resources, often generous, to this purpose. President Santos and his wife designed the Zero to Always Strategy, which seeks to combine the efforts of the public and private sectors, the civil society and international cooperation for Early Childhood in Colombia. The ICBF (Colombian Institute of Family Welfare) works for the prevention and comprehensive protection of infancy, childhood, adolescence and welfare of families in Colombia. Additionally, the findings in research and evaluation of programs and policies are generally very interesting.

However, it is worth noting that there are two aspects that affect the impact on the quality and equity in education that are not as expected. The first is the lack of linkage between public policy governing institutions and between them and the operators. It's a shame to see how knowledge derived from studies is hardly shared and even hardly transferred to those who are directly related to children.

The second aspect is embarrassing, by its obviousness. On childhood education research teams the presence of educators with investigative career and most importantly, with experience of working directly with children is virtually nonexistent. While other professionals such as psychologists, sociologists and anthropologists, among others are welcomed, because these studies must be interdisciplinary, it is inexplicable the absence of high-profile educators in these studies. This causes that recommendations made are as known that it is silly to say or do not say anything to children’s educators.

In these circumstances, there is a risk that equity and quality of education remain on paper.

 

My professional counterpart Judy from Jamaica has provided me with information in relation to excellence and equity which are at the forefront of professional discussions she provided information from UNICEF annual report from Jamaica. A psychosocial support has been formed in 2011, UNICEF developed partnerships with the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network to expand mobilize and enrich youth participation, and the Crisis Management Alliance was created as well. The UNICEF has supported the development of partner’s capacity through various approaches including workshops on UN/UNICEF processes technical support in specific thematic areas and local as well as international learning opportunities (UNICEF, 2011). Partners will need to understand and apply UN/UNICEF processes in order to access and use UNICEF resources and support and has been provided in the form of training workshops, one-on-one assistance and written notes of guidance, as an integral part of the programming cycle. There have been learning opportunities related to fulfilling and protecting child rights have been made available to partners through participation in conferences, seminars and workshops either locally through an organization called 5^th Caribbean Child Research and Yutex Conferences or internationally (such as the study tour to Mexico) to observe parenting programs (UNICEF, 2011). UNICEF has also used their abundantly accepted and appreciated convening role to facilitate partner –to-partner learning opportunities as well utilizing web-based training in C4D for partners involved in breast feeding promotions (UNICEF, 2011). 

From previous experience capacity development efforts must be on-going systematic relevant and readily applicable (UNICEF, 2011). Over the next two years efforts to develop programming capacity will be increasingly valuable as major changes will be made in the UNICEF programming process. In addition a collaborative effort to address equity issues and the rights of the most vulnerable children will require partners to develop more capacity in gathering and analyzing data more accurate targeting and prioritization regular monitoring and evaluation and above all a commitment to rights-based programming and human rights principles (UNICEF, 2011).  

 

http://www.unicef.org/about/annualreport/files/Jamaica_COAR_2010.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing Web Sources

Children’s Defense Fund

What specific section(s) or information seemed particularly relevant to your current professional development?

The “Take Action” section of this website has provided information on how to be an advocate it describes how you can be an advocate through email, calling elected officials, send letters to elected officials meet with friends of elected officials or write an op-ed.  I feel as I continue this journey I will become an advocate and leader in fighting for all children to receive a high quality early childhood education.

Which ideas/statements/resources, either on the website or in an e-newsletter, did you find controversial or made you think about an issue in new ways?

The programs and campaigns section of the website featured different campaigns and programs they have created. The “Cradle to Prison Pipeline” campaign made me think about how important it is to be involved, influential, and nurturing to early childhood. The statistics state that one in three black and one in six Latino boys born in 2001 are at risk of going to prison during their lifetime. The CDF’S vision with this campaign is to decrease detention and incarceration by increasing preventative supports and services. Children need access to quality early childhood development and education services, and accessible comprehensive health and mental health coverage. The “Black Community Crusade” for children is another campaign the CDF has spearheaded this campaign was organized to confront a deepening crises faced by black children and is calling America to make moves. A mix of poverty, illiteracy, racial disparity, violence and heightened incarceration is sentencing millions of children of color to dead end, powerless and hopeless lives.    

What information does the website or the e-newsletter contain that adds to your understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field?

Neuroscientists, politicians, economists support the early childhood field in that they recognize how beneficial a high quality early childhood education is very important. We must invest in high quality education for every child, livable wages for families, income supplements, job training, job development, and support childcare and health coverage.

What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain from exploring the website or e-newsletter?

In exploring this website, I know that we have a great deal still to accomplish in the early childhood field. We must advocate to end child poverty, guarantee every child and expecting woman comprehensive health, and mental health coverage and services. Protect every child from abuse, neglect and connect them to caring permanent families. Provide high quality early childhood care and development programs for all children. Ensure every child can read at grade level by fourth grade and guarantee quality education through high school graduation. Prevent jail sentences of children at younger ages and invest in prevention and early intervention.

http://www.childrensdefense.org/policy-priorities/

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

My conversation partner who I have made contact with and continue to share information is Judy Charoo who is from Jamaica she is an early childhood professional. She has provided me with a website www.eccgov.jm this is the site on Early Childhood commission in Jamaica, this site provides you with information for parents, parenting tips, parental stress, and a list of early childhood providers in the area.

There is also information on the legislation for standards for their early childhood institutions which include:

Standard 1- STAFF

All staff at an early childhood facility has to have training, knowledge, skills and attitude to help children achieve their full potential

Standard 2- PROGRAMS

Early childhood facilities have to have comprehensive programs designed to meet the language, physical, cognitive, creative socio-emotional and school readiness needs of children

Standard 3- BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

Early childhood professionals need to obtain, training, knowledge, skills and attitude to promote positive behaviors in children

Standard 4- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Early childhood institutions have to be physical environments that meet building, health, and safety requirements, and allow adequate space for children

These are few of the standards but in total there are 12 standards. In Jamaica she informed me they have an organization called Food for the Poor Jamaica. This is an organization whose mission is to link churches, civic and other charity organizations  that are in areas of need assisting both the materially poor and poor in spirit. They provide health care items such as beds, wheelchairs, surgical equipment, appliances, pharmaceuticals, and many other items to clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and infirmaries.

This organization has also started a campaign called the Food for the Poor Jamaica 50 campaign in which they are overseeing the building and upgrading of 50 basic schools in 50 months. They want to play an integral part in helping to create a renewed inspiration, vigor and hope into the mission and infrastructure of the nation’s education system. They feel the educational system should provide each pre-primary child with an opportunity to gain the best possible quality education.

She informed me that she has not encountered any poverty in her professional life.

 My other partner who I have made contact with is from Colombia her name is Laure Toulemonde, she is also an early childhood professional she provided me with information about her country as well.  She informed me that the President of Columbia created a plan to reduce poverty, and although some improvements have been done, there is still too much to do. The government’s aim is to brake the circle of poverty; being born in a poor family does not mean the child will also be poor as an adult.

An additional factor that influences poverty is war. The guerillas are attacking innocent people every day, displacing entire villages from their lands and homes, destroying schools, and many more horrific assaults. As you have probably heard, President Santos is negotiating with them in Cuba, but it is not an easy task. The guerrilla is asking for too many things, no jail and participation in politics (more power) for example, after more than 50 years of dreadful harm to the country. Santos’ position is nothing but simple right now.

In her personal experience, she has been fortunate to be on the upper side of the society, and the professional experience has been more or less among the same social class. But poverty does not escape her eyes. Every day she sees people selling candies on the buses, families begging for money or selling all kinds of products near the traffic lights and disabled and homeless people begging for charity. It is very hard to see small children begging on the streets, but unfortunately, some people do it because they are better off like that. Not all of them are really poor. After all the money other people have given them, they could have a normal life. Instead, they prefer to hide their wealth and keep begging to have even more. How can you eradicate poverty when there are people that seem to be happy to be poor?