Week 5: Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part 2

I am still waiting on a response from the 2 early childhood professionals that I chose to contact during the first week of the course. I listened to a podcast featuring Susan Lyon. She is a teacher who founded the Innovative Teacher Project. This project is a network of schools. Public and private schools participate in different projects to explore how children understand the world.

I visited the "Global Children's Initiative" website. The Global Children's Initiative has constructed activities that relate to early childhood education in (3) domains:

• Early Childhood Development
• Child Mental Health
• Children and Crisis

It is essential for this organization to focus on these 3 domains. They play a vital role in the future developing child. If professionals don't address the 3 domains listed above with effective tools and resources, learning outcomes in the educational setting will be negatively affected in each child.
After visiting this website/organization, I've gained 3 new ideas.
1. Early childhood development is most effective when parents, teachers and the children spend time playing, reading, and learning other skills together.
2. Children need unconditional love from everyone including supportive and encouraging teachers. This will lead to more self confidence and improved mental health in children.
3. Children of all ages experience a wide range of crisis such as abuse, domestic problems, family problems and substance abuse. Providing counseling services and prevention programs can help children reach giant milestones.

All children will not have access to the same services, but professionals, families and other organizations can make a difference in the life of at least 1 child. This is equity and excellence at the minimum level!

Sharing Web Resources

The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies is changing its name to ChildCare Aware of America. The name change seems more relevant to my professional development. This website explains that a well-trained child care workforce is needed to meet increasing demands. This organization is dedicated to supporting prospective and current child care providers. The NACCRRA has partnerships, programs, and resources that are designed to help child care providers learn more about how to start a childcare business, sustain their childcare business, keep informed on current legislation and policies affecting young children, continue professional development and have access to hundreds of fun, learning activities to do with children in their care. One idea on this website has made me think about issues in new ways. The NACCRRA is leading the first-ever nationwide initiative to prepare childcare programs for disasters. To help ensure the safety of children, NACCRRA offers resources that childcare providers can use in planning for and recovering from any catastrophe that strikes.There are a number of budget bills pending in Congress that could affect child care funding. Parents need child care in order to work, making child care critical to the economy. It is important for parents and providers to inform their Members of Congress know that child care funding is critical in communities.

Getting to Know My International Contacts

Earlier in the course, I chose to contact 2 early childhood professionals outside of the U.S. However, I have not received a response from either of them. I am currently proceeding with the podcast that features early childhood professionals. Delfena Mitchell is the director of the Liberty Children's Home on the outskirts of Belize. Many of the children she works with were abused, abandoned or neglected. I really appreciate her sharing her work with some very special children. According to Ms. Mitchell, a 9 year old boy named Joseph came to live in the program. He had not been able to speak for over a year because he had been abused and witnessed his sister being abused. He totally shut down. Ms. Mitchell and her staff worked with Joseph by home-schooling him. This failed. On 1 particular day, Ms. Mitchell and Joseph went horse-back riding and Joseph suddenly started speaking. He revealed to Ms. Mitchell gruesome details of his grandmother beating him with a stick. Joseph also explained how he would hide under the bed so that others would not take away his food while he was eating. Once the horse ride was over, Joseph began to shut down and stop talking again. Ms. Mitchell felt a sense of relief because progress had been made. After a combination of medication and schooling, Joseph now speaks everyday. I've gained an insight that 1 person can make a difference in the life of at least 1 child. As professionals, we should never give up on a child.

                                                                   Poverty in India
Many of India's children are affected by poverty, making their lives extremely difficult. I've learned that almost 62 million children under the age of 5 are malnourished and 34% of newborns are significantly underweight. Unfortunately poverty is a vicious cycle of disadvantages that begins at birth, continues through childhood to motherhood. It is then transferred to the next generation. As a professional, I can't save the world, but I will make donations that will improve the life of 1 or more children. The issue of poverty will victimize many in the future years, but millions of caring people can afford to help in some way!

References
http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/

Week 2: Sharing Resources

I selected The National Association of ChildCare Resources and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). The link to this international website is http://www.naccrra.org/.

This organization focuses on promoting national policies and partnerships to advance the development and learning of all children and to provide vision, leadership, and support to community childcare resources & referrals. The current issue from this website that has caught my attention is related to childhood obesity. First Lady Michelle Obama has made several announcements of "Let's Move! Childcare (LMCC). As a result, almost 2,000 participants have registered online and joined the fight against childhood obesity. The members have committed to increasing physical activity and healthy eating habits in children. This will promote healthy environments for children in early care and education settings. The NACCRRA has developed a series of webinars highlighting some of the goals.

I've learned that I can do more to help fight childhood obesity. This website has increased my awareness about child-health related issues. I plan to join the existing 1800 members in the Let's Move event. Another way to help is to set an example. If we want our children to eat right and be more active, we have to do more than just talk about it. We have to do it ourselves. The parents, teachers and childcare providers have the biggest influence on the children. The children will imitate what we say and do. As a result they will pass these same habits on to their own children. EVERYONE GET READY, GET TOGETHER & LET'S MOVE WITH THE NACCRRA!

EDUC 6162 --Week 1 Blog Assignment

PART 1: ESTABLISHING PROFESSIONAL CONTACTS

During my journey of becoming an early childhood educator, I am excited and curious to expand my knowledge about child development or any child related issue by contacting 2 early childhood professionals. There is a wealth of resources available in helping me to make my choice. I was able to use The Global Alliance of NAEYC link to conduct my search on the professionals.
1. I am interested in conversing with Blesilda Rios. She is a representative for "The Center for Early Childhood Care & Development." This organization is based in the Philippines (OMEP Philippines National Committee).
2. I am also attempting to communicate with Jane Lim. She represents  "The Association For Early Childhood Educators." This is based in Singapore (OMEP-Singapore).

PART 2: EXPANDING RESOURCES

I feel very eager to explore the naccrra (The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies). This organization/website is a great advocate for child care. I am planning to operate a home-based daycare center that will eventually grow into a center-based childcare facility. This website will increase my awareness of current childcare issues.