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!