A Note of Professional Thanks

I would like to thank all my colleagues for their support during these eight weeks.  I have really enjoyed reading you all blogs and discussion within the past weeks.  This has been a great journey for me and my knowledge from this experience has sharpened in some many aspects.  By the responses given to me during this course, it has really helped me to stay on task and to exchange vital information that was useful and needed.  Not only that, you all made me feel welcome in so many ways, especially when I didn’t understand certain parts of the assignment.  I would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Myers and the Walden University for allowing this to be possible.  

I wish everyone well as they continue their education and continue to obtain more information that will allow them to prosper in the near future with the intent that you all have set in your mind to do after your accomplishments.

Thanks again and I wish you all the best!

What I Think of Child Development…

Focus on who the child is instead of what the child does.  Amy E. Dean, Peace of Mind

What children expect from grownups is not to be ‘understood’, but only to be loved, even though this love may be expressed clumsily or in sternness. Intimacy does not exist between generations – only trust.
~Carl Zucker

Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it.  ~Harold Hulbert

“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” ~ O. Fred Donaldson (martial arts master)

"Reading aloud with children is known to be the single most important activity for building the knowledge and skills they will eventually require for learning to read."
- Marilyn Jager Adams

Self-esteem is the real magic wand that can form a child’s future. A child’s self-esteem affects every area of her existence, from friends she chooses, to how well she does academically in school, to what kind of job she gets, to even the person she chooses to marry. Stephanie Martson, The Magic of Encouragement

Resources
http://www.soundoflife.net/childhood-quotes/

http://www.quotegarden.com/children.html

http://www.childsplaymagazine.com/Quotes/index.htm

http://www.successdegrees.com/inspirationalquotesaboutearlychildhoodeducationandteaching.html

http://www.inspirationalquotes4u.com/quotesaboutchildren/index.html

Testing for Intelligence

Considering a commitment to viewing young children holistically (i.e., a commitment to “the whole child”), what, if anything, do you believe should be measured or assessed? Explain your reasoning.  I believe that if you are looking at the child as a whole, you need to look at how the child learns and what the child knows. If you understand how a child is learning and developing, it will help you better understand the child.  All children learn at a certain pace.  I have noticed a gap in learning. I have some children who act out and who will not sit for the circle time or activities. When I focus with them one on one, they are able to answer the questions and complete the project. They will respond faster and even can expand upon what they were told.

In what ways are school-age children assessed in other parts of the world? (Choose a country or region of the world for which you have a personal affinity.) In Japan an assessment for education was relied upon each members of the household according to their financial status and the household without children was also reliable.  Only the children that were six years old to about thirteen had to attend school.

What additional ideas, comments, suggestions, examples, and/or concerns related to assessing young children would you like to share with your colleagues? The concern that I have about assessment is “are they justice”.  However, when assessing children, everything needs to be a factor including culture and if that child received equal amount of education and if they are prepared to do the assignment given.

CHAPTER 1   EDUCATION DURING THE LATE EDO AND EARLY MEIJI PERIODS 2 the Educational Policy of the New Meiji Government (9) the Establishment of Elementary Schools and New Country Schools

http://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/hakusho/html/hpbz198103/hpbz198103_2_019.html

Consequences of Stress on Childhood Development

Violence is the stressor that I chose.  The reason is because my best friend parents always fought and exchanged hurtful words.  My best friend hated when her parent fought.  We lived next door to each other.  When her parents fought, they woke everyone in the neighborhood.  This was very embarrassing for my friend.  She would always share with me how she felt and I would comfort her reassuring her that everything would be alright.  This made her feel somewhat relieved even though she was depressed not knowing what would become of her parents.  She loved both her parents and wouldn’t take either sides when she they asked for her opinion when the argued.  In school, she was an average student but with her parents constant bickering among one another, her grades gradually fail.  However, she didn’t have time to study because there was too much commotion in her presence blocking her concentration.  My mom and her mom associate on a regular basis because of our friendship that we had.  My mom would ask her mom could she spend nights at my house with me so we could study together.  She didn’t want her daughter to be at their home anyway so she was thankful and agreed every time.  Eventually, as her parents got older, they learned how to cope with their problems without fighting and hurting each other feelings.  My best friend made a promise to herself after going through such an ordeal that when she marries her and her husband will compromise and an understanding way greater than her mom and dad did.  Today, she and her husband are doing great due to the circumstances that she went though in her childhood.

Africa is a country that I would like to know more about concerning poverty.  From the research that I obtained, I found that in sub-Saharan Africa the number of peoples living in extreme poverty grew from 217 million in 1987 to more than 300 million in 1998.  In Sub-Saharan Africa nearly one third of children are underweight.  Measles takes the life of a child nearly every minute of every day.  There were about 2.3 million people died from AIDS in 2003.  The water that they drink is not safe and they do not have adequate sanitation.  Only 57% of African children are enrolled in primary education and one in three of those do not finish school.  There are a few things that are being done to minimize the harm despite the challenges.  The partnership between African and donor nations increased aid flows is being more effectively.  The New Partnership for Africa’s development and AU aim to tackle HIV/AIDS reduce poverty and sustains long-term economic growth.

                          Fight Poverty Give Them a Hand to Realize their Dreams
                        http://www.fightpoverty.mmbrico.com/facts/africa.html

Copyright ©2006 MMBrico.com Doors to Diplomacy Web Project

Child Development and Public Health

Breastfeeding

One of the public health measures that impact children’s development all over this world is breastfeeding.  I chose breastfeeding because I can relate to this topic in many ways.  I believe breastfeeding is the best way to ensure that children are getting the proper nourishment to grow healthy.  The mother must eat properly as well too, in order that her child is given the nourishment needed to grow. 

I breastfeed my youngest child, Diamond for a little while after giving birth to her.  It was a great experience for me because the bond between her and I is like a stamp on an envelope. I really believe that when a child is breastfed, it brings you and your child close in every way.  I also like the fact that when a mother breastfeed, it decreases the chances for you and your child sickness.  Then too, on the other hand, it helps you to save money because formula and feeding supplies are very expensive.

In other countries throughout the Nation, breastfeeding rates are extremely low, especially among low-income Mexican Americans.  There are several reasons why Mexican Americans don’t breastfeed.  They believe that it is painful, no supportive environment, embarrass to nurse in the public.  They have concerns about it is restrictive and inconvenient and the need to return to work or school is something that requires them to take care of their family.  Mexican women said that breastfeeding makes their nibbles soar so that is why they chose to feed their babies formula. 

Mexican and I share a lot in common when it came to breastfeeding.  I wanted my child to be healthy so that is why I choose to breastfeed.  Like the Mexican mention, breastfeeding was not easy.  It hurt my nipples too.  Then on top of that, I took a leave from work to have my baby.  I breastfeed during that time but after my six weeks was up, I had to return to work so that I could provide a living for my children. 

 American Academy of Pediatrics. Breastfeeding and the use of human milk (RE9729).  
      Pediatrics.      1997;100(6):1035–1039. [PubMed]
  
J Perinat Educ. 2004 Summer; 13(3): 39–50. doi:  10.1624/105812404X1761
     http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595211/

Childbirth

I have three children but I didn’t have either naturally.  I will tell about the birth of my first child.  At the time, I was only fourteen but I gave birth to him when I was fifteen.  Being so young, this pregnancy was called an at risk pregnancy.  I remember during my pregnancy how my mom would make sure that I eat nutritious meals.  Every morning, she would fix me a big breakfast.  She even assisted that I drink white milk every day.  I hated white milk, especially the kind that I received from WIC.  She said this will make my baby healthy.  I remember all the trips to the Woman Clinic for prenatal care and getting blood drawn.I remembered the different people telling me how birth pains are indescribable.  I was blessed because when it was time for me to have my child, the doctor had to take my child.  The only thing I remembered was the gas mask over my face. When I woke up I had a heavy stomach and barely could move and walk.   

Even though, I got pregnant at an early age, I had family that cared and loved me.  I chose this example because I was young and if it wasn’t for my parents, I don’t know what I would have done to make it.  I was blessed to have such caring love ones.    

My thoughts regarding birth is that I feel that no matter if you are young or old, it is important that you take care of yourself because you are not only looking out for your well being but also your unborn child as well.  My view on the impact of child development in this case is it great to have someone there that cares and supports you. From eating properly, my son was born healthy with a head full of hair weighing 6lbs and 10oz.  His name is Jack Anderson Jr., after my husband.

When comparing childbirth with that of the women of China, I realize that we share certain beliefs. Chinese women’ gets pregnant shortly after marriage.  Then their husband have to carry them over a pan of burning coals before entering his home for the first time in order that the women have a successful labor.  In China, they don’t believe in baby shower because it is said to be bad luck.  My family also doesn’t believe in buying clothes for an unborn because of the same reason as Chinese.  They also don’t believe in naming an unborn child.  The Chinese wait until their child is older before they name their children.  Their children are given four to five names: one for childhood, one for school, one for after graduation and even one for after death.  Our family names our children shortly after they are born.

A Note of Thanks and Support

Hi Susan,
     Thank you for your positive feedback during this course.  It has been a pleasure in sharing information and insight with you.  Throughout this course, you have really been sincere and motivating to me.  I wish you well as you continue on your professional journey.

Thanks Again,
Yolandia


Hello Jannell,
    Thank you for your encouraging thoughts to my blog.  I really appreciate it; it made me feel good when I did not feel good at all about my work.  Knowing that my blog was one of the blogs that you commented on was a big inspiration to me.  If we do not share thoughts or comments anymore, I will like to wish you the best on completing your goals toward your profession.

Thanks,
Yolandia

Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics is very essential in the field of Early Childhood Education.  It helps us in our profession to conduct ourselves professionally. It also gives us support when we run into problems while working with children, families and colleagues in this field of practice.

Section I

I-1.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and

education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.(NAEYC; 2005)

*I believe that as educators, we should always continue to have education and training in early childhood education because we can never have enough education when dealing with children and their families.  Having trainings helps our as professional to stay focus of what our priorities are while working with children and families.  Not only that, it also expands our thinking strategies and gives us ideas of ways to help children succeed in their education and child development.  

P-1.1—Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children. This principle has precedence over all others in this Code. (NAEYC; 2005)

*I believe strongly agree with this Code of Ethics ideal.  All children should be treated with no harm done to them at anytime; they should feel safe in the environment that they are in.  If children are being harmed, they will not be able to function at all on the level needed in order to grow in their education as well as child development. When children are given the attention, support and love needed, they will definitely prosper in life.  I never believe that a child should have to be discipline in a harsh way.  Children are just like grown people and we do not have anyone beating on us because we did something wrong.  However, we learn from our mistakes. But we do need to be there to guide children in their wrongness.  Since they are children, it is necessary that you might have to tell them over and over because it may take a little longer before they gets it but that is okay.  This is how we teach children so that they grow into a successful adult.  

3. We shall strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeking and using new evidence based information to improve our practices while also responding openly to the suggestions of others.(DEC; 2009)

*This is a very true statement.  I believe seeking the highest level of professionalism helps you to do a better job of what is expected of you.  I learned this since my enrollment at Walden University these last past weeks. From this class, which is Foundation of Early Childhood Education, I have gain knowledge on advocates and leadership and how important it is in the field of Early Childhood Education.  This class has also taught me, not only as an educator but as an individual, how to be more opened when listening to others way of thinking and how they feel.  You can learn something that will help you to benefit in your profession.

  

Course Resources

NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap

NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf

NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf

NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf

NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf

NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller

FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.pdf

Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al.  (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42–53.
Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title. 

Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
 

Websites:

World Forum Foundation http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the video on this webpage 

World Organization for Early Childhood Education http://www.omep-usnc.org/
Read about OMEP’s mission.  

Association for Childhood Education Internationalhttp://acei.org/about/
Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements.

National Association for the Education of Young Childrenhttp://www.naeyc.org/

The Division for Early Childhoodhttp://www.dec-sped.org/

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Familieshttp://www.zerotothree.org/

WESTEDhttp://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm

Harvard Education Letterhttp://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85

FPG Child Development Institutehttp://www.fpg.unc.edu/main/about.cfm

Administration for Children and Families Head Start’s National Research Conferencehttp://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/

HighScope http://www.highscope.org/ 

Children’s Defense Fund http://www.childrensdefense.org/

Center for Child Care Workforce http://www.ccw.org/

Council for Exceptional Children http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home

Institute for Women’s Policy Research http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm

National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/

National Child Care Association http://www.nccanet.org/

National Institute for Early Education Research http://nieer.org/

Pre[K]Now http://www.preknow.org/

Voices for America’s Children http://www.voices.org/

The Erikson Institute http://www.erikson.edu/

Here are some additional resources related to young children, families, and/or the field of early childhood.

           

Allen, K. E., Schwartz, I. S. (2001).  The exceptional child:  Inclusion in early childhood education:  Clifton Park, NY:  Delmar Learning.

Center for Early Childhood Leadership

http://www.nl.edu/cec/

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (1993).  Multicultural issues in child care.  Mayfield.

Jorde-Bloom, P. (1988).  A great place to work:  Improving conditions for staff in young children’s programs.  Washington, DC:  National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The family educational rights and privacy act.  (Buckley Amendment).  (1974). The 1974 Educational Amendments, sec. 513,88, stat, 571.20, U. S. C. A., Sec 1232g. (Supp. 1875).

National Head Start Association

http://www.nhsa.org/

U. S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Early Childhood-Head Start Task Force, Teaching Our Youngest Washington, D. C., 2002. From http://www2.ed.gov/teachers/how/early/teachingouryoungest/index.html

“Words of Inspiration and Motivation”

Quotes from Education Philosophers and Innovators

 

Louise Dieman- Sparks / Sparks had built-in passion that it was important to make real contribution in the world and fix all the injustice that existed in the world and she wanted to do that through teaching.

Sandy Escobido is a deputy field director.  Sandy’s passion started from her personal experience growing up. Her parent was very much involved in her education and wanted her to receive the best education.  This made her want to be involved in education, in general. Sandy Escobido says, “We as professional in the early childhood field have an opportunity to shape a child’s life for the better”. This is her passion about the field of early childhood education  She also was an advocate for families.  When she went to parent meetings and saw how parents learned how to speak to policymakers, learn how to write letters, and learn how to tell stories helped kept her motivated regardless of all the challenges going on.

Edward Zigler- He was an ambitious young professor doing basic research.  He also joined the Head Start Planning Committee under the War on Poverty. Edward Zigler believed that children should have a fair opportunity to have readiness skills for school.  He came up with the “Project Rush Rush” for two reasons.  One he agreed that what they were doing will not be harmful.  The children would get immunized, have their teeth and eyes checked and eat nutritious meals.  Second, the families would receive some services and be invited to participate in parent education classes and in their child’s early schooling.  No one on the committee believed that they could break the cycle of poverty in such a short time.  However, Edward did not give up and he did it.

Elena Bodrova believed that children learn best though play.  Elena stated that based on the work of Vygotsky and Elkonin, as well as the work of their students, it is possible to identify several components of mature play.  Therefore, the Vygotskian approach can positively impact not only the development of play itself but the development of early academic skills.

These quotes help me to realize the impact that we as professional can have on a child’s life. It can be either positive or negative; it is left up to us.  I want to really improve my teaching skills to help my students because not all students are in an environment that influence their learning.  That is the reason I want to give that child or children my best when they are in my care.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). The Passion for Early Childhood. (Video Webcast). In Foundations: Early Childhood Studies. Retrieved from  http://www.courseurl.com          

           

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). Sectors of the Early Childhood. (Video Webcast). In Foundations: Early Childhood Studies. Retrieved from   http://www.courseurl.com

           

Personal Childhood Web

     The five people in my life that nurtured, inspired, and cared about me are “Jehovah”, my Parents, Grandma, and Aunt.  The most important inspiration in my life is “Jehovah”, God.  If it wasn’t for him, nothing could be possible. God is the one that brought an understanding in my life. Life is beautiful I wish I can live forever but I know my time is coming one day and I still have an opportunity. He is the one that brought me this far.  All you have to do is believe.  He feeds me when am hungry, wraps his arms around me, and my keeps me and my family safe. He shows me love. This man is my Lord and Savior.  Second, George and Christine are my parents who also nurtured and care for me deeply.  They made me feel like I could be someone in my life.  When my parents spoke of me in a positive way to other people, this made me want do more. However, I didn’t want to disappoint them.  Their influence continues to impact my life. As you can see, I am a loving wife, a proud mother of three, and a pre-k teacher who is trying to excel in life.  My grandmother, Ida, also nurtured and cared for me.  I spend most of my childhood life at my grandma house.  My grandma is a strong believer in God.  She feed me spiritually because she always praise and thank him constantly, out loud sometimes.  I really appreciate that because her love taught me how to pray and believe. Finally, my favorite Aunt Mary Ann also cared for me in her own way. She showed me love by being my Aunt.  She encouraged me by saying I am smart and don’t let nobody tell me something different.  She used to comb my hair, take me to the fair, and let me spend the night at her house to play with her kids. By me being the only child, I felt real good because I wanted to play with someone else. My Aunt taught me to make a difference a child’s life.

Blog Assignment Week 2

Here is photo of myself  as a young child above the title "About Me" on the lower right side of this page.


A quote about children that is especially meaningful to me is that " All Children Can Learn".  In addition, children learn best through play and active hands on activities.


The title of a children's book that I love is "Share and Take Turns".  I love this book because at the beginning of school  it helps me introduce to my children about sharing and taking turns while at play. It also brings out points that help them to solve conflicts about sharing and taking turns. This book also help me when reinforcing my classroom rules.