EXPLORATION FOR EXCELLENCE AND EQUITY:

ECE IN THREE DOMAINS

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OVERVIEW

In order to achieve excellence and equity in ECE resources have to remain existing. To look at issues concerning the field of ECE, websites are offered so that professionals and audiences remain collaborative and aware for child sake and development. With helpful resources, I have found that they are there to help tackle issues such as threat toward excellence and shift of equity.

Harvard University offers a website that I have found very resourceful this week. Their website, “Global Children’s Initiative” provides information about professionals all around the world who are a part of ECE and who help deviate bad behavior toward equity. Research and projects are two advantages to ease the issues of excellence and equity.

THREE INSIGHTS- THE THREE DOMAINS

1.    Global Children’s Initiative shares information of the scientific knowledge Brazil has assimilated through their growing organization, NCPI. Scientific knowledge about child development is collaborative, informative, and effective when deviating bad behavior of equity is a rising concern to professionals in the field of ECE. It is effective communication that I find insightful between looking at a scientific approach to child development and the research and/or focus it has on child development.

2.    In Canada, the AFWI advocates child development toward public policies that ought to support equity in ECE. The AWFI separates the “what we know” and the “what we do” through research and public awareness with reference to child development. It is insightful to know that there are efforts taken globally to see children are thought of.

3.    Global Children’s Initiative shares areas of the world who dedicate time to the excellence of children and equity in ECE. In Mexico, the Acceleradora de Innovacion para la Primera Infancia has professionals who create and propose projects such as parent-child interaction projects and projects that are play-focused for children so family participation and public support bridge together the importance of excellence and equity. It is the time and assistance children receive that makes the world better as I see it. Cheers to that!

     

IN ADDITION

Excellence and equity are fundamental to ECE and child development. Globally, professionals are finding ways to help children and to see that every child succeeds. Research and projects help support child development which is why I find Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website to be very resourceful as I aspire in the field of ECE. When thinking of children, you have to think globally so that EVERY child remains thought of and that excellence and equity are achieved.

WORKS CITED

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2010). Global children's initiative. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/about/what-we-do/global-work/

Sharing Web Resources:

UNICEF and NAEYC

Last week I shared some leading organizations that help end poverty. This week I want to share two of the organizations that I have followed up on to see their relation toward my own professional development and to look at how it is possible to amass such successful empires toward the well-being of child education and development.

A professional Development-

The United Nations International Emergency Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) are organizations that I find extremely beneficial when it comes to children. During my professional development, I have discovered ways in which I can contribute and advocate for the sake of children and the end of poverty such as contributing, acquainting myself, and remain dedicated to the field of ECE. What professional wouldn’t thrive for this!? “We believe ZERO children should be abused, exploited, or denied the right to health care, education, and protection” (UNICEF, n.d.).  As I aspire in ECE, I advocate to that!

New Ways of thinking/New information-

Both the UNICEF and the NAEYC see that children are given provisions and adequate attention when it comes to education and welfare. Their websites provide open information to anyone interested in the well-being of children and families and offer ways donations and any contributions are received, accepted, and appreciated. Looking at economy, making investments to the field of Early Childhood Education and making investments to families relax long-term savings and make nations wealthier when it comes to health, stability, and education for all. If the people are taken care of, the world will continue to turn… -poverty does not win!!!!! The UNICEF and the NAEYC share compassion to child care and how that is achieved has a lot to do with economists and their position in economy’s production. Support from federal, state, and local governments’ factor into this matter in a way to build up the United States, by example. To become a more elate nation Americans, like you and I, ought to become more involved securing effective learning and development for children through professional development and understand an economists’ position.

New insights-

Looking at both organizations, the United Nations International Emergency Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) they share so much information to make sure poverty does not devour child ambitions and learning. Professionals aim to avoid the issue of poverty and with the help of leading organizations investments are made to make sure children and families remain focused on and accounted for. This is insightful especially when economy is testy and funding is challengeable. Help from federal, state, and local government proves that economy remains productive and future outlooks are fair. Audacious as the field of Early Childhood Education is, it’s the investing and compassion that seems significant.

Works Cited

www.naeyc.org

www.unicef.org

Poverty: A Real Issue

Sharing Lending Hands

It has been estimated that 18 million people die a year die to poverty. This estimation hits a global scale (WHO, 2015).

A lack of materials, food, water, shelter, resources, health care, etc. -children and families all over the world are left without essentials needed to live prosperous lives. Due to this phenomenon, a high risk of hunger, starvation, and diseases are most likely to take over, in fact, TAKING OVER millions are lives.

Severe deprivation including basic human needs has a lasting effect on children and families. It is stripping standards of well-being, success, and LIFE! This cannot be happening…

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reports HALF THE WORLD’S children live in poverty and millions of children around the world miss out on their childhood as a result of poverty and death.

In order to achieve a deterioration in the rise of poverty, there are numerous organizations who focus on making a better difference toward issues that surface regarding child and families and yes, even in the field of Early Childhood. 

Efforts made to end poverty are given attention to national organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who promote awareness and partnership with children and families, communities, and outreach with top leaders, politicians, and decision-makers to END poverty. Interventions, support, social protection, and integration of essentials remain imperative in order to help the issue of poverty.

Poverty has been considered a real phenomenon as I have mentioned before that has impacted lives globally. Looking at the field of Early Childhood, poverty is unacceptable. Knowing there are organizations that work hard to end poverty, replenishing learning and development, lives, and well-being I only know I want a piece of the pie. For instance, the UNICEF reports poverty in countries like Sub- Saharan Africa and East Asia have been hit the hardest. The World Bank group reports the growing population in Africa shows 50 million more people are living in extreme poverty where as in Asia threat of continuing poverty is less upsetting but the struggle is there.

With organizations like the UNICEF, change in poverty, early death, and child well-being is likely or on the verge of better differences in all areas on the globe. Any insights I have found this week, I have learned that 1) it is important to be aware and be a part of organizations that help make the world better. 2) It is important to recognize the effects of poverty and its causes so it does not progress onward, and 3) acknowledging other countries and their struggles enlightens better behavior to make change and/or a better difference even in our own community.

Works cited

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (2009).The state of the world's children: Special edition (Research Report). Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/rightsite/sowc/pdfs/SOWC_Spec%20Ed_CRC_Main%20Report_EN_090409.pdf

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (2004). Publications. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/publications/index_pubs_dpd.html

(http://www.unicef.org/socialpolicy/index_childpoverty.html)

CHECK IT OUT!: SHARING WEB RESOURCES

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Sharing resources is core to expanding the field of Early Childhood. Picking issues relative to your own personal experiences and/or professional concerns, resources help explore what you may not see, what you want to promote, and educate you in a way that will persevere attitude and behavior in your own classroom.

Here are two web resources that I would like to share that exemplify international outreach.

THE UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF)

www.unicef.org

This international programme focuses on EVERY CHILD as it is clearly promoted on the website. Children are provided essentials so that their rights are sanctioned in order to learn and grow. Inclusion, education, innovations, research, and survival are a few focuses that UNICEF offers globally. CHECK IT OUT!

THE UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC, AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION (UNESCO)

www.en.unesco.org

A coworker of mine shared this organization with me recently so as I expand my own horizons I have discovered that this particular organization focuses on peaceful promotions of collaboration and education of children and families on a global scale (unesco.blogspot.com, 2008). CHECK IT OUT!

PICK AN ISSUE: SOCIAL CHANGE

UNICEF focuses in every child at the same time UNESCO focuses on collaboration and education. Both profound organizations persevere for the sake of children and families in a way that leads toward the issue of social change –for humanity, for a better world.

Acknowledging their focuses, I have found that issue such as social change is imperative so that children and families on a global scale are provided for and able to attain proper care and treatment. UNESCO promotes social change and by example, an article titled, “Young Africans Believing on the Impact of Culture on Social Change” (June, 2017) advocates fairness, reintegration, and leadership so that local community and broadened communities unify toward social change between various cultures. This indicates positive attitude and behavior regarding not only rights for every individual despite class and status but also importance of learning and development. Work, creativity, and cohesion is what ignites social change. Furthermore, the UNICEF promotes the issue social change centering every child with actions such as monitoring water sanitation in developing countries, supplying goods and essentials to children and families during state of emergencies (for example), and making sure medical care and practices are available to all. This promotion of social changes helps children and families get what is needed for learning and development… and ultimately, for survival on a global scale.

Internationally, it is important to learn of other places around the world so that professionals and educators in the field of Early Childhood are aware of the issues and trends that surface and are acted on or against for the sake of children and future productions. I like to share web resources that I find beneficial and educational to colleagues who have a similar taste in the field so expansion remains progressive.

EXPANDING HORIZONS

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In the field of Early Childhood expanding horizons is imperative. Being a professional in a learning environment involves creative thinking, innovations, being responsive to children and families, and embracing collaboration from colleagues and other professionals so that learning and development are effective for future success. This is what professionals aim for.

By expanding horizons, professionals look at outside sources in order to gain knowledge and ideals such as creative thinking that helps effective learning. Researching and utilizing values from leading organizations proves beneficial in the field of Early Childhood. From a personal position, I have found organizations such as The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) as a helpful tool in order to familiarize and relate ideas and functionalities in a learning environment. It helps me know the purpose as to why learning and development are important to a child's well-being and future success. The NAEYC promotes values involving the importance of play being implemented in daily curriculums, embodies positive child behaviors toward learning and how to achieve them, as well as providing guidelines that professionals can utilize to ensure ethical and appropriate treatment and opportunities for children and families are met. Using NAEYC is a great source for aspiring educators and professionals. 

Another organization that allows the expanding of horizons is Zero to Three. This organization values passion, collaboration, and respect which is what I find vital when working with children and families in a learning environment. Having passion is what makes a classroom harmonize, collaboration is what makes creative thinking and innovations most effective and productive, and respect for children and families who have different beliefs, preferences, and attitudes is what establishes effective partnerships. Zero to Three is a great source to turn to so that expanding horizons becomes achievable and educators can become more enlightened in the field of Early Childhood.

This week, I have acknowledged and become more aware of the different organizations that focus on early childhood learning and development as well as familiarizing myself with values that each leading organization strive for. THERE ARE SO MANY!

As I expand my own horizons, I found out what podcast was realizing that this is another great way to accumulate sources so that my ability to teach remains effective. Listening to Michael Kalinski, host of World Forum Radio, I have learned that this source is great because you are not just reading an article but you are listening to passion and dedication out loud. Michael Kalinski explains that World Forum Radio seeks to collaborate on an international scale discussing issues around the world relative to Early Childhood studies. When considering expanding horizons, sometimes it is better to listen to other professionals in a different way in order to remain aware of not only what is happening close to us but what is also happening globally.

HOW SOURCES BENEFIT PROFESSIONALISM IN THE CLASSROOM

1. Given higher awareness of purpose in ECS

2. Collaboration of others gaining different angles and insights for childhood learning and development

3. Utilizing own professional attitude such as being communicative, creative, and responsive learning from leading organizations.

Works cited

The National Association for the Education of Young Children. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org

World Forum Foundation Radio. Retrieved from http://www.podcastchart.com/world-forum-radio/episodes/world-forum-dio-george-forman

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org

MY SUPPORTS

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THERE ARE MANY TYPES OF SUPPORT. WHEN WE THINK “SUPPORT” WE THINK SUPPORT FROM FAMILY, FRIENDS, PETS…

TO ME, SUPPORT IS ANY PURPOSE THAT GETS ME THROUGH THE DAY –SOMETHING THAT HELPS ME, NOT UPSETS ME. SO WHEN I THINK SUPPORT THERE ARE TWO SUPPORTS THAT COME TO MIND THAT HELP ME OUT EVERYDAY…

OK, I CAN EASILY BLOG THAT MY MOM AND MY SISTERS, MY DOG, AND MY FRIENDS ARE MY BIGGEST SUPPORTS BUT TO BE RANDOM AND CHANGE THINGS UP I DECIDED THAT WITHOUT A DOUBT MY CAR AND MY BED ARE MY TWO BIGGEST SUPPORTS.

MY CAR- “THE SKITTLE”

THINKING ABOUT SUPPORT AND WHAT IT MEANS TO ME, I CAN’T HELP BUT THINK THAT MY CAR GIVES BIG SUPPORT. WITHOUT MY CAR I CANNOT GET TO WORK TO PAY THE BILLS, VISIT MY GRANDMA ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS BIG CITY, AND I CANNOT JAM TO MUSIC LIKE I DO IN MY CAR. I LOVE MY CAR! IF I KEEP HER OILED, GASSED, AND CLEAN I BELIEVE SHE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT ME AS I CONTINUE TO DO FOR HER. WITHOUT MY CAR I WOULD BE LIMITED –I WOULD BE HOME ALL THE TIME AND WALK IN THIS TEXAS HEAT… (No thank you).

Same color as a Skittle!

MY BED- THE SERTA

AS I HAVE SAID, THERE ARE ALL TYPES OF SUPPORTS. FOR ME, I FIND MY BED AS ADDED SUPPORT. THINK ABOUT IT! MY BED IS MY EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. SOFT AND COZY, I WOULD BE AN EMOTIONAL WRECK WITHOUT THE COMFORT OF MY BED. I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REST MY MIND AND BODY ACCORDINGLY, I WOULD HAVE NO PLACE TO THROW MY CLOTHES OR SOMEWHERE TO SNACK WHILE WATCHING TV. (I COULDN’T DO THAT AS A KID SO NOW I LIVE A LITTLE.) IT’S A SERTA (NOT A TEMPURPEDIC AS I WOULD PREFER) BUT IT IS MINE, ALL MINE, AND BENEFITS FROM SUCH GREAT SUPPORT LIKE MY BED INVOLVES A RESTED BODY, WARMTH, AND A PLACE TO PROP MY FEET AFTER A LONG DAY. CRAWLING INTO BED, IT IS LIKE GETTING HUGS AND I’LL TAKE THAT!

HAHAHAHA!

SUPPORTS I WANT VS. SUPPORT I NEED

SUPPORT IS ANYTHING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY, MAKES YOU FEEL ACCOMPLISHED AND HELPS YOU PERFORM BETTER. MANY PEOPLE FEEL THAT WITH LOVE AND SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS IT IS LIKE FRESH AIR. TALKING TO OTHERS IS GETTING THAT SUPPORT BUT TO CONTINUE MY RANDOM THINKING I THOUGHT OF SUPPORTS I WANT VERSUS WHAT SUPPORTS I NEED.

AN UNLIMITED CREDIT CARD IS SUPPORT I WANT. WITH A CREDIT CARD THAT HAS AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT OF MONEY I WOULD HAVE THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ESTABLISH MY PREFERRED LIVING STYLE (EX. DREAM HOME, INTERIOR DESIGN, VACATIONS). BUT WHAT I NEED IS TO SUPPORT MY OWN FINANCIALS WITHOUT A CREDIT CARD.

ANOTHER SUPPORT I THOUGHT OF IS… HAVE YOU EVER WATCHED MY 600LB LIFE? MOST OF THE PEOPLE I HAVE WATCHED SAY THAT EATING FOODS IS GIVING THEM SUPPORT. I THOUGHT FOOD WOULD BE A GREAT SUPPORT THAT I WANT. TO EAT AND FEEL SUPPORTED BY SUGARS AND CAFFEINE WITHOUT A CARE OR NO COUNTING CALORIES. BUT WHAT I NEED INSTEAD OF FOOD SUPPORT IS PHYSICAL SUPPORT SUCH AS SUPPORTING EXERCISE AND HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES. THAT AGAIN, I NEED TO SUPPORT ON MY OWN.

LAST THOUGHTS

MY CAR AND MY BED OR TWO SUPPORTS THAT GET ME THROUGH THE AVERAGE DAY. THEY BENEFIT ME. I SUPPORT MY CAR SO IT SUPPORTS ME. I FEEL COMFORTABLE IN MY BED SO MY BED SUPPORTS MY REST. WITHOUT MY CAR AND MY BED MY DAILY PERFORMANCE WOULD INTERFERE INCOME TO PAY BILLS, VISITS, ERRANDS, REST…

HAVING SUPPORTS THAT I WANT VERSUS WHAT I NEED ARE NOT EFFECTIVE, NOT REALLY IMPORTANT. I NEED TO FOCUS ON SELF-SUPPORT FOR MOST THINGS I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH SO PRIORITIZING MY SUPPORTS IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT AS FAR AS WANTS AND NEEDS. IT WOULD BENEFIT ME OVERALL.

MY CONNECTIONS TO PLAY

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Reflection: Quotes to Share

During childhood, I was always watching and observing, getting my hands dirty and wanting to do things myself and for others. During childhood, I used my imagination more than I used reality. Being creative a child finds play as a mechanism to learn and grow that is why play is important! Through creativity, a child is being taught or becoming self-taught. As I look back on my childhood I have found that creativity has helped my learning and development which is why I chose these two quotes that exemplify my personal childhood experience.

  

                

Play Items

DIRT- “At the end of the day, you should smell

like dirt” –Margaret Atwood

My Teddy Bear- “When a child loves you for a long, long

time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you

become real” –Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit

Bubbles- “Children have real understanding only of that which

they invent themselves” –Jean Piaget

My childhood is full of play. From playing in dirt with my sisters, cuddling with my teddy bear and constantly asking my mom for bubbles in every store, I find that play is supported by the things children attach themselves to and what they find most exciting.

MY PLAY SUPPORTERS: NATURALLY, MY SISTERS

1988 vs. 1998

  

During childhood, being the youngest, I got the hand-me-downs or was the last one to try something out. I guess that’s what you get being the youngest….

My sister DJ is three years older than me. When we played she was the one watching for me and looking out for me. She made sure I wouldn’t wander far and taught me my basics such as counting and tying my shoes. DJ supported play for me because she made it safe and made sure I was preschool ready.

My sister Tricia is two years older than me. She knew to be daring. There was nothing she was afraid of. She had an idea (dangerous or in question) she did it! I wanted to be daring like her (of course, I didn’t want to look like a chicken) so I tagged along. Because of play, Tricia made it adventurous and she taught me what my limits were growing up. I have scars that prove that sometimes I didn’t listen to myself…

Amber is seventeen minutes older than me. Some may think our play was the same being twins but with different behaviors, our plays were different. Play for me was getting my hands dirty, on the constant go, and always writing apology letters to my mom so I wouldn’t get grounded (I HATED being in my room). Amber played quietly and calmly. She would play with her Barbie dolls and play board games. I went nuts sitting around playing Ken and Barbie. During childhood, Amber’s play kept me subtle. Even though I was not a fan of Barbie and checkers I did learn to braid hair and take my time strategically trying to beat her at board games (which never happens).

My sisters were/are my biggest play supporters. Even though we are grown we still reflect back to our childhood reminiscing of the things we did together and the trouble we got into. I always had DJ who looked out for me, Tricia who taught me to try new things and test my limits, and Amber helped me find new skills and stop to think about my decisions and next move. My sisters are my best friends. I am fortunate to have them or my childhood would have been a big bore and less scar to point and talk about. –Thank you sisters!

  

                                                                 

  

                                         

“A SISTER IS A LITTLE BIT OF CHILDHOOD THAT CAN NEVER BE LOST” – UNKNOWN, N.D.

The difference in Play today than when it was when I was a child

·         During childhood, I was always outdoors. I grew up in a primitive technology era when electronics were in the making but not popular as they are today. Children today find play and learning through technology which has its pros and cons. I prefer “old-school”…

·         Now and days, children are afraid to get “dirty” but I ate dirt as a child. I turned out alright. Illnesses and new parenting styles could possibly interfere with the “back in the day” type of play.

·         Children today want to be entertained rather than finding their own source of entertainment. I ran with sticks, flew down the staircase wrapped in pillows, and camped in the living room for entertainment. Children today seem to not have the same innovated attitude as children like me did back then.

·         Parents today fear their children playing more outdoors because it is now becoming unsafe so what else is a child to do? Riding a bike is really taking a chance… During my childhood I had little supervision to no supervision when I rode my bike and my mom never thought twice. The neighborhood was safe back then.

Last thoughts

If there was no play in my childhood I would not be the social, adventurous person I am today. Because of play I have learned to be creative and use my imagination to practice the skills that has helped me as an adult. Playing in dirty I learned to GO FOR IT. Playing with my teddy bear I learned to care and comfort. Blowing bubbles and constantly wanting bubbles I was able to watch, wonder, and explore why some things behave the way they do… have you ever thought why bubbles bubble?

With the support of my sisters I was always doing something. I had someone to play with so I learned to share, follow, lead, and be cautious which has also helped me as an adult.

Childhood is a major leap toward adulthood and if play is motivated, encouraged, and freely expressible children are able to develop and learn the important matters in life in order to strive in future ambitions.