Reflection: When I Think of Research

I made it! Yaaaaaaay!

Research is a complex process, but it seems that its a process once learned, each time I will get better and better at conducting it.  Though I have only explored the intensity of research for eight weeks, it seems just as a daunting task as it did the first day of the class.  Only now, I have the right tools and mindset to complete it with reliability, transparency, validity and equity.  It is interesting how much self-reflection and self-awareness is necessary to conduct research. Its so important for a reaearcher to know how their personal stake in the research could possibly alter its validity if it is not recognized and addressed.  Design and planning are so essential to the process of research because without them, research data and results can be challenged and question fo validity. 
Some challenges for me were finding the correcr type of research to meet the content of my research.  Also I had to think of ways to not make the trial and error part of the data process not redundent.  I rectified this by adding online elements to the questionnaires and surveys given to parents.
As an early childhood professional I have become more versed different aspects of the field.  I also know how to question and read research that I am reading. 

I would like to thank my colleagues for a great semester.  All of your comments, insights and questions have made me a better professional! Happy Holidays.

Research Around the World

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) is an advocacy organization for young children.  One of the first things I saw when I logged on to their site is that they are advocating for children with disabilities to have quality education.  This organization is very much so one that provides vital information to educators and families.  They reach out to families and educators through webinars, membership and newsletters and the reporting of daily endeavors with the government.  This organization also publishes an early childhood journal call the Australasian Journal of Early Childhood which is the longest running early childhood journal to date. 

Quality support from the government seems to be an issue brought up in the section of Early Childhood news.  As the government a fund wage increase for early childhood workers there is great celebration, but the uncertainty of these funds in the near future still causes anxiety among the early childhood field.  These funds are a big step toward hiring more qualified workers and sustaining quality it early education.  This is another step in ECA's advocacy for quality reforms for education.  After further investigation of the website and reading more recent newsletters, the funding promised was revoked by the government this November saying it was "inequitable" and that they are reviewing the funding bill. 

Another issue is making early education affordable, flexible and available to all.  This topic is definitely an issue that many parents in America can relate to.  Only have early childhood care for those in poverty or those who can afford it for their children is not allowing access to all young children.  In an August media release, it states that the lack of investment in early education is affecting children later in school and also addresses that there are strong economic benefits to investing in early education. 
 

An insight I gained is that the fight for early childhood education is long from over or nearing it end.  When I entered this field I thought it was a developed, support field just like elementary education.  But my assumption was far from the truth.  The understanding and commitment to early childhood education is just at its beginning stages.  No matter where you are on this earth, there are teachers and advocates fighting for the rights of young children, their families and the right to affordable, quality early education. 

Research the Benefits Children and Families

Imagine that you possess the means and the knowledge to conduct research studies about any topic in the early childhood field. Imagine further that you are not restricted by the reality of the present. Imagine that your study will make a major positive contribution to the well-being of children and/or their families. What topic would you choose? What can you imagine the positive contribution(s) would be?

If I could contribute to the early childhood community with any research topic it would be to improve quality.   The quality of early childhood education, I feel, is the foundation for all other research.  Whether looking into research on ELL, accountability, economics, assessment, access, or teachers, quality outcomes for programs, young children and families are all related.  
A quality program has many many elements.  There are studies that claim that quality early education is scarce and I take a personal offense to that (EQUIP,2013).  There are many elements to a quality program such as teacher education, curriculum, the environment, funding, community outreach, etc. As quality continues to be questioned in recent years, I would want my positive contribution to be a clear understanding of early childhood quality.  As most early childhood educators know it is difficult to put ECE in a box.  Its elements are non-traditional, require teachers to have a different type of relationship with their students (compared to grade 1 and up).  Also I would want to help improve the quality of early childhood education in New Jersey.

References:

nieer.org

Alexandre, J.M.Y, Makow, N. Jung, K., Barnett, W. Steven. (June, 2013) Essex Infant/Toddler Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP). National Institute of Early Education Research (NIEER).

Any Suggestions??: My Personal Research Journey

As I finished the chart for Part 1 of this week's assignment I felt burdened a bit because I am still unsure of the topic I want to chose for my research simulation.  Do I chose self-regulation for preschool students?  Is this topic too broad? It is something that I deal with everyday. Or do I chose Parent/Family involvement?  A topic that I know I will find information about but seems very difficult to simulate research for because it is not something that the parents in my classroom do, but it would be beneficial to me because it is a MAJOR issue in the district that I work in, especially in early childhood. 

As far as the elements of this course, I was really thankful for the info on critiquing research found on the internet and how to read a research paper.  Why did they tell us this before!!!!! I can think back to all the times I was reading the method and procedure sections and just hoping I did not skip important information about the topic.  Looking back...clearly I was not missing anything substantial.  

Does anyone have any insights to the topics discussed above?  Any suggestions to what to narrow in on?  I am leaning toward family/parent involvement.

International Awareness

One consequence of learning about the international early childhood field is that we are all the same, but different.  Though we have different customs, ways of parenting, cultures, religions, and governments, we are all striving and struggling to make the world understand early childhood education. 

In the UAE teachers are not required to have a teaching certificate to teach a class.  They just need some experience and will get on the job training.  This fact could be a contributing reason why the preschool or KG1 and KG2 program is unorganized and unable to streamline their curriculum and culture. In the US, because we already know that teaching is not a job that just anyone can do, it is a requirement that teachers go through a certification program and pass tests to become a classroom teacher.

Poverty is an issue swept under the rug in some countries.  As America is (seemingly) trying to combat poverty and economic crisis other countries do not recognize their poor population and try to reconcile the issue.  It was a huge shock for me to read that the UAE frowns upon the poor, from my international contact.  Morally and ethically, I have a problem with that mind set.  My personal religious beliefs teach me the opposite of that mind set.  There is a bible verse that states, "What you do to the least of men, you do unto me".  This conversation has also reminded me of one of the reasons why I wanted to become a teacher.  With an education you set up children for success.

As a field early childhood should be connecting the international field to undergraduate AND graduate students.  I feel that my preparation and teacher education would have been even more valuable if I was able to learn more about the issue and trends in the US and across the seas as an undergraduate student at Rowan University.  I would have been better prepared to serve the early education community.

Sharing Resources Part 4

Unfortunately, the contact I usually correspond with did not respond to my email this week.  So I decided to look on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's website.

On the UNESCO website I looked into the tab that was named quality.  After reading this tab, I realized that like America, many other countries find the same elements essential to running a quality early childhood program.  Things like parent involvement and education, trained staff, understanding of pedagogy, proper materials and a culturally and developmentally competent curricula.  Along with trained staff there is a need for other workers such as informal caregivers, other professionals in the field, and care workers.  

I also noticed that it was a difficult game of give and take when it comes to access to early childhood care for the poor of any country.  It is a trend and issue all over the world that the poor have less access and less quality care and/or education than the more wealthy.  

As a whole developed and non-developed countries have yet to find a way to coordinately operate early childhood programs.  Some have taken the approach of dividing the responsibilities toward target age groups or a target area and some have combined the responsibilities into one department to mainstream their coordination efforts. 

As I made my way through the UNESCO website I saw that there are initiatives and events all over the world.  Most of them include funding programs that are inadequate and giving young children the care and access necessary to educate them and their families.  

Its a small world after all.

Sharing More Web Resources

 

Most of the links on the website brought me to events and news from the organization and its partners but also to social media, facebook, twitter, even pinterest.  They use each of these links to inform members and others about events, publications and to facilitate discussions on topics in education.  

As I begin to look further in the National Black Child Development Institute I began to see that they have published many articles about equity and access for black children.  They have published various articles called Being Black is Not a Risk Factor: A Strengths-based Look at the State of the Black Child and A Preliminary Blueprint to Improve Educational Excellence and Opportunity for African American Males in Urban Public Schools.  The Preliminary Blueprint article speaks to equity in early education and education by listing policies that can aide meeting the academic, mental, health and school readiness.  Access to high-quality early education is listed as an important factor in helping black males and other children to be ready for school and college-prep.  
While reading "Being Black is not a Risk Factor" it was interesting to read how important it is to have the culture of the children/community embedded in the school.  Low-income students who were able to have representation of their culture at school were more resilient than those low-income peers who did not.  

I also was able to find information in the link Family Empowerment.  This organization as a Parent Empowerment Project.  This project's initiative is to fully engage parents in the education of their children.  They are fully aware the first and influential impact of parents on their child and are using this important fact as a way to connect to children's culture and to communities. A quote so true and packs a punch from this website:

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”

- James Baldwin, Author 

While exploring this website and all it had to offer.  I found that the information that the NBCDI puts out is geared toward African American children but can be used for all young children.  Access and equity are not just issues that plague one ethnic community.  There are children all over this world who are unable to get high-quality education let alone, early education.  Being an educator of children is a difficult job!  It takes care, meticulous details and lots of energy.  The excellence in early childhood care comes when parent, teachers, politicians, and communities work together to do what is best for the child.  Children can tell when you are faking.

Standards, DAP, Assessment...

As I spoke to my international contact this week we came to the topic of standards.  She expressed that the education system in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is based off of models of the UK, Australia and New Zealand.  This is where the big disconnect comes.  Many of the issues and trends and culture are different in all these places, therefore the standards and year end goals do not meet the needs or match the culture of the students that are being taught.  Much of the material does not take into account that the students are English Language Learners.  Some of the standards many teachers find inappropriate, such as the standard that 3 1/2 year old should learn 25 sight words in English and in Arabic.  According to DAP even in America this standard is just unrealistic and inappropriate.  Students, are just understanding letters and numbers at this age, they should not be expected to learn sight words!!!
My contact also expressed that the assessments that are expected to be done throughout the day and semester is causing alot of stress for the teachers.  She says "tensions are high".  While I am not in an environment where assessment is about 20% of my teaching day, she is expected to do formal and informal assessments along with school-based assessments, as well as, graph students learning each trimester and after each completed theme. 

As far a professional development she says that teachers do not get any input on the topics covered and also the topics have information that is usually taught in a university, therefore teachers usually know the information already.  Overall she feels that their approach to standards should be altered and those that are in charge of the educational system could be more aware of the students that they are serving.

She feels that excellence on the UAE is also contingent on what is being done at home.  If the parents are involved in their child's education they usually do better in school than those students who have parents with little involvement and who do not have an English speaking nanny.

In the UAE there are some similar issues that are happening in the US but as you can see their culture is different and their home life is different.  This makes the comments by Graue (2008) even more relevant that it is important to take into account where a child is coming from when they enter school and the importance of their parental relationship and home life because parents are the first people children learn from.


Reference:

Graue, E. (2008). Teaching And Learning In A Post-DAP World. Early Education &     Development, 19(3), 441-447. doi:10.1080/10409280802065411

Sharing Web Resources: NAEYC

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

As we talk about Issues in the early childhood education programs of America the issue of quality and the gaps in quality are on the spotlight.  The availability of a high-quality early childhood program is a necessity in America and many people do not have access.  NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) is an association that has standards and a positional stake in the issue of the early childhood education, thus making them a program that is a pillar in the early childhood field.  Their accreditation validates programs all over the country.  In order for early childhood programs to be high-quality they need to hire and sustain teachers who are high-quality and involved in constant professional development.  Professionals need to be aware of issues and trends in their communities, have a deep understanding of pedagogy and up to date teaching strategies.





 
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?

NAEYC posted "A Call for Excellence in Early Childhood Education" (http://www.naeyc.org/policy/excellence).  This call includes guidelines for advocacy for students, holding teachers, PARENTS, and students accountable, and also a call for early childhood access in general.  A child's early experiences are a critical dimension to their development and the proper support for families and their young children is an investment that will be returned to society through a "vibrant nation of healthy, achieving children and more stable families" (http://www.naeyc.org/policy/excellence).







The NAEYC website offers a plethora of information to professionals and parents that can help each to understand early childhood education, its stance on issues and topics, and what each can do to get involved.  I looked up information on their stance for Play which is a controversial topic because of the push-down for American students to achieve higher, I found information on developmentally appropriate practices for young children and all the initiatives NAEYC is a part of for the advocacy of young children and their families.

Poverty in Other Places

Going Unnoticed: The Poor in Abu Dhabi

 This week I spoke with a college friend who is teaches Pre-k & K in Abu Dhabi.  Our correspondence was about poverty in her school community and what resources families have if they are in need.  I prompted my collegue with these questions and she answered with honesty from her experiences in America as compared to those in the Middle East.

Are there any particular issues of poverty that you have encountered professionally in Abu Dhabi?  Is poverty one of the top issues where you teach or are there others that are more challenging? Are there prominent organizations that are involved with your school or school district? Is poverty seen differently there than in America?

 She answers:

"Poverty definitely exists in this country; however, it is very different than at home. There aren't many programs that work with schools for poverty stricken families. It is also generally frowned upon to be poor. It is difficult to distinguish the wealthy from the poor. Typically, the wealthier families speak English very well, but that doesn't mean that some families who don't, don't have money. It's a very tricky situation." 

She explains it is very difficult to distinguish between students who are poor and those who are wealthy.  They say it is more prevalent than we actually see and notice. What can be said, is that all of the children come to school in a clean uniform and with a lunch. It is easier to pick out someone who is wealthy rather than someone who is poor. All of the men and women wear traditional dress.  This means that it isn't easy to distinguish by what they wear, and generally only the mothers come to pick up their children, of which some of them she has only ever seen their eyes, as they are completely covered.  Poverty definitely does exist, but since it is frowned upon it's less likely that you can tell the difference within the schools.

Some of the main issues that she has encounter on a regular basis are lack of most parent involvement. There are parents in her classroom that are very involved.  But in general, most of the children have nannies at home who do most of their work for them or are the ones who are encouraging them to learn. 

Attendance rates aren't important and are often changed by administration in order to reflect higher attendance rates for the school, which reflects negatively on learning. Language barriers are also quite difficult. Many of my parents speak no English, and there aren't always enough staff to sit with you and translate.

This is interesting because of the recent bills being pushed through the house of representatives and the senate to eradicate the food stamps program in the US.  Is seems as though there are Americans that also want to ignore the fact that other Americans who are working and are still unable to make ends meet.  Its very enlightening to find this information out about the poor in Abu Dhabi.  I am appreciative of resources we have in America and that there are people all over the country advocating for children and those that cannot.

Sharing Web Resources

National Black Child Development Institute

Dr. DeHaney is the CEO of the national black child development institute (NBCDI).  She and other leaders in early childhood education field joined in a podcast to discuss poverty due to the economic downturn this past decade.  The discussion also included how schools and communities need to come together in new ways to combat the affects of poverty in their communities.  Realizing that schools are a pivotal part of helping families is an important part of addressing issues such as poverty.  Economic recovery is the main issue highlighted on the http://www.nbcdi.org/news/early-childhood-education-takes-center-stage-clinton-global-initiative website. This project is called the Global Clinton Initiative. 

As a whole the organization provides scholarships to children and works with black children from ages birth to age 8.  They are also involved with preparing teachers for teaching and students for college.  They are a country wide organization but have local branches all over the US.

The success of low income children is the primary goal for the organization. 

References: http://www.nbcdi.org/

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

- Frederick Douglass 

 

Establishing and Expanding Resources

Establishing Professional Contacts

Trying to contact correspondence with the provided resources was sure a challenge!  I, like some of my colleagues, used social media as an alternative to contacting others around the world.  Through facebook, I found an old friend from college that teaches in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and is willing to participate in this journey with me!  I must say after hours of searching I am grateful for her willingness to help and her co-workers as well.

Expanding Resources

The organizations that I have chosen to subscribe to are NAEYC and NBCDI (National Black Child Development Institiute).  I chose these two because NAEYC has contributed some great articles to the research I have put into assignments for this program.  NBCDI is an organization that I am just getting familiar with and most of my students are black and many of the issues and trends of today affect black children.  I thought it would be an appropriate organization and applicable to my classroom now. The also have a facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/nbcdi

My Supports!!!!

My Supports

The supports in my daily environment include my parents, my boyfriend and the two friends I confide in Vanessa and Jenn.  Along with the people that support me, I do pray.  When I’m feeling stressed or I’m happy or I just need to talk, I pray.  It is something that centers me and allows me to sleep at night.   My family and religion are some of the most important things in my life, I would not be able to live without them.  If either were ever to leave me, I would be a lost depressed soul.  Good thing for me God says “I will never leave you nor forsake you”!!!!

A Challenge I might have in the near future will be buying a new car.  I’m sure everyone knows that buying a new car comes with negotiations, dealing with a salesman who probably is not that trustworthy, figuring out down payments and getting a loan but also trying to get a good deal.  For this challenge I would need someone to be with me that is knowledgeable about cars and buying them, someone I can trust and someone that can lend me their perspective.  For support for this decision, I would go to my father and boyfriend.  My dad has taught me many things about cars, nonetheless it is important to have a man with you when you buy a car just to keep salesman on their toes.  My father or boyfriend would lend support towards making a definite decision, figuring out how much to spend and helping me to maintain the keep of the car.  If these two were not in my life I may make the wrong decision or even begin to feel overwhelmed with the facts while making a secure decision on a car. 

Relationship Reflection

 Relationship Reflection

I am blessed to have many many meaningful positive relationships in my life.  My parents have always been supportive, loving and excellent role models for my brother and me.  My grandparents have always been there to show support as well but also to spoil me and give me great advice.  I have cousins who I have grown up with that I can talk to and enjoy life with.  I have a brother who most of the time is bothering me, but I know it is because he looks up to me.  I work with 3 wonderful Pre-k teachers who are excellent collaborators, teachers and friends.  And last but not least a great boyfriend who is there for me to lean on and enjoy the rest of my life with. 

Because my parents are my parents and they I have the utmost respect and love for them, I can say that our relationship is filled with heated discussions, lots of hilarious moments and the sharing of great advice.  My parents are always looking out for me and I am at the age where i can significantly look out for them.  The key to maintaining such a great relationship is maturity on my part and unconditional love.  The love and support of my parents has gotten me through so many difficult times in life that there is no way I could ever repay them.  This gratitude and respect has been a large part of the positive and long lasting relationship that we have developed.

Having a normal mature relationship with my brother is still in question.  He is still in college and thinks he knows everything.  But when he makes a wrong choice or needs anything, I seem to be the first call he makes.  I can remember in primary school when he would be bullied because of how he looked, I would always come to him rescue.  I know that if he is ever in a position to do the same for me, he will.  This type of give and take relationship is what, I think, keeps us close and connected. 

There is not a time that my family leaves that we do not exchange hugs, kisses, and an I Love You!

 

Maintaining and developing a collaborative relationship between my co-workers and I seemed to be seamless.  We all respect each other's talents and roles.  We share a common goal.  To be the best teacher possible and to make an impact on young children and their families.  This goal, keeps us together and on the same track.  Maintaining a relationship like this requires some humility, reflection and respect.  I can proudly say that we look out for each other and are always supporting each other!

 

It is important for me, everyday, to show my children what a good person act like because I am not only facilitating learning; I am teaching the WHOLE child!  In an early childhood setting, children may not always understand what you are trying to explain to them but your actions will always convey a message.  Actions Speak Louder than Words.

Testing for Intelligence?

As a preschool teacher one of my jobs is to instill school readiness in my children.  This includes (but is not limited to), self-regulation skills, development of gross and fine motor skills (physical development), teaching my students basic skills to taking care of themselves, giving students individualized and group instruction based on academic needs and their interests, and to help properly develop the students’ personal and social skills.  As far as measuring a child’s progress in all of these areas, there is some debate to the validity and to what standards they are being measured by.  I feel that through play interaction, small group instruction, and other informal notes it is possible to assess the whole child.

In later grades there are formal tests along with concrete evidence from classwork based on state standards.  The difference for kindergarten and preschool is that children are still developing in areas that are not included in standardized tests such as social/emotional skills and self-regulation.  A kindergarten entrance assessment has been suggested to really identify the child’s learning level and cognitive abilities (Jones, 2011).

 

The Italian education system is standardized, meaning curriculum and exam materials are set by two bodies, the Ministry of Education and the National Education Council. The aim of this standardization is to ensure that all students receive an equal education. There are annual tests to make sure that students know the material and that they can advance to the next grade. There is less of an emphasis on written exams.  Oral exams are emphasized.
 

While school is required starting at age five or six, younger children sometimes attend nurseries (starting at three months) or scuola materna (three to five years). The education system is free to all and every child is ensured a spot.  Though parents do have a private school option for their children.

Compulsory education goes until age 14 (which they are trying to raise).  After that they reach upper secondary school where they must choose a college prep approach to schooling or a vocational route.

Whichever route they choose to take there are written and oral exams that determine if they pass or fail.

 Resources

Jones, J. (2011). Assessing Young Children's Learning and Development. Principal, 90(5), 12-15. 

http://www.ehow.com/about_5313137_education-system-italy.html

Youth and Racism

Racism is not something that I really even think about in my everyday life.  But I am very aware that it still exists.  My parents, specifically my father, have experienced Racism throughout their lives.  My father is from South Carolina, so he has seen and experienced way worse cases than my mother.  My mother is from New Jersey and can only recall a few situations of outright Racism against her.

My father went to school in South Carolina until he was nine.  When he came to New Jersey he said that in a sense the affect of Racism was worse because he was starting to become more aware of it.  He told me about his 5th grade teacher who was white.  He said that throughout the year she would always tell her African-American and Latino students that they were going to amount to nothing because they did not look like their white classmates.  She did not expect very much from him and some of his classmates took it to heart and never tried to achieve high.  He on the other hand knew that he needed an education.

Racism can be a touchy subject.  Minority groups can become enraged by the topic and white people cringe at the awkward conversation that may ensue.  The truth is that racism is still alive and because of its long history it has been unconsciously embedded in the practices of many people.  Even the minority groups themselves.  The feeling that even when you achieve something great, that there is an even bigger battle to fight can be discouraging to minority youth.  An article I read explains this concept better:

"For Whites, education can be a clear and straight path on which they will be more likely to achieve the goals they and their parents set.  For too many racial minority young people, education represents a crooked path, and the odds of reaching its end are stacked against them."

In 2005 and again in 2012 there were riots from French Muslim Youth due to the discrimination of the French government.  Though these youth are rightful citizens of France, they are not being given the same liberties and equalities that white French citizens are receiving.  There is racial segregation, socio-economic injustices, a lack of adequate schooling, and are living in urban slums.  These riots are not viewed as the jihad trying to infiltrate the government, these can be compared to the the LA and Harlem riots in the US.  Youth trying make themselves better!

Resources

http://media.proquest.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/media/pq/classic/doc/2271123791/fmt/pi/rep/NONE?hl=racism%2Cas%2Ca%2Cstressors%2Cstressor%2Cfor%2Cchild%2Cchildren&cit%3Aauth=Hughes%2C+Carolyn%3BNewkirk%2C+Reginald%3BStenhjem%2C+Pamela+H&cit%3Atitle=Addressing+the+Challenge+of+Disenfranchisement+of+Youth%3A+Poverty+and+Racism+in+the+Schools&cit%3Apub=Reclaiming+Children+and+Youth&cit%3Avol=19&cit%3Aiss=1&cit%3Apg=22&cit%3Adate=Spring+2010&ic=true&cit%3Aprod=ProQuest+Central&_a=20130601151354121%253A463755-95102-ONE_SEARCH-74.116.157.210-33810-852771224-DocumentImage-null-null-Online-FT-PFT-2010%252F04%252F01-2010%252F06%252F30---Online--------Scholarly%2BJournals---------PrePaid--T1M6RU1TLVBkZkRvY1ZpZXdCYXNlLWdldE1lZGlhVXJsRm9ySXRlbQ%3D%3D-%257BP-1007025-14872-CUSTOMER-10000039%252F10000147-1168523%257D&_s=STrAVN5idt9gl75fX%2FUjOoCRYqw%3D 

 http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1127429,00.html

Nutrition/Malnutrition in Latin America

Nutrition/Malnutrition in Latin America

There are many initiatives to take on malnutrition in Latin America. The countries that are most affected are El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  Together they account for 96% of the regions chronic malnourished children under the age of 5.   Malnutrition contributes directly to increased poverty and to the country's lack of economic growth.  

In 2006, the world bank organized a workshop in conjunction with other world organizations to develop strategies to aid in community-based programs for mothers and infants under 2 years of age.  

“Well-nourished women run fewer risks during pregnancy and childbirth.  Well-nourished children perform better at school, become healthier adults, and can offer a better start in life to their own children"     - Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, First Lady of Honduras

The research shows that the main cause of malnutrition in Central America is not lack of food, but a combination of factors such as poor maternal health, inappropriate infant care and feeding practices, and lack of access to safe water and sanitation. 

The workshop helped to define five initiatives being to fight malnutrition:

1) Prevention - through growth monitoring and the linking of high-risk cases to medical specilaists

2) Prioritizing the poor, rural and indigenous populations where malnutrition is concentrated and targeting mothers and children in the first two years of life.

3) Educating parents about hygiene, the importance of monitoring their children’s height and weight, and child care feeding practices, including exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life

4) Action at the national, program and community levels, "supported by an appropriate multisectoral agenda and effective nutrition programs in at-risk communities"

5) The monitoring and evaluation of programs

I felt that this issue was important because I have seen first hand the effects of malnutrition on a child and the educational delays it has on a child.  As an advocate of young children and their families it is important be interested in all issues that they may be facing and nutrition/malnutrition is a topic that I now know more about.

  

References

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/LACEXT/0,,contentMDK:21161481~menuPK:258559~pagePK:2865106~piPK:2865128~theSitePK:258554,00.html  

http://www.worldbank.org/projects/P077756/guatemala-maternal-infant-health-nutrition?lang=en

http://books.google.com/books?id=teoLnrgQVkwC&pg=PA40&dq=nutrition/malnutrition+in+Latin+America&hl=en&sa=X&ei=CieYUcqSG42DqQHc-oDwBA&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAQ

                                      

Child Birth in India

In India 60% of all births occur at home.  Most births occur at home and most are in rural India.  These women cannot get to an institution or are reluctant to.  The infant mortality rates in India are also high.  In India the cutting of the umbilical is seen as impure and there is a particular person in the community or place of birth that has this task.  This person is called  the dai.  The dai is given this task because they are of low caste. 

Most mothers in India prefer to have a home birth and most babies are delivered by a family member.  Mothers may not in contact with their children for at least 10 days and up to five weeks because the child is still considered unclean.   Other superstitions that come with birth is that weighing the baby can cause influence of the “evil eye”.  Birth weight can identify many things about the child and their development but in India weighing the child means something totally different.  Their apprehension about weighing their children come from religious beliefs and the vows they make to their religion. 

Even if a woman is of high socio-economic status she still will probably be against the idea of weighing her child at birth because of religious beliefs.  These beliefs and findings are very different than those in the US.  Most Americans base their understanding of child birth on science and not religion.  

Birth in India contrasts births in America because of views on religion and science.

Quite enlightening isn't it?!

Bhattacharya, A., Dwivedy, R., Nandeshwar, S., De Costa, A. (2008).‘To weigh or not to weigh?’ Socio-cultural practices affecting weighing at birth in Vidisha, India. ELSEVIER, Volume 14, Issue 6. Pgs. 199-206.

My Personal Birthing Experience

Considering I have no children and I get nauseous at the sight of of blood; I do not have any experiences with child birth, aside from my own birth.  This is why I have chosen this particular event.

From what I hear my delivery was high-risk and almost cost my mother her life.  I was born two weeks late and had moved my bowels inside my mother's stomach.  Due to this complication my mother was rushed into surgery for a c-section.  I was delivered in a hospital (controlled environment) near my parents' house.  This is important because presence of medical attention and a controlled environment increased the probability that my mother and I would successfully make it through my birth. Also contributing to the birthing experience was the fact that my father and grandmother were there to emotionally support my mother through the process of labor and delivery.  

All of the factors mentioned above have contributed to my development.  My parents have had a family support system to help raise me and my brother.  My grandparents and extended family have been with us through the years helping in any way.  This has led to a strong family bond.  I am very close to my family and rely on them for support in good times and bad.  If my parents did not have a stable family to lean on, my mother might have experienced depression and they would have had a difficult time paying for child care.  There are many factors that could have adversely affected how I developed as a child.  Since there was proper medical attention from my mother and me, I was delivered a healthy 6 lbs. on February 3rd.

3 Codes of Ethics that are Meaningful to ME

1) From the Division of Early Childhood: " We shall respect, value, promote, and encourage the active participation of ALL families by engaging families in meaningful ways in the assessment and intervention processes."

Its is very important for parents to have an active role in their child's education but also for parents to know how and what their children are learning.

2) NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct: I-1.5 "To create and maintain safe and healthy setting that foster children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development that respect the their dignity and their contributions."

Many people take for granted clean clothes, 3 meals a day, and a stable home life.  Its important for students to feel like they can express themselves and try new things.  Also where they can develop a trust for teachers and classmates.

3) NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct: I-3.2 " To share resources with co-workers, collaborating to ensure that the best possible early childhood care and education program is provided."

-Teamwork makes the Dream Work! Using each other's strengths to collaborate helps our early childhood program to work cohesively.

“The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without a teacher.”
― Elbert Hubbard

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

-Chinese Proverb

Impulsive Behavior

This type of behavior is still difficult for people of all ages.  If I can begin to tackle this as an Early Childhood teacher, boy will my classroom run even smoother!  =0) 

http://www.edvoices.com/blog/2013/03/19/slow-down-you-move-too-fast-students-and-temporal-discounting/

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20130329/NJOPINION01/303290051/Full-value-pre-K-programs-still-unclear?nclick_check=1

This article was posted a few weeks ago in the NJ Home News Tribune, about the effectiveness and longevity of Pre-K classrooms statewide (NJ).  

What do you think about their opinions/findings?
I think most programs are working well and addressing issues appropriately.

 

Passion, Motivation and Wisdom

"All children were taught in an environment and in ways that truly nurtured their ability to grow and develop to their fullest ability"

-Louise Derman-Sparks

"It's not all about you, you gotta take your ego out of it, and think about what's best for the child"

-Renatta M. Cooper

They are our partners in this learning enterprise, and we have a special responsibility to use this knowledge — not to fill up journals, but to make the lives of these children better.

-Edward Zigler

"Instead,the aim of education is to develop the energies."

-Maria Montessori
(The Montessori Method)

Learning in early childhood should not only be based on what the teacher feels the child should be learning but also what intrigues the child.