Perspectives on Diversity and Equity (EDUC - 6164 - 6) Professional Hopes and Goals

            When I think about my work with children that originate from diverse places and ethnicities, my hope is that I will be able to teach them something that they can hold onto for their lifetime.  Teachers often times feel unprepared and therefore they need the appropriate trainings to help prepare for the diverse children that will enter their classroom.  Also, teachers should perform a certain level of research to prepare their lesson plans.  Putting thought into the lesson plan allows the children to know that they were important enough to be included.  My hope is that teachers are more open minded and aware of the changes that are taking place within the early We don't want the world to pass us by, so let's start by empowering our children today. 

            One goal that I have for the field of early childhood is that we always stay committed to performing the task that is in the best interest for the child.  Also, we should stay determined to follow the vision allowing our passion to lead us.  I am fully committed to giving the children that I will serve all of me, because I realize that they deserve the best.  I am serving tomorrow's leaders and I will them to be well prepared for the world when they leave my classroom.  Some many people don't realize how important the first five years are, but once you do you will see how effective the first five years are.

            I would like to thank my fellow classmates from the perspectives on diversity and equity class.  It has been a pleasure working with all of you.  I have enjoyed reading your posts and really appreciate you taking the time to read mine.  I really wish all of you the best in your future endeavors.

Perspectives on Diversity and Equity (EDUC - 6164 - 6) Welcoming Families From Around the World

            The challenge this week is to pretend to work in a social service agency with a child that originates from a different country.  I am suppose to list at least five different ways that I can prepare for this new child.  Also, I am asked to list the benefits for the child as well as myself.  So, let's get started...

            The child's name is going to be Maria and she comes to us from Spain.  To prepare for this child entering the program, as her case worker I will find all of the available resources that will offer assistance in any way with classroom curriculum and other skills.  I plan to brush up on the basic level of Spanish.  I need to know the basic colors, the calendar numbers, the greetings and departure phrases, and maybe a few other things.  I want to know enough that the other children can learn the basics in the classroom.  Also, I will ask the teacher to allow me to look over the lesson plan.  I want to ensure that the curriculum will include not only that child's culture but the cultures of all of the children within the classroom.  I plan to meet the parents before the child enters the program to be able to learn more about their family culture and see how the child interacts with her family.  It is important to know if the child is entering the program with a certain level of manners and respect or will they need to be taught more structure.  Finally, upon entering the classroom on the first day, I will be there.  I want to overview the classroom, but I also want the child to see at least one familiar face upon entering the classroom.

            Being adequately prepared for this child will benefit me in so many ways.  I will become knowledgeable of her family culture through simply talking with her parents.  I am therefore able to incorporate the basics into the classroom and the lesson plan.  I am able to ensure that from my standpoint that the transition for the child is as soon as possible into the program.  The children are able to benefit because they can obtain the highest level of knowledge available to ensure they receive their highest level of potential.

Perspectives on Diversity and Equity (EDUC - 6164 - 6) The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

            In this week's assignment, my task at hand is to talk about an incident where I experienced some form of biased, prejudice or form of oppression.  Honestly, I took the time to think long and hard about the answer to this question and I could not come up with anything.  Finally, I remembered how hard it was for me to go back to school -online.  I thought about the fear of being an online student and how nervous it made me.  I actually started Walden twice and dropped twice, and the third time I said I am going to do this no matter how nervous I was.  Fortunately, I had an advisor that was determined to not give up on me.  He seemed to know that I could do this, even when I had my doubts.  My worries were that I would not be able to reach my teacher when I needed her or him, I would not know how to submit my work assignments and I was just completely biased about online programs. 

            Having pointing out all of the bad things about the program, I was not able to see any of the good that was available all along.  I am currently able to work full time, not leaving early or coming in late.  I only have to study for one class at a time, not becoming overwhelmed with learning multiple subjects at one time.  My teacher normally contacts me within forty eight hours of me contacting her.  I have not only learned my way around my classroom, but have discovered how to get around the campus as well...all on my own. 

            At this point in my education I am only five classes away from receiving my degree.  I would recommend Walden University to anyone and everyone.  As a matter of fact, I have already talked to some people about how much they should attend this school.  Today, Walden has empowered me to feel independent, confident and an over comer.  I am so proud of where I am in life and where I am headed.  Unfortunately, some of the people that were so helpful in the beginning have not stuck around to see me hit the finish line, but I know deep down inside that they are happy for my accomplishments.  Walden proves with hard work and determination you can make your dreams come true.

Perspectives on Diversity and Equity (EDUC - 6164 - 6) Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

            Last year, around Christmas time, my niece got a baby doll as one of her Christmas gifts.  The baby doll was what she wanted, so you would think that she would have been excited.  However, all day she never touched the baby doll, never took it out of the box and did not even look at the doll.  By the end of the day she had played with all of her other toys, except the baby doll.  As her parents asked her to place of her new gifts in her room, she took everything but the baby doll.  When her father (my brother) handed her the baby doll she shook her shoulders and said, "no!"  "What's wrong," he asked her.  She implied that the baby doll was a black baby doll and she wanted the white baby doll.  This statement shocked everyone in the room.  He asked her, "why do you want the white baby doll so badly?"  She responded with the fact that she thought the white one was prettier.  One by one each family member asked her what made the white baby doll prettier, and each time she said the skin and her hair.  That Christmas we spent time telling all the children about how God made them all unique, different and special.  He made everyone just the way that they were supposed to be.  We explained you can't not like someone because of their skin color because she would be not liking a lot of her own family members.  It is very important to love everyone.  By the end of the day, I am pretty sure that she got the message and she still plays with the doll today.

            For me, this was an example of Dr. Sue's "Catch-22."  I wondered in my mind, did this really happen?  As an educator, I knew that I needed to spend time talking to my niece without asking her too many questions to discover where this behavior came from.  I explored the subject and found out that she goes to a school where there are not many kids that look like her.  Most of the little Caucasian children are very warm and welcoming to her and she wanted her doll baby to look like her friends.  I explained to her that it is ok to like people of all races, but we must remember where we come from.  Therefore, I reminded her parents it is important to schedule play dates with friends that look like her as well.  Maybe, friends in the neighborhood or the church but she needs to know and accept her culture.  I also asked my sister in law to visit the school and see if there are books, toys, puppets or anything that would represent our culture within the classroom.  If she did not see anything, I told her to ask the teacher.  This is important that each child's culture is represented within the classroom.  Today, she is coming into her own little identity and she has friends of all races.  Also, we now buy her dolls that explore all cultures.

Perspectives on Diversity and Equity (EDUC - 6164 - 6) Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

            This week's assignment was to interview three people and ask them what the terms culture and diversity meant to them.  I interviewed four people and I will tell you what there responses were.  The first person was my mother, who plays a very important part within my knowledge of what I believe.  She defined culture as many different forms of color, style, creed, communities, nationalities and religions.  Diversity is the beliefs that a person has obtained from the religious aspect that they are a part of, also it is a way of life and how others conduct themselves within the public arena.  Next, I interviewed my aunt.  Her philosophy was similar.  Culture, to her, is a person's background or way of life.  The mere fact she has to have greens and rice every new years is simply a part of her culture.  Also, she included the what a person does things and the beliefs they have is a part of their culture.  Diversity is being able to appreciate others beliefs.  She used, "when in Rome do as the Romans" as her example.  Then, I spoke with a younger cousin.  He views culture as a way of life, way of thinking, tradition, foods and language.  Diversity was the different ways that people think, and the different methods that people have for handling events that occur in life.  Finally, I spoke with a family friend.  He said that his culture will always include ministry, church and the workplace.  He also views culture as allowing others to be stressful.  Diversity is being able to understand people, knowing that everyone is different, accepting others beliefs and acknowledging the different races.  I thanked them all for their input.

            So far in this class we have already had some very intriguing topics.  Within the first week we discussed our social identities and it forced me to think "who am I?"  Having to create ten I am....was a challenge all within itself.  But, it allowed me to really consider who I am and acknowledge that I need to carry myself in a manner where others can see that this is what I think of myself.  Next, we discussed our individual family dynamics.  What specifics about your families culture stands out and how does outsiders feel about these differences.  I realized three are the top three things that stands out with my family: religion, discipline (respect), and togetherness.  Others can view my family and see that when times are hard we rely on each other and our religion to get us through.  It has worked this far.  We have tapped into valuing culture and recognizing deep culture, discontinuity and invisibility.  However, when have not covered some of the different things that can be used in the classroom, but hopefully that is coming.  I am excitedly waiting for the discussion on biased and the "isms."  I peeked and that is coming up and I can't wait to get into that conversation.  Bias always comes without even realizing it is there.  Through talking with others I realized that they were all pretty much saying the same thing, just in different vocabulary.  I also feel the same way that they do.  Before taking this class I didn't realize that they take to different definitions.  But, now I am interested in tearing these two words apart to see what I can discover about both.  I will definitely keep you posted with my findings.

My Family Culture Perspectives on Diversity and Equity (EDUC - 6164 - 6)

            A major catastrophe has occurred within my country and I am only allowed to retrieve three of my prized possessions.  I have carefully considered the details of this assignment.  The three things that I am going to take are as follows: my purse, my laptop and my bible.   I choose my purse because my entire life is in my purse.  Ask any female what's inside their purse and you will get some of these answers: my driver's license, my ss card, my birth certificate, a mirror, a comb, calendar of events, cards, lip gloss, fan, mail and even candy, deodorant etc.  I choose to get my laptop because then I can still do my homework and the fulfill my duties for my job.  Finally, I thought over and over of exactly what I wanted my last item to be and the only thing that I could think of is the bible.  My religion is very important to me and I need to be able to read it under any circumstance. 

            Now, that I have discovered three items, I am asked to reduce it to the most important one item.  I can always buy another bible and a laptop.  However, my purse is the item that I would keep.  Actually, it is not even the actual purse, but more of the items that is within the purse. 

            This assignment was tough because it took forever for me to narrow down which items were more important than others and why.  I did consider other items like family photos and my vehicle.  It forced me to be unselfish and really consider what is important to me.  I discovered that I am very concerned about my success and prosperity within the Lord.  After doing this assignment, I am very excited about what my future holds.   

When I Think of Research...Building Research Competencies (EDUC - 6163 - 1)

                Over the past eight weeks I have obtained so much knowledge through taking the course Building Research Competencies.  My study started off learning the principles of high-quality research: ethical, purposeful, well designed, transparent, contextualized, credible, careful, imaginative and equitable.  It goes on to explain the different types of triangulation.  The book also talks about the importance of validity, being confidential, gaining parental consent and using deception while taking risks.  It discussed the difference between direct observation and using interviews.  It listed the different steps in each category.  Some of the information was a review, but a lot of it was very much new.

            It has opened my mind to being more careful while performing my research tasks.  I must be extra careful to follow ethical rules, but also I have found that I prefer to use direct observation over interviews.  It has taught me to be sure that I plan ahead, so that I am in no danger of ever asking a child a question that will bring about stress for them.  The child should always be at ease.   

            While in this class, my main challenge was developing a research question.  I had to change my question several times to get to the right thing I wanted to say.  But, in the end I feel like I created the right question for the task at hand.  Upon completing this course I know feel like I am more efficient in my research skills which I am applying to my new found knowledge.

Building Research Competencies (EDUC - 6163 - 1) Research Around the World

          My research around the world was completed through the European Early Childhood Education Research Association website.   As soon as I clicked the link I saw the link for the Pacific Early Childhood Research Association (PECERA).  The mission for this website is to disseminate and support research in early childhood education within the pacific area.  Some of the chapters within the PECERA includes: Australia, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Philippines and USA.  Just a few of its objectives are as follows: to provide the academic forum, facilitate the cooperation and collaboration, promote links between research and raise the visibility and status of the research.  These objectives can be accomplished through the following techniques: attending the annual conferences, subscribing to the research journal that is being published, organizing the professional development of yourself and your staff and engaging in the activities that are existing within your community.  These are some great ways to increase your current center with a higher level of quality as well.

            On March 2, 2014 there was an article that mentioned the appropriate ways to use technology within the classroom.  On March 24, 2014 there was an article that discussed the most important skills for a ECE teacher to develop.  Even within my current profession both of these are very useful topics.  My current research stimulation topic deal with the skills that are being passed on from the teacher to the student.  By skills I mean good manners, respect, integrity, honesty and other qualities that the youth of tomorrow must have.  However, there is still so much that I am unaware of when it comes to using the technology within the classroom.  This is my first year dealing with the "Smart Board."  I declare the kids are teaching me how to use it.  There is so much for them to do on there.  When I was growing up, we used to watch the large overhead projectors.  Now times are changing and we really need to keep up or the technology will pass us by.

            Through the website I did learn that there are not only conferences being held, but also there are journal article and online meetings that can be viewed to provide training sessions for the staff.  There are several things available to provide growth to the staff.  The leader just need to get online and find them.  Most information are going to be the same across the board, it is just the techniques that people use that makes them unique and different. 

Building Research Competencies (EDUC - 6163 - 1) Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

            Recently, I discovered a real life case study on this website http://www.mcri.edu.au/media/62295/cases_q___c.pdf. The title of the article is called "Opt-out consent and the role of parental consent in a study in a child care centre."  It is considered case number four in the article.  The experiment was designed to study the spread of germs within the center.  Researchers spread DNA fragments of a plant virus on the surface of the toys, doorknobs and other surfaces within the classroom.  The purpose was to indicate where exactly the spread of germs would be found in the classroom.  Although, the researchers did consider the health risks, they originally found none that was anticipated. 

            Later on, there arrived a parent whose complaint led to one of the centers closing down.  The parent said there consent for the experiment was never provided, because they were unaware of the research experiment.  A letter did go home with each child in their belongs.  Written on the letter were the details of the experiment and everything that the parents needed to know about the experiment.  However, the problem occurred simply because, anyone who has ever worked in child care or anyone who has children knows that the parents do not check their child's bag daily.  Although, the parent claims to have never received the letter, it was in the child's bag and they just did not know to check.  Whose fault is that? 

            Therefore, when the researchers approached the parents to gain consent for the final portion of the experiment, which is the permission to swab the child's hands to see if the solution was present , the parent became uncooperative.  and said they were never aware of the experiment was even taking place.  Due to this circumstance all parents were provided the opportunity to opt-out of the experiment and not complete it to the end.  Surprisingly, none of them choose these option.

            Here are some pointers to ponder for researchers in the future:

Did the researchers in this experiment try hard enough to gain parental consent?

Was the consent of the child needed in this experiment as well?

Was the opt-out option an acceptable solution for this matter?

What would have been the circumstances if the child would have put the solution into their mouth and became sick? 

Was the research experiment worth it in the end?

Please share your thoughts.  Thanks!

Building Research Competencies (EDUC - 6163 - 1) Your Personal Research Journey

                Communication is the topic that I choose to work with for this class.  It is a great topic because everyone uses communication in every field that they work in.  Although, good communication skills is relevant in every occupation, I feel it is most relevant in the early childhood field.  Communication can be used differently in early childhood: teacher-teacher, child-teacher, parent-teacher, child-child, parent-child and so on.  Recently, I found a credible source that deals with communication.  The website is http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=145.  The title of the of the source is "Do you communicate clearly? Consider This..."  It is a great source that breaks down the information to allow your mind a chance to wonder do you do any of these things.  It has been my personal experience that many people in the school system are not the best communicators.  Have you ever really sat and listened to two individuals talk?  Did they over talk each other?  Did their tone of voice change to the point where they were yelling?  Did the conversation  have anything to do with the individuals or was it out of their control and none of their business?  A conversation involves a speaker and a listener.  While one person is speaking the other person should be listening so they have a response when the speaker is done.  Then they will switch places.  When both people are talking at the same time it tends to bring about greater frustration.  When you consider young children, many of them bite the other person when they can not seem to get there point across and they don't know exactly what to do.  Also, this appears again in teens.  Many of them resort to fighting their peers when they feel like they're peer has wronged them.  Many children have learned to result to violence when they feel as though they can not communicate.  It is the teachers job to educate the children on better ways to redirect themselves or their feelings when times get a little tough.  If you have any thoughts on communication and how it has effected you please share your thoughts.  Do you feel like you are a good communicator?  What area could you work on better?  What is done within the classroom to ensure that they children are developing their communication skills?  Share your thoughts.

Greetings...

Hello, my fellow classmates in the Building Research class.  I am very excited and nervous about this class, but I am sure we will obtain plenty of new information.  Good Luck to everyone and please let me know if I can assist you with anything.

Final Blog

            It has been very beneficial for me to be able to learn information about my personal person of interest, and discover new insights from classmates research.  I have always been very concerned and curious to know ways that I can grow on a professional level.  Here is just a few consequences from this class that I am able to take with me on a professional level.  This class has allowed me to become aware of the current issues and trends from other countries.  With the knowledge that I have obtained I am able to better prepare my classroom for cultural diversity so that every child not only feels accepted but included as well.  It has made me aware of the policies and procedures in providing effective programs and practices.  Finally, it has allowed me the opportunity to view others ideas of equity and excellency.  These are just a few of the factors that will help me in the world of early childhood education. 

            The other way to view current issues is looking at them on a more personal level.  The materials produced this semester has provided me to become more aware of various different views on the topics discussed.  It has placed ideas in my head that I would have otherwise never thought of.  It has reassured me of the importance of not discriminating on any child for any reason ever.  Finally, it is provided resources for me to become better advocate for children and parents.  Personally, I love what I do, enjoy my job, and plan to do it for many years to come.

            I created some goals that I can live by that I created through the knowledge from this course.  I plan to implement lesson plans in the classroom that includes all children of various ethnicities, cultural and diversities.  I plan to advocate for children in a manner that provides equity and excellence according to the current issues and trends.  I plan to use research policies and procedures to better provide for effective programs and practices.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

            I asked Elisabeth if there are any new issues are concerns that are occurring in the news dealing with child care.  She said that the major issues in Belgium currently deals with the mistreatment of children in poverty areas.  Unfortunately, there are more children that are mistreated who live in poverty than any other area.  The reason is normally because the parents is stressed with issues of life.  For example, the parents can't figure out how the bills are going to be paid, has death in the family, an older sibling is pregnant at teenage years or so many other issues.  When there are other factors involved it is hard to focus on being nice and loving to your child.  The other issue that she mentioned is that there are so many children that do not report to school on a daily basis.  In Belgium, there is not a mandatory rule that says that children have to go to school.  Therefore, if no one is pushing you in the right direction to obtain an education, then there is no reason to get one.  

            Next, I asked her about the opportunities that exist for children in her area.  She said that her children were involved in sports, music and cooking.  All three of these aspects will allow the children to benefit from learning later on in life.  She also mentioned that most of the parents are able to work jobs late hours because there is entertainment offered at the school for them to participate in.  This is good because it provides the children extra curricula activity while the parents in working more hours to better finance their families.

            I asked what are the requirements for a good teacher in Belgium?    Teachers, in Belgium, should have good teaching skills, be comprehensive, be motivated, open minded, not elitists and someone who gives everyone a chance.  The way she explained everyone being given a chance is equivalent to what he call individualities at Head Start.  She feels like children should be able to appreciate learning through be curios and discovering new things.

            Finally, the last thing that I inquired was the goals that she has for her children.  She wants her children to be happy and always responsible.  They should respect others.  Every time they start never stop until the job is completed.  The last thing that she said, and I agree with, put every effort into what you are doing and where you want to go.  In order to get something new, you must first do something new. 

Sharing Web Resources

            The website that I used is EECERA2014.org.  This time I logged in I visited an outside link that lead me to KICCE (Korea Institute of child care and education .  On this website it says that its mission is to strive for enhancement of high quality education for young children, parents and the community.  Under the policies link there were some very controversial topics: gender sensitive, women's rights, migrant women, government cooperation and family policy.  All of these topics are very good conversation starters.

            The most current issue was an article titled, "South Korea shuns mom at peril as workforce shrinks."  As I begin to read the article, my hurt melted.  Two women were crying because they were finally able to find a job.  In Korea, it is unlikely for a woman to work after getting married.  Upon getting married, most women who have jobs decide to quit to stay at home, take care of the house and raise the children.  At Starbucks the mom were able to obtain a job through the back to work for moms program.  President Park Geun Hye, the nation's first female leader has pledged to create 1.65 million jobs for women to help lift the female employment options.  The rate to 61.9%  to 53.5%   before her term ends in February 2018 is her goal.  Making sure that women are happy and able to balance their family and career is the extended goal for the president.  She plans to spend 68% of the funds towards opening up new child development centers.  This will promote educational facilities for children and new employment opportunities for teachers.  In Korea, if there is a company with either 500 people or 300 women, it is procedure for the company to have a child development center nearby.  Forty percent of most organizations have already complied with this goal.  The president sees it as a personal challenge to try to get the percentage from forty to seventy percent within the length of her term.  This is an achievable goal and will be done with motivation from the community. The president talks about her own experience of having to switch from seven different nannies within one month's timeframe.  Every time your child has to change childcare providers there is a new attachment that has to be formed.  This is a hard process for a parents as well as a child.  This article really allowed me a chance to ponder on some things but I am glad that our nation is changing.  Women no longer have to stay at home and become house wives.  They now have the ability to work outside the home and have a peace of mind knowing that there children will be well taken care of in school.    

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

            This week we are reviewing the topics of excellency and equity.  The questions that I asked my person this week were very basic and to the point.  I started off by asking how are the children prepared for excellency within the school system in their country.  The response I got was that children learn how to live together through respecting, sharing and believing in one another.  As well they tend to take plenty of pictures because it is later shared with the next generation and placed on display.  They pass down the family traditions as it is important for the upcoming generations to follow.  Next, I asked what were three things that are valued by the parent to ensure that the child is successful in school.  She answered respect, learning and discipline.  The three factors that she listed are also factors that were important within my household as a child as well.  I was told by my grandmother for many years that respect will take you places that nothing else will.  Respect is not always earned but passed out freely.  Learning is required not praised.  Letter grades below a "B" were never accepted.  Discipline was always reinforced.  You were expected to know how to behave within the public arena without embarrassing the family name.  I asked about the challenges that were faced by her children in school but there apparently was none.  She just repeatedly told me that she wanted her children to be respectful even when they felt like injustice was been done.  She taught her children to accept and understand differences in regards to education, society and family environment.  Always perform the tasks that are expected by the teacher.  I followed up by asking her how did she feel the school did with supporting the needs of the children and she told me that they did  not support her family at all, but she did not need them either.  Finally, the last thing I asked was for her to tell me about a happy event that she remembers from her child's childhood.  She mentioned the school fair.  She discussed that this was an event where the child was allowed to dance or display a talent for the audience and she remembers being a proud parent.  Every conversation that I have with her is always warm and allows me to see exactly how much she cares about her children.  It is nice to be able to see how people provide  are in different places of the world and compare and contrast upon it. 

Sharing Web Resources

            EECERA (European Early Childhood Education Research Association) is the name of the website that I subscribed to.  The purpose of EECERA is to increase the development of theoretical foundation of the theme and related topics, the development of new research methodology, an up to date overview of current knowledge and developments in the field (EECERA.org).   I am most interested in the theme and related topics because it keeps me up to date on the latest trends and issues.  I am always concerned on what's new around, as well I should be.  As an educator, I plan to teach my students according to the latest theme and related topics.

            Throughout the article there were three controversial questions that stuck out to me.  The questions are as follows: 1.)  Should early childhood education programmers be universally accessible and affordable to all?  2.)  Should resource programmers be targeted only at supporting those who are in the greatest need?  3.)  Is the quality factor in early childhood education a universal concept or should it be individualized to context, and adapted to accommodate different social and cultural constructs of childhood.    All three of these questions are very controversial because no matter who you ask the question to, you are guaranteed to get a different answer from.

            If you ask a politician questions such as, should all programs be affordable and should resources only be provided to those in need, the answer is going to be the obvious.  A politician is usually running for some sort of office and the need people to vote.  Therefore, a good politician needs to seem concerned.  The answers would be very similar to the following:  every child deserves a quality education and the resources should definitely be affordable to them.  Although this statement sounds good coming from them, it is not always the case when they make it into the office.  Asking a neuroscientist who needs resources to obtain a higher knowledge should be answered in one way.  But, unfortunately this can arise new thoughts within certain people.  Some people feel like why should resources be provided to schools who already have sufficient resources?  Why not provide low income schools with more resources?  Personally, I feel like what can be recycled should be.  But, every school deserves new materials every school year.  Furthermore, economists perceive some things to be universally accessible.  I agree some things can be considered universal, but several things are not considered universal.  The most important aspect to remember  is that are children are not universal, and never will be.  This is why the phrase, "no child left behind" comes into effect.  Because the system does not want any child to fall through the cracks, the policy council and other educational administration perform all tasks to ensure that all children can learn.  Every child is important. 

            From this website, I have learned to be more open minded.  There are some issues and trends that are going to be controversial, however educators always consider what is in the best interest of the child.  Every educator, no matter where they work, is an advocate or a voice for the children.  Advocates can be politicians, neuroscientists or economists.  The qualifications of an advocate is simply to want what's best for the child.  I have learned this week to consider all options and make them available resources when possible.

Reference

EECERA.org

Getting to Know Your International Contacts

            The person that I have chosen for this assignment is Emmanuèle.  I have known this woman for over seventeen years.  She used to tutor me in French as a young child.  I learned to respect and appreciate the French Culture through her.  Although, she is from France, she has lived in the USA for the last thirty years.  Currently, she still has family that are still residing outside the USA. 

            Recently, I met her sister, Elisabeth.  Elisabeth is an educator in Belgium near Brussels (25 Km).  She has three children.  They attended primary school in Baulers (700 m from home).  Although, this is not the same school that she attended as a child, she likes the school for many reasons.  The communication from social class is good, there are several activities that visitors can participate in. However, the thing that she did not like is the fact that several of the teachers did not take into account that it takes some students longer than others to become well adjusted.   She said that her children were punished when they cried and were sent to a corner to think.  She did not like the fact that the teacher made her feel guilty on days when she had to pick her children up early or if they had to miss any days.  There were some days where she just wanted to have lunch with her children, and the principal made her feel as though she could not.  I asked her if she felt like the school had sufficient supplies to support the educational needs of the children.  She answered yes for her children, but no for  the children with special needs.  Her words were, "I feel like they are left away."  Finally, when I asked the few questions about poverty, she did not answer them because she had nothing to compare it to.    I am excitedly looking forward to getting to know Elisabeth better throughout this semester.

            Through getting to know her I discovered that most, if not all, of the schools in the area are state funded.  There are really no low income schools around.  The education system seems to be well grounded and the children are learning.

Sharing web resources...

            I subscribed to http://www.eecera.org.  This website captured my attention through it being from Europe. EECERA (European Early Childhood Education Research Association) is an independent, self-governing, international association which promotes and disseminates multi-disciplinary research on early childhood and its applications to policy and practice. EECERA is a non-profit organization, wholly-owned and subscribed to by its substantial and influential world-wide membership. It generates its own revenue, receives no external funding and thus ensures its independence, radical attitude and innovative openness (http://www.eecera.org).

            EECERA's objective is to promote and carry out public benefit and research issues relevant to early childhood provision.  By taking these steps it encourages a clearer articulation, raises visibility and status, explores topical new mythologies, facilitate collaboration and cooperation, raises the level of critical thinking and develop setting improvement and quality insurance.  To assist with the focus there are training classes, research opportunities and conferences held (http.//www.crec.co.uk). 

            Under current issues, there was a letter that recently went out to inform educators how to report on effectiveness of teaching and assessment within the early years (http://www.ofsted.gov.uk).  According to Sir Michael Wilshaw, there are no preferred teaching styles, as long as the children are prepared for public school upon entry is the main focus.  Research has proven the first five years of life to be the timeframe where the child tends to obtain the most knowledge at the quickest pace.  During the early years so much information can be obtained through simple lesson planning.  For example, children can learn to recognize nursery rhymes, learn new vocabulary, enjoy picture books, build towers while counting, make shapes through clay, mark on paper, climb stairs, play ball, get dressed and undressed and several other things.

            When an inspector enters the room there are several things that they are observing for.  Here are just a few: the staff is helping the children, teaching the children to listen, encouraging the children to socialize, motivating independency, managing personal needs, challenging critical thinking, testing ideas through trial and error, providing good models of language, expressing ideas and using imagination, extending vocabulary and learning the early stages of math and reading.  However, to assist with the staff performing these tasks there are some things that the management needs to ensure is being performed.  The classrooms should be staffed appropriately, staff should speak clearly and appropriately, time management should be considered, children's skills should be monitored and the staff should be able to obtain the expertise needed to perform the everyday functions of the job. 

            While working on this assignment, it made me realize that in order to have an effective and quality school, there has to be other things to fall into place first.  It all starts from the top.  The management should be organized and prepared for the staff as well as the children.  The building should be clean and DSS ready at all times.  They should be knowledge and aware of their surroundings.  The staff should be educated and passionate about their duties.  The staff should be communicable and approachable.  The children should be loved and cherished. They should feel as if they are at home with the same amount of love that is provided by their parents.  When all of these factors fall into place the school can set the standard of being a quality and effective program.

References

http.//www.crec.co.uk. 

http://www.eecera.org. 

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk

Getting Ready—E stablishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

I tried very hard to locate or contact two professionals.  I used the Global Alliance of Naeyc to contact five different places: Philippines, Germany, Canada, Cuba and Hatai.  Also, I used the UNICEF website, but I did not find it as useful as the other one.  Finally, I did contact the Head Start center in Mexico, but that did not go far because the lady said she did not speak English and there was no translator.  Before I try the part 1 alternative, I have a friend that is from outside the US and works with children.  After I have made contact with them, I might try the option two.  But, I have a good feeling about these two ladies.

Furthermore, I saw several websites that look interesting.  Here are a few: Zero to three, The Naeyc, National Head Start Organization, and Association of Early Childhood Teachers.  However, I did subscribe to European Early Childhood Education Research Association.  But, I think I will continue to subscribe to more.

My Supports...

                Obtaining my masters degree is a difficult task, but I have a great support system where I am surrounded by people who love me and want to see me do well.  The most important thing in my circle of success is my faith.  My faith supports me because I realize that with God I can do all things.  The benefit to having faith is knowing that I can succeed and I am just as good as the person beside.  It is difficult because faith is believing without ever seeing.  My motivation is realizing without faith, the size of a mustard seed, I will fail.  Next, I really appreciate my family and all that they do for me.  God blessed me with a wonderful set of parents, and two dynamic older brothers.  They all have supported me every step of the way, whether it is providing me with advice or pushing me further with motivation of informing me that I can do it.  From having their supported I have benefited in having a higher level of self-esteem.  It would be hard to succeed if I did not have the people who have supported me from day one in my life.  I can't imagine ever having to live my life without each and every member of my family.  I used to pray and ask God continuously for a little sister.  But, today I know that even without that sister, God gave me exactly what I needed to survive. 

            The third factor that I am so thankful is my job.  My job supports the experience that is gained through working in childcare.  The benefits through working in the same field that you are studying about in school is being able to see firsthand the objectives that are being taught through your professors.  It would be difficult to learn about an area that you have no experience in because you would have to imagine everything.  If I had a job in another field it would be hard to have learned and obtained the wealth of knowledge that I have gathered.  Finally, school is the last factor, but most certainly is not the least factor.  School has supported me to explore and discover more about my area of passion.  Through attending Walden University I have gained a wealth of resources through discovering you never attend a seminar without obtaining at least one thing you can take away from it.  My life would be so much different if I were not in school trying to achieve my goals.  All of my success comes from attending school.  Without school in I would be considered ordinary, with school I am considered extraordinary.

"My Connections to Play"

Here are some items that I grew up playing with. 

"My Connections to Play"

Quotes:
You can't stop the future, you can't rewind the past, the only way to learn the secret, ...is to press play.
Jay Asher

Time is a game played beautifully.
Heraclitus

Play is the highest form of research.
Albert Einstein

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, but when I became a man I put away my childish things.
I Cor 13:11

Monkey see, Monkey do...
Practice makes perfect...
Never judge a book by it's cover..

People supported play when I was growing up in pretty much the same way all over town.  There was a neighborhood theory, “It takes a village to raise a child”.  That phrase was used and understood by the adults and the children in the neighborhood.  It meant that if you were doing something wrong anyone in the neighborhood was free to correct you with your parents’ permission.  However, when your parents heard about it, you were getting another spanking when they arrived at home later.  Play was very much encouraged.  We mostly played outdoors with no toys.  It was understood that whenever my parents had company, we were to go outside (if the weather permit).  We were not allowed in the room when grown folk were talking.  When we went outside, we played games like: hopscotch, red light green light 123, red rover red rover, mother may I, Simon says, and many other games that required no toys.  Or either we made up our own toys, for example “telephone was a game that we used a toilet paper roll and a piece of string to pretend to speak to the person on the other end.  I enjoyed going to the park because my favorite thing to do was swing, and go down the slide.  Daddy spent time with me outside in the garden teaching my how to plant flowers.  Mommy loved to have standard tea parties with me so that we could discuss the latest gossip.  Finally, my brothers and I loved to pick up worms and snails and other animals that made my mommy upset. 

Play is different today than it was when I was a child for several different reasons.  First, if you use the village theory that I mentioned earlier, you might get cursed out.  People tend to get upset these days when you discipline their children.  Children no longer know how to play outside, nor do they like it.  Therefore, they are not made to pay outside.  Either it is too hot in the summer, or too cold in the winter.  They prefer games like the Wii, angry birds, or their tablets.  For example, recently in South Carolina we had some snow days where the children were unable to come to school.  When they returned I asked them to write in their journals about the fun things that they did in the snow.  Instead, several children told me that their mom or dad had them on Facebook looking at the snow.  Why were they not outside playing in the snow, because we do not get it often?  The parent could have provided an entire lesson on how snow feels looks, tastes, etc.  Instead, for most children it was supposedly too cold to go outside. 

Throughout my life play was encouraged in more ways than one.  My job was to play.  I performed my job well.  Although, I grew up with two older brothers and no sisters, I still loved playing.  I did not do a lot of girly things; I mostly played football, basketball, climbed trees and played with bugs.  But, all of this was very enjoyable for me.  My mom never stopped me or even tried to redirect my play to more female things. I loved the fact that she just allowed me to be myself.  I feel fortunate to have had the upbringing that I had and blessed to have been in a family with love and acceptance.

Stephy (BFF) and me

Mommy and Me (Mothers Day 2014)

“Relationship Reflection”

Relationships in early childhood are very important because it helps it helps a child discover who they are and how they should treat others.  Generally, it is the parent (in most cases) that the child comes in contact with first.  The child develops a certain attachment from the parents, whether it is secure or inconsistent.  There is a poem that I love that tells you why children are the way that they are:

Children Learn What They Live

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn . . .

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight . . .

If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive . . .

If a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself . . .

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy . . .

If a child lives with jealousy, he learns to feel guilt . . .

BUT

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient . . .

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident . . .

If a child lives with praise, he learns to be appreciative . . .

If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love. .

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves...

If a child lives with honesty, he learns what truth is . . .

If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice . . .

If children live with recognition, they learn to have a goal.

If children live with sharing, they learn to be generous.

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and those about him . . .

If a child lives with friendliness, he learns the world is a nice place in which to live . . .

WITH WHAT IS YOUR CHILD LIVING?

 

I have always had a positive relationship with my parents.  I am so grateful that they taught me right from wrong at such an early age.  They taught me the Bible and what is expected of me.  From my father I learned how a man is supposed to treat me, and anything else is unacceptable.  From my mommy I learned exactly how to be a lady (Godly Lady).  Both of my brothers have always been there for me, no matter what I needed.  My BFF has been there for me to comfort me, and just listen to my problems whenever I needed her.  I am so forever grateful for all of these people that God has placed in my life on a daily basis. 

However, some relationships are harder than others.  There are some people who I thought were my true friends have let me down.  When times get hard, you tend to discover who is around for the long hall and who is only there for a season.  The problem is that there are some people in your life who are only meant to be there for a season.  When there season is up they are gone.  This is one of the reasons why you should never place your trust in “man”.  People are not perfect and they all make mistakes (even me), but it is so important that we remember to forgive them so that we can move on.  You never know when your expiration date will be and you want to have all of your ducks in a row when it’s time to expire.

I think that if Head Start had a positive relationship with the Boys and Girls Club, Girls/ Boys Scott of America and other organizations like that it would benefits all companies and everyone would get something out of it.  This would be a smooth transition for children and positive effects would develop from it.  Often time’s children get into trouble because they are bored with no challenge.  But if there is something available for them, they have no choice but to succeed.  My goal is to become a director someday, and at that point I plan to build positive long lasting relationships for the children in my program, providing them a better opportunity for the future.

Just a note of thanks....

unfortunately our class (Early Childhood Development) has come to an end.  I would like to thank all of the people who were in my class:Anna Ciezczyk,  Zeina Matar-Ghantous, Sandra Weller, Quintel Henry, Carol Green, Stephaine Courtney, Pamela Le, Bonnie Baker, Trinisha Gross, DEONDREA QUARLES, Randee Holmes, Brenda Jones, Jamilla Philson,   Lanyan Lu, Bertina Turner, Falicia Coleman, and of course the instructor  Nanette Schonleber (Dr. Sherri).  From all of you I have learned a lot more than you could ever imagine.  The course would not have been what it was if you were not in it.  I love gaining experience through looking at the world from the view point of my classmates.  I wish all of you the most success and hope that you complete your program in a timely manner.  Remember the first step has already been taken, so you are already on your way to a brighter future, just stay with it and do not throw in the towel and you will be fine.  Thanks for all of your posts and comments and don't be strangers.  Stop in and read my posts from time to time.  Have a wonderful future!