WEEK 8 BLOG

I never knew that there was so much to research. I use to think that all you had to do was read a few journals here and there, site the sources, and move on, but, its more to research than just  that. You have to make sure that your research is valid and that it is fair and not biased towards the participants that you have chose to be apart of your chosen study. I now know that I have to make sure that my research is reliable and that my sources are valid. There was a time that I had the mindset of "well as long as it sounds right" but I have learned that research is deeper than that and you are proving that your information is truthful and that if someone tries to dispute it, that all the information is correct and in order. I learned that there are different types of designs when doing research. I grew fond of the qualitative design because of how case studies can be incorporated. I feel that case studies are more personal and it allows you to hear different opinions. 
I have a new respect for early childhood professionals because its deeper than just putting information on paper. They conduct research about the early childhood field to benefit people like myself and my peers and I appreciate that.

WEEK 5 BLOG

I chose to explore Early Childhood Austrailia which is the same as NAEYC here in the United States. Some current research topics that I found on this site were about how childcare funding must focus on children who are most in need and how the government must try to end child retention. Reading about how childcare funding should focus on children who are in most need Austrailia believes changes to the funding of childcare should focus on benefiting low and middle income families and on improving the wages and conditions of the people who work in these services according to Early Childhood Australia, the peak body representing children.

ECA has developed certain recommendations in relation to refugee children who are in retention and children of asylum seekers:

• Families with children and unaccompanied minors should be placed in the community while their claims are assessed.
• In the event that an application for refugee status is unsuccessful and families and unaccompanied minors cannot return to their home country, families and unaccompanied minors should continue to live in the community until such time as they can return home.
• Families should have access to the support they need to care for their children and participate in the community.

WEEK 3 BLOG

I have been research family incomes recently to determine who can really afford childcare and who can not. Family income appears to be more strongly

related to children’s ability and achievement than to their emotional outcomes. Children who live in extreme poverty or who live below the poverty line for multiple years appear, all other things being equal, to suffer the worst outcomes. The timing of poverty also seems to be important for certain child outcomes. Children who experience poverty during their preschool and early school years have lower rates of school completion than children and adolescents who experience poverty only in later years. Although more research is needed on the significance of the timing of poverty on

child outcomes, findings to date suggest that interventions during early childhood may be most important in reducing poverty’s impact on children.

WEEK 2 BLOG 6163

The topic that I will be researching will be poverty. I chose to do this topic because I want to know more about how it affects children and their educational experiences. I am also hoping to find out who makes up the population of people living in poverty, what is the question of class when it comes to poverty, the myths of poverty and does two parent homes have something to do with poverty. Some people don't grow up in poverty, but things happen that causes families to become impoverished. Now that I have learned about how to research reliable sources I will be able to carefully find information that will help my research process.

WEEK 8 BLOG

Three consequences that I learned about the international early childhood field is that it is not really cared for as it should be, that it is hard to get funding and advocates for early childhood care in other countries. This has made me thankful for the funding and advocates that we have in the US. Second, that early childcare can be overly expensive in other countries and that I should stop helping parents complain about the price of childcare here. Lastly, education is not promised in some countries while here in America it is almost free, it is free for parents who receive vouchers.

I hope that the current advocates for the early childhood field in other countries come to realize how important the first years are when it comes to molding a child and their development. Being that I never got to speak to any of my contacts, I hope that they were busy trying to make early childhood education mandatory in the countries where it is overlooked.

WEEK 7 BLOG

The quality of education in a country is indicative of its overall development prospects. Over the past two decades building on the momentum generated by educational development goals  have been significant as far as increases in the number of children enrolled in school. Now, with discussions heating up around what the next set of development goals will look like in 2015, it is critical that learning across the education spectrum from early childhood through adolescence and beyond is included as a global priority. Starting early helps children enter primary school prepared to learn. High quality early childhood development opportunities can have long-term impacts on a child’s later success in school.

WEB SOURCES

I found that their is a resource connected to National Head Start Association called The Source for Learning, Inc. It is a non-profit company, develops high quality, technology-based learning resources that enhance learning for children and educators. Empowered by non-profit status, SFL provides resources, such as PreschoolFirst.com, at reduced or no cost to early learning organizations serving underserved children and families nationwide. SFL’s resource PreschoolFirst.com is a research-based, observational assessment system for the early childhood years that interconnects developmental progress, learning activities, and educational decisions. NHSA and SFL work in partnership on special projects that influence the Head Start community and the field of early learning. SFL collaborates with NHSA to produce the popular Family Connections monthly newsletter that NHSA members share with families and parents.

GLOBAL CHILDREN'S INITIATIVE

Zambian Early Childhood Development Project

For nearly half the world’s children especially girls and those from different populations early childhood education is not guaranteed. This is despite the fact that early childhood is the most significant period of development in our lives, establishing the cognitive, emotional, and social foundation upon which we build our futures. By getting children ready for school, we arm them with the tools necessary to build fulfilling lives, become productive citizens, and take their place in the global community.
More than 100 Zambian and international experts will examine ECD best practices that can be implemented not only in Zambia, but globally. UNICEF has a strong partnership with the Ministry of Education in striving towards providing every Zambian child with care, development, and education while they are still very young. UNICEF is also pleased to be working in close collaboration with NGO and CBO partners in supporting the numerous early childhood care development and education centres (ECCDE) that are caring for Zambia’s youngest children.

Sharing Web Resources: NHSA

Developing effective partnerships and goal-directed relationships with families is a critical part of supporting family well-being and children's school readiness. Research shows that children have better outcomes when parents have adequate resources, live in safe home environments that support learning and development, and provide active and intentional learning experiences. These conditions result in children who are more likely to perform better upon entry to kindergarten and show resilience throughout childhood and adolescence. There are over 25,000 family services staff and supervisors and over 7,000 home visitors who work with families in HS and EHS programs. Local agencies have established different qualifications for family services staff and supervisors, ranging from a Masters of Social Work or other graduate degrees to family development credentials (www.nhsa.org). The Defenese industry has used its significant power to try and convince Congress to protect defense spending from cuts and if they succeed, all 1.2 trillion in cuts would be borne by non-defense spending. This would mean that the Head Start cuts would cause over 200,000 children to be dropped from this program.

Poverty in Mongolia

I kind of have given up on contacting a early childhood professional. But the show must go on!! I visited the Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre's page and found the information on Mongolia to be interesting. Mongolia doesn't have service as some countries to to help them come out of poverty. A particular concern is that the state is failing to support many of those children and their families who are suffering most. Some children never enter school, others drop out of classes, the numbers of street children and families in urban areas increased during the 1990s; although numbers of street children are now falling, many factors related to poverty still push new children onto the streets. Access to health care to  people who are poor and in remote rural areas are bad and even though its there it is not a great service. This country doesn't seem to care about the well being of their poor and homeless population and if there were more available resources then the Mongolian people may be able to receive some sort of help.

www.childhoodpoverty.org

NHSA

WWW.NHSA.ORG

There vision is..... 

To be the untiring voice that will not be quiet until every vulnerable child is served with the Head Start model of support for the whole child, the family and the community.
To work diligently for policy and institutional changes that ensure all vulnerable children and families have what they need to succeed.

NHSA's News You Can Use is a bi-weekly publication that keeps NHSA members informed about all we are doing to serve them better including: 

• There speaking engagements and events where NHSA is representing you;
• Registration and details about all our upcoming events and trainings;
• Updates about our affiliates; and additional resources.

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UPCOMING EVENTS FROM NHSA

September 10, 2012

NHSA's Fall Leadership Institute, Head Start Awareness Month, Get Parents Trained for Advocacy with Abriendo Puertas!, Family Development Credential Instructors Institute, What do You Have to Share?, Time & Effor Reporting and Cost Allocation Webinar & Back to School Sale, National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, 2013 Healthy Tomorrows Grand Cycle Announced, September NHSA Family Connections Newsletter

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GLOBAL FUND FOR CHILDREN and NHSA

I chose this organization because it doesn't just focus on one country or one child but it benefits every child everywhere. The GFC works to advance the dignity of children worldwide. They pursue this mission by making small grants to innovative community-based organizations working with many of the world’s most vulnerable children, and by harnessing the power of children’s books, films, and documentary photography to promote global understanding.
 
HERE IS THEIR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO
https://www.globalfundforchildren.org

I sent an e-mail on Thursday and I still have not recieved and reply. They also have a contact number which I called but I never spoke to anyone.


I also chose the National Head Start Association because I grew up in a head start program so I am trying to further educate myself on some of the things they focus on and to see if anything has changed since I was enrolled.

There mission:

NHSA Mission

Is to coalesce, inspire and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education.
We are compelled to fulfill this mission by the promise of all the possible outcomes:

• one powerful, united Head Start voice;
• a collegial, collaborative Head Start field, one that is a valuable and valued partner and resource to early childhood development and education;
• nonpartisan support of increased Federal commitment to Head Start and, ultimately
• healthier, empowered children and families and stronger, more vibrant communities.

MY SUPPORTS.....

This will be short and sweet. Their is only one reason I have continued my education as far as I have and that is because of mother. She supports me through my positives and negatives. She is there for encouragment and corrections and sometimes I need more corrections than anything. I want to not only make a better life for me but for her as well. I don't want her to have to ask anyone for anything but me and I want to be able to do that without hesitation. God is also a major support in my life because his love is unconditional, I know that even when I really, really mess up that he will still always be their. I believe that if I was to ever lose my mother I don't think I would continue my education unless I were to have children. In order for me to be half way complete God is always present in my life regardless of anything that I go through.

MY CONNECTIONS TO PLAY

In our play we reveal what kind of people we are.

Ovid
Roman poet
43 BC–17 or 18 AD

My childhood may be over, but that doesn't mean playtime is. 

Ron Olson

When I was younger it was never a question of having toys to play with or playing outside; my parents and my teachers were open to play. I believe play is the reason I am the person I am to day. During family functions when I was growing up all of the children were made to go outside and play. When me and all of my cousins would go outside we would play hide and seek, red light green light, freeze tag and whatever else we could come up with to entertain us. Play time was all about being creative with your available resources as well. If we didn't have any toys that we "wanted" to play with we would use pots and pans our mema didn't use anymore or find old sticks and and buckets to play with.
Today play is so structured and everyone has to follow rules. The only rules we had back in the day were "no blood shall be drawn, no bones broken, and no tears shed" now go play!!!!!!!!!! I think we should let our children control what they play and how they play. It allows them to become independent and they are able to make their own decisions.

Children's Quote

Psalm 127:3-5  Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

WEEK 6 BLOG

I believe that  a child's speech and language should be assessed. Speech and Language are important when communicating with other children. Educators and parents should make sure that their children are at the appropriate level when it comes to their speech in order to move on to the next grade level. If a child is 4 years old and speaking like a 2 year old that could be an issue. If this happens I believe a speech therapist should be brought in to work with the child. If a child has delayed speech then most likely they don't understand much of what they are hearing either.

What ways are school aged children assessed in other parts of the world?

In Russia, elementary school last for 9 grades. After 9th grade they go to secondary school. At the end of the 9th grade children take a National Exam. Russian children go to school from ages 6 to 17. Classroom work often means reciting and being tested in a written form or orally by the teacher. Sometimes students are evaluated by the teacher in front of the class.

http://www.sv-agency.udm.com/

WEEK 2 BLOG

A public health topic that is interesting to me is the mental health of mothers, fathers, and families. To know a child completely you have to not only learn about the child, but you have to know their family background and where they come from. Some children may come from families that have a history of ADHD or speech delays. Their families may have a history of violence, cancer, or heart problems these are things that educators should know when it comes to the children that they will see on a daily basis for at least 8 hours a day. Knowing things like this will allow problems with children to be regulated.

In most schools and child development centers their are usually files kept that give background information on each child as far as illnesses are concerned. Other personal information dealing with the families mental background is usually told if the parents wants it to be told or if they know that their child's mental state will affect the classroom or their child's peers.

In Italy mental illness is looked down upon. There may be shame associated with having an intellectually handicapped adult child in the family; in America their usually is no shame associated with having a handicapped family member. Parents in Italy may not fully utilize available services to assist their handicapped child like parents do in America. When it comes to domestic violence in Italian families it is usually hidden for long periods of time so that the family honor won't be put to shame. Domestic violence is hidden in American families as well but their are hotlines and groups that battered adults can use to help them get through it.

www.vtpu.org

Birthing Experience???? Yea About That

Hey my new fellow classmates......

So myself, personally have never experienced or seen a child being born ever. I do someday hope to experience this joyful occasion but as of right now it is not in my to do list. I believe that every woman,  should experience child birth and the feeling of being a provider and a nurturer. Children are so amazing and I think it is a chance to see what type of person they will become because of your guidance and your care. If it wasn't for babies there would be no need for child development and I probably would not have a job!! Therefore I think that child birth is very important in our society it is what keeps our world going round!!

Birth's in Madagascar

Madagascar is a country that lies near the coast of South Africa. Sadly Madagascar has a high maternal mortality rate. The lack of skilled attendants penalises many mothers and also the lack of resources.The local clinic in Belanitra has only four beds and about 20 women give birth there per month. Sometimes the clinic ask patients to bring their own mattress or the woman has to leave a few hours after labour to make room for the other expecting mothers. The clinic hopes that improved fistula care will make a difference to maternal mortality rates. Reading this article that I found makes me really appreciate my country. It should really make people who have children or that are expecting appreciate the resources that we have to make sure that our children are brought into this world safely and with the best care provided. I have a new appreciation for women who have to go through child birth in all countries because they all go through different struggles.

www.ipsnews.net/africa

AND ITS DONE......

Thanks everyone for your insight I hope everyone has a safe and prosperous journey while reaching for the stars. Best Wishes.

Love
SHANCAM

oops!!!!

I AM SO SORRY YOU GUYS THAT I POSTED MY WEB SO MANY TIMES. I STILL DON'T KNOW HOW TO WORK THIS BLOG!! JUST LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS UNDER THIS POST.. AGAIN I APOLOGIZE!!! SMH!!!!

School So far!!!

Graduate School is running smoother than I thought!!! My instructor is awesome and my classmates are helpful and encouraging. What more could a girl ask for??

Procrastination is Deadly!!!

So I see by this being my first week of graduate school I am still a big, enormous, procrastinator! NOT A GOOD LOOK! I must do better in order to be as successsful as I want to be. I have to pray about this of course because waiting until the last minute to do my homework can bring deadly F grades!!! YIKES!!

HEY YA'LL!!

Well Good DAY PEOPLE!!! I finally set my blog up.....*throws glitter*! Feel free to talk to me, e-mail me, whatever you are lead to do! GOT IT!? OK!! LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!