Sharing Web Resources

The organization and newsletter I have been researching in this course has been NIEER, National Institute for Early Education Research.  It is plentiful in the information on early childhood education.  I will briefly discuss some of the sources I read and what I gained from those readings.  Anyone in the field of early childhood education or development could find great use of this site.  As our focus this week is the topics and issues related to different views of economists, neuroscientists, or politicians supporting positive social change through the early childhood field.  

Under the News & Events on the NIEER site, you can find the most recent and later news headlines focusing on early education.  March 27, 2019 an article by Elliot Regenstien addressing the topic of achievement gap and the Districts choice of playing catch up verse earlier intervention.  “The stakes could not be higher. School improvement data show that for cohorts of children who are a year behind in third grade, only the best districts in the country can get them caught up by the end of high school” (Regenstein, 2019, para 2).  Supporting the need to start a change, considering the new generation of politics, government officials, and educational advocates.  Use of testing is a measure of assessing the child’s performance academically.  These assessments do not begin until the third grade and following.  Being mandated by the Federal government to meet certain standards for school districts.  Boston, Omaha, and Fresno school districts took leadership in early childhood education, incorporating early intervention beginning in kindergarten.  There is great benefit with these districts as they demonstrate strong leadership and support.  As Elliot states the need for early intervention prior to third grade he explains the obstacles districts face in relation to the required assessments. (Regenstein, 2019).  The obstacles districts face alone without the impact of the assessments, also effect the results.  The fact is that there are many school facilitators who have no early learning or early elementary knowledge or experience.  Another obstacle being that we begin testing at third grade, missing several early years.  The list continues and indeed enlightens one on the struggles schools face, more than I assumed.

The next publication I read was based on a previous article NIEER published, as well as I paraphrased on this same blog.  Steven Barnett addresses the critics to the pre-K proposal made by the President Obama’s administration.  Research and studies are abundant in the facts that indeed support the President’s proposal.  When one study is isolated or misinterpreted the negativity and doubt can be projected from those that a hesitance with the proposal was established.  The universal pre-K is based on all the facts and findings of impartial analysis.  The issues critics are bringing to the table relate to the following: “Does high-quality pre-K have lasting benefits? What is the evidence for the $7 to $1 return on investment in pre-K?  Do non-disadvantaged children benefit from pre-K, and is a targeted or a universal approach to pre-K more effective?  Are large-scale public programs, including Head Start effective?” (Barnette, 2017, p. 2).  Using and basing findings on the meta-analysis over the years to current.  Studies based on effects of large-scale public programs, programs conducted outside the U.S., and more support the fact of pre-K program benefits.  With regards to the financial evidence, there are studies that show a higher yield than the quoted $7 to $1 benefit-cost.  The facts and findings from the Chicago Longitudinal Study support the reference Obama used for justification of the cost.  As Barnette includes the other findings that promote a higher yield from the Chicago Child Parent Center (CPCs) and the Perry Preschool program.  Giving critics more evidence for them to dismiss their objectives to the Pre-K proposal.  Research from the United States, United Kingdom, and New Zealand show great gain for universal pre-K programs for disadvantaged children.  Interaction of peers whether disadvantaged or not can help support and encourage others to strive greater.  When you continue to further yourself in the support for universal pre-K and see the points that are addressed to the critics, you gain further research facts and findings.  Opening up a new source of information for one in the field of early childhood.

Throughout these weeks I have truly enjoyed reading the latest and past information that is found on this site.  My knowledge has expanded, and I am also able to stay abreast of all the current issues and news.  You can also find information on tips on conducting a cost study on the NIEER site.  It is a guideline to how one can transition and receive funding for shifting to a universal pre-K program.  It even offers a calculator to help you figure the expenses.  When you access the calculator, you are directed to another site supported by NIEER, Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcome (CEELO).  This site also provides many helpful sources or one in the early childhood field.            

References:

Regenstein, E., (2019). Early learning is the best way to close the achievement gap:5 reasons        districts prefer to play catch up instead. Retrieved from: http://nieer.org/news/regenstein     early-learning-is-the-best-way-to-close-the-achievement-gap-5-reasons-districts-prefer            to-play-catch-up-instead

Barnette, S. (2017, June 23). Getting the facts right on pre-K and the President’s pre-K proposal.  Retrieved from: http://nieer.org/policy-issue/getting-facts-right-pre-k-presidents-prek-k          proposal

Getting to know International Organizations

 I took interest this week in the country of Yemen and its poverty on children.  I found a great report on the reality of poverty in Yemen on the UNICEF website, UNICEF.org.  As this is a country that UNICEF contributes to in many ways in attempts to reduce the poverty rate amongst children and families.  UNICEF also intervenes in many ways to help increase awareness and support the decrease of malnutrition due to poverty.  UNICEF describes poverty as a “multiple phenomenon measured in many ways” (UNICEF).  The odds of a child receiving a second chance from poverty is very rare to slim.  Thereforth the child will have a life in poverty throughout adulthood as well.  Many problems are formed from poverty as a child; physical, mental, emotional, and more.  When we reflect to the country of Yemen, whom is in a world of devastation and chaos due to war.  War creating many families to suffer from devastation, losing everything they own, half of the population suffer food insecure amounts of food, no functioning healthcare system, and having to flee their homes.  2.2 million children are acutely malnourished, and 1.7 million children are acutely malnourished needing urgent care.  In 2016 UNICEF treated 215,000 children suffering from serve acute malnutrition and 4 million plus children age 5 received vitamin supplements.    Today there are 462,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.  Packages have been delivered over the last few years to the citizens of the country, nutrition specific.  The magnitude of this problem is growing with the violence and devastation continuing in the middle east, it is truly overwhelming.  The reality as shared in the report is that if a difference is not made, a cycle of poverty and under development.  Al Sabayecn Hospital works on screening children suffering from malnutrition, treating those that are severe.  There are many obstacles that Yemen and these hospitals face on tackling the epidemic of malnourishment, resulting from poverty throughout the country.  These obstacles for hospitals can range from the need for medication, the need for man-power(doctors/nurses/ect), functioning health facilities and the access to them.  The greatest piece that needs to occur in order for not only the people to survive, but the country itself, is the war to stop.  That indeed is another beast in itself.  The reality is that the country and its people are suffering.  The children, whom are the future generation suffer from malnourishment, resulting in many developmental concerns. (UNICEF).  How are they to flourish in the future under these situations? 

Examples of children suffering in that country are the medical history of the following two children, one only being 5 months-old and the other 2 years-old.  Abdulmalik, the 5 month-old was brought to the hospital due to the child being non-responsive.  The infant at 3 months-old only weighted just over 2 kilograms.  After hospital stay of 2 months the infant’s weight was up to 3.2 kilograms.  The ideal weight for a child of this age is 6 kilograms, almost over half the weight this child in Yemen is.  The child was suffering for malnourishment, due to the gross degree of poverty in the country.  Another child, the 2-year-old, suffering from his body being swollen and barely able to lift head up due to weakens.  He was diagnosis with dehydration and malnutrition.  Abdo was admitted into the hospital to recover.  When the child reached 50% improvement the parents checked him out and returned home with him.  This is an issue added to the concern of malnutrition that is commonly seen throughout the hospitals.  Due to the impact of poverty many families cannot afford to travel away from home or their job, regardless of time duration.  The lack of functioning healthcare system and hospitals, the access to healthcare is rare or a far distance.  Many families do not have the funds to transport back and forth to the hospitals.  A vicious cycle that seems to be stuck on repeat.  A change has to occur for these children to thrive, for this country to thrive.  UNICEF is intervening as much as they are able based on the funds received and volunteers. (Madhok & Erman, 2017). 

I have to say I am a bit ashamed of the information I gathered from this site.  I was aware poverty existed in our world and indeed was a global problem.  I by far realized the severity of it in countries of war.  I recall my grandmother sharing her stories of the cold war, but I never experienced any thus far to say.  War has to be the worst of all evils, leaving a path of devastation of unsorts.  We, as Americans whom have access to many luxuries should reconsider how we spend money, spend our time, waste, or even ignore the problems surrounding us.  Poverty is indeed real, and we must stand up and make a difference.  Whether one donates money, time, or their voice, something needs to create a reform for humanity.  In 2017 UNICEF still needed 236.6 million for emergency response in Yemen, which includes nutrition for mothers and children at 83.5 million.  There is so much more that continues to grow daily.  We all must begin today making a difference, an impact globally. 

Reference

Madhok, R., & Erman, Al S., (2017, February 14). In Yemen, conflict & poverty exacerbate        child malnutrition. Retrieved from https://unicef.rg/infobycountry/yemen_94543.html

Sharing Web Resources

           The name of the organization I have decided to follow in detailed is NIEER, National Institute for Early Education Research.  With the facts of how vital interventions should occur on the lives of early aged children, such as pre-k, for healthy development.  This site has ample support to back the need for improved schools and programs.  There were 2 topics presented over the last week on this site that drawled my attention.  One being of a political nature and the new funding/budget our President is wanting to incorporate.  The other article presenting the facts and evidence of how we can make a difference in early childhood, without the dictation of the Federal government and their funding. 

            President Trump has presented the 2020 budget for early child care programs.  The offer he has presented is a flat-fund, only given to the states at one time.  An issue, child development is ever changed and adjusting, and yet continues funds is not an option from our federal government if passed.  Not to mention with acceptance of this one-time fund, states will have to accommodate to the qualifications of the federal government, their stipulations.  For starters, do we place a stipulation on the well-being of our children and the well-being of future.  Whether politics want to accept the reality or not, these children will be our leaders one day.  Enough reason to support adequate and healthy development.  With Trumps offer he has not increased the demand for children and families to find and afford high-quality childcare.  At this time only 1:6 children are eligible for assistance under the federal rules.  As the quality of childcare has shown the need to be of high-standards, teacher education of BS and MS, low staff child ratio, etc.  These requirements incorporate extra expenses, expenses the federal government has not adjusted to.  As the pay for these providers is low and the copays are high for the families.  In February 2018- 1 state paid childcare providers the federal mandate fee.  Without increased funding, the increased demand can not be met.  Trump stipulates that the state must reduce their safety standards in order to be eligible.  Is there a true price for the health of our children, the future?  What safety standard does he feel is nonsense or should be removed, because as a mother, the safety and care of my children is of vital necessity.  Safety contributes to the child’s feeling of the environment and whether trust can be established between child and teacher/center and between parent and teacher/center.  Removing safety is asking for a world of issues.  What about the increases in criminal activity because we now have an opinion policy to our childcare centers? Lastly there is an additional piece that will also suffer in the world of early child development, the funds cut to other programs.  Programs such as nutrition and housing are in the bulls-eye to be cut or either gutted.  I am not agreeing a difference or change does not need to occur so that we can get ourselves back to a prosperous nation, but at the expense of our children is ignorant (White, 2019, March 13).  A detail of the states laid proposal on funding can also be found under the Hot Topics in the Newsletter for March 8, 2019. (NIEER). 

            So again if we take a broad picture here with the summary of the first article and now with this following knowledge of the additional article in similar topic, we find our own solution.  If not ultimate solution, we can call it a movement indeed for early childhood development and education.  In 2016 there was a Soda Tax place on sweeten drinks in Pennsylvania.  One aim of this movement or tax was to help contribute to healthier eating habits and allowing difficulty with the epidemic of obesity.  Generating $137 million dollars, these funds were spent to open new childcare centers, increasing more than 2,000 pre-K seats.  Nearly half of these seats have been identified to have the highest-quality rating identified by the Pennsylvania’s Keystone Stars Program.  This also opened the door to new job opportunities, 200 new teachers.  As we all are aware at this time, pre-k is the prime time for a child’s development.  Me personally I feel the entire childhood is vital, but indeed especially from pre-natal through infancy until teenage.  Guidance, love, connection, academics, and more are vital for a child to thrive.  Laying the proper foundation.  A 20 year study presented findings and facts that promote greater social competence in kindergarten contributes to greater academic success in future life, college, jobs, success, and over all healthy well-being (McMichael, 2019, March 13). 

            The basic concept is that we indeed should focus a great amount of energy, time, and funds on the children in our communities.  We as citizens of America depend on our government to support our needs and hear our request.  As history has displayed many sacrifices have occurred over the years.  Do we continue to be blind to our mistakes, or make a change?  The reality of changing demographics is still striving in full force daily.  We must remain open to the needs of the diversity amongst us and those children.  If we can not rely on politics to make accurate decisions, we must join together to try and propose an intervention or movement ourselves.  We can make a difference in many ways tackling the issues of diversity.

             

References

McMichael, M. (2019, March 13). Soda tax-funded prek will drive Philadelphia’s future. National Institute for Early Education Research. Retrieved from   http://nieer.org/news/soda-tax-funded-prek-will-drive-philadelphias-future-opinion 

White, C. (2019, March 13). Don’t look to Trump budget for child care help- you won’t find it. National Institute for Early Education Research. Retrieved from  http://nieer.org/2019/03/13/dont-look-to-trump-budget-for-child-care-help-you-wont-find-it

Expanding Horizons & Expanding Resources

This week we are giving the opportunity to resource several podcast and websites of early childhood organizations we would like to study and follow through this assignment and further if desired.  Some sites were provided, and I have selected 2 of those to follow and review.  The Global Fund for Children and National Institute for Early Education Research.  Global Fund for Children focuses on funding for grassroot organizations (local organizations aiming to make a change for better child development) around the world to increase the advancement and opportunities for children and families.  The mission is to partner in serving a greater community.  Connecting organizations together for support and more.  Focusing on current topics and concerns such as the recent focus on “gender equity.”  There is an abundance of information on the site for educational and growth purpose as an early childhood profession and it also shares their story.  The stories of accomplishment are shared as well.  The 2^nd website I selected to follow from our resources was the NIEER.  The focus of this site is share research findings, journals, and facts pertaining to early childhood development and education.  An interesting piece that is shared in the Newsletter that makes a great impact on early childhood education would be the state funds and policies.  The new reports of the state’s proposals are presented in the finds made available on the site.  Being from North Carolina it was nice to see what was also requested from other states.  Personally I feel that all states should need similar support in similar areas, not just the pressing topic.  Are we saying this need is higher than another?

 There are 2 outside podcast I found interesting that I have decided to follow as well for personal and professional purposes.  These podcasts hold valuable information for those in the early childhood field and as well for parents.  Personally I feel even when a person has the training and knowledge in a particular field, there is always room to grow.  For example as a parent and someone whom has a BS in psychology and now obtaining my MS in Early Childhood Administration; we would assume we would know the better ways of tackling our personal children.  Which is rather comical to me, because we know every child and person is different.  We can every assume or think we know what we are going to do or what or children are going to do.  At the end of the day the child has their own choice.  It is our responsibility to help them make the right choices with love, nurture, open-minded, support, and willing to change and adapt as needed.  The podcasts give helpful tools in parenting and in early childhood development and education.  Information from sensory skills, listening, play, and more.  I truly advise checking these out.

References

Morgan, A. (Host). (2017, March 14). Not Just Cute [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from            http://notjustcutethepodcast.libsyn.com/website

National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators http://www.naecte.org/

Royer-Asrilant, E. (Host). (2019, March 6). Santa & Tips for Getting kids to listen [Audio            Podcast]. Retrieved from https://player.fm/series/1078577 and            https://www.yourvillageonline.com/

The Global Fund for Children: An organization which provides capital to communities worldwide to improve the lives of children. http://www.globalfundforchildren.org/

My Support

Support can have many classifications to say, but the basic concept is that it is a resource of dependability, nurture, compassion, guidance, and direction.  This term has many words that can describe its mean.  Webster defines the term as “1 hold up  2 help  3 provide for  4 help prove” (Webster’s New World Dictionary, 2000, p. 325).  Regardless if one’s support is a parent, grandparent, sibling, teacher, peer, or more, the factor and mission is the same to help encourage and guide the individual into the right path or right choice.  We all have supporting factors daily that help us get through our life.  I have always been a self-motivator and rely on observation of others experiences to filter my choices.  For me it is of course based on my philosophy and experience thus far in life.  One of the hugest supports in my life would be the fact of my own personal drive.  My mother died at a young age in my life, the thought of what she would want me to do always motivated me to make better decisions in life.  As well as my grandmother, whom became my support after my mother’s death.  Once she past at few years ago, those same thoughts rattle my mind before making a decision.  When I focus on the very moment, as of today from waking up to typing this blog, my biggest support would be my kids and my fiancé.  My kids have always been a motivator from the day I found out I was baring.  I yearn for them to have the healthiest and happiest life in every aspect.  I understand the effects of a dysfunctional childhood, with emotional abuse and tragic events.  Therefore my support truly lies in my kids.  They make me want to do better, be better in every way to lead the in the right path.  As one whom encountered a very hard previous marriage, separation, and divorce.  I was blessed to find someone whom truly supports me in many ways.  He proves financially for me and my kids.  He helps contribute to the household needs.  Also contributing to the cleaning/maintenance/up-keep to my home.  Homework, activities, and discipline that may be needed for the kids is now also a supporter from him.  If I did not have my fiancé, I would still be able to function and survive, but it would be much harder with 3 kids on my own.  As a previous single mother, I have had that road and indeed it is challenging in many ways.  It is difficult to find a sitter and or have the extra money to hire a good sitter.  My kids on the other hand, if I did not have them I would truly feel lost to say.  Of course as a human I can and would survive, but they truly are my passion and drive. 

If we look at the general aspect of support we can say that we have support from local law enforcement, local firefighters, doctors, and more.  Ensuring our safety and healthy to continue with everyday living.  Our government ensure the people their rights to freedom and more.  As a student, I have the support from my professor, peers, and facility.  The reality is we have an abundance of support that we are smothered with it we only take the time to step back look and accept the support.  Without these supports where would we be in society or even in this world. 

A challenge that I have actually encountered was a very bad car accident that left me unable to walk for 2 years.  I had to bed confined and unable to take care of myself or even my oldest child.  This was a very hard time in my life from many different angels, physically, emotionally, mentally, and even socially.  My father, step-mother, sister, and aunts truly stepped up and support me and my son.  I was overwhelmed with love and support, it kept my spirits up in many ways. 

Reference
Webster's New World Dictionary. (2000). Webster's New Pocket Dictionary. Cleveland, Ohio: Wiley       Publishing Inc.

My Connections to Play

“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” -Joseph Chilton Pearce

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” -George Bernard Shaw

I truly love these quotes and the vital words they share!  Play is vital to development, as that is a child’s world.  Children express themselves and learn many vital tools for the future playing.

The above 3 pictures are items I found vital and engaging when I was younger.  I had 2 sisters growing up, so playing with my siblings was a constant.  I enjoyed the outdoors and playing with jump ropes, hulu-hoops, bike, etc.  I was also very big into sports, I loved playing softball.  I was on many teams, from recreational ledge, traveling ball, school ball, and fall ball.  When I was younger my parents would limit our television time and make us go outside and play.  We had to us our imagination and creative nature.  My parents and immediate family support the physical activities of sports.  Not only was this physical movement for the body, but I was also learning many great tools for the future.  My father was actually my coach for many years.  How to work together as a team, accept different personalities, and more.  I also gained many friends and social experience during these years, that has followed me to this day.  By supporting my play and social involvement, they enriched my younger years with healthy growth and experience. 

Today indeed times are different from when I grew up.  My parents encouraged me to engage in recreational activities that consist of the outdoors.  Do not get me wrong I have my children engaged in those similar activities as well.  Electronics today are an epidemic and it seems every child has access to one or the other.  I have 3 boys, and my oldest, whom is 11 is consumed with video games if allowed.  He even conversates about the games and the new updates.  When I volunteer with the school, children have phones, talking and discussing the same video lingo as my son.  Nevertheless without parents enforcing the restrictions to some play, children can reap concerns with development.  Awareness and Education to the community and parents are vital.  My kids pediatric doctor incorporates with his annual check-up a questionnaire on electronics.  He educates and makes the children aware, a great asset we all should practice. 

Play is a vital factor for many reasons.  One of the reasons I have always stated, (prior to my knowledge gained thus far) they are only small once and adulthood is not easy, let them enjoy the best years of their life to say.  I enjoyed my childhood playing ball with my friends and all the other activities a child. Play allowed me the opportunity to learn how to establish relationships and communicate with peers that I have taken into adulthood.  I still have friendships from 5 years old, over several decades old.  I am blessed for those relationships and the skills I developed.  I have also learned tolerance and acceptance with working together.  From my experience from the softball team, I have been able to gain great leadership skills and open-mindedness with others opinions.              

Relationship Reflection

Relationships and partnerships is what each individual was born to strive for, it is part of our development and life.  Autonomy is contribution to having developed healthy relationship throughout life.  Over coming the diversity and bias nature of some relationships and people.  God created man to have an intimate relationship with him and one another.  We are biologically hard-wired to socialize and develop healthy relationships.  Love and support are the nature of healthy relationships and why we yearn for those traits from others.  No one person can survive without interaction from other people, therefore we must learn to develop healthy bonds and skills.  Parents and teachers should practice accurate and healthy communication, with nurturing support.  Relationships are very important to me for many reasons, as they are the support and nurture that has helped me to where I am today.  Those relationships have varied in degrees from, teachers, to peers, immediate family, distant family, church family, sports family, and more.  To me the most vital, would be those that are indeed the most intimate or closes to you.  For example my mother, father, grandparents, sisters, best friends, and cousins.  Currently now as I have grown as an adult, my closes and most vital relationships are still my father and sisters.  Now I focus more on the relationship between my 3 boys and fiancé.  They are my rock to say.  They help me in many ways as I have traveled down the road of adult learning and career changing.  They support me in a whole way, such as helping around the house, cooking, and verbal support on tough assignments.  I feel truly blessed with an amazing family.

    

Above are my beautiful baby boys.  I truly never knew true love until I gave birth to these three blessings.  Do not get me wrong my oldest has indeed taught me many lessons in parenting.  And I do not claim that this relationship is easy, but I do proclaim that it is a love you will never understand (unless you’re a mother).  The bond and attachment I felt from the moment I found out I was pregnant was unreal, from fear, joy, excitement, worry, and more.  I was now responsible for more than myself, a child.  As I have learned thus far, as we are approaching preteen, communication and constancy is key.  Allowing each other to express their thoughts and concerns can truly make a difference.    

Where shall I begin in this relationship?  I met this man about a year after a very bad divorce.  My children had suffered as well from the bad marriage and divorce unfortunately.  This individual stepped in an helped me and my boys overcome the difficult and challenging whirlwind when had encountered.  Here we are 2 years later and we are planning a wedding and have a wonderful addition to the family.  Key ingredients in any relationship or partnership is communication, communication, and communication.  The ability to express your feelings and thoughts in an open environment with each other can mean surviving in a relationship or failing.  In most relationships there is also compromise and negotiation.  As some say you have to give sometimes and then you have to take sometimes, it is never always one way.  Just as a sports player work together as a team, a relationship works together to strive and grow in love and support.   

From my experience thus far in life, as a mid-aged woman whom lost their mother at the age of 6, whom then lost the next closest thing to a mother, my granny at age 30, then going through a bad marriage and divorce, then encountering a few years of single motherhood, to now.  Life has had its journey and its fair share our heartaches that have led me to strengthen many relationships.  In the meaning of relationship, I have to also consider it to be just as a partnership, as it is vital for communication.  Clear, calm, accurate, and punctual conversations must exist to have a healthy partnership.  It has very similar give and take situations, but in this means the responsibilities are a bit more defined.  Just as the relationship between a parent and child, authority or guidelines is usually already established through experience verses a partnership may have these roles dictated through lettering.  Relationships just as partnerships contain more than one party, an understanding of each other and compromise.  As obstacles arise in a person’s life or in a partnership/relationship, the support and compassion of others can help an event become a simple task of life verses becoming a tragic event.  Many factors are vital to have and create a partnership/relationship for healthy development in life.  These relationship skills and partnerships skills stem from the foundation of a child’s attachment to the mother/parent. 

 I feel that the skills and experience of being a parent has been the greatest tool to help with understanding the relationship amongst teachers and parents, children and their families, and more.  Children have and live in their own world and we must adjust to their world.  I think that gives us each insight into having a better understanding to contribute to healthy development, that contributes to healthy adults.  We establish the foundation for children in early years.  Let’s contribute to the positive ways we affect a child’s life.