My Supports

In all aspects of my life, I seek God to help me endure and overcome daily encounters.  In my personal life, I depend on my significant other, Brad, to help me as I encounter daily family challenges.  He helps motivate and encourage me in most of those type of endeavors.  My mom is another key supporter in my life.  I turn to her for parenting and spiritual support.  I have a select few of close girlfriends that I lean on for additional support.

In my professional life, I have select mentors I turn to for support.  My former military supervisor, Lenka, is always a phone call or email away.  I met her in 2001, and she continues to give me leadership advice and insight.  My former ECE supervisor, is another professional support I have.  I connect with her regularly to help me improve my teaching methods.  Normally when things are too crazy at work, she is my first contact of finding a quick solution or making sense of it all.  My paraprofessional, Lisa, is a major help and support in my life.  Our relationship is very important and I love the bond we have formed.  The support she provides in the classroom, helps me get a lot of administrative things done.

One challenge I can imagine is when I start my own early learning center.  I think of the different support systems I will need; financially, spiritually, and physically.  I will need support launching the business and maintaining it.  I've already completed the business blueprint.  Now, I have to find solutions to possible problems.  For example, finding substitute child care providers and teachers to assist when permanent staff is unavailable.  Another concern is making sure professional development is current and being implemented within the program.  Having support and partnerships with families and other community businesses will also be beneficial to the success of every child that enters the program.   Having enough well trained and educated staff is the key in the school functioning appropriately and at a high quality capacity.  Without administrative support, front office support, or generic support, the early learning system would be ineffective.

My Connections to Play

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” ~Plato

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

 I define play as a way for children to share or express their interpretation of the world.  My parents supported the idea or concept of play.  My room was well furnished with toys and games.  I had a bike, skates, a pet bunny to play with (before my baby sister came along), sports equipment, etc. I played with the other kids on my street as well.  I engaged in all forms of play from solitary, to competitive, to imaginative. 

 

Childhood Play

The pictures I chose represent what I liked to play with the most as a child.  I love Lego's, still to this day!  I have bought them for my daughter and we take time to build beauty salons and cafes.  And no female child can get through childhood without playing hand games!  When I hear the children in my class say the same chants, I can't help but to go back in time and reminisce on when I jumped rope to the same tune.  I think every child in America has played house but my most favorite was playing school.  Line up all the dolls and teddies and reenact what happened during the day but give it a different ending (lol).

 

Then vs. Now

I'm not sure if children are enjoying play like we did 15 plus years ago.  Most toys are electronic now so children don't have to be as creative during imaginary play.  I think there is an increase in solitary or parallel play for the older children.  I have seen children sit side by side and not speak to each other because their attention was glued to the iPhone, iPad, or iPod.  Children are less active now.  They don't go outside and play with their neighbors in the back yard like we use to. 

As we get older, we play less because of maturity and we have more responsibilities.  So, engaging in play will not help us.  Adults still play, just not as much and just in a different manner.  I don't play with dolls or other children toys unless I'm playing with my daughter or interacting with my prekindergartens.  To keep things fun for me and my spouse, we enjoy places like Dave and Busters and Main Events; we have family game nights where we play board games or let the children laugh at us when we try to save the princess on the Wii game system.  

Relationship Reflection

Relationships are important to me because I personally rely on them to help me function in life.  The relationships I created as a child, with my parents, continue to carry on in my adult life.  That life long bond helps me be a better parent and helps me face and deal with difficult decisions that I have and will encounter in life.  The relationship I have with spiritual mentors, help me to learn, understand, and practice my faith and beliefs.  The relationship I have with my mate and children help me to strive to be a better person and educator.  They inspire me to achiever more.  The relationships I have with my colleagues, coworkers, and student parents, help me to be a better professional and advocate for children.  The relationships I have with my girlfriends help me unwind and let lose and express myself without concern of judgment.  

When I think of child development...

Testing for Intelligence

I am committed to the whole child concept.  When working with children, I focus on all aspects of their development.  I provide a learning environment that supports their physical, spiritual, emotional, cognitive, biosocial, and psychosocial needs.  The overall objectives are:

• fostering and guiding children to practice a healthy lifestyle 
• providing children with a physically and emotionally safe environment 
• providing resources and support children will need to help them to learn 
• providing children with an engaging and challenging learning environment that will prepare them for success later in life 

http://www.ascd.org/whole-child.aspx

In the UK, childrens' intelligence is assessed by using the Mensa IQ Test.  Mensa was founded in England in 1946 by Roland Berrill, a barrister, and Dr Lance Ware, a scientist and lawyer. They had the idea of forming a society for bright people, the only qualification for membership of which was a high IQ. The original aims were, as they are today, to create a society that is non-political and free from all racial or religious distinctions.  Their objects are:  

• to provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members
• to identify and foster human intelligence for the benefit of humanity
• to encourage research into the nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence

 Some of the characteristics and levels of intelligence they test children for are:   

• Reading early
• Unusual hobbies or interests or an in-depth knowledge of certain subjects
• Intolerance of other children
• An awareness of world events
• Set themselves impossibly high standards
• May be a high achiever
• Prefers to spend time with adults or in solitary pursuits
• Loves to talk
• Asks questions all the time
• Learns easily
• Developed sense of humour
• Musical
• Likes to be in control
• Makes up additional rules for games
• Extrovert/introvert
• Passing intellectual milestones early
• An unusual memory

Source:  http://www.mensa.org.uk/

Another IQ testing option in the UK is the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children or WISC.  It was developed by Dr. David Wechsler.  It is administered to children between ages 6 and 16.  The test is standardized and is not just for the gifted.  It also includes special groups of children with disabilities, mild or moderate mental retardation, learning disorders, ADHD, Austim, etc.  The WISC is used as an intelligence test and a as a clinical tool by most practiioners to diagnose learning disorders or behavior disorders.  

Source:  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wechsler_Intelligence_Scale_for_Children

FYI

Some suggestions  I have is to never get comfortable at whichever level you are on when working with meeting the needs of children.  There is always work to be done.  Always seek ways to improve, yourself as a professional and to help your child/student achieve more.  Remember to assess the whole child.  Don't just focus on academics.  It's possible that the child may master reading and writing but lack the emotional support or a well balanced diet.  Always assess, their mental health, safety, interest, physical activities, social interactions.  

Consequences of Stress on Child Development

When I was growing up, I witnessed one of my friends sister experience maltreatment.  She tried to stop a domestic dispute between her mother and her mother's boyfriend.  She was tragically killed in the process.  On another occasion, another friend of was missing too many unexcused days from school and was on the verge of having to repeat the same grade.  All of this was due to her mother having a mental break down.  In this situation, my mom intervened, allowing the girl to move in with us.  My mother got her the help she needed to get back on track at school so she was able to finish successfully.

Now, I understand what my mom was protecting us from.  As a child, you are not aware of any of the dangers around you, especially if you're growing up in a nurturing, supportive, and healthy environment.  Looking back, a lot more of my friends were being abused, neglected, maltreated but we just didn't know.  It's sad how they became accustomed to it.  They thought that was the way life is suppose to be but there is more to life than oppression, emotional abuse, or being malnourished.

Children worldwide are experiencing poverty.  In Australia, about 500k children are living in poverty.  Poverty affects the quality of life and any future opportunities that these children might have.  When children are raised in stressful environments they tend to do poorly in school.  For example, in a family of four, two adults and two children are living in inadequate conditions due to unemployment, it is extremely hard for children to focus on learning and their future plans when they are worried about their next meal or where they will sleep or if their parents will break up do to the down turn of the economy.  I think some children take it personal and blame themselves for what is going wrong or unraveling in their family.  In Australia, they are trying to minimize harm of poverty by providing better national job strategies, better employment entitlements to part time workers, improve the minimum wage to meet standard living expenses, and improve assistance to young people by guaranteeing at six months of paid work for those who have been unemployed for two or more years.   (Melland, 2011)

For more information about poverty in Australia and how it is affecting child development, please visit:   http://www.democrats.org.au/campaigns/poverty_in_australia/

Mental Health and Pregnancy

Any and all women can develop a mental disorder during pregnancy or within the first year giving birth.  Other environmental factors, such as poverty, stress, domestic violence, extreme conflict, geographic, natural disasters, SES, and down turn of the economy increase the risk of certain disorders for expectant mothers.  Some of the consequences of mental disorders during pregnancy can affect whether or not the expectant mother gets adequate sleep and nutrition.  Depending on her circumstance and the stability of her mental health, she may not take advantage of prenatal care and medical consultation.  Instead, she increase her chances of trying to make herself feel better by turning to drugs, tobacco products, and alcohol to comfort herself.  In high stress and depression cases, it’s even possible that the mother to be may inflict harm on herself or the unborn baby.  If mental health is left untreated, the results could end in suicide or abuse.  Another indication of abnormal mental health in mothers would be the absence of wanting to bond with the newborn.  When mothers are depressed they are not focused on nurturing the newborn or paying attention to the cues the newborn expresses when uncomfortable, unhappy, or hunger. 

Some Symptoms of Depression are:

·         Restlessness

·         Mood swings and uncontrollable emotions

·         Excessive crying

·         Too much or too little eating and sleeping

·         Memory problems and excessive indecisiveness

·         Lack of interest

·         Inability to find satisfaction

·         Feeling of worthlessness

·         Withdrawal and Isolation from friend and family

·         Constantly experiencing discomfort

·         Suicidal thoughts

I chose to the mental health topic because there are a lot of women, worldwide, they go untreated before, during, and after pregnancy.  Taking time to look at post partum depression and get a better understanding of what it is and how it’s treated is very interesting.  I always thought it was a culture thing; that only certain women from certain ethnic groups experienced the “baby blues.   Now, knowing that it can happen to any woman and there are other factors that must be taken into account when doctors diagnose which treatment method is best for women who suffer from depression.  I guess I never looked at pregnancy as being a stressful process that could trigger any mental health disorder.  As of now, and in the future, I will be more observant of the parents I work with, my family and friends, and others that I connect with regularly, to make sure they are abreast to maintaining a balance for their mental health.  Also, I would like you to pay close attention as well.  If women are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, they should immediately contact a medical professional.  If you notice any of your friends, relatives, coworkers, or colleagues experiencing any of the following, you should help them get the medical assistance they need.  Remember, it’s their health and life at stake as well as the innocent and helpless infant.   

For more information please visit the World Health Organization website at http://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/MaternalMH/en/index.html

Other Reference:  Stewart, D.E., Robertson, E., Dennis, C-L., Grace, S.L., & Wallington, T. (2003).  Postpartum depression: Literature review of risk factors and interventions.   

BRAZIL: Do deceptive medical birth procedures de-humanize women?

BRAZIL: Do deceptive medical birth procedures de-humanize women?

Maternal and Newborn Health in Developing Countries

Neonatal mortality accounts for almost 40% of deaths in other countries. This means a child is 500 times more like to die within the firs year of life. These deaths are linked to women not receiving medical assistance or professional help when giving birth. 80% of maternal deaths are linked to hemorrhaging, infections, self inflicted abortions, and other pregnancy complications. These risk can be avoided through education, intervention/prevention, having access to medical care, and being able to respond promptly to the danger signs.
To view the entire article please go to: http://www.unicef.org/health/index_maternalhealth.html

Remembering My 1st Born...

I was 19 when I had my first child!  I know, I started early, but I thank God for our 13 years together.  I was well prepared to give birth to my first born.  I had taken the classes, read the books, saw the videos, and listened to numerous testimonies.  But there is nothing, (I repeat), nothing like actually experiencing it.  About 3 am I started feeling pains or having contractions.  I politely woke him up, called the doctor and my mother, and we grabbed our already packed bags and headed to the Labor & Delivery Unit.  To my surprise I arrived there just in time.  I had already dilated 6cm!  Which is very important because you have to be at 10 cm to start pushing but you can't be at 8 cm because they won't be able to give you any drugs.  And trust me, you will want them.  I thank God for whoever invented the epidural! Within hours, we had our first baby girl.  She was 21" and 6.5lbs with head full of hair!  It's really a joyous time, but with all the energy it takes and the medication keeping me numb, I really didn't get a chance to hold her right away.  But once I was back to normal and all the post birth test were done, I got a chance to take it all in!  And trying to breastfeed her for the first time....that's a whole different story.

Special Thanks

I have really enjoyed the last eight weeks as I begin my journey through the MSECS program at Walden University.  I appreciate my colleagues, classmates, professor, administration, and the parents and children I service.  I want to give a special thanks to "Group 2" for their feedback, support, insight, and suggestions relating to their experience and our Foundation of ECE course.  Thanks for the dedication and participating that helped make this course interesting and worth the time and effort.  Another special thank you to Walden for designing a program to fit the needs and demands of our global economy and that will help me meet my personal and professional goals.  And last but not least, thanks to Dr. Dartt for taking the time to share her experience and expertise with us and for challenging us to think past what we know and have done and to focus on the current issues, needs, and direction of the early childhood sector.  Again thanks, and I look forward to working with you again as I continue the course. 

Code of Ethics: DEC

My top three ideals:

• We shall recognize our responsibility to improve the developmental outcomes of children and to provide services and supports in a fair and equitable manner to all families and children.
• We shall collaborate with families and colleagues in setting meaningful and relevant goals and priorities throughout the intervention process including the full disclosure of the nature, risk, and potential outcomes of any interventions. 
• We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whom we work. 

My first ideal is categorized as the third principle for DEC.  I demonstrate this principle through observations, adapting or modifying activities, and discussing the outcome with the parent.  If the child needs additional services, I make recommendations and refer the parent to the appropriate personnel.  All of this is done in an accelerated manner, so that the child's learning will not be delayed.  

My second ideal also come from the third principle.  When working with children that have behavior disorders or that may be classified as special needs (non severe), there is a plan of action created to include this child in a general education environment.  For example, it is my responsibility to ensure the consequence and rewards system created for a child with disciplinary issues is adhered to in order for this child to succeed in the program. 

My final ideal is categorized in the first principle which focuses on professional practices.  Being trustworthy is critical in the education profession.  Children, parents, and the community rely on us to know what we are doing as educators and to be honest about the results of the students progress.  The standards are high and should remain high because any inkling of dishonesty can possibly delay the child's learning or have long term affects.  Honesty counts at all times in this profession.   

Reference
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.dec-sped.org/

Code of Ethics: NAEYC

My top three ideas:

• To share resources with co-workers, collaborating to ensure that the best possible early childhood care and education program is provided.
• To share information about each child’s education and development with families and to help them understand and appreciate the current knowledge base of the early childhood profession.
• To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related disciplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child.

My first ideal supports my ethical responsibility to my co-workers.  I love to collaborate with my colleagues!  Sharing what I have experienced or what I have recently learned helps me self reflect and get feedback from my professional peers.  Plus, you never know what they are struggling to accomplish in their classroom.  It's a fun way to exchange ideas, provide emotional support, and build life long partnerships.  

My second ideal supports my ethical responsibility to parents/families.  Most parents learn as they go, based on trial and error.  I can help them better understand their child's development by keeping them informed of their child's progress throughout the year and offer them resources to use with their child when he/she is away from the campus.  Building a partnership with the parent, will better benefit the child as he continues to develop.

My third ideal supports my ethical responsibility to children.  This is most important professional commitment I have.  Staying in "the know" is crucial to making sure I am engaging the "whole child".  It is my overall responsibility to make sure I have the appropriate research, resources, and competency to educate young learners.     

Reference
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

ECE Resources

Course Resources

• NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap
• NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf
• NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf
• NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf
• Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller
• FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.pdf
  
  Note: The following article can be found in the Walden University Library databases.   Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title.
• Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42-53.

• Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
• Websites:
• • World Forum Foundation
    http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
    This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the media segment on this webpage
  • World Organization for Early Childhood Education
    http://www.omep-usnc.org/
    Read about OMEP's mission.
  • Association for Childhood Education International
    http://acei.org/
    Click on "Mission/Vision" and "Guiding Principles and Beliefs" and read these statements.

• National Association for the Education of Young Children
  http://www.naeyc.org/
• The Division for Early Childhood
  http://www.dec-sped.org/
• Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
  http://www.zerotothree.org/
• WESTED
  http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm
• Harvard Education Letter
  http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
• FPG Child Development Institute
  http://www.fpg.unc.edu/main/about.cfm
• Administration for Children and Families Headstart's National Research Conference
  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/
• HighScope
  http://www.highscope.org/
• Children's Defense Fund
  http://www.childrensdefense.org/
• Center for Child Care Workforce
  http://www.ccw.org/
• Council for Exceptional Children
  http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
• Institute for Women's Policy Research
  http://www.iwpr.org/
• National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
  http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/
• National Child Care Association
  http://www.nccanet.org/
• National Institute for Early Education Research
  http://nieer.org/
• Pre[K]Now
  http://www.preknow.org/
• Voices for America's Children
  http://www.voices.org/
• The Erikson Institute
  http://www.erikson.edu/

My Additional Resources

• http://www.equitycampaign.org/i/a/document/9833_EquityMatters_Kagan_Final.pdf
• http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/
• http://eric.ed.gov/

Inspiring Quotes

"I never, ever thought about what I do as a job or a career," she says. "It was always just a matter of figuring out what needed to be done. I did what my mother and father did; I had 12 foster brothers and sisters. I've done the same thing, only on a larger scale." ~ Marian Wright Edelman


"It's so hard for this country to do what's right for children," she says. "I get tired every day. Bur you have to get up and keep working. We do make progress, though. It's been hard all these years to get children to the top of the agenda, but today I can say that's where they are: at the top of the agenda." ~ Marian Wright Edelman


"After laying that foundation, we also need to have a good, solid, high-quality preschool program for 3s and 4s. And when they get to school at age 5, don't quit. You have to have a program that goes up through the 3rd grade." ~ Dr. Edward Zigler

Passion, Motivation, and Wisdom!

Louise Derman Sparks, Professor Emeritus at Pacific Oak College in CA

"Instead of playing house, I played school." 

"I chose teaching as a way to fix the injustices in the world."

Renatta M. Cooper, Program Specialist for Office of Childcare in LA County

"Working intently with children and families is almost like earning a doctorate."

"There are challenges you will have to face and meet each year, for yourself, your staff, the children and their families."

My Personal Childhood Web

The five most important people that help raise me are:  my parents, Ruthie and George, my Aunt Faye and her daughter Valerie, and my Aunt Mattie.

For the first 10 years of my life, my parents raised me in the same home.  My dad help establish the foundation of what to expect from a father.  I was a daddies girl and enjoyed every minute of it.  All my childhood memories of my dad are great.  He was fun.  We enjoyed each others company.  I went everywhere with him.  He taught me sports, how to ride a bike, and how to be the center of attention.

When my parents weren't able to care for me, due to work, my Aunt Faye stepped in.  As a child, she was my second mother and today she is still my favorite aunt!  There was nothing my aunt would do for me.  She provided a loving environment.  She has always been one of the best cooks in the family.  There was never a day, that she didn't cook or make sure I had whatever I wanted to eat.  She showered me with gifts and always came to my defense when my older cousins were being difficult.

When my Aunt Faye was available, her teen age daughter, Valerie would pitch in.  I got a chance to see first hand how crazy high schoolers can be (lol).  We didn't bond or connect much back then but we have a better relationship now.  For the most part, she made sure I stayed out of trouble til one of our parents arrived.  She didn't interact much with me, the television and my toys kept me engaged.  But, looking back, most teens don't want that type of responsibility.

Once my parents decided to separate, my mom moved back to her home state; Louisiana.  My mom has always loved, encouraged, and supported me.  With a background in social work, she monitored everything.  She was big on communication.  She made sure no one was bothering us physically or emotionally.  She provided a non hostile environment.  Everyone liked my mom and wanted to hangout at our house!  Her home was the safest and securest; there was nothing ungodly or inappropriate being said or done.  She definitely promoted education and stayed on top of our academic progress.  She modeled everything within the best of her ability and what she could model, she explained how it should go.

In Louisiana, when my mom needed childcare assistance with us, she turned to my Aunt Mattie.  For most of my childhood life, my aunt lived with us and she didn't work.  So, there was always someone home when we got out of school.  My aunt was also my mother's spiritual counsel.  As a child, she made sure we attended and participated in church.  In between church events, she maintained spiritual guidance.

My favorite children's quote

"Children need models more than they need critics" ~Joseph Joubert

My favorite children's book?

Is....Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss.  In this book, Dr. Seuss covers every possible directions you are faced with in life.  He covers the good, the bad, and the ugly.  He discusses the successes, set backs, delays, failures, wrong choices, etc.  His impression of life's journey and choices is impeccable.  I find time to read this book at least twice each semester to my kiddos.  This book is very encouraging so if you haven't read it, google it, grab it from the library, or go purchase your own copy, but it is a book that you can always look back and reflect.

...you'll look up and down streets...and some you'll say, "I don't choose to go there"...so you'll head out of town b/c it's opener there... ~Dr. Seuss

Most don't think early childhood education is important since it's not mandatory.  As an educator, I must disagree.  Just as we are never too old to learn, we are also never too young to do so.  I feel this is one of the most crucial investments in a child's life by providing them the tools, resources, and learning environment that they need to help them develop on or above target.  Most homes and other business with our communities do not provide young children a safe, healthy, productive, and prominent place to learn.  Which are just a few reasons why early childhood education is important.