Research that Benefits Children & Families

We are surrounded by research that positively affect children and their families.  Research supports health and wellness, health education, art and music, early learning and cognitive development.  Listed below are a list of research sites and articles that help impact the lives of children and families in an uplifting way.

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTCY/EXTECD/0,,contentMDK:20259127~menuPK:527099~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSitePK:344939,00.html

http://www.nwf.org/Be-Out-There/Why-Be-Out-There/Benefits.aspx

http://www.signingtime.com/resources/sign-language-research

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/the-benefits-of-music-education/

My Personal Research Journey

For my topic I have chose to research play in the early learning environment.  I recently discovered, after completing the chart, how broad of a topic it is so now I have narrowed it down to sub topics of interest.  I originally shared in our previous discussion board, how I want to explore the importance of play in one of the following sub topics:  

1. Using play as a teaching mechanism
2. Educating and engaging parents to increase the amount of play with their children
3. Moving from child centered play to more teacher directed play

I wonder if the play is more teacher directed will it have an impact on the children.  I think ECE professionals need to limit free play at the pre-K level and turn the play moments into learning opportunities.  What do you think?  Do you think it will make a difference?  Or do you think we should not control their free play?

Reflection of International Contacts

The three consequences of learning from international professionals in ECE are:

• Learning about and increasing awareness of what current issues are present outside our country
• Exploring new techniques and methods to practice in our country that are beneficial to the early learning environment
• Learning how to narrow or bridge the gap created by the barriers children and families face in child development and learning

One of my goals is to attend an international conference in relation to ECE professionals to learn first hand from other nationalities about teaching and nurturing young children and to form connections with other professionals world wide to help meet the objectives of ECE internationally.

Getting to Know International Contacts Part III

As I continue to explore current events in early education from an international perspective, I continue to learn that the main objectives are similar.  The target is for holistic development in children, not just making sure they are school ready.  Which is a concept I feel our early education system need to focus more on as well.  Another international focus is to establish universal criteria for early learners.  Which will be remarkable and definitely help bridge the gaps and weaken the barriers children are facing.  Here and there, however, we both promote parental and community involvement and protect the value of play in early childhood.
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/quality/

Exploring and learning the structure of the early education system in other countries is also impressive.  Some work as teachers, childcare providers, and others focus more on the theory and pedagogy of early learning and child development.  What isn't surprising is the lower salary they offer childcare workers or Pre-K teachers.  That seems to be the same battle and concern worldwide.
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001374/137402e.pdf

Seeking and providing alternative methods for children who need early learning resources the most should be primary.  Low income families and children from non English speaking families should not be denied access to childcare or early education because of distances, limited funding, or ineligibility.  In order for this to be effective and beneficial to the families who need it the most, those who oversee these programs must make sure that the resources and opportunities are being afforded equitably 
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/access-and-equity/  

Sharing Web Resources

After revisiting my original website choices:  unicef.org and nbcdi.org, I was able to explore upcoming events that relate to Early Childhood Education.  The Black Child Development Institute will be hosting their 43rd Annual Conference this year from September 28th til October 1st in New Orleans, Lousiana.  For more information, please visit http://nbcdi.org/conferences/2012-2/.  Also, since our nation is celebrating Black History this month, there are interesting facts posted on the site as well. 


As I explore the UNICEF site and browse the different topics of child devleopment, I found sites that relate specifically to early learning and development.  For example, school readiness for the child, the teachers, and the parents;  http://www.unicef.org/education/bege_61627.html  UNICEF has formed partnerships in an effort to help children living in developing countries to still be school ready and have a chance at success, regardless of their geographical conditions;  http://www.unicef.org/education/bege_61646.html. 

Children attend a hygiene education class that is part of a UNICEF-supported water, sanitation and hygiene programme in a primary school in Naros Village, near the town of Lodwar, Rift Valley Province, Kenya.

 http://www.unicef.org/education/bege_61667.html

Looking at the level of importance these organizations are taking to help meet the needs of children around the world are amazing.  In additon to making sure they secure the rights of children, increase the resources available to them and their families in regards to health care and nutritious, they are also providing them with learning and developmental opportunites in a positive setting. 

Overall, this week has shone light on the challenges and barriers that we face as educators as we continue to strive toward helping young children learn the skills they need to become school ready and later life ready.  Looking outside my community and the private school where I work, I'm also force to look at other various circumstances that young children end up in.  For example, children in families who are migrant workers or children who have had poor/bad experiences with non friendly educational environments.  This has helped me think outside of my traditonal experiences when working with children and factor in how I can reach children in these type of situations. 

International Contacts Part 2

The video attached gives information on the importance of early childhood education and the disadvantages that children are faced with if the support and resources aren't available to help meet the child's early care and learning needs.  For more information that supports the science behind child development, please visit:
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/multimedia/

The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University was founded in 2006  is it is driven to improve the early years of children to help them reach their full potential by achieving their goals and becoming productive citizens.  To help them accomplish their mission, the CDC at Harvard has launched a Global Children'ts Initiative that focuses on an international agenda for early childhood development, children's mental health, and ways to assist children in conflict situations.  For more information, please visit:  http://developingchild.harvard.edu/activities/global_initiative/

Currently, the CDC of Harvard is collaborating with other ECE professionals in Brazil to implement more effective policies and programs in place based on the science of early childhood development.  For more information, please visit:  http://developingchild.harvard.edu/activities/global_initiative/applying_the_science_of_early_childhood_in_brazi/

Sharing Web Resources

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

The World Forum is having a world conference that focuses on early care and education.  It is scheduled for May 6-9 of 2014 in San Juan, Puerto Rico and I have very interested in attending it.  They held a global leadership conference last November in Miami.  http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/current-work/upcoming-events/2014-world-forum/

• Which ideas/statements/resources, either on the website or in an e-newsletter, did you find controversial or made you think about an issue in new ways?

I didn't know that the US has not ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Children.  I must say I’m too is shocked that they haven’t committed to the promoting, protecting, and preserving the rights of children world wide and especially within our country.  Learning of ways that we can help encourage our country to do so, through legislation and advocating it can be done.  http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/initiatives/childrensrights/convention-on-the-rights-of-the-child/

• What information does the website or the e-newsletter contain that adds to your understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field?

From a politician perspective, the World Forum Foundation challenges leaders to advocate for improving the lives of young children around the world.  The WFF helps them become more effective in their leadership role and improve the quality of child care services and education that they oversee or provide.  It integrates with economists by looking at the short term and long term goals in relation to early childhood development and the economy.  By bettering these children/families lifestyles, we are bettering the world/economy.  From the neuroscientists perspective, if WFF meets their goals and complete their mission then they will be improving the mental health and well being of these children and families as well.

• What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain from exploring the website or e-newsletter?

There are several initiatives available that can fit the needs, passion, or time constraints of any individual who wants to become a partner, sponsor, and or volunteer to help accomplish WFF’s mission for improving the lives of all children.  Some initiatives focuses on teaching tools and resources available for educators, parents, and/or public.  Other initiatives focus on children with special needs or health care issues.  Again, there are plenty of ways to get involved or to use your background, education, or experience to help meet the goals of WFF.  http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/initiatives/