Sunday, September 23, 2012
Research That Benefits Children and Families
My passion in early childhood education is that quality programs are available to all children, and their families, no matter what their economic level, race, religion, culture or beliefs may be. Unfortunately quality in early childhood programs does not have the same meaning in everyone’s eyes.
Maryland Family Network is an organization that I have been associated with for the past 6 years. I received a Facebook update from them the other day about with a link to an article titled Savings Now, Savings Later: Smart Early Childhood Programs Pay Off Right Away and for the Long Term (www.readynation.org), it was a summary of different ways investing in early childhood education now will benefit children and families in the future so I decided to check out the website even further.
I came across an in depth article titled Why America Needs High-Quality Early Care and Education. Overall this article focuses on the importance of quality education for children between birth and five years old and why it is important to school readiness skills. High-quality early care and education that focuses on children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development provides the foundation that children need to enter school ready to learn (www.readynation.org, 2009). The principles behind this statement are:
• Learning
• Standards
• Teachers
• Parents
• Accountability
• Partnerships
A successful early childhood education system views children’s learning as the central mission (www.readynation.org, 2009).
To develop children’s learning, standards need to be set in place that align with their states learning standards, teachers need to have the skills and knowledge to help children enter school ready to succeed, parents know that they are their child’s first interaction with education are provided the skills needed to help them succeed, state education systems need to have accountability systems in place that measure results, and each states education system needs to build partnerships to help govern, finance, and improve the system. If each state can look at these standards and implement ways to improve them I feel the percentage of children entering kindergarten ready to learn would greatly increase.
I am excited to explore www.readynation.org in further and would encourage my colleagues to do the same. From what I have seen it has a lot of information that is beneficial to early childhood educators.
References:
Why America Needs High-Quality Early Care and Education, 2009 , retrieved from the worldwide web www.readynation.org
Sunday, September 16, 2012
My Personal Research Journey
I chose to research school readiness skills across the country and what different organizations are doing to help increase the number the number of children entering kindergarten is fully ready to learn. Two local organizations that I have been following are Ready at Five, www.readyatfive.org and the Maryland Family Network, www.marylandfamilynetwork.org
Both of these organizations are very well known in Maryland and are involved with Public Policy on the local and National level. They are involved in tracking school readiness scores and providing the assistance needed for child care providers to build the quality of the education they provide, and are huge advocates for Early Childhood Education.
School readiness scores not only show the percentage of children ready to enter kindergarten but they also show where skills need to be improved. Many child care training organizations look at these scores to determine the training they provide in different areas.
I am looking forward to doing more research on this subject and finding other organizations across the country that tracks these scores and what they are doing to help improve them.
Both of these organizations are very well known in Maryland and are involved with Public Policy on the local and National level. They are involved in tracking school readiness scores and providing the assistance needed for child care providers to build the quality of the education they provide, and are huge advocates for Early Childhood Education.
School readiness scores not only show the percentage of children ready to enter kindergarten but they also show where skills need to be improved. Many child care training organizations look at these scores to determine the training they provide in different areas.
I am looking forward to doing more research on this subject and finding other organizations across the country that tracks these scores and what they are doing to help improve them.
Monday, August 20, 2012
International Resources
I tried several times over the past 8 weeks to make contact with some of my international colleagues and was unsuccessful. Since I was unable to make contact with them I began to research the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Centers (NACCRRA) website and subscribed to their e-newsletter. By familiarizing myself with their website I learned about all of the resource available to parents and providers, as well as their Public Policy Agenda. I have referred to them several times throughout this course as well as in courses in the past. I have recommended, and will continue to recommend this site. It is full of useful and important information regarding early childhood education.
International Resources
I tried several times over the past 8 weeks to make contact with some of my international colleagues and was unsuccessful. Since I was unable to make contact with them I began to research the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Centers (NACCRRA) website and subscribed to their e-newsletter. By familiarizing myself with their website I learned about all of the resource available to parents and providers, as well as their Public Policy Agenda. I have referred to them several times throughout this course as well as in courses in the past. I have recommended, and will continue to recommend this site. It is full of useful and important information regarding early childhood education.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Sharing Web Resources
The Website I chose to follow is National Association for Child Care Resource and referral Agencies (NACCRRA). Their Vision and Mission statement is: “NACCRRA, the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, is our nation’s leading voice for child care. We work with more than 600 state and local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies to ensure that families in every local community have access to quality, affordable child care. To achieve our mission, we lead projects that increase the quality and availability of child care, offer comprehensive training to child care professionals, undertake groundbreaking research, and advocate for child care policies that positively impact the lives of children and families” (www.naccrra.org).
While browsing through their website I found links too many different information portals on Early Childhood Education (ECE). They provide information on Public Policy issues and ECE Advocacy Campaigns, conferences and trainings for providers and parents, and State rankings and statistics on licensing regulations, cost, availability, of ECE programs. They also provide links to educational materials for parents guiding them on indicators to help determine a high quality program and an online child care searches, among much more.
Under the news tab I found links to articles from several different states addressing issues and challenges in ECE. There were several articles about children who died or were severly injured while in child care, parents and community members learning about child care providers criminal back grounds, and the differences in licensing standards across the country. As I stated before NACCRRA has a link dedicated to every states licensing regulations showing where they comply fully to NACCRA’s standards, where they fall short, and recommendations made to help improve licensing standards in each state. I found that Maryland ranked 11th in the country according to NACCRRA’s standards.
Their e-newsletter covers public Policy Issues, Articles and Links to what is happening in the Federal Government regarding issues on ECE. They also offer a variety of webinars for parents, and ECE professionals. I just attended one on Lobbying vs. Advocacy.
It is an interesting and very informative site for both ECE educators and parents. I highly recommend it.
References
www.naccrra.org. Retrieved from the World Wide Web.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
W5blog Assgin2SnyderL
I reviewed the Harvard website for this assignment. The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University was founded in 2006 on the belief that the vitality and sustainability of any society depend on the extent to which it expands opportunities early in life for all children to achieve their full potential and engage in responsible and productive citizenship. We view healthy child development as the foundation of economic prosperity, strong communities, and a just society,and our mission is to advance that vision by using science to enhance child well-being through innovations in policy and practice. (Global Children's initiative). They have variety of resources available to faculty and parents. They have working papers on a variety of topics they support; welfare reform, workforce development and child well-being, Young Children Development in an environment of relationships, excessive Stress disrupts the Developing brain, Maternal Depression can Undermine the Development of young children, along with many more!(Center of the Developing Child). They also have books articles, and video segments available. This is defiantly I site will refer to my fellow educators.
Reference:
http//developingchild.harvard.edu/global_initiative/
I reviewed the Harvard website for this assignment. The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University was founded in 2006 on the belief that the vitality and sustainability of any society depend on the extent to which it expands opportunities early in life for all children to achieve their full potential and engage in responsible and productive citizenship. We view healthy child development as the foundation of economic prosperity, strong communities, and a just society,and our mission is to advance that vision by using science to enhance child well-being through innovations in policy and practice. (Global Children's initiative). They have variety of resources available to faculty and parents. They have working papers on a variety of topics they support; welfare reform, workforce development and child well-being, Young Children Development in an environment of relationships, excessive Stress disrupts the Developing brain, Maternal Depression can Undermine the Development of young children, along with many more!(Center of the Developing Child). They also have books articles, and video segments available. This is defiantly I site will refer to my fellow educators.
Reference:
http//developingchild.harvard.edu/global_initiative/
Sunday, May 27, 2012
One of the things I am planning to do is to become a child care trainer. National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Centers (NACCRRA) has several online trainings that would benefit me. Smart Horizons is an online training provider that offers courseware development by experienced Instructional Designers, custom offerings, Learning Management services and superior media design (www.naccra.org, 2012).
NACCRA posted an article about over crowed child cares. Beverly Greenagel was supervising 18 children -- six more than the law allowed -- on the day that Dane Ableidinger died in her care. She watched from her kitchen window as some of the kids hurled water balloons in the back yard. Her assistant, an untrained 12-year-old, played video games with other children in a downstairs room next to where Dane slept. Neither one saw the 3-month-old struggling to lift his head from the folded blanket on the floor where he had been placed on his stomach for a nap. An hour passed before the helper peeked in and saw the infant's face embedded in the flannel blanket. She rolled him on his side and screamed. "Oh, um," the panicked girl said in a 911 call. "There's a baby dead." (www.naccra.org, 2012). It is disturbing to me that licensed providers can get away with going over capacity and having untrained, not to mention way to young people, helping in their child care. In my past experiences I have seen situations like this and they are not caught because of under staffing due to budget cuts. What will it take for politicians to realize that early childhood education is an important part of raising a successful child and building our future?
NACCRA is a key player to help Resource and Referral Centers learn how to educate parents on what to look for in quality child care, as well as being a strong voice in politics. If you are not familiar with them I strongly recommend that you look at the website as well as getting to know your local Resource and Referral Center.
I hear more and more that Mom’s cannot work because of the cost of child care. I know in Maryland they are constantly cutting funds from child care subsidy for families that are struggling. On NACCRRA’s website I did not see anything about what economists and politicians are doing in Maryland to support early childhood education. I am a member of Maryland’s Public Policy Committee, which where I receive the information about financial cuts to child care.
NACCRA posted an article about over crowed child cares. Beverly Greenagel was supervising 18 children -- six more than the law allowed -- on the day that Dane Ableidinger died in her care. She watched from her kitchen window as some of the kids hurled water balloons in the back yard. Her assistant, an untrained 12-year-old, played video games with other children in a downstairs room next to where Dane slept. Neither one saw the 3-month-old struggling to lift his head from the folded blanket on the floor where he had been placed on his stomach for a nap. An hour passed before the helper peeked in and saw the infant's face embedded in the flannel blanket. She rolled him on his side and screamed. "Oh, um," the panicked girl said in a 911 call. "There's a baby dead." (www.naccra.org, 2012). It is disturbing to me that licensed providers can get away with going over capacity and having untrained, not to mention way to young people, helping in their child care. In my past experiences I have seen situations like this and they are not caught because of under staffing due to budget cuts. What will it take for politicians to realize that early childhood education is an important part of raising a successful child and building our future?
NACCRA is a key player to help Resource and Referral Centers learn how to educate parents on what to look for in quality child care, as well as being a strong voice in politics. If you are not familiar with them I strongly recommend that you look at the website as well as getting to know your local Resource and Referral Center.
I hear more and more that Mom’s cannot work because of the cost of child care. I know in Maryland they are constantly cutting funds from child care subsidy for families that are struggling. On NACCRRA’s website I did not see anything about what economists and politicians are doing in Maryland to support early childhood education. I am a member of Maryland’s Public Policy Committee, which where I receive the information about financial cuts to child care.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Poverty Across the World
Over 600 million children world-wide live in absolute poverty - an estimated 1 in 4. In many countries, rates are much higher with over 60 percent of children living in households with incomes below international poverty lines. Over 10 million children under five still die every year from preventable diseases - the vast majority of them in developing countries. As one of the most powerless groups in society, children often bear the physical and emotional costs of poverty (Childhood Policy and Research Center, CHIP).
Since I still have not heard from the international contacts I reached out to I am doing the alternative assignment. I found the Childhood Policy and Research Centers website very interesting and informative. I was amazed to read that 600 million children live in poverty. I know poverty is a problem across many countries but did not realize the extent of it.
The country I chose to read and write about is China. Again, I was surprised to hear about the amount of children living in poverty. 4.2 million Chinese children live in absolute poverty and 8.7 million live in disadvantaged conditions (Childhood Policy and Research Center, CHIP).
It frustrating that government’s across the world cut money from early childhood education.
The story that touched me the most was Nan Nan’s. “Fourteen-year-old Nan Nan moved to Hefei, the capital of China’s Anhui province, a year ago. She used to live and go to school in a rural part of Anhui, and is finding life in her new school difficult: “I do not like studying at the school in Hefei, I have no friends here, and all my friends are now in Shucheng. I am regarded as a rural farmer child. My schoolmates always laugh at me because of my rural accent. I am two years older than the kids in my class, who say I must be stupid because I cannot go into a higher grade with kids my own age. The teachers do not care much about me. I always wish I could go back to Shucheng, but my mum and dad told me that if I study at the school in Hefei, I will receive better teaching and get good grades, and that I can then have a better life in the future” (Childhood Policy and Research Center, CHIP).
I can respect where she is coming from. I have never felt comfortable in several educational situations, and I still feel that way. Self Esteem is very important to building children’s self-worth. From what I read about Nan-Nan she seemed to be going through the same thing. I am also feeling that way in this course. I am not sure where to go from here…
Poverty is a big concern in the educational field, not just in the USA but across the world. It is an issue that law makers need to look at and take into consideration when they are making their laws.
References:
(http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/
Over 600 million children world-wide live in absolute poverty - an estimated 1 in 4. In many countries, rates are much higher with over 60 percent of children living in households with incomes below international poverty lines. Over 10 million children under five still die every year from preventable diseases - the vast majority of them in developing countries. As one of the most powerless groups in society, children often bear the physical and emotional costs of poverty (Childhood Policy and Research Center, CHIP).
Since I still have not heard from the international contacts I reached out to I am doing the alternative assignment. I found the Childhood Policy and Research Centers website very interesting and informative. I was amazed to read that 600 million children live in poverty. I know poverty is a problem across many countries but did not realize the extent of it.
The country I chose to read and write about is China. Again, I was surprised to hear about the amount of children living in poverty. 4.2 million Chinese children live in absolute poverty and 8.7 million live in disadvantaged conditions (Childhood Policy and Research Center, CHIP).
It frustrating that government’s across the world cut money from early childhood education.
The story that touched me the most was Nan Nan’s. “Fourteen-year-old Nan Nan moved to Hefei, the capital of China’s Anhui province, a year ago. She used to live and go to school in a rural part of Anhui, and is finding life in her new school difficult: “I do not like studying at the school in Hefei, I have no friends here, and all my friends are now in Shucheng. I am regarded as a rural farmer child. My schoolmates always laugh at me because of my rural accent. I am two years older than the kids in my class, who say I must be stupid because I cannot go into a higher grade with kids my own age. The teachers do not care much about me. I always wish I could go back to Shucheng, but my mum and dad told me that if I study at the school in Hefei, I will receive better teaching and get good grades, and that I can then have a better life in the future” (Childhood Policy and Research Center, CHIP).
I can respect where she is coming from. I have never felt comfortable in several educational situations, and I still feel that way. Self Esteem is very important to building children’s self-worth. From what I read about Nan-Nan she seemed to be going through the same thing. I am also feeling that way in this course. I am not sure where to go from here…
Poverty is a big concern in the educational field, not just in the USA but across the world. It is an issue that law makers need to look at and take into consideration when they are making their laws.
References:
(http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Sharing Resources:
The early childhood professional organization I chose to follow is The National Association of Resource and Referral Centers (NACCRRA). Their website is www.naccrra.org Their Vision and Mission Statements are:
Our Vision
A nation that supports the development and learning of all children.
Our Mission
To promote national policies and partnerships to advance the development and learning of all children and to provide vision, leadership, and support to community Child Care Resource and Referral.
NACCRRA's Strategic Plan for 2010-2015 ( 1.18 MB ) (NACCRRA.org).
Since I ran a Resource and Referral Center for 5 years in Maryland and almost a year in Washington D.C., I am familiar with NACCRRA and the policies the believe in and follow. With the start of this assignment I signed up to receive e-mail updates and their monthly newsletters.
The first e-mail update I got was titled “House to Consider Severe Budget Cuts Take Action! Funding to help children, the disabled, and the elderly at risk” (NACCRRA.org). I am not sure how to summarize it without referencing it so here is what is said:
“On Thursday, May 10, the House of Representatives will consider budget legislation that includes enormous budget cuts in programs designed to help low income families. With unemployment still at high levels and families struggling to make ends meet, the impact would not only be devastating for families but also further weaken the economy. The bill would eliminate Food Stamps for two million people and reduce Food Stamp benefits for 44 million. It would cut Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and eliminate the Social Services Block Grant (Title XX, which helps states address the needs of abused and neglected children, as well as provide community-based care for elderly and disabled people so that they can remain in their homes longer than would otherwise be possible) (NACCRRA.org).
When will Government realize that cutting money from early childhood is not the way to improve this country? They are our future and if the resources are not there to give them a quality early childhood education healthy meals, and proper medical care, that will lead them to success in future years of school, how will we as a country (Not sure of the proper words here), achieve the high goals the government wants to see from out country and it’s future?
I am sorry if this seems harsh but after sitting on Maryland’s Public Policy Committee for 5 years I have seen what government has cut from early childhood education and the effects it has had on providers as well as the quality of education children are getting. The main reason I chose the Master’s Degree I did, Specialization in Public Policy and Advocacy, is to be a voice to change this trend and educate the importance of early childhood education.
Reference:
https://my.campuscruiser.com/em2PageServlet?cx=u&pg=papp&tg=Email-readmail&main=1&qi=I3FpCiNTYXQgTWF5IDEyIDIzOjUwOjM0IEVEVCAyMDEyCmZvbGRlcklkPTEwMDA4NjkwMTEKX3NvcnRCeT1yZWNlaXZlZERhdGUKX3NvcnRPcmRlcj0xCm1vZGU9bG9hZApzdGFydD0xMQo=&seq=18&msgId=1170744463
http://www.naccrra.org/about-us/our-vision-and-mission
The early childhood professional organization I chose to follow is The National Association of Resource and Referral Centers (NACCRRA). Their website is www.naccrra.org Their Vision and Mission Statements are:
Our Vision
A nation that supports the development and learning of all children.
Our Mission
To promote national policies and partnerships to advance the development and learning of all children and to provide vision, leadership, and support to community Child Care Resource and Referral.
NACCRRA's Strategic Plan for 2010-2015 ( 1.18 MB ) (NACCRRA.org).
Since I ran a Resource and Referral Center for 5 years in Maryland and almost a year in Washington D.C., I am familiar with NACCRRA and the policies the believe in and follow. With the start of this assignment I signed up to receive e-mail updates and their monthly newsletters.
The first e-mail update I got was titled “House to Consider Severe Budget Cuts Take Action! Funding to help children, the disabled, and the elderly at risk” (NACCRRA.org). I am not sure how to summarize it without referencing it so here is what is said:
“On Thursday, May 10, the House of Representatives will consider budget legislation that includes enormous budget cuts in programs designed to help low income families. With unemployment still at high levels and families struggling to make ends meet, the impact would not only be devastating for families but also further weaken the economy. The bill would eliminate Food Stamps for two million people and reduce Food Stamp benefits for 44 million. It would cut Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and eliminate the Social Services Block Grant (Title XX, which helps states address the needs of abused and neglected children, as well as provide community-based care for elderly and disabled people so that they can remain in their homes longer than would otherwise be possible) (NACCRRA.org).
When will Government realize that cutting money from early childhood is not the way to improve this country? They are our future and if the resources are not there to give them a quality early childhood education healthy meals, and proper medical care, that will lead them to success in future years of school, how will we as a country (Not sure of the proper words here), achieve the high goals the government wants to see from out country and it’s future?
I am sorry if this seems harsh but after sitting on Maryland’s Public Policy Committee for 5 years I have seen what government has cut from early childhood education and the effects it has had on providers as well as the quality of education children are getting. The main reason I chose the Master’s Degree I did, Specialization in Public Policy and Advocacy, is to be a voice to change this trend and educate the importance of early childhood education.
Reference:
https://my.campuscruiser.com/em2PageServlet?cx=u&pg=papp&tg=Email-readmail&main=1&qi=I3FpCiNTYXQgTWF5IDEyIDIzOjUwOjM0IEVEVCAyMDEyCmZvbGRlcklkPTEwMDA4NjkwMTEKX3NvcnRCeT1yZWNlaXZlZERhdGUKX3NvcnRPcmRlcj0xCm1vZGU9bG9hZApzdGFydD0xMQo=&seq=18&msgId=1170744463
http://www.naccrra.org/about-us/our-vision-and-mission
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Global Connections
I have sent e-mails to arebimbo@yahoo.com in Nigeria and argi@argi.de In Germany and have not heard anything back from either one of them. I am very interested to earning about early childhood education in their countries. After watching The World Forum video I saw that all early childhood educators all have the same goals relating to children and early childhood education. World Forum on Early Care and Education:
Every two years 600 – 800 early childhood professionals from more than 80 countries
gather to share ideas on a wide range of issues impacting the delivery of
quality services for children and families (World Forum, 2011).
From what I heard it sounds like everyone that participated in the World Forum believes in the same philosophy of early childhood education, hands on learning! Educators across the World are willing to join together and work at making early childhood education practices universal.
The early childhood organization I chose to follow is The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Centers (NACCRRA). It is an organization that I am very familiar with since I ran Resource and Referral Centers in Maryland and Washington DC. Every State is required to have a least one Child Care Resource and Referral Center (CCRR&R) by federal law. CCR&R’s educate parents on what to look for in quality child care, provide training and technical assistance to licensed child care providers and help other people to become licensed.
NACCRRA is also very big positive influence in the local and federal political scene. I attended their National Conference last year in Washington DC and was surprised to learn the great differences in child care regulations in the country. Did you know hat 2 states still allow corporal punishment in licensed child care and several states do not require family child care homes to be licensed? I was shocked to hear this!
NACCRRA is pushing to have standard regulations in every state for licensed childcare; they are looking at 10 standard safety regulations. They are also trying to make it that all licensed child care professionals take 120 hours of training. They are a huge voice in National and local public policy and advocates for the early childhood profession.
If you are not familiar with your local Child Care Resource and Referral Center I highly recommend that you contact them and join NACCRRA. NACCRRA is a strong voice for early childhood education!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
My Supports
My Supports
This assignment comes at a trying time in my life, so it is an easy one for me to answer. I was laid off in August and still have not found a job and was denied my extension on unemployment for Maryland because my last wages were earned in Washington D.C.
My Mom, my sister and my boyfriend have been a wonderful support to me. But I would think they would be. However I have five very good friends that have not left my side, like 3 others that have. My Mom is there everyday to encourage me to go and follow through with my Master's Degree, my sister is there to listen no matter what time of day it is, and my boyfriend hears my complaints everyday and takes on my sadness and does not complain. My friends are also going through very difficult life situations. One has a Mom with cancer, another with a child that has severe anxiety, two that are 5 year breast cancer survivors, and the last that went through a very difficult divorce. They all understand what life can throw at you and are there to listen and give advice. The fact that they can put what is happening on their end on "the back burner" and talk to me makes it very comforting and I do the same thing for them.
Luckily my Mom is in a good place in her life, my sister however is not. About 2 weeks after I was laid off she called with the news that she was divorcing because after 20 years of marriage her husband came out of the closet. So we have spent every day on the phone for about 1-2 hours talking and working through what we are going through. I am sorry she is going through it but we both know how life can, and excuse my language, suck. It has brought us much closer. Jeff has listened, taken my emotional stress, and tantrums like a trooper. I don't know what better supports I can have!
As far as sharing a challenge I think it would have to be someone in my family having cancer. I look at what my friends went thought and I hope I would have the same support system if that ever happened to one of my family members. I had that support when my Dad was really sick and am pretty sure I would have it now. I just need an ear to listen to and a shoulder to cry on if needed, and I know that I have it from my family and friends.
As of right now I am not sure where I would be without these supports. They have kept my head above water for the past 8 months! When I am at my lowest emotionally they come forward and walk me through it. It is true friendship and family relations that help you get through life!
I would post pictures but my computer died and I am using Jeff's I-Mac. Talk about an adjustment!
This assignment comes at a trying time in my life, so it is an easy one for me to answer. I was laid off in August and still have not found a job and was denied my extension on unemployment for Maryland because my last wages were earned in Washington D.C.
My Mom, my sister and my boyfriend have been a wonderful support to me. But I would think they would be. However I have five very good friends that have not left my side, like 3 others that have. My Mom is there everyday to encourage me to go and follow through with my Master's Degree, my sister is there to listen no matter what time of day it is, and my boyfriend hears my complaints everyday and takes on my sadness and does not complain. My friends are also going through very difficult life situations. One has a Mom with cancer, another with a child that has severe anxiety, two that are 5 year breast cancer survivors, and the last that went through a very difficult divorce. They all understand what life can throw at you and are there to listen and give advice. The fact that they can put what is happening on their end on "the back burner" and talk to me makes it very comforting and I do the same thing for them.
Luckily my Mom is in a good place in her life, my sister however is not. About 2 weeks after I was laid off she called with the news that she was divorcing because after 20 years of marriage her husband came out of the closet. So we have spent every day on the phone for about 1-2 hours talking and working through what we are going through. I am sorry she is going through it but we both know how life can, and excuse my language, suck. It has brought us much closer. Jeff has listened, taken my emotional stress, and tantrums like a trooper. I don't know what better supports I can have!
As far as sharing a challenge I think it would have to be someone in my family having cancer. I look at what my friends went thought and I hope I would have the same support system if that ever happened to one of my family members. I had that support when my Dad was really sick and am pretty sure I would have it now. I just need an ear to listen to and a shoulder to cry on if needed, and I know that I have it from my family and friends.
As of right now I am not sure where I would be without these supports. They have kept my head above water for the past 8 months! When I am at my lowest emotionally they come forward and walk me through it. It is true friendship and family relations that help you get through life!
I would post pictures but my computer died and I am using Jeff's I-Mac. Talk about an adjustment!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
My Connections to Play
My Connections to Play
Ok I am frustrated! I do not know why my pictures are not showing! I will try again later....
“The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health.” Ashley Montagu
The Universal Nature of Play (http://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org)
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” (http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61105.Dr_Seuss)
My parents always encouraged us to play. I grew up in the country and had lots of room to play. I can remember sledding down the hill and running through the woods. When we were not outside my sister and I played house, Lego’s, and other games. We played cards and Monopoly as a family. When I was little I always looked forward to the weekend knowing that we would have family game night.
I don’t feel that play is the same today as it was when I was growing up. I look at my nephew, who is 18, and he grew up playing video games. His sense of imagination is not there. Technology is good to an extent but it also can cause damage.
Play has had a big role in my life. Lessons were learned and life roles learned. I am not really sure where to go from here. Play is a VERY important part of childhood and should not be pushed aside. Unfortunately in today’s time it is. There is to much focus on computers and video games. Imagination is a thing of the past.
“The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health.” Ashley Montagu
The Universal Nature of Play (http://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org)
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” (http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61105.Dr_Seuss)
My parents always encouraged us to play. I grew up in the country and had lots of room to play. I can remember sledding down the hill and running through the woods. When we were not outside my sister and I played house, Lego’s, and other games. We played cards and Monopoly as a family. When I was little I always looked forward to the weekend knowing that we would have family game night.
I don’t feel that play is the same today as it was when I was growing up. I look at my nephew, who is 18, and he grew up playing video games. His sense of imagination is not there. Technology is good to an extent but it also can cause damage.
Play has had a big role in my life. Lessons were learned and life roles learned. I am not really sure where to go from here. Play is a VERY important part of childhood and should not be pushed aside. Unfortunately in today’s time it is. There is to much focus on computers and video games. Imagination is a thing of the past.
Ok I am frustrated! I do not know why my pictures are not showing! I will try again later....
“The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health.” Ashley Montagu
The Universal Nature of Play (http://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org)
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” (http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61105.Dr_Seuss)
My parents always encouraged us to play. I grew up in the country and had lots of room to play. I can remember sledding down the hill and running through the woods. When we were not outside my sister and I played house, Lego’s, and other games. We played cards and Monopoly as a family. When I was little I always looked forward to the weekend knowing that we would have family game night.
I don’t feel that play is the same today as it was when I was growing up. I look at my nephew, who is 18, and he grew up playing video games. His sense of imagination is not there. Technology is good to an extent but it also can cause damage.
Play has had a big role in my life. Lessons were learned and life roles learned. I am not really sure where to go from here. Play is a VERY important part of childhood and should not be pushed aside. Unfortunately in today’s time it is. There is to much focus on computers and video games. Imagination is a thing of the past.
“The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health.” Ashley Montagu
The Universal Nature of Play (http://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org)
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” (http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61105.Dr_Seuss)
My parents always encouraged us to play. I grew up in the country and had lots of room to play. I can remember sledding down the hill and running through the woods. When we were not outside my sister and I played house, Lego’s, and other games. We played cards and Monopoly as a family. When I was little I always looked forward to the weekend knowing that we would have family game night.
I don’t feel that play is the same today as it was when I was growing up. I look at my nephew, who is 18, and he grew up playing video games. His sense of imagination is not there. Technology is good to an extent but it also can cause damage.
Play has had a big role in my life. Lessons were learned and life roles learned. I am not really sure where to go from here. Play is a VERY important part of childhood and should not be pushed aside. Unfortunately in today’s time it is. There is to much focus on computers and video games. Imagination is a thing of the past.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Relationship Reflection
Mom and Jeff 
Relationships are very important to me. My relationships with my family have guided me through a lot of ups and downs over the past 15 years. My Mom has been a strong backboard for me. When I decided to go back and finish my Bachelors Degree she was there to support me and help in every way she could. She was even more supportive when I decided to get my Master’s Degree. We became very close when my Dad got sick 15 years ago. Mom and I spent every day together at the hospital and at home. It was then when I really realized the importance of having a good relationship with your parents, I was Daddy’s girl and now I am Mom’s girl. Dad will be gone 10 years this month. I miss him every day but I appreciate the relationship that I developed with my Mom during the time he was sick and since then.
My boys, Jeff and Izzy
My boyfriend Jeff has also been another positive influence in my life. He has always been there when I needed a shoulder to cry on and has been there to support me in job changing decisions and most of all being laid off! We have had our ups and downs but he has always been there for me.
My sister Karen and cousin Kathy
My sister is another person that I have developed a close relationship with over the past several years. We have two totally different personalities and have always butt heads. However life throws you hicc-ups and things change. I have always appreciated my sister’s talents, singing and acting, but resented that I had to attend every concert, play, and musical she was in. Now we are close and there to help and lean on each other daily. Unfortunately we are both going through rough times but having your sister as a best friend makes them better!
Child Care Conference 2009
When I worked at the Resource and Referral Center for Harford and Cecil Counties I made several close friendships. I still keep in touch with them today. One of my childcare trainers has been a large influence in my career decisions. I also made many friendships/partnerships with Directors and Family Providers.
Izzy
My cat, Izzy, has also been a positive influence in my life. I grew up with dogs and he is the first cat I have ever had. He has always been a lover, but since I have been laid off he has been like glue to my side. I think he knows how I am feeling and wants to be there to comfort me. He has helped my mood in a big way! I am worried what is going to happen with him when I do go back to work.
Everyone that I talked about has been very supportive in my journey in education. They see my passion and reinforce it daily. It is because of them that I am per-suing my Masters and stay in the field of Early Childhood Education! I love them all and there are so many more that support me!
Relationships are very important to me. My relationships with my family have guided me through a lot of ups and downs over the past 15 years. My Mom has been a strong backboard for me. When I decided to go back and finish my Bachelors Degree she was there to support me and help in every way she could. She was even more supportive when I decided to get my Master’s Degree. We became very close when my Dad got sick 15 years ago. Mom and I spent every day together at the hospital and at home. It was then when I really realized the importance of having a good relationship with your parents, I was Daddy’s girl and now I am Mom’s girl. Dad will be gone 10 years this month. I miss him every day but I appreciate the relationship that I developed with my Mom during the time he was sick and since then.
My boys, Jeff and Izzy
My boyfriend Jeff has also been another positive influence in my life. He has always been there when I needed a shoulder to cry on and has been there to support me in job changing decisions and most of all being laid off! We have had our ups and downs but he has always been there for me.
My sister Karen and cousin Kathy
My sister is another person that I have developed a close relationship with over the past several years. We have two totally different personalities and have always butt heads. However life throws you hicc-ups and things change. I have always appreciated my sister’s talents, singing and acting, but resented that I had to attend every concert, play, and musical she was in. Now we are close and there to help and lean on each other daily. Unfortunately we are both going through rough times but having your sister as a best friend makes them better!
Child Care Conference 2009
Izzy
My cat, Izzy, has also been a positive influence in my life. I grew up with dogs and he is the first cat I have ever had. He has always been a lover, but since I have been laid off he has been like glue to my side. I think he knows how I am feeling and wants to be there to comfort me. He has helped my mood in a big way! I am worried what is going to happen with him when I do go back to work.
Everyone that I talked about has been very supportive in my journey in education. They see my passion and reinforce it daily. It is because of them that I am per-suing my Masters and stay in the field of Early Childhood Education! I love them all and there are so many more that support me!
Friday, February 24, 2012
THANK YOU!
Thank you! I appreciate all of the support, information, and discussion we have had with each other over the past eight weeks. It has been wonderful working with all of you and I look forward to working with you in future classes. I wish everyone the best in moving forward in this adventure.
"Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate." ~Anonymous
“A child miseducated is a child lost.” ~ John F. Kennedy
“Even a minor event in the life of a child is an event of that child's world and thus a world event.”~ Gaston Bachelard
"Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate." ~Anonymous
“A child miseducated is a child lost.” ~ John F. Kennedy
“Even a minor event in the life of a child is an event of that child's world and thus a world event.”~ Gaston Bachelard
Saturday, February 11, 2012
I am torn about formalized testing. I do not take written tests well and I know other people that feel the same way. I believe to really learn what a child is going through is by observing. School age can be a very fragile time for children; they are going through major physical and biological changes. I am not to familiar with this age group, so I am going on what I experienced… As a child I was always worried about how I did because of testing, it controlled my life. Official assessments can show what a child can do on paper but an observation can show what a child does best!
Primary school (Scuola primaria/elementare)
School in Italy is compulsory from the age of six onwards. Recent legislation changes means that children may start scuola primaria from the age of five and a half onwards (this is Testing for Intelligence:
to bring Italian schools in line with European schools regarding school leaving ages). All children who will be six years old by 31 December following the start of the school year can register for primary school.
At primary school children learn to read and write and study mathematics, geography, Italian, English, science, music, computer studies, religion (optional) and social studies.
Primary school lasts five years. Classes have between 10 and 25 pupils each. Until recently pupils had to pass an exam at the end of year five before they could progress to secondary school, but this is no longer the case.
http://rome.angloinfo.com/countries/italy/schooling.asp
Primary school (Scuola primaria/elementare)
School in Italy is compulsory from the age of six onwards. Recent legislation changes means that children may start scuola primaria from the age of five and a half onwards (this is Testing for Intelligence:
to bring Italian schools in line with European schools regarding school leaving ages). All children who will be six years old by 31 December following the start of the school year can register for primary school.
At primary school children learn to read and write and study mathematics, geography, Italian, English, science, music, computer studies, religion (optional) and social studies.
Primary school lasts five years. Classes have between 10 and 25 pupils each. Until recently pupils had to pass an exam at the end of year five before they could progress to secondary school, but this is no longer the case.
http://rome.angloinfo.com/countries/italy/schooling.asp
Friday, January 27, 2012
Violence
Violence
Approximately 11 years ago my sister was raped. I can remember the call from Mom when she heard about it. They never found the person that did it and she is still skittish to this day. Her husband was not there for her. He needed hand holding because he was the one that left the slider door unlocked, which is how the rapist got in. After it happened Karen came to Mom’s for several days. The police were involved but were not much help. She went to counseling for a couple of months and stopped. I am not sure if she has really gotten over what happened. Montgomery County Police have never followed up with my sister.
The Occupy Movement has moved across the World! Unfortunately violence comes with them. I just looked up violence in Italy and this is what came up. So sad that this is what we have come down to. It also covers other Countries going through the same thing.
Italy tallies damage from 'Occupy' violence
Italian PM vows crackdown after Rome protest turns violent
CBC News
Posted: Oct 16, 2011 10:06 AM ET
Last Updated: Oct 18, 2011 11:43 AM ET
Read 173 comments173
The Occupy Denver demonstration turned violent on Oct. 29, as police fired rounds of pepper spray and arrested at least 15 people. Here, a man is arrested while clashing with police in downtown Denver. (Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post/AP)
Approximately 11 years ago my sister was raped. I can remember the call from Mom when she heard about it. They never found the person that did it and she is still skittish to this day. Her husband was not there for her. He needed hand holding because he was the one that left the slider door unlocked, which is how the rapist got in. After it happened Karen came to Mom’s for several days. The police were involved but were not much help. She went to counseling for a couple of months and stopped. I am not sure if she has really gotten over what happened. Montgomery County Police have never followed up with my sister.
The Occupy Movement has moved across the World! Unfortunately violence comes with them. I just looked up violence in Italy and this is what came up. So sad that this is what we have come down to. It also covers other Countries going through the same thing.
Italy tallies damage from 'Occupy' violence
Italian PM vows crackdown after Rome protest turns violent
CBC News
Posted: Oct 16, 2011 10:06 AM ET
Last Updated: Oct 18, 2011 11:43 AM ET
Read 173 comments173
The Occupy Denver demonstration turned violent on Oct. 29, as police fired rounds of pepper spray and arrested at least 15 people. Here, a man is arrested while clashing with police in downtown Denver. (Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post/AP)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
SIDS is the leading cause of death in infant’s age 1-12 months in the United States and can be prevented. I have been exposed to the topic of SIDS throughout my career in Early Childhood, especially in the past 6 years, when I began working for The Resource and Referral Network. In Maryland SIDS is a required training potential childcare providers need to take before they can become licensed. I offered this training at the office once a month and usually had to cancel it due to lack of registration. It took me awhile to understand why, if this class was a requirement, were they not registering for it? Then I learned the reason, it is offered online. I understand the convenience of online classes, but for a topic as important as SIDS it should be an in class training only. I feel it is important that providers understand what can cause SIDS and what they can do to prevent it. In class trainings give providers the opportunity to interact with the instructor and other classmates, ask questions, listen to personal experiences some may have had, and gain a real understanding of SIDS. I have heard many stories over the years of babies sleeping on sofas, regular beds, and wrapped in blankets, it makes me cringe to think of the possibilities of what could have happened to those children. I also feel that it is important that parents attend these classes also. When I was on the referral line I found many new, young, and low-income parents that were unaware of what SIDS was.
Like the United States, Hong Kong is reporting the major factors they are seeing for SIDS is: parental smoking, bed sharing, tummy sleeping, sleeping on soft bedding, overheating, and several other unsafe sleeping habits. They are also embarking on a campaign to educate the public on the possible causes of SIDS and what can be done to prevent it. SIDS is prominent in both countries; however by being proactive and educating the public the United States and Hong Kong have been able to reduce the number of deaths caused by SIDS.
After learning more about the possible causes of SIDS, and the fact that it is a preventable disease, I want to be able to focus some of my efforts on educating the community on the reality of SIDS and the devastating results it has on families and let them know that that does not need to be the case. It is my hope that the more I am able to educate people on the causes and prevention of SIDS they will take that information and pass it on to another part of the community, an so on. I want to get the ball of information sharing going! I would like to see in the near future that SIDS is no longer the leading cause of death in infants 1-12 months.
SIDS is the leading cause of death in infant’s age 1-12 months in the United States and can be prevented. I have been exposed to the topic of SIDS throughout my career in Early Childhood, especially in the past 6 years, when I began working for The Resource and Referral Network. In Maryland SIDS is a required training potential childcare providers need to take before they can become licensed. I offered this training at the office once a month and usually had to cancel it due to lack of registration. It took me awhile to understand why, if this class was a requirement, were they not registering for it? Then I learned the reason, it is offered online. I understand the convenience of online classes, but for a topic as important as SIDS it should be an in class training only. I feel it is important that providers understand what can cause SIDS and what they can do to prevent it. In class trainings give providers the opportunity to interact with the instructor and other classmates, ask questions, listen to personal experiences some may have had, and gain a real understanding of SIDS. I have heard many stories over the years of babies sleeping on sofas, regular beds, and wrapped in blankets, it makes me cringe to think of the possibilities of what could have happened to those children. I also feel that it is important that parents attend these classes also. When I was on the referral line I found many new, young, and low-income parents that were unaware of what SIDS was.
Like the United States, Hong Kong is reporting the major factors they are seeing for SIDS is: parental smoking, bed sharing, tummy sleeping, sleeping on soft bedding, overheating, and several other unsafe sleeping habits. They are also embarking on a campaign to educate the public on the possible causes of SIDS and what can be done to prevent it. SIDS is prominent in both countries; however by being proactive and educating the public the United States and Hong Kong have been able to reduce the number of deaths caused by SIDS.
After learning more about the possible causes of SIDS, and the fact that it is a preventable disease, I want to be able to focus some of my efforts on educating the community on the reality of SIDS and the devastating results it has on families and let them know that that does not need to be the case. It is my hope that the more I am able to educate people on the causes and prevention of SIDS they will take that information and pass it on to another part of the community, an so on. I want to get the ball of information sharing going! I would like to see in the near future that SIDS is no longer the leading cause of death in infants 1-12 months.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
My Birth
I have struggled on how to write this assignment all week. I have never given birth or participated in a birth so I cannot write on either one of those. My birth Mother gave me up for adoption when I was born and the files are sealed so I don’t know anything about the type of prenatal care she had or the experience she had while giving birth to me. I also do not know the reason why she gave me up. So I am going to write about the experiences I had for the first three months of my life while I was in foster care and write about my “birth” my parents experienced after they adopted me.
All I know about my foster care parents is that the husband worked mid-shift, so when he got home at 11:00pm or 12:00am he woke me up and played with me for several hours. So that explains why I am a night owl and my parents cursed home for the first several years after bringing me home. To tell you the truth I would like to find him and ask him what he was thinking!
I am the youngest child in my family; my sister who is 2 ½ years older was a very quiet and content baby. So when they decided to adopt a second child they were sure that child would be the same way. Imagine their surprise when they brought me home and all I did was cry all night because I wanted to play. I am still reminded to this day of this. ;-)
As I said earlier I do not know the circumstances of my birth or my birth mother’s life. However I am very thankful that I was adopted into the Snyder family. Even though I did not sleep they gave me unconditional love no matter what. They taught me the importance of education and supported me in the paths that I chose. I am going to describe them as very nurturing, caring, supportive, and loving parents who are appreciative that I came into their lives and that I was a healthy baby.
In Afghanistan most woman do not get prenatal care and most births occur at home. Sadly I learned that infant mortality is very high there, as I found to be similar in other underdeveloped countries I read about. Most Afghan woman gives birth to 5 children and on average 3 of those children dies. The good news is those numbers are starting to change and more infants are surviving because of different World Organizations investing money to open birthing centers and train woman to be mid-wives in the rural areas of Afghanistan.
All I know about my foster care parents is that the husband worked mid-shift, so when he got home at 11:00pm or 12:00am he woke me up and played with me for several hours. So that explains why I am a night owl and my parents cursed home for the first several years after bringing me home. To tell you the truth I would like to find him and ask him what he was thinking!
I am the youngest child in my family; my sister who is 2 ½ years older was a very quiet and content baby. So when they decided to adopt a second child they were sure that child would be the same way. Imagine their surprise when they brought me home and all I did was cry all night because I wanted to play. I am still reminded to this day of this. ;-)
As I said earlier I do not know the circumstances of my birth or my birth mother’s life. However I am very thankful that I was adopted into the Snyder family. Even though I did not sleep they gave me unconditional love no matter what. They taught me the importance of education and supported me in the paths that I chose. I am going to describe them as very nurturing, caring, supportive, and loving parents who are appreciative that I came into their lives and that I was a healthy baby.
In Afghanistan most woman do not get prenatal care and most births occur at home. Sadly I learned that infant mortality is very high there, as I found to be similar in other underdeveloped countries I read about. Most Afghan woman gives birth to 5 children and on average 3 of those children dies. The good news is those numbers are starting to change and more infants are surviving because of different World Organizations investing money to open birthing centers and train woman to be mid-wives in the rural areas of Afghanistan.
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