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/
Saturday, May 19, 2012
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!
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