Getting to know international contacts part 2

Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/) has revealed many informative facts about children/childcare systems around the world. Malaria is a disease passed through the blood. It is caused by a parasite. The parasite is typically passed to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Things to increase ones chances of infestation include Failing to use DEET-containing insect repellents when outdoors. Failing to use mosquito netting (especially netting treated with permethrin) while sleeping, and failing to use medicines to prevent malaria infection. The effects of early childhood on the children of Zambia has had its impact, so much so their is an ongoing anti malaria initiative on children's development in Zambia.

Translation videos are available in Spanish and support to fund these efforts come from World Bank.

Lastly the developing child site has ways in which individuals are to sign up on the mailing list and potentially view past newsletters that were published.  

Sharing Web Resources

Making vulnerable infants and toddlers a priority and ensures that the knowledge derived from the science of Early Childhood development is reflected in the policies and programs for young children.
The Early Head Start program is of particular interest to me because I work for one. I am constantly seeking opportunities to gather new information to share with colleagues and families being serviced at the center.

It was back in the 90's that the Early Head Start programs were funded and established. These programs provided opportunities for families to receive medical treatment, mental health, early intervention, parent support, and prenatal health support. The article shared that despite difficult economic times, 23 states have
at least one initiative that builds on the federally funded EHS program.

The federal Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Visiting  program  (MIECV) was authorized by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010. It provides $1.5 billion over five years to states and territories to improve the health and development outcomes of at-risk children through evidence based home visiting programs.

references: Zero to Three retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/

Sharing Web Resources

The organization I selected to share information about was Zero to Three

Website: http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/funded-projects/parenting-resources/podcast/

ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. Their mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers. (Zero to three, 2012)

I particularly like the podcast that were available on the website. It was easy to navigate and they were

informative. The particular podcast that I listened too was based on a survey to various parents, which

questioned how young children developed and whether they had self-control.  What does it look like

when a child doesn’t have it (self-control)…  young children shouldn’t have to have the ability to use

strategies to use appropriate behavior… for example to throw a ball at mommy in the park but knowing

it is unacceptable to throw a ball at someone who is not participating in the game at the age of one to

two years old. Those concrete understandings have yet to be cemented into their brains. 43% of

parents believe by age 3 children should be  able to control their emotions and not have tantrums,

however we have to focus parents inappropriate discipline techniques with expectations of  the child

and their age, and gear them to the appropriate age driven ways of adapting to young children.

Resources:

http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/funded-projects/parenting-resources/podcast/

E stablishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

The website selected was www.unicef.org
Having recently taken a trip to Jamica I was intrigued about the culture and educational system. I found information on the UNICEF site which expanded my knowledge on recent topics that affect the citizens of the country.

Establishing contacts with Early Childhood professional was no easy task. I email 5 different countries in hopes of hearing something back.One down fall was there wasn't any 1800 numbers listed and trying to make the actual phone calls and in the event someone answers oh boy I'd hate to see that phone bill...

I also selected for my early childhood resource the website Zero To Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. This is so resourcefull and has loads of valuable information that can be used to educate parents, coworkers, and self most importantly. I found this site easy to navigate and full of fun. As I thumbed through the site I came across an article so fitting because grandsparents day is september 9 entitled In your lap, In your heart. It offer grandparts tools of how to bond with their grandchild.  

Research Around the World

• What are some of the current international research topics?Early Childhood Australia is continuously monitoring the news for information concerning the well being and development of young children. ( Early Childhood Austria, 2012) Research is performed on the local, state, and national levels including information about child detention. Child detention has lasting, harmful effects on children of Australia. I believe detention of children needs to immediately be a major topic of concern and needs to be rectified because it is inhumane and traumatizing, there should be other options available and implemented. Imagine a child fleeing war, poverty, and or abuse and being punished and convicted like a criminal. The children are often alone, and separated from caregivers and left vulnerable to sexual abuse.

• What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?

Something I found interesting about Australia was Families living on remote, isolated farms and stations usually rely on distance education for their children’s preschool and early schooling.

• What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?

The membership section informs people by holding membership that they can qualify for a tax deduction for Early Childhood Professionals and students working in the early childhood field in Australia that is surly and added benefit Iam sure many are excited about receiving once membership has been acquired. 

Website chosen:  http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/every_child_magazine/every_child_index/working_with_children_in_the_outback.html

My Personal Research Journey

I believe his infatuation with trains’ ties into his mind resembling a speeding train.

My nephew is five years old and is an absolute joy to be around. He’s creative, intelligent, funny and innovative. In reading articles online about children and being diagnosed with ADHD and steps following such as medication has intrigued me the most. I guess being an Educator I want to know and understand what other options are available in the event medication will not be a consideration.

I’ve gained a new found respect for parents and primary care givers who work alongside their children or care for someone else’s child with ADHD because It takes extreme patience, understanding, and planning to come up with ways to cop and manage the behaviors associated with the disorder.

In sharing the information with my sister about my nephew and his diagnoses, some that has served me as helpful has been  Journal of attention disorders( Toronto; North Tonawanda, NY: Multi-Health Systems Inc., 1996); Attention Magazine (Plantation(Fla): C.H.A.D.D., 1994) Attention Magazine! ( http:// www. Chadd.org/Content/CHADD/AttentionMagazine/default.htm)

My wish for my sister is to be a better parent and equip herself with the tools to see that my nephew is grounded and surpassing any and all restrictions placed upon him.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

Three things that I learned and carried away from the  Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/),

1.      The six education goals geared toward the learning and advancement of young children and adults. 

Goal 1
Expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children

Goal 2
Ensuring that by 2015 all children, particularly girls, children in difficult circumstances and those belonging to ethnic minorities, have access to, and complete, free and compulsory primary education of good quality.

Goal 3
Ensuring that the learning needs of all young people and adults are met through equitable access to appropriate learning and life-skills programmes

Goal 4
Achieving a 50 per cent improvement in levels of adult literacy by 2015, especially for women, and equitable access to basic and continuing education for all adults.

Goal 5
Eliminating gender disparities in primary and secondary education by 2005, and achieving gender equality in education by 2015, with a focus on ensuring girls’ full and equal access to and achievement in basic education of good quality.

Goal 6
Improving all aspects of the quality of education and ensuring excellence of all so that recognized and measurable learning outcomes are achieved by all, especially in literacy, numeracy and essential life skills

2.      In order to increase educational advances for it’s communities, the World Forum wants to eliminate the gaps in funding. This goal will be achieved through expanding resource opportunities, and aligning aids already in the circuit to encourage new donors.

3.      Continual monitoring and evaluation will assist in strengthening the goals of achieving educational and financial progression. 




      One of my goals consist of working in a position to aid children that were or are victims of abuse. I believe seeking out resources such as support groups will enable and strengthen the child to feel comfortable about his or her self and eventually be a voice unto someone else.