Farewell

I would like to take this time to tell all my colleagues that I have really enjoyed this blogging experience and I plan to continue this process. Please lets stay in touch since we have started this journey together. I would like to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR along with much success and happiness.

Examining Code of Ethics

DEC Code of Ethics:

I3. We shall strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeing and using new evidence based information to improve our practices while also responding openly to suggestions of others.

This is significant to me because I believe the more you know, the more you grow. I know that I am capable of doing the job, but I need to be at a place where I know why the techniques that I am using are working.

III4. We shall advocate for equal access to high quality services and supports for all children and families to enhance their quality of lives.

This is significant to me because as an educator in the rural Mississippi Delta, it is very evident that some HeadStart centers get the better teachers, equipment, and the “smarter” children. I am constantly voicing my opinion to educational leaders regarding ensuring that students in my center have access to the same resources available to the students that are located in a high poverty area.

NAEYC

P-1.1. Above all, we shall not harm children. We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, dangerous, exploitative, or intimidating to children.

This is significant to me because on most of all the news stations or newspapers are addressing mistreatment and/or abuse to children. As educators, we need to hold this principle to sacred so that children will have a safety haven at school. We all know that children learn better when they are stress.

References

• NAEYC. (2005). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved December 12,2011, from
  http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
•  Division for Early Childhood. (2000). Code of ethics. Retrieved December 12,2011, from
  http://www.dec-sped.org/

Course Resources

• Video Program: “The Resources for Early Childhood”
  Five early childhood professionals discuss their preferred and trusted resources.

Part 1: Position Statements and Influential Practices

• NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/74759/CRS-CW-6136827/educ6005_readings/naeyc_dap_position_statement.pdf
  
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
  
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf
  
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf
  
• NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf
  
• NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf
  
• Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller
  
• FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.pdf
  
  
• Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al.  (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42–53.

Global Support for Children’s Rights and Well-Being

• Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
   
• Websites:
  • World Forum Foundation
    http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
    This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the video on this webpage 
    
  • World Organization for Early Childhood Education
    http://www.omep-usnc.org/
    Read about OMEP’s mission. 
    
  • Association for Childhood Education International
    http://acei.org/about/
    

Early Childhood Organizations

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

 Professional Journals

• YC Young Children
• Childhood
• Journal of Child & Family Studies
• Child Study Journal
• Multicultural Education
• Early Childhood Education Journal
• Journal of Early Childhood Research
• International Journal of Early Childhood
• Early Childhood Research Quarterly
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Studies
• Maternal & Child Health Journal
• International Journal of Early Years Education

Additional Resources
The New Republic: Obama's Education Legacy for America's Youngest Kids: Too Little, Too Late by: Sara Mead  http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/98094/obama-early-childhood-education

Perth Now: Childcare 'hot potato' for Governments opinion of: Cora-Ann Wilson http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/opinion/childcare-hot-potato-for-governments/story-fn8t4my5-1226213110602

Greenberg, M, Schumacher, R (2003) Financing universal pre-kindergarten: Possibilities and technical issues for states in using funds under the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF) block grant. Washington, DC: Center for Law and Social Policy. http://www.clasp.org/publications/universal_prek.pdf
Summary: This brief report summarizes the roles of Child Care and Development Fund

(CCDF) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grants and examines
possible ways these funds can financially support universal Pre-K initiatives. Authors
conclude that although both funds can be used for universal Pre-K initiatives, the states
may need to develop clearer policy guidelines for prioritizing the use of the funds as
complexities arise with more programs seeking funding.

"Now, today, some children are enrolled in excellent programs. Some children are enrolled in mediocre programs. And some are wasting away their most formative years in bad programs....That's why I'm issuing a challenge to our states: Develop a cutting-edge plan to raise the quality of your early learning programs; show us how you'll work to ensure that children are better prepared for success by the time they enter kindergarten. If you do, we will support you with an Early Learning Challenge Grant that I call on Congress to enact."
- President Barack Obama, speaking to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, March 10, 2009

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

"To be judged fairly, this young man must only be compared to himself"
-Jean Marc Gaspard Itard, 1906
  The Wild Boy of Averyon

"The greatest enemy of children today is poverty."
-Edward Zigler, 2007
 Giving Intervention a Headstart

Why I chose teaching?
"To fix the injustices in the world through teaching."
-Louise Derman-Sparks
The Passion for Early Childhood 

Personal Childhood Web

Grandmother Corine- My grandmother was very loving and caring. She made sure I had three meals a day. She taught me that there are so many ways to show someone you care. Her way of showing her love was with food. She nurtured me by making sure I ate breakfast every morning before going to school. She made me feel special by fixing my plate every morning.

Aunt Linda-My Aunt Linda was my best friend. She was nine years older than me. She would walk me to school every day. During our walk to school, she would listen as I talk about my friends, interests, and my class. My Aunt Linda influenced me by showing me how important it is to listen to children. My Aunt Linda nurtured me by protecting when she walked me to school every day. She made me feel special by giving me a hug before I entered my classroom daily.

Mother-My mother was there with me every night when I would complete my homework. My mother worked during the day so she would spend quality time with me at night. My mother taught me the importance of hardwork and dedication. She nurtured me by reviewing my homework nightly and praying with me. She made me feel special by teaching   me about Christ and education.

Grandpa Andrew-My grandfather was the smartest man I know with only a 6^th grade education. My grandfather knew something about everything. He had so much faith in me. My grandfather would tell me that I was smart and I was going to do something special with my life. He influenced me by teaching me that positive words lead to positive actions. My grandfather nurtured me by always complimenting me and making me feel good about myself. My grandfather showed me I was special by always telling me how proud he was of me.

Sister Kristi- My sister Kristi looked up to me. She always wanted to do whatever I did. She would follow me everywhere I go. Kristi was never scared to try anything. She would always do things before I would. Kristi influenced me with her courage. Kristi nurtured my confidence. She would always tell me that I could do whatever I was afraid to do. Kristi showed me I was special by having so much faith in me.

Where the Wild Things Are

I really enjoy reading this book to my class. Everytime I read this book, I remember growing up near the woods and always thinking the little boy down the street had to grow up in the woods because he was so different. As I encounter individuals that act a little different, I always remember that its just the environment. In addition, I use this story to teach my children that everyone is different and it is okay as long as they respect others differences.

Children Matter Too

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today."
- Stacia Tauscher

This is a quote that I read every morning before entering my classroom. This quote reminds me to just listen to my children and to consider their interests and needs when making decisions regarding their education.

Welcome

I am so excited about blogging about the fantastic things that are about to happen in Early Childhood Education.