“Professional Hopes and Goals”

• One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds (any format and any length)

I hope to give the child an opportunity to experience other cultures by interacting with individuals who are different or from other ethnicities.  As well as encouraging a sense of well-being for children with diversities ethnic backgrounds’.  Create an environment where every child can learn.

• One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice (any format and any length)

One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is working with children and parents of diverse cultures and backgrounds understand their lack of knowledge how to adjust to diversity and equality.  Children accomplish better results when their diverse strengths, abilities, interests, and cultural practices are understood and supported.  Louise Derman-Sparks, “and I think that a lot of the knowledge we've learned from the work in early childhood education around diversity and equity issues, particularly sort of the developmental issues--art can also be useful to people in other aspects of social justice work (Laureate Education, 2011)”.

• A brief note of thanks to your colleagues

It has been a pleasure to be colleagues for the past eight weeks.  As we move on and pursue our next course, I want to take the time to thank you all for your professional and support during this class.  I wish you all much success in the weeks to come.

Reference

Video: Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Diversity and equity work: Lessons learned [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

“Welcoming Families From Around the World”

The name of “your” family’s country of origin

      Belize - County     BH – FIPS Code        Belmopan – Capitol

At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family - In order to prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family I will need to:

• Create a personalized interaction with personalities in their families.
• Cultivate and use language of greetings and the main expressions in the family primary language.
• Attempt to provide accommodations needed for each person.
• Educate myself about each family member’s dynamics of identity
• How they feel about the history of diverse groups

A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family

Hopefully, I will discover some regions from this informational consultation that will help me move frontward in becoming familiar with and appreciating diversity in each person. It is through understanding, reviewing, chatting with others and distribution in the capabilities of additional cultural groups that I can redesign our setting of orientation. As a result, my provision of and reply to society that we help will be more suitable and efficient. 

Belize and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the UN, Organization of American States, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Reference

"Belize - U.S. Department of State." Insert Name of Site in Italics. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2014   http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1955.htm

"Blog: The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression"

Just about everyone has experienced bias, prejudice, and /or oppression that they wished they would have said something in response to a person’s insensitive remark or stereotypes.  We as a society are often afraid to say anything because of the damage it can do to our relationships.  Being a victim of stereotype behavior motivated by prejudice regarding ethnicity of a person close to me left me very sad.  The ability to automatically categorize people is a major superiority of society based on social and other individualities. 

Keep in mind ways of distinct bias, prejudice and/or oppression which the incident diminish equity can be encounter by incidents in real life situations as well as movie theater and television shows.  Trusting on biases but keeping them in check involves a tantalizing stability of self-awareness.  The most upsetting feeling that prejudice happen every day, and people believe it does not apply to them.  And the reality of it all is stereotypes might have offended you or somebody you care about.  Awareness would be a change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity.

‘The unfinished character of human beings and the transformational character of reality necessitate that education be an ongoing activity....The pursuit of full humanity, however, cannot be carried out in isolation or individualism, but only in fellowship and solidarity; therefore it cannot unfold in the antagonistic relations between oppressors and oppressed. No one can be authentically human while he [or she] prevents others from being so.’

Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed

Reference

The Unfinished Character Of Human Beings And The ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.picturequotes.com/the-unfinished-character-of-human-beings-and-the-tr ansformational-character-of-reality-necessitate-quote-13311     

“Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions”

I have come across a lot of people whose sexual orientation different from myself and others.  Love is a communicative and pleasant emotion from a passionate attraction between two people connected with affection.  An intimate relationship involves a physical attraction between people and sometimes the two people are of the same sex.  Almost all same sex relationships encounters are prone to microaggressions; unfortunately, in this society, racism continues to pestilence the world.

People with homosexual or bisexual orientation have been denounced whether intentional or unintentional.  Homosexuality typically remains culturally indistinguishable, and when individuals take part in homosexual behavior or who are recognized as homosexual becomes observable and subject to be attacked by society, which I feel is very unfair.  It is important to understand that people are sensitive to their own cultural briefs and value diverse cultural as well.   No one is born racist but no one born into this society is immune to its distortions, interwoven into all aspects of life (Margles, S & Margles, R.M., 2010).

Reference

InvertingRacism’sDistortions - Sarah Margles. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://culturalpolitics.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Inverting-Racisms-Distrotions.pdf

Margles, S., & Margles, R. M. (2010). Inverting racism's distortions. Our Schools/Our Selves, 19(3), 137--149. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Education Research Complete database: http://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ehh&AN=51372248&site=ehost-live&scope=site

“Perspectives on Diversity and Culture”

Culture is the point that the concepts, senses, beliefs and values people learn as supporters of the society determines human nature.  They also refer to culture as increasing knowledge, experience, religion concepts on the universe, and a group of people of different generations.   Diversity is the understanding of individual being unique and is aware of their individual differences.  Diversity known as individuals or groups of demographic and philosophical differences created of humanity. 

In this course, culture and diversity I have studied in several different perspectives.  The course highlights the various national cultures built on their particular cultural traits and patterns.  In this detail, the course also brings about national, social, and cultural issues, such as providing children with critical perspective which will reconsider their understanding of living.

There are various aspects of culture and diversity that have been mislaid, such as people being outdone in education.  The different cultures have issues with race, ethnicity, age, and gender.  Introduced to a culturally diverse group without understanding of the culture issues can affect the individuals to become bias and stereotype by people.  People’s definitions of culture and diversity have a strong influence view of their values, their dependability, their concerns and reservations.

"My Family Culture"

*A description of the three items you would choose:

Natural catastrophic events can be volcanoes, earthquakes, and 

hurricanes.

*How you would explain to others what each of these items means to you:

Natural catastrophic events are a significant effect on the living things on the planet.  As all God's creatures grow, more and more individuals are living in potentially dangerous areas.  Given locations are the relative contributions for different magnitude of volcanoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Catastrophic damage can develop so rapidly that little, if any, warning is possible.

*Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one  personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with  you:

I would probably feel sad and angry, as well as emotionally challenged if I could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items.  The first step would be deciding the needed assessment and provide help and guidance to all those involved.

*Any insights you gained about yourself, your family culture, diversity,  and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise:

Everything we do in life will center upon meeting the needs of our family culture.  Therefore, we must gain an understanding of the diversity and difference cultural groups.  Learn to support a culturally group and be sensitive to their needs and life journey.  

When I Think of Research...

I have gained a lot of understanding in research methods that lead to reflective thinking and self-insights.  Gaining the awareness of the nature of doing research gives more control and an open mind about different ways of conducting studies as well as problems that might occur during the steps.  The purpose of planning, designing and conducting research in early childhood are developing and learning the knowledge base regarding educational effectiveness, the framework outlines practice that promotes young children’s optimal learning and development. 

Reference

Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/position%20statement%20Web.pdf

"Blog Assignment: Research Around the World"

There are countless challenges encountered by governments around the world organization, association and usefulness of their health systems.  Methodological solutions to health systems deficiencies must take the administrative and legislative contexts into account to be effective and maintainable. Health system financing is reinforcement the financial resources and decreasing the financial dangers of infection that initiative various into poverty requires ground-breaking approaches in different country circumstances.  Early Childhood Australia has developed a variety of resources for parents such as children’s health and nutrition; separation anxiety; and transitions to school (Early Childhood Australia, 2014).

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) is a non-profit organization that promotes and works towards what is best for children and the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector. Since 1938, ECA’s main focus has been advocacy, influencing many significant issues relevant to the care, well being and education of young children in Australia.

Their programs are intended for high-ranking officials and legislators who strive to improve the health of populations in their countries. As well as, theoretic and abstract knowledge with practical tools to accomplish important tasks.  Early Childhood Australia (ECA) builds on research and public health practice throughout the world.  In fact, (ECA) provides other remarkable information such as, the Educator Resources section of the Early Childhood Australia Learning Hub provides information and links on a range of topics for Early Childhood Educators.

Reference

Early Childhood Australia: This is the Australian equivalent to the U.S. based NAEYC. You can access several links to early childhood research from the menu on the left side of the home page.
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

"Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories"

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior.

I have a nephew diagnosed with autism at an early age.  The child was very hyper; his parents were constantly running after him day to day.  He would scream whenever he become upset and could not have his way.  The parents made an important chose to build a partnership with a professional child care center and gain knowledge to work together improving the child’s behavior. 

It is important for children to be in a pleasant setting to learn and develop a sense of being for themselves.  The parents did not understand much about an autistic child; therefore, they explored the internet about autism to get a better understanding.  “There is no known single cause for autism spectrum disorder, but it is believed to be caused by abnormalities in brain structure or function (Autism Society, 2014).  If the organization does not care cultural competence, the specialist will be limited in what a child can do. 

It is essential for professionals to work together parents for an autistic child’s benefit.  Parents and teachers must learn knowledge about the child’s needs and abilities to help with their needs.  In this diverse society, various biases exist. If we don’t fight them, then we support them with our silence. 

   

                             

Reference

Autism Fact Sheet: National Institute of Neurological ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm

Causes - Autism Society. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/causes/ Chicago: Causes - Autism Society, http://www.autism-society.org/about-autism/causes/

"Your Personal Research Journey”

A study of early childhood can make a significant benefit of how children learn.  The research should conduct of goals of early childhood education and their learning related to school policies, such as testing children.  A teacher-child good relationship will help support young children with their adjustment to the school setting.  In addition to, teacher-child relationship become resilient and enhances a child’s academic performance in a good school environment.  As a result, early experiences can and do influence the physical architecture of the brain, literally shaping the neural connections in an infant’s developing brain.

Reference

http://main.zerotothree.org/site/DocServer/helping_young_children_succeed_final.pdf?docID=1725&AddInterest=1157

Partnering with the Business Community & Economists - Convio. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://zttcfn.convio.net/site/DocServer/Partnering_with_the_Business_Community_final.pdf?docID=4361  

“Daily Supports”

Positive relationships on a daily basis; people can provide the loving support needed to get throughout the day.  Having a positive relationship is necessary to encourage a young child social-emotional development wellness.  It is through positive relationships young children develop learning and overcoming challenging skills.  In addition, nurturing relationships are vital to promoting children's healthy social-emotional development.  The first three years of a child’s life is very beneficial of a baby’s development, such as brain, social and emotional skills, in fact, it can support language and literacy development starting from birth. 

Emotional wellness involves being attentive to your thoughts, feelings and actions.  It also includes the ability to have an optimistic attitude toward life despite daily disappointments.  Just as positive emotions can create a sense of well-being, negative emotions can be stressful (http://kidshealth.org/).  As professionals, it is vital to create an emotional safe learning environment where children and their families develop confidence and grow emotionally.

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.”

Thomas Merton

Reference

About Stressful Feelings - Information about health, growth ... (n.d.). Retrieved from            http://teenshealth.org/teen/stress_coping_center/stressful_feelings/stressful_feelings.html

"My Connections to Play"

"Play is the beginning of knowledge” & “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” are two quotes that I feel summarized what play represented in my childhood. 

We played these games as a child growing up, and there was a lot of support from family and friends.  Families in the neighbors developed good relationships among each other, therefore, children were able to communicate effectively and play well together. 

There is a big different today how children play.  They have games, television, and computers, instead of reading books, writing or use their imaginations. Children now days say that they’re bored.  As a child found things to do to keep us engaged learning, playing and solving problems. Most children aren’t able to engage into combined activities.   Therefore, professionals must have a curriculum for young children to play together and assist each other in collaborative activities.  Developing language and literacy skills begins at birth through everyday loving interactions, sharing books, telling stories, singing songs, and talking to one another (ZERO TO THREE, 2012)

 ZERO TO THREE: Early Language and Literacy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/early-language-literacy/

"Relationship Reflection"

A positive parent-child relationship helps a child feel good about them and become successful in life.  Communicating with your children is a crucial factor for making a connection active.  A child-teacher relationship is necessary as well, seeing that this will be one of the first relationships a child will have outside their family. 

It is essential to me to have a positive relationship with my children.  Trust is another factor to having a respectable relationship.  In fact, parent-teacher relationship can provide children with the support to strengthen their learning.  Parents and teachers communicating help build the foundation for children education.  As a result, this creates a positive atmosphere for parents to become involved in their child’s education.  Parent involvement ensures growth for both parent and child to learn how to help their child’s overcome any problems that may occur. 

The way professionals interact with families and their child create a balance and provides a realistic view of a positive way building trusting.  The more parent involvement benefits children, increase learning, and a positive attitude toward education.  As professional, it is without a doubt their responsibility to improve a child’s academic achievement in developing and maintaining each relationship.  Therefore, it is important for teachers to use developmentally and individually appropriate strategies that take into consideration children’s differing needs, interests, styles, and abilities.

Reference

CSEFEL: Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for ... (n.d.). Retrieved from             http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/wwb/wwb12.html

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

Early childhood is properly for children learning.  Early childhood learning helps the developmental process of the brain.  Children learn to become secure with their caregivers and explore the world around them.  A child needs a positive person in their lives that care and respond with sensitivity to their needs.  As well as, children becoming comfortable with interacting with children, also support each other’s needs with a warm response. 

  

The early childhood education programs are planned to prepare young children for a diversity of occupations in adulthood.  Learning skills and develop opportunities to advance as well as gain the overall competencies necessary for adulthood.  Early childhood educations compromise a child the opportunity start with a solid beginning in their developmental stages of life.  

I have gained several insights from this week reading and websites.   We must learn more about how children develop and grow in order to provide the correct stages of physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.  UNESCO advocates for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programmes that attend to health, nutrition, security and learning and which provide for children’s holistic development.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Reference

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/ 

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

The knowledge of a child’s development shows that the foundation of their mental health which is assembled early in life, as early experiences including the child’s relationships with parents, caregivers, teachers, and peers help form the structural design of developing the brain.  Being able to focus and work with information in a child’s mind, distractions can control coordination to manage information as they grow.  In the brain self-regulation of a group of skills and experiences, begin to advance in early childhood and continue to progress through the early adult years.  Acquiring the early building blocks of these skills is one of the most important and challenging tasks of the early childhood years, and having the right support and experiences through middle childhood, adolescence, and into early adult life is essential for the successful development of these capacities.

Reference

“Building the Brain’s ‘Air Traffic Control’ System: How Early Experiences Shape the Development of Executive Function” and the Working Paper series from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.

www.developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

A new report by the United Nations Children's Fund, on the well-being of children in 35 developed nations, turned up some alarming statistics about child poverty. More than one in five American children fall below a relative poverty line, which UNICEF defines as living in a household that earns less than half of the national median (Fisher, 2013).  However, resources for professional growth help relieve some of the suffering.  For instance, providing different programs to reduce children living in unsafe poverty and more likely to live in poverty as grown-ups. 

ODI’s Growth, Poverty and Inequality Programme are a multi-disciplinary team working on one of the core issues of development policy and practice (Lenhardt, 2013).  The objective of this advantage is to develop a European viewpoint on upgrading issues in the international arena, on the basis of knowledge excellence, advance and constructing of common ground between the European research community and policy-makers.

The study based on the ODI development progress workshop was developed over years:  income vs non-income poverty, qualitative vs quantitative, absolute. Development progress tried to define the whats, whos, and hows of the alternative future.  There were a mixed group of individuals with different backgrounds in the sector of the whats, whos, and hows list.  Their mission is to communicate difficult ideas in the simplest way from end to end with the use of visual stimulus.  These actions aren’t picture-perfect; nevertheless they can stimulate their actions when able to see exactly how far away we are from our ideal world (Measuring up the post, 2015).

Reference

U.S. Ranks 34th out of 35 Countries on Child Poverty Levels ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://economichardship.org

Growth, Poverty and Inequality | Overseas Development ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.odi.org.uk/programmes/growth-poverty-inequality

Measuring up the post-2015 debates: more voices, more tough ... (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.developmentprogress.org/blog/2013/12/06/

Blog Assignment: Sharing Web Resources

Blog Assignment: Sharing Web Resources.  From the Streets to the Classroom (and the Stage)

 By The Global Fund for Children on April 23rd, 2013

 Region: East and Southeast Asia, Featured, Success Stories

This organizations main object is to help grantee achievements with their vision to become sustainable, and reach even more children in need.  Also, support of given money to increase a stronger organization that provides critical services to vulnerable children. As well as supporting partners through management assistance, networking opportunities to strengthen services. 

I found issues and trends such as children dropping out of school at an early age, and never being able to see the inside of a classroom.  As a result, of these different programs this may ensure that children will attend school to learn instead of going to work, receiving the childhood they deserve.

Reference 

https://www.globalfundforchildren.org/category/featured/

Blog Assignment: Getting Ready—E stablishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

Part 1, "Establishing Professional Contacts,"

The World Forum websites were not accessible, as a result, the two establishing professional contacts websites I chose are:

The Global Fund for Children: An organization which provides capital to communities worldwide to improve the lives of children.

http://www.globalfundforchildren.org/

&

Save the Children: A U.S. based non-profit organization working on behalf of children worldwide.

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

Part 2, "Expanding Resources,"

Both foundations were established to offer professional help children with and without families to make a difference in their lives.  These foundations promote programs, such as providing healthy well-being programs to educate children and their families in need for help with financial challenges.  Also, make available nutritious programs to provide their family with the right selection of foods to avoid malnutrition.