When I Reflect About My Collegial, Professional Learning Community

Post at least three consequences of your experience being a part of a caring, collaborative learning community for your professional growth and development. Use any format you choose. 

• The two consequences of my learning experiences are not having face to face learning,  and not able to observe how colleagues can apply their learning experiences in the field. Unfortunately, I can not think of another consequences due to the fact this was a wonderful learning experience which I can demonstrate in my career.

Post one goal for using this collegial experience to enhance your advocacy, policy, and/or system development work on behalf of young children, families, and the early childhood community.

• The goal for using this collegial experience will enhance my advocacy, policy, and system development work on behalf of young children, families, and the early childhood community because of all the knowledge I acquired and now I will be able to demonstrate within the community on how to be an informative advocate for children and families. Also, I want to be more involved with the local/state representatives for policies being implemented for early childhood funding/laws. 

My Hypotheticial Family

My hypothetical consist of the following:

A young woman married woman at 31 yrs of age was excepting her first child. The woman is married, middle class, and English are there first language. Both the woman and her husband are college graduates.

The woman was diagnosed with preeclampsia and the baby was delivered early at 31 weeks old. The woman suffered from an enlarged heart,  high blood pressure,. Two weeks after giving birth, the woman suffered from kidney failure. During this time, the baby was in the NIC Unit. Premature babies have to be at a certain weight before they can leave the hospital, and also breath on their own.

The early invention steps that would be discussed are services that would assist the parents along with immediate family members on how to start early childhood development such as receiving services within the community for children being born early. For example, reviewing the cognitive developmental stages and also being aware of the baby's gestational age difference.

Services the woman should receive are health and nutrition while being pregnant along with strengthening families of becoming first time parents and how daily life will change (for the better).

The Political Will to Improve Early Childhood Systems

During this week class, I am learning how the early care and education systems are formed/function. We have the federal laws which all states have to abide by and then the at the state level the funding for early child care varies by the state.
I also notice about the difference between decentralized vs  centralized in the federal/state programs.
For example, my career is funded at the state level for ECE but if funding to early childhood education is ever  cut then my job is at risk.
There is numerous funding for programs in the early childhood field, but we as nation, society (whatever you want to call it) must be able to agree to disagree on policies, rules and regulations.
We are all on the same team advocating for children and families.

Parent, Family, and COmmunity Engagement

The professional and personal significance I drew from these stories were the families of the children enrolled in the head start programs are very grateful for all the services head starts programs provide for the children/families. As for the professional significance I drew from the stories is how each of the families have different life events taking place within their lives, their children lives therefore as ECE professionals we live and learn from the families we serve. This will better prepare me with the social/emotional aspects if children, families, and the community on how to serve as a child advocate.




The involvement opportunities for parents and family members benefit young children, families, and the early childhood field because the Head Starts provide adequate resource and referral information for children. The Head Starts in Georgia provide healthy meals, medical, and dental screening for the children (www.ndo.org).   


The value that hearing such stories has for early childhood professionals, for the public, and for policymakers and government officials to comprehend exactly the day to day lives of the children and families they may have hardship . Now, the hardship does not have to be financial, but the emotional stress the parents may have in seeking a job, or just the stress of the job. The stories are the voice of the people in which hopefully the policymakers pay attention- not just listening to these stories.

My opinion regarding why parent/family involvement is an essential system element for all strands of service in the early childhood field because it takes a village to raise a child and a community to raise children. 

References:

Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC), part of the Office of Head Start  2014 retrieved from http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/hs/about/stories/pfs

Quality Programs for All Children

 My current public opinion in the USA with regard to the value and importance of providing quality services for young children and families is are we as a society/nation forgetting the No Child Left Behind Act? Policies and decision making results in who individuals/communities elect in office to represent the children and families in the community. In my opinion, we as a nation has become consumed with the politics/parties instead of viewing these politicians on the merit as individuals along with how they will uphold the advocating for children and families.   

If we as a nation do not have "our house" in order early childhood education will suffer. All strands of service will be affected do to how the policies will change, funding especially federal funding may/will be cut  educational programs therefore the birth through  five receiving an early childhood education can be impacted. I also hope to see in five years quality affordable child care programs. Numerous child care programs closed statewide due to the economy and for these programs to close, this put parents in a displacement which probably put parents in a financial hardship because another program maybe out of their budget. Our nation needs also to respect the field of early childhood education along with salaries to demonstrate to the ECE professionals for their hard work.  


"In order to save the world, we must save one child at a time". Brittney E.

What Resonates With You About Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy?

Part 1: Why did you choose this specialization? When I decided to make the decision to apply for my Masters Degree I was uncertain into which program/specialization to study. With the assistance of the enrollment specialist  at WU, Mr. Rupp explained to me the differences in the courses. Mr. Rupp and I talked like for weeks in regards with me becoming at student.  When I researched Public Policy and Child Advocacy I knew I want to be the voice for the children- I speak up for everyone anyway, but I wanted to learn how these policies are developed and approved.  I wanted to educated myself about Public Policy to see how this will affect my profession, livelihood, and most important the children.




Part 2: Why are advocates essential in the early childhood field?
 Advocates are essential in the ECE field because we are the building blocks of the foundation. Without advocates in the ECE field, who will represent us? Advocates keep the children/families, educators, communities, and politicians informed and involved in the early childhood field.




  Part 3: What do you hope to learn about public policy and advocacy? 
 I hope to learn about public policy and advocacy the detail in which how policies are created, the duration it takes for the policies to be heard and become into law. I also want to learn new techniques on how to advocate for the children. Learning new terminology in the ECE field will not only educated myself but also I can educated my community, children and families.







 

Professional Hopes and Dreams

As I approach for this is the last blog for my course, I would like to say thank you to my professor and colleagues for their knowledge, words of encouragement, and sharing their personal/professional experiences.


The one hope I have for working with children and families who are from diverse background is all feel  welcome, safe, and loved
. When families from diverse background enter a new learning environment, the sense of security is being tested. I want to ensure when the children and families I work with have that comfort zone feeling with me along with being safe in the environment(  by safe in school, the community, and people) and to feel loved.

The one goal I would like to set for the early childhood field  is how the ECE professionals are able to create anti-bias learning environments for the classroom and the programs. Also for ECE professionals to continue their professional learning in the area of diversity, social justice, and equity.  

                                            Welcoming Families From Around the World

ECE professionals have taught children from all various cultures and backgrounds. It is important to have the physical learning environment full of enrichment and meaningful materials that children have access to at all times.  When  children are from a different country, I would want them to feel comfortable in my classroom. For example, this blog assignment is to choose a country  and describe how will I make the child and the family feel at home. 
The country I decide to discuss is Dominica also know as "The Nature Island". Dominica is the sister nation to Dominican Republic.  English is the official language along with Creole, and Kokoy. The religion background is Roman Catholic in Dominica which can be similar to some of the students in the classroom. The  five ways I would culturally responsive towards the family are the following:

• Give the family a bio about me. By giving the family information my experience in teaching and  my personal information(married, with child, degree in Education etc) will make a difference because the family can get to know how I am. 
• Ask the family to come in for a tour of my classroom aka meet and greet. By requesting a tour of the classroom, the family will know of me prior to school starting, able to review the daily classroom schedule and then I will be able to answer any questions from the parents. 
• I will have a parent educational packet available for the parents at the meet and greet. The parent educational packet will include materials of the local child care resources and referral agency, information on inclusion services(if needed) hearing, vision, dental screening (form 3300 or Bright Futures information) local doctors, schools, and activities. 
• I will have the parents complete a toddler resume. The toddler resume includes the likes, dislikes of the child- what they like to eat, are they a morning personal etc. This way I can know the child a little bit better prior to school starting. 

• I will have the learning environment such as real and found materials that represent Dominica and other cultures. I will discuss with the parents if they want to include the common vocabulary words in Creole and I can have the English translation in the class where all can benefit.   

This will benefit myself and the family because I am starting with effective communication with the family. By including the family into the classroom environment, and explaining the classroom operations along with the parental education this will be a successful transition for the child. 

Resources:
(© 2013 )Discover Dominica Authority Retrieved from http://www.dominica.dm/index.php

http://earlyyearsfm.com/easy-enrollment/Social%20Resume-PreschoolToddler.pdf
 
 

                               The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

The memory I have of personal side of bias, prejudice, and oppression are ALL the reality television shows such as Bravo's Real Housewives franchise, to Love n Hip, Toddlers, and Tiaras, and the Bachelor. Keep in mind that a group of black men were suing ABC for not having black men on the show

(http://ideas.time.com/2012/10/22/does-the-bachelor-discriminate-against-black-men/).

The Real Housewives from Bravo tv does not give a true definition of what a housewife does. A housewife maintain all responsibilities of the household, and also responsibilities of the spouse and children. This show depicts these women as mean girls in which they do physically fight. The Love n Hip Hop shows how musicians and their love interest to their  day to day life but when the musicians cheat on their wives- what are we teaching are children? Its alright to cheap/commit adultery? As for Toddlers and Tiaras- children are not trophies. I confess, I used to participate in pageants but the microaggressions towards me with my daughter was so strong I decide not to enter her in the pageants due to the ignorance of the judges. Plus my daughter's feisty personality is not pageant like.  Last but not least the ABC show The Bachelor has not had a black bachelor? Why is that? Is this also the microaggression to society that black man aren't entrepreneur's, corporate material etc?
In order to change for greater equity we need to have television shows that will educate our children, adolescents, and youth who will then become mature adults.   Currently, their is a fundraiser online to Bring Back Reading Rainbow. This is the type of television, online education  we need for our children. As the children become adults the above shows that  I mention degraded women, engages in violence, and stereotype men. Each of these shows have various different social identities and can have a prejudice spin on the races/cultures who are involved in these shows based on their actions which will in turn stereotype the ethnic groups. 
See what happens when we can't get to Sesame Street?

References:

2014 Kickstarter, Inc.retrieved from
 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/readingrainbow/bring-reading-rainbow-back-for-every-child-everywh

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

My job had a photo shoot for all the employees children pictures to be displayed in the offices. My daughter and I arrived at my office. The photographer was trying to get my daughter to have various frames so he looked at me and said " What is your name?" I replied, Brittney. Then the photographer said " Rose-Malia, look at Ms. Brittney." The conference room became silent, and my program assistant left to tell the director. I replied to the photographer, "Ms. Brittney, I am her mother, her birth mother. Yes, the photographer had egg on his face.
The microaggression in this situation was that the photographer implied that I was not the mother based on what my daughter and I look like.
Learning from this situation you do not want to assume anything about people. Society accepted the fact that Caucasians can adopt black children or have children from a black man, but when the "black " woman has a child by the white man it's not her child. Is this the dominant culture taking its course?
My sister explained to me that people do not know what I looked like as a child therefore do not be upset, mad, or angry when people make comments. The best thing is now my daughter likes to yell THAT'S MY MOMMY!

                                                 My husband, daughter, and I at Sesame Street Live .

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

I discussed diversity and culture with my cousin in who was born and raised in Hawaii but nationality is Asian, a childhood friend who is Africa American and raised in NYC, and my mother.

My cousin in law stated "Culture is traditions beliefs, language, religion, clothing, etc For example: my Filipino family ,beinging to particular religion, clubs( cars, book, cooking). Diversity is a variety.

Childhood Friend stated : " Culture is the traditions, norms, beliefs, and expressions of a group of people (visual, musical, artistic, etc...). Diversity is the acceptance and/or tolerance of multiple cultures.

 Mother stated : Culture is what define us such as religion, the way we live, food we eat. Culture is connection to everything we do in life.  Culture define us who we are as a people.  Diversity is all around the universe. 
 The aspect of culture  that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received are how culture is language, the beliefs we have, food, clothing, and religion.  The definition of diversity will always vary because each person will have different views on the term diversity .
The aspect that has been omitted I think is that society does not want to admit that the world is becoming more diverse and their are issues of stereotype that America does not want to discuss. If society discuss the elephant in the room conversations then people/or persons can be labeled a racist.
I agree with all the statements about culture, but the diversity statements  allowed me to think outside the box and have another view on the term.
 

MY FAMILY CULTURE

The three small items I would bring of my family culture if of a catastrophic event would be the following:

Holy Water- because of my faith I was taught that when we pray, use the holy water to protect me and everything. Sprinkle a little holy water as my Nana would say.

Photos- because every moment is a Kodak moment. Pictures captures the memories of the good times my family and friends have together.  Pictures speak a thousands words...

Radio- listening/dancing to music makes my family feel happy. We are a musical family that always express love and emotions through our music. 


If I were told I have to give up two of the items I would bring to another country because of this catastrophic event and I could only have one item to take, it will be the pictures. Pictures reminds me of the joyous, wonderful events that took place and with the Alzheimer's disease my  elders  endure I hope the pictures will forever restore the memories. 

This assignment allows me to continue the values and traditions that was taught to me as a child and now I am able to teach my daughter. Also, learning about other cultures to know and understand them I am able embrace new cultures too.

Perspective Diversity, and Equity

New course, new start.
Last month was a challenge.
I look forward to learn more about diversity and equity in ECE field and to learn from my colleagues.

Thank you,
Brittney

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

I would like to discuss my personal children and families research about a program called Children's 1st. My daughter was born premature. Although there wasn't serve health issues she is still consider premature and has to seek specialist once a year until 4 yrs of age. My daughter qualified for the Children's 1st program because she qualified by being born early and services were available in the county we live in. The coordinator reviews all the age development skills per the ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire), health, and nutrition. We met with the coordinator for three to four months once a month, reviewed assignments that were given to me to observe my daughter abilities/progress. If I wasn't able to observe, then I seek the child care lead teacher in my daughter's center for assistant. This program helped me to review my daughter as a parent first and not as one of my caseloads as an ECE Specialist. I had to take the work hat off and be the parent.  I felt because I have the ECE background I didn't need the services but it wasn't about me, its was about my daughter. Having the ECE background was a plus going through this program, but I was still able to gain information of infant/toddler care and use this program as a reference to my ECE colleagues.

Reference:
Georgia Department of Public Health  Retrieved from http://dph.georgia.gov/children-first

Building Research Competency: Your Personal Research Journey

The topic that interest me is the professional development of the EC teachers. This is an interest to me because the requirements are very high for the professionals to have credentials and yet are not compensated for their experience and/or their education. Within my profession, I have the opportunity to discussed professional development goals with the EC teachers. I discuss with the EC professionals on how to continue maintaining their strengths and how to build on their weakness in the areas/subject they feel are limited. Another part of the professional development is the continuing education for the EC teachers. At times, the financial support may not be there for the EC teachers and their trainings/education will only be limited to free trainings and that's even if they can take the time off work to attend the trainings.
The professional development topic can lead into other scenarios really quickly. I would like to discuss the way  EC professionals can have  options to continue their education and trainings in order to be informed of the changes in ECE. Please feel free to provide suggestions and resources.
Thanks,
Brittney E. 

Final Blog Assignment

Least three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for your professional and personal development are :
Not being able to establish an international contact in ECE - had somewhat of a contact but he did not major in Early Childhood Education
Not being a member of an ECE organization/international
Time- management in where I could of research more to establish an international contact- I really wanted to contact an ECE professional overseas and really discuss the issues and trends within our field.

My goals is to be actively involved with communities I serve within my profession and to become a member of an  ECE organization in which I would like to be actively part of.

To all my colleagues,  thank you for all your knowledge and wisdom you shared during these 8 weeks. I appreciate each one of you and I apologize for not displaying my full potential as these weeks been very challenging, I will continue to strive in order for me achieve my goals at Walden University. Continue to aim high and reach for all your goals. Always remember we are the teachers of the future leaders! 

In order to save the world, we have to save one child at a time..... 

Getting to know International Contacts Part 3

UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education”

"In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. The Organization aims to help build a sustainable world with just societies that value knowledge, promote peace, celebrate diversity and defend human rights, achieved by providing Education for All (EFA). (www.UNESCO.ORG)".

The UNESCO provides ECE professionals the global information about  education  in various parts of the world. The insights that are an interest to me are the access and equity. Currently, access and equity will always be a subject matter in the ECE field. "Countries often promote alternative services for poor children with limited or no access to mainstream early childhood services which can be cost-effective and pedagogically innovative, but often raise concerns about sustainability and quality(www.UNESCO.org)".

Quality play a vital role in early childhood. Parents seek the best quality ear;y childhood education for their children. Even if we are thousands of miles away, all parents want a quality learning environment for their children. 

"The 1990 Jomtien Declaration on Education for All (EFA), stated that countries should view early childhood as part of basic education. Once countries recognize the positive value of state investment in this area, the next challenge is to mobile funds(www.UNESCO.org)". If nations would take time to invest in early childhood education but have a plan of action on how funds are to be spent and to implement the plan of action early childhood field will demonstrate the children being prepared for the school readiness. Not all nations have the freedom, liberty, and justice we have in The United States of America and despite all of the differences that is going on in our nation, we must realize we have freedom and EDUCATION FOR ALL!

Resources:

UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” retrieved from  (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/),

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.8TRwbnJc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.CACdaiPc.dpufv

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.CACdaiPc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.CACdaiPc.dpufv

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.CACdaiPc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.CACdaiPc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.CACdaiPc.dpuf

In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. - See more at: http://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco#sthash.CACdaiPc.dpuf

Sharing Web Resources

The website I been review since class started is Zero To Three. The website is very informative  resources for new parents, caregivers, and for families.
The linked I have not explored yet on Zero to Three website is the link for Military Family Project.

"ZERO TO THREE is proud to support military families. We work to increase awareness and collaboration throughout the military community so that parents and professionals can more effectively care for very young children and their families(http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/funded-projects/military-families/)". The Military Family Project has numerous resources for parents, families, and caregivers who are dealing with deployment of a loved one. The following are the resources below per Zero to Three Website:
Expanding Our Outreach - As our extensive Duty to Care trainings have come to an end, Military Family Projects is pleased to announce its expanded efforts on behalf of Veteran families and their providers, as well as to highlight issues related to young children with special needs in military families.
Duty to Care – You Make a Difference (E-Learning Course) - For early child education professionals, these 3 twenty-minute interactive e-learning modules offer insights and strategies for supporting young children during deployment, injury or death of a Service member. Your supportive relationship and the little things you say and do every day can make a big difference in the lives of parents and children.
Supporting Young Children - These brochures focus on the unique experience of parenting a baby or toddler, particularly during times of stress and separation that military families may be experiencing.
Honoring our Babies and Toddlers - This 3-piece set, designed for professionals and military parents, provides methods to support young children affected by stress, trauma, grief, and loss due to a military parent’s deployment, injury, or death.
CTAMF E-newsletter - Coming Together Around Military Families^® E-newsletter- A quarterly newsletter for professionals from Military Family Projects at ZERO TO THREE, which provides the most up-to-date resources and knowledge specifically tailored to the needs of military families with very young children and for a multidisciplinary audience of health, mental health, family support, and early education professionals.
Materials available at Military OneSource - You can now order CTAMF materials. ZERO TO THREE provides a comprehensive collection of materials for parents, caregivers, and professionals who work to meet the needs of military families with babies and toddlers affected events such as deployment and reunification.
Related Organizations - For more information on additional resources focused on helping families with young children.
Sample Letters for Parents to Give Professionals - Parents can use these sample letters with a medical provider or child care professional to help them better understand their family’s experiences.
Parent Flyers - Download 7 parent flyers that emphasize the importance of supporting babies and toddlers during deployment and relocation.
Young Children on the Homefront: Family Stories, Family, Strengths DVD - Military families share their unique deployment experiences and challenges, and they offer tips and strategies that parents will find useful in supporting their young child before, during, and after deployment
"Over There" Activity Book - ZERO TO THREE has developed this book to help parents find the words to reassure your child that Mommy or Daddy is out there thinking about and loving him from far away.
Medical / Health Care - Time-saving tools are available now to aid the busy clinician in understanding a military family’s deployment-related issues, with resources the clinician can provide families about deployment, reunification, injury, and bereavement.
Research and Resilience - Military Family Projects at ZERO TO THREE is pleased to provide an overview of Research and Resilience, an 18-month initiative generously funded by the Iraq Afghanistan Deployment Impact Fund of the California Community Foundation.
A Professional’s Guide to Creating Activities for Strengthening Parent-Child Connections - Are you looking for ways to include children under 5 in your programming? It isn’t surprising since children ages birth to 5 years old make up about 40% of Active Duty children and 25% of all the children in National Guard families. “Connections” will help you in creating activities that are interactive and fun, while promoting strong parent-child connections and parental self-care. These activities are also perfect for those coordinating Yellow Ribbon events, with ideas that early care providers might use to involve even the youngest children.

 (http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/funded-projects/military-families/)

In my opinion, the children of military families may be the forgotten ones. Some children may not understand why mommy and daddy are gone for so long or mommy/daddy are in heaven. This is an topic that all caregivers should be prepared for especially because these families are protecting our freedom.

Zero To Three does have a section called Care & Education. Under this section, school readiness is discussed. The school readiness section gives parents resources on how to prepare their infant -three yr old about child care and  age level  developmental  transitions for the children.

Resources:

ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families( 2012) retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/

Getting to Know International Contacts

After researching The Harvard University's Global Children's Initiative the three ideas/insight I gained are awareness for the early childhood field (global), networking with other ECE professionals, and equity for all children. "The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child is a multidisciplinary, multi-university collaboration designed to bring the science of early childhood and early brain development to bear on public decision-making. Established in 2003, the Council is committed to an evidence-based approach to building broad-based public will that transcends political partisanship and recognizes the complementary responsibilities of family, community, workplace, and government to promote the well-being of all young children(The President and Fellows of Harvard College, 2014)".
What is also interesting is that the Global Initiative has created a portfolio in which the three areas of studies are early childhood development, mental health, and children in crisis and conflict situations.
As an educator in the United States, sometimes we  can take things for granted and not realizing the opportunities, funding, and freedom we have in our country. Children in other parts of the world are fighting for an education , a right to learn, and also fighting to stay alive......(food for thought) Didn't really ponder about early childhood global and the challenges these areas are dealing with.  

 We all learn something new everyday.

Resources:
Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative(2014) retrieved from
website (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/

Sharing Web Resources

The specific section of the Zero to Three website is relevant to my professional development because working for a nonprofit organization does include public policy criteria. Zero to Three gives resources under the Public Policy tab about upcoming and current policies that can and will assist early childhood education.The idea that makes me think about issues in a new way is that what is going to when the grant funding is no longer available or if a different party is elected in office. The elected official decide who will be the lead for education systems therefore not all may agree on which types of assessment/criteria to follow or implement.




Resource:
Zero to Three(2012) retrieved from  http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/

Getting to Know International Contact

Getting to know my international contacts has been a difficult task. The educator who taught in Japan name is Micah and  is only familiar with special needs children and elementary school children. He did not teach in early childhood field. Micah did state that the start date for school in Japan is April where the US differs-especially each state has various start dates for school. The resource Micah did give me to research are the key words Yochien and Hoikuen. According to City of Ichikawa (English Website) explains the difference in care of the yochien and hoikuen -"The objectives and responsibilities of pre-school education facilities vary. Nursery schools (Hoikuen) are child welfare facilities that conform to the Child Welfare Law. Hoikuen takes the place of parents in caring for their children in case they have to work, take medical treatment, and other reasons that prove difficult for them to look after them. On the other hand, the establishment of Kindergarten schools (Yochien) conforms to the School Education Law and is designated as an educational institution that aims to nurture and teach children the basics of compulsory education.  Since Hoikuen differ from Yochien in its objective and responsibilities, the contents of Hoikuen education and entrance conditions are also different. Education and training in Hoikuen facilities are carried out by day care nurses from the point of view of welfare, while Yochien education is carried out by teachers from the point of view of education. Commonly but not necessarily, Hoikuen provide meals and sleeping hours, and may allow children to stay for long hours. Some Yochiens require packed lunch to be brought by children and leave school at 2:00 PM (11:30 on Wednesdays).(2010, City of Ichikawa).

In June 192013, Japan House of Representative approved measures to the Child Poverty Law. Child poverty in Japan ranks high among a 31 nation survey. The poverty rate in Japan is 15.7% which means that 3.26 million children in Japan live in poverty. According to, The law on measures to counter child poverty finally enacted, "Without proper support, these children are more likely to fall into low-income groups when they become adults. Breaking this chain of poverty is critical. Poor children are not responsible for their poverty. It is our society’s duty to support them. This understanding is gradually spreading and has contributed to the passage of this recent bill. Collaboration and support from members of End Child Poverty Japan, including Professor Naomi Yuzawa of Rikkyo University and a co-representative of the organization, proved instrumental in pushing for the passage of this important piece legislation."(2012 ASHINAGA).

Resources:
City of Ichikawa 2010 retrieved from http://www.city.ichikawa.lg.jp/english/guide/0134.html
Ashinaga 2012  retrieved from http://www.ashinaga.org/en/entry-669.html

Sharing Web Resources

The organization I would like to discuss is Zero to Three. http://www.zerotothree.org/


ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals and policymakers the knowledge and know-how to nurture early development.(Copyright 2012 ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families).

The issue/trend that caught my attention from Zero to Three is their federal policy. Under this section on Zero to Three website, the federal policy has topics about feral policy agenda, resources for children and families about infants and toddlers. It also has a federal policy baby blog which will assistance parents on how policies will impact the infant and toddlers- which I think is very interesting.
The entire website is very useful but the federal policies in early childhood education does dictate how the ECE field will move forward.

ECE Connection Beyond the USA

I am currently in the progress of establishing  communication with an ECE professionl outside the US per NAEYC website. I sent an email to a representative to an ECE professional in Ireland but the email was sent back.
I am currently in communication with an teacher who taught in Japan. Hopefully his background /experiences will be acceptable for the required course work.

New Term

I am starting my Spring term today. I am still in awe that I finally started school. I have to keep reminding myself to stay focus and this will all work. This course looks very interesting so I am excited for the upcoming work/challenge ahead.