Moving on!!!

It has been great reading everyone's post and it has also been a great 8 weeks and they have really went by quickly. I want to take the time to wish each of you the best of luck in your journey. We are dedicated professionals wanting to give the children we teach the best learning experience possible. I hope to see you all again in some of the others classes. Again, the best of luck to you all.

Vicki

Poverty is not having money or material possessions or to provide or get basic commodities.
Poverty is something we are seeing more and more of in the world due to the way our economy has became and the way people are losing their jobs on a daily basis.

Poverty is everywhere you turn but when you turn and look at it starting at you and seeing how it can affect someone you know makes you take a different look at it. You see it as something real and it can happen to any of us. There is a family that lives down the road from me and I have know them for about 7 years. The family is a mother, child and grandmother and grandfather. The family has always struggled but the past 6 months have been down to the extreme. They have lived without electricity for the past 7 months. They have a drop cord ran from their home to the uncles to provide them with a light at night. The go to the uncles to cook and take bath. They have little or no income at times to pay the bills. The grandfather did have a job but his employer gotten took over by the IRS and this left him without anything to do. The grandmother and grandfather have very limited education skills. They have a car but no gas to put in it. They do get a few food stamps to help provide with food but other basic commodities they have to do without. It is a sad situation to watch people you know suffer like this. The child in the long run suffers from this stessor the worst and I know the adults do also for not being able to provide child with things in life that every child should have. I do have to say they have lived like this for the past 7 months and hopefully they will be able to put this behind them and move forward due to the fact the grandmother will start getting a disability check in February. The grandfather continues to look for odd jobs and does a few when he can find work. It is sad. The child goes weeks without having snack money at school and really don't undertand why he can't have a sunny d and chips like his friends everyday. He don't have the joys of going places such as McDonalds like some kids do. On top of all of this during this 7 months struggle of living in the conditions they have lived in the mother got a little out of mind trying to get money and now has ended up in jail for a while. I guess you can say proverty can turn you into a monster you never knew you were. It affects our every waking moment and is sad to see more and more families each and everyday is being affected by poverty. Sometimes it looks as if our world is getting worse and worse. I pray each and everyday that things will get better for everyone.

Watching poverty affect someone closeby and seeing what it can do to a family is sad. Being the person I am though and knowing this family I try to help out with the child when possible. I make sure he has snack money for the week and money for field trip when needed. I try to find and buy him clothes when I can. I just bought him a pair of camo shoes this weekend and he couldn't wait to wear them Monday to school to show his friendss. Poverty is all around us and so bad in other parts of the world. We can only continue to pray that things will get better for those around us.

Ethiopiais one of the World's poorest countries. Out of a population of around 80 million (2008) people, 35 million people are living in abject poverty.



In one of the world's poorest countries, where about 44 per cent of the population lives under the poverty line, more than 12 million people are chronically or at least periodically food insecure. Most of them live in rural areas with agriculture as their main occupation.

With 80% of Ethiopians dependent on agriculture as their main livelihood, severe arid conditions due to persistent lack of rainfall coupled with civil disputes have worsened Ethiopian poverty. All efforts have been made to improve conditions in Ethiopia but things have hardly changed. The extremely poor people comprise of the small and marginal farmers.

Areas where poverty in Ethiopia is pronounced:
Poverty in Ethiopia is more pronounced in the rural areas as compared to the urban areas. The situation worsened recently because of sharp increases in the prices of food and fertilizers on world markets, which made it more difficult for poor households in Ethiopia, as elsewhere, to secure adequate food supplies. Rural areas have uniform distribution of poverty, Oromiya, being an exception. Oromiya cultivates enset, which acts as a buffer storage at the time of drought and dearth.

Climate Changes Increasing Ethiopia Poverty
Increased poverty, water scarcity, and food insecurity are just some of the negative impacts set to hit small-scale farmers and pastoralists in Ethiopia as a result of climate change in the region. While Ethiopia is no stranger to climatic variability, having suffered droughts that have contributed to hunger and even famine in the past, climate changes is set to make the lives of the poorest even harder. The persistent lack of rainfall is a major factor in rural poverty. Recurring droughts leave poor farming families without food crops, causing periodic famines. People lack coping mechanisms for facing drought-induced famines, and contingency planning is inadequate.

Causes of poverty in Ethiopia:

Some of the causes of poverty in Ethiopia are:

Arid conditions leading to irregular production in the agriculture sector.
Improper marketing strategies of agricultural products.
Degrading ecology
Technological know how being poorly developed.
Transportation facilities are poorly developed.
Failure of the rural people in participating in awareness programs meant for them
Absence of sufficient rainfall
Shortage of food products owing to several conditions.
Absence of proper socio economic infrastructure. This includes lack of potable water, proper education and health programs.
Unstable political scenario.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is driving poor people even deeper into poverty, depriving families of the young adults who are their most productive members. It is estimated that about 6 per cent of Ethiopia's adult population is HIV-positive. Together, the HIV/AIDS pandemic and malaria seriously affect the health of large numbers of Ethiopians, many of them in rural areas.

Probable remedies for poverty in Ethiopia:
Some remedies that are suggested for bringing about a reduction in the Ethiopian poverty level are the reduction in the growth of population and macro economic stability. Families, which are run by the womenfolk, are especially susceptible to poverty in Ethiopia. The womenfolk do not participate in awareness programs. This results in innumerable deaths of infants, malnutrition, and illiteracy in the poor families. Efforts should be made to influence women and other less privileged people to participate in various awareness programs pertaining to family planning, education and health benefits. http://finance.mapsofworld.com/economy/ethiopia/poverty.html


References:
http://finance.mapsofworld.com/economy/ethiopia/poverty.html

Protecting Children's Health

The topic I choose to discuss was immunizations. Childhood immunizations are important. Vaccinations are our most important tool for preventing diseases. If diseases can be eliminated then it is important to keep immunizing. If we were to take away the protection given by vaccinations we would see more and more people becoming infected and these diseases will spread to others. It is important that we protect ourselves and keep these disease from becoming a threat to our health. In the older days these diseases caused death because they didn't have the vaccine to give to stop the prevention. We now have a way to save lives so therefore we need to protect our future. If we were to stop vaccinating these diseases could make a comeback. Children here in Georgia have to have immunizations according to schedule and these have to be met before the child starts to school. Ga. law requires children attending school K-12 to be age appropriately immunized with all required vaccines at the time they enter school. Also, all Ga. students who enter 6th grade after July 1, 2007 must take 2 doses of measles vaccines, 2 of mumps, and 1 dose of rubella vaccine. They are also required 2 doses of the chicken pox vaccine because only 1 dose is given at childhood. This is just showing how important it is to continue to make sure that our children are protected against so very deadly diseases. Where I teach at parents have a time frame to get the child's immunization record to us and if not met in that timely manner the child can be sent home until proof is presented. When parents don't stay on the vaccinating schedule and there is no reason, such as a medical reason and the child becomes way behiind on their vaccines this can be a case of child neglect. There must be medical reasons in order for the parent to behind on the child's immunizations. This is simply protecting those around us from getting a disease.

Japan has some different requirements on immunizations than we do here in the United States. Vaccinations recommended in Japan and not in the United States are tuberculosis and Japanese encephalitis. Japanese guidelines do not include vaccinations that are recommended in the United States are hepatitis B, HIB, and chicken pox. The timetables for all common vaccinations are similar. Some immunizations required in Japan and not in the United States are due to the fact that there is a greater risk of the spread of these diseases in that country.


References:

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/6mishome.htm

http://www.hhs.gov/nvpo/law.htm

Birth Experience

The day I found out I was expecting was a very happy day. I was also a little scared because I didn't know what to really expect. The day came to find out what our little bundle was going to be but when the ultrasound lady put the wand to my stomach we were in for a surprise. We were going to have twins and they were boys. I was in shock I think for a few seconds because I was not only carrying one but two babies. I really didn't know what to expect now. The day came and it was March 12, 1993 and a very cold day with ice everywhere. I gave birth by c-section to two healthy little boys with one weighing at 6lbs 7ozs. and the other at 4lbs 12ozs and this was 3 weeks early. I remember waking up and wondering what they looked like and couldn't wait to hold them but at the same time my mind was racing as to how I would handle two babies at the same time. Well, with twins you learn many tricks to getting the job done. Today, they are 18 years old and just graduated from high school in 2011. One twin is going to college and the other is working. I forgot to mention they are not identical twins and believe me they are like night and day.

Through my pregnacy I didn't experience many healthy issues until close to the end I was in the hospital 4 times due to blood pressure shooting up. I worked right up until the last month before I had the twins. I had heard so many horror stories about woman with twins and the health issues they had but I was blessed and experienced a wonderful pregnancy with them.

August 15, 2001 I was blessed with a healthy baby girl weighing in at 8lbs and 7ozs. This was also an easy pregrancy except she was a busy little girl for 9 momths and today she continues to be a busy little lady. She is 10 years old and in the 5th grade. She loves to sing and dance. She clogs with a local dance group in our hometown and has won several awards for dancing.

I have been blessed with all three of my children and I wouldn't take anything for them even when these teens drive me up the wall sometimes.

I choose to discuss birth customs in Netherlands. Most mothers don't see an obsterician, but instead are referred by their family doctor to a local midwife practice. Doctors only get involved in high risk cases or if complications arise during delivery. The woman also decide if they want a home or hospital delivery. Most decide to deliver at home. I don't think I would like the experience of home delivery. I would be scared too much could go wrong. Giving birth naturally remains the ideal for vast majority of woman. Also if the mother gives birth early in the day and no complications arise she and the baby can go home in little as two hours. I think I would rather stick to having my baby in hospital and with an epidural if that is what I choose.

http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/vaginal/birth-customs-around-the-world/?page=2

Best of Luck!!!

Wow! Time has gone by quickly. I just want to wish everyone the best of luck and hope to see some of you in my next class. Just remember as we take this journey that we are in this profession for a reason and that is to make a difference in the lives of those we teach. We are a team working together because team stands for Together, Everyone, Achieves, More. Again, best of luck to each one of you.

Vicki

Code of Ethics

I-1.9—To advocate for and ensure that all children,
including those with special needs, have access to the
support services needed to be successful.

I agree that all children have the right to learn. When children with special needs I want to make sure that I can guide them to receive the support services they need to be successful whether this speech, occupational therapy or whatever type of service is needed to give them the best learning experience possible.

I-1.10—To ensure that each child’s culture, language,
ethnicity, and family structure are recognized and
valued in the program

This is important because children do have different backgrounds and as a teacher you need to be aware of the differences. You need to respect others culture and language.

I-2.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base related to
working effectively with families and to stay informed
through continuing education and training.

In order for me as a teacher I must stay aware of changes that may take place in the Early Childhood field. The more knowledge we have the better professionals we can become.


I-2.2—To develop relationships of mutual trust and
create partnerships with the families we serve.

Not only do I serve the children but their families as well. We are a team working together to give their children a great learning experience. I am also building a team with my parents in order to help them along the way also. This may be a parent who needs to go back to school to earn their GED. I am building that partnership with them to become a team.

I-2.3—To welcome all family members and encourage
them to participate in the program.

Parent involvement is very important in a program and we as teachers need to get our families involved. I always keep an open door policy with my parents. They are welcomed at all times and I love having parent volunteers in the classroom.

DEC
Responsive Family Centered Practices*Professional and Interpersonal Behavior
1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value
and human potential of each child.
2. We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all
our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families
and of those with whom we work.
3. We shall strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeking and
using new evidence based information to improve our practices while also responding openly to
the suggestions of others.
4. We shall serve as advocates for children with disabilities and their families and for the
professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that
enhance the quality of their lives.

All of the above go back to being the best teacher you can be and in order to do this you must be willing to strive toward the things listed above. I am a professional in the Early Childhood field and I want to learn more everyday so that I can give my students a great learning expeience that they will carry with them in years to come.


Enhancement of Children’s and Families’ Quality of Lives
1. We shall demonstrate our respect and concern for children, families, colleagues, and others with
whom we work, honoring their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture.
2. We shall recognize our responsibility to improve the developmental outcomes of children and to
provide services and supports in a fair and equitable manner to all families and children.
3. We shall recognize and respect the dignity, diversity, and autonomy of the families and children
we serve.
4. We shall advocate for equal access to high quality services and supports for all children and
families

I must understand the families I serve and remember that no two are alike. I must treat my families fair and not judge them due to certain things. I remember why I am in this field and what I want for the students I serve so in order for the best to happen I know I must give the best support I can give to the students and families I serve. I love my job and want to make the best of it. I want my students to look back in the years to come and say they remember me.

Course 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://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap


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

Note: The following article can be found in the Walden University Library databases.


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.
Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title.
Part 2: 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/
Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements.

Note: Explore the resources in Parts 3 and 4 in preparation for this week’s Application assignment.

Part 3: Selected 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/

Part 4: Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library

Tip: Use the A-to-Z e-journal list to search for specific journal titles. (Go to “How Do I...?”, select “Tips for Specific Formats and Resources,” and then “e-journals” to find this search interface.)

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:

Books that I enjoy using:

Families, Professionals and Exceptionality: Positive Outcomes Through Partnerships and Trust by Ann Turnbull, Rud Turnbull, Elizabeth J. Erwin, Leslie C. Soodak, and Karrie A. Shogren

Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs, Third Edition by Carol Copple and Sue Bredekamp

Challenging Behavior in Young Children: Understanding, Preventing, and Responding Effectively by Barbara Kaiser and Judy Sklar Rasminsky

Creating Literacy: Instruction for all children in grades Pre-k to 4 by Thomas G. Gunning.

Websites I find useful:
http://www.georgiaheadstart.org/

http://decal.ga.gov/ (Bright From The Start Early Care and Learning)

http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/articles.aspx?ArticleID=282

I love to search the internet about early childhood education.