Final Quote & A Huge Thank You!!

"A hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank...but the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the life of a child." -- Forest Witcraft

--- I want to say thank you to all my classmates who always took the time to read my post and always give supportive feedback. It was a pleasure to learn from you all and I hope we will meet again through our online courses!

Domestic Abuse

I have been very fortunate to not experience any of stressors mentioned. However I have a cousin in Costa Rica who grew up with an alcoholic father. He was not abusive physically but emotionally he did a lot of damage. He came home every night very drunk. Then after arriving home falling all over the place he was sick. While the mom carried him to the bed and changed him my cousin and her younger brothers were left to clean the house as he purged all the way to the room. Imagine a 6 year old cleaning up after her sick father. Not sick my illness but sick by choice. Till this day he is still the same and they all left the house at the age of 17. They found jobs and got married and none of them drink. I could not imagine living my whole life in a household where every night it was routine to see this happening.

I chose to read about domestic violence because I really do not know which country has the worst rate. I did imagine it to be Afghanistan but wasn't sure at all. When I read this small article I could not believe the amount of abuse a woman goes through in that country.

 Afghanistan: The average Afghan girl will live to only 45 – one year less than an Afghan male. After three decades of war and religion-based repression, an overwhelming number of women are illiterate. More than half of all brides are under 16, and one woman dies in childbirth every half hour. Domestic violence is so common that 87 per cent of women admit to experiencing it. But more than one million widows are on the streets, often forced into prostitution. Afghanistan is the only country in which the female suicide rate is higher than that of males.

Source:

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2008/03/08/ten_worst_countries_for_women.html

SIDS Awareness

SIDS Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a sudden death of an infant that is not predicted by medical history and remains unexplained after a thorough forensic autopsy and detailed death scene investigation. This is a very sad topic for me to read about but I feel that I must raise awareness whenever I have a chance. I come from a Spanish culture to which it is acceptable to sleep with a baby in the same bed. Also it is encouraged because it makes it easier to breastfeed in the middle of the night. I however find it inexcusable for a baby to be in bed the whole night as you and your partner sleep. I can’t say that my baby has not slept in my bed because it would be a lie. However, I have been awake the full time watching TV and the same goes for my husband (wide awake). I was searching around the world statistics and my findings led to the United States of America being the highest SIDS statistics leading with 2,523 and the second highest was Germany with 429 deaths. Our number is beyond overwhelming. I know everyone has their own way of raising their child but this is one huge deal where I feel that people should read about SIDS and take maximum efforts to follow the preventative ways of avoiding SIDS. I added the link if anyone is interested in seeing the statistics:
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/mor_sud_inf_dea_syn-mortality-sudden-infant-death-syndrome
 

Childbirth in my life and around the world

•Write about a personal birthing experience. It can be your own birth, your child's birth, or one you took part in. What do you remember about the event? Why did you choose this example? What are your thoughts regarding birth and its impact on child development?

I gave birth to my beautiful daughter about 9 months ago. I had a C-section seeing as she was overdue and was in no hurry to come out. I always thought I wanted to have my child the natural way and was a little sad after having to change plans. But like they say, everything happens for a reason. I found this C-section experience to be non-stressful for baby and for myself. Although recovery was tough and painful baby was out in ten minutes. I am expecting again (big surprise!!!) and this baby is due at the end of June. From my experience I hope to have another C-section because I honestly learned that baby does not come out stressed or cone headed because of passing through the birth canal. If baby decides to come before the scheduled date then I will try to deliver the natural way but definitely in a hospital.

 •Choose a region of the world or a country, other than the U.S., and find out how births happen there. Write about what you learned, and the differences and similarities with your experience (in the personal example you provided). What additional insights, if any, about the impact of the birthing experience on development, did you gain from this comparison?

I chose to read a small article on the Netherlands. Holland women are not given any epidurals and if it is needed they must need it during business hours 9-5. Also they give birth at home with a midwife it is rare that women give birth in a hospital. Also, a doctor will only be called upon if there are complications. I think they are amazing and strong women for giving birth this way but I know that I could not do this. I cannot imagine giving birth at home and not having extra nurses and equipment’s in case something really goes wrong. I was also clueless on all the different ways other countries give birth. I have added a link that has small articles on lots of different countries and labor routines.

 

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

Thank You

Since I am not able to post on your blogs until there is a blog to post about, I figured I would start with my Thank you's through this post. I want to thank all of you for taking the time to read all my post, comments, and opinions that I have shared with all of you. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your experiences with me. It was great to have you in my group and I can only hope that we will meet again in future courses!!!

Examining Codes of Ethics

Naeyc - Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment

I-1.3— To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.

It is very important to understand students and their backgrounds. Who they are and where they come from is a great tool for teachers to have in order to navigate them in the right direction. I feel that each individual has their own personality and should be praised and encouraged with their uniqueness.

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

Another important factor is a teacher’s ability in learning their student’s cultures and ethnicity. Family structure is a great way to understand and imagine how a child has been raised. All these personal factors can contribute into having a great relationship with parents and students.

I-1.11—To provide all children with experiences in a language that they know, as well as support children in maintaining the use of their home language and in learning English.

It is important to be well aware of native languages. Children move to the United Sates from all over the world. It is a difficult transition to arrive to a new place where no one speaks your language. Teachers need to be sensitive to different English Language Learners. I do not believe in teaching them in their language because from my experience they get comfortable in translation and do not attempt to speak in English. It is a delicate matter in which we as teachers need to work with these students.

DEC- Code of Ethics

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.

Respect is one of the best attributes a professional can have. It is not always easy to respect another’s opinion and culture because everyone has a different view. However, I believe it is a strong skill one has to acquire as an educator in order to be able to adapt and understand coworkers, families, children and others who we will work with.

3. We shall respect, value, promote, and encourage the active participation of ALL families by engaging families in meaningful ways in the assessment and intervention processes.

It is important to always keep parents involved on the development of their child in a classroom. If there is a problem with a student it is very important to always sit with a parent and explain to them delicately, that their child could have a situation that needs to be looked into. Always have evidence and anecdotal notes to justify why you are worried about a student.

7. We shall be responsible for protecting the confidentiality of the children and families we serve by protecting all forms of verbal, written, and electronic communication.

I believe that it is always advisable to keep situations confidential between teacher and student and teacher and parents. Confidentiality is a form of respect in a professional relationship. It also instills trust which is a major factor in understanding children and their families. If these children and families can trust a teacher, they will always feel that it is safe to explain situations at home and ask for help.

 

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

•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.

 

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

◦World Organization for Early Childhood Education

http://www.omep-usnc.org/ Read about OMEP's mission.

◦Association for Childhood Education International

http://acei.org/

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/

•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/

•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.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067

•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

Early Childhood resources

Maria Montessori: I have always been curious on how this approach works. Hands on learning is a great approach but it is completely different to see a child basically self-engage at very young ages.

http://mariamontessori.com/mm/

Jean Piaget: This was my favorite theorist while I was studying for my bachelor’s. I believe that children have their own interpretation of the world and as they come across problems and issues they tend to figure things out on their own. I believe that with some assistance they can create a better understanding of the world in which they live in.

http://www.piaget.org/

Florida Head Start Program: I strongly believe in this program. I feel that every child should have basic skills before entering kindergarten. I picked the Florida head start program because I know that every state has different requirements.

http://www.floridaheadstart.org/

Inspirational Quotes

“Poverty must not be a bar to learning and learning must offer an escape from poverty.”

-Lyndon B. Johnson

“Everything in me was being called on to teach.”

-Louise Derman-Sparks

 

Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.

 -Chinese proverb

My Inspirations

 

 

My Mom and Dad have always been my inspiration. They are both professors at Miami Dade College and have a great passion for education. You can say it runs in the blood. My parents were never too pushy; they let me take the reins of my own dreams and allowed me to participate in any and every activity that I wanted to be in. Growing up I was encouraged to be the best and when that failed I was encouraged to keep trying and never give up. One saying I remember clearly was “If you want to do it, then do it. There will never be anyone to stop you but yourself.” I am beyond grateful for them because till this day they are still helping me with school. If it wasn’t for them I would not be posting on this blog right now.

My grandfather and grandmother are my next inspirations. All they have ever wanted for me is just to be happy. They never judge and have always been there for me. As much as I love my parents I collided a lot with them. When I was 19 I moved in with my grandparents during construction at my home and I never left (till I moved out with my now husband). I was at peace and at liberty to grow up. I come from a Cuban/Costa Rican background and controlling boyfriends, activities, and way of life is all part of it, no matter the age. However my grandparents would communicate much better than my parents and the best part is that they trusted all of my decisions. Till this day they are there for me in every which way possible. I’m a lucky kid!