Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part I

January 25, 2014

I have selected two new international countries since I have not received any updated information regarding their Early Childhood program. I have selected Morocco and Ghana.


Egypt: My contact is Mr. Hicham MOUKRAM
The Child Poverty and Disparities in Egypt: Building the Social Infrastructures for Egypt’s Future study is the first comprehensive study in Egypt which focuses on both poverty and childhood and was in early 2010.  The eight dimensions of poverty considered in the study (income, shelter, food, education, information, health, sanitation, water) are interrelated and interdependent. Deprivation of one right is likely to affect a child’s ability to enjoy other rights. The study reveals that one in four Egyptian children (more than seven million) live deprived of one or more of their rights to be children and enjoy their childhood. Around 1.2 million children live in absolute poverty, which means they are deprived of two or more rights.

The brighter we make the lives of our children, the

brighter the future of our nation.

Ghana: Definition of Child Development 
and Educational Outcomes 
Child development refers to the ordered emergence 
of interdependent skills of sensorimotor, cognitive– 
language, and social–emotional functioning, which 
depend on the child’s physical well-being, the family 
context, and the larger social network.7 Educational 
outcomes in this paper include school readiness, reten­
tion, drop-out, educational achievement, and years of 
schooling completed. School readiness refers to skills 
children need to profit from the educational experi­
ences of formal schooling.8 School readiness is gener­
ally defined as a broad set of skills that affect children’s 
ability to learn in school: physical health, motor skills, 
self-care, emotional and behavioral self-regulation, so­
cial skills, communication skills, pre-academic skills, 
attention, and curiosity and motivation to learn, al­
though some argue that it should be limited to literacy 
and numeracy skills.

Sharing Web Resources

January 18, 2014

ZERO TO THREE

www.zerotothree.org

Zerotothree is a national, nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals and policymakers the knowledge and know-how to nurture to early development.

This Issue and Why It Matters

This article deals with the misconceptions and myths regarding immigrant families in the United States. People believed that immigrants fall into one category of homogeneous of higher risk of living in poverty, suffer from poor quality health care, and lack access to quality early care and education. However many immigrants are borne in the United States and legal citizens; therefore they have strengths of immigrant families, such as health benefits related to higher rates of breast-feeding and immunization, better nutritional status in newcomer families, the greater likelihood of children living in two-parent families, and the positive effect learning multiple languages may have on cognitive and neural development. In addition, we as United State citizens have to speak up and help end the misconceptions and stereotypes remarks. 

Reference

http://main.zerotothree.org/site/DocServer/ZTT29-2_nov_08.pdf?docID=7241

Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

January 11, 2014

Part 1:

HEADQUARTERS

Abbie Raikes
Section for Basic Education
UNESCO Headquarters
ha.raikes(at)unesco.org

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.

UNESCO strives to build networks among nations that enable this kind of solidarity, by:

·         Mobilizing for education: so that every child, boy or girl, has access to quality education as a fundamental human right and as a prerequisite for human development.

·         Building intercultural understanding: through protection of heritage and support for cultural diversity. UNESCO created the idea of World Heritage to protect sites of outstanding universal value.

·         Pursuing scientific cooperation: such as early warning systems for tsunamis or trans-boundary water management agreements, to strengthen ties between nations and societies.

·         Protecting freedom of expression: an essential condition for democracy, development and human dignity.

Part 1:

The first initiative step I took was to browse through the list of contacts you had provided for us to choose from than I found the one that interest me the most. Therefore once I selected this country I found it to be interesting and educational. 

Mission

©UNESCO/Katy Anis

The foundations of human development are laid during the child's early years and thus early childhood requires an integrated approach to the child's care, development and learning.

Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is more than a preparatory stage assisting the child’s transition to formal schooling. Today, early childhood policies are placed within a broader context of social development, gender equity and poverty reduction.

UNESCO leads the international policy drive for an integrated early childhood care and education system that encompasses both the well-being and holistic development of the child. Our mission is to support early childhood policy development with the aim to build a solid foundation for a child’s lifelong learning.

UNESCO actively works with Member States in their efforts to develop and strengthen their national capacity to meet the first goal of the 2000 Dakar Framework for Action, which aims to expand and improve comprehensive early childhood care and education for all.

Part II:

I selected ZERO TO THREE because as a preschool teacher and desire to teach early childhood education as higher learning instructor I wanted to know how a child develops from the early years of life. Furthermore I find these years as foundation years whereas children can soak up all the knowledge parents and educators can provide or feed them. During this age children love the surroundings and use their five senses especially their hands and mouths. Therefore as teachers we have to be ready to allow them discover their own world by using their imaginations.

We welcome you to ZERO TO THREE’s website. ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals and policymakers the knowledge and the know-how to nurture early development.

Neuroscientists have documented that our earliest days, weeks and months of life are a period of unparalleled growth when trillions of brain cell connections are made. Research and clinical experience also demonstrate that health and development are directly influenced by the quality of care and experiences a child has with his parents and other adults.

That is why at ZERO TO THREE our mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers.

We know that as babies, the way we are held, talked to and cared for teaches us about who we are and how we are valued. This profoundly shapes who we will become.

Early experiences set a course for a lifelong process of discovery about ourselves and the world around us. Simply put, early experiences matter. We encourage you to learn more about very young children, early development and the work of ZERO TO THREE by exploring our site.

I contact each association with great interest and truly want to develop a strong commitment to education and by using their resources will enable me to have a better understanding in other countries and a professional educator.

"My Supports"

December 7, 2013

I have been pursuing this master now for approximate the last seven years off and on with much support from my family and dear church members. As of today I feel I have found the greatest school of all and wish I knew about this many years ago. My sisters are my biggest advocates for me to complete my education and pursue my doctor degree. Furthermore if I talk about dropping out or stopping school my oldest sister Cathy always say you can do it Diane. Constance my sister next to me throughout my life remains me that we always have the exact same ability as our mother. And Jackie my youngest sister think I am very smart by asking me to write her paper and says Diane you are smart and a great writer. The reasons I say this is because sometimes I feel things are so overwhelming for me. For started I have to take care of my mother who is total bed ridden that demands full care. Sometimes when I don't feel like getting up out of my bed I have to get up every morning very early. Even before I go to work in the morning I have to get up at 5:00 a.m. and fed my mother. Then go to work with preschool children, which work never ends until I go to bed. In addition, my nephew is a great encourage by saying you can do it and it seems like I can't write he says you need to pray. And the greatest of them all are my children. Michelle tells me that you can do it and I am very proud of you. My son Michquel says I have faith in you and know you can do it and this will help you farther down the road. My pastor two daughters periodic asks me how are things going in school that makes me feel good and lets me know they are concern.

It would be quite difficult to continue to pursue my education without this supporter with family and friends because it gives me direction, comfort, self-actualization, aid, help, and preservation. Therefore through these supports I believe nothing is impossible for me to attain my goals and plans. They allow me to know to be patient and work diligent with the hope of God in my life. Put him first and do everything I can humanly do and he will do the rest for me. Also I remember my favorite scripture in the Bible Jeremiah 29:11 For he knows the thoughts he as towards me, said the Lord. Thoughts of peace and not of evil to give me an expected end.

I can't imagine not having my siblings, children, nephew, and church family not by my side as encourages and supporters. I believe it will not dauber my spirit but not halt by education and life because God is my most up lifter and shield of all. Therefore I know "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me" Philippians 4:13

Continuance of "My Connections to Play"

"My Connections to Play"

adventurouschild.... "The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind." - Maria Montessori 

“Children are people, and they should have to reach to learn about things, to understand things, just as adults have to reach if they want to grow in mental stature. Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows. Most things are good, and they are the strongest things; but there are evil things too, and you are not doing a child a favor by trying to shield him from reality. The important thing is to teach a child that good can always triumph over evil.”
― Walt Disney Company 

When we were children our mother played with us all the time. I recall her racing with us, playing baseball, football, tennis, and volley ball. I enjoyed my childhood because my mother was young in heart and loved to do wonderful things with us. I also remembered the tea parties as a little girl my mother and I had together. Also we cooked cookies, potato chips, popcorn, pretzels, candy, garlic bread, and  taught us how to play with old maid cards and Candy Land, Sorry along with Monopoly.

My father was a good dad and adored him with all my love. My daddy use to teach us how to be true friends to each other and other people, how to fight and protect ourselves from others, shake hands, cook, mop, sweep, drive lawn mowers, and play cards. I reflect on the time my daddy taught me how to real cards because my oldest sister loved to cheat therefore he showed me spade card was worth the highest point and how to win, which I started winning all the time.

Play time has changed tremedously from yesterday when I was child. Children yesterday played games as following jacks, marbles, hop scotch, lemon twist, hula hoop, hide and go see, Simon said, jump rope, footie, twister, uno, and teacher. In addition, we played with Barbie and Ken dolls especially, baby dolls, easy maker, bikes, and tricycles. And children today play with bikes, computers, ipads, phones, texts, tag, football, Xbox, play station 3 and 4, nba 2k  14, and nba 2k 12 and other electronic games.

Relationship Reflection

November 9, 2011

As I reflect back on my childhood I realize now had it not been for the positive relationships and partnerships all of my siblings and I had we would not be as successful as we are today. These relationships and partnerships in my family allowed all of us to rear our own children in the similar ways: love, nurture, gentle, and affection. It is the most essential tool children need to get that edge needed to compete, strive, and accomplish their goals.I always remember my daddy telling me that you can be whatever you want to come. All of my siblings believed that and still do. Also all other relationships depend on family positive relationship.Children will grow healthy and maintain a positive relationship with spouse, friends, children, and friends. Even my uncles, aunts, and teachers had healthy relationships with us to succeed. 

The first person that contributes to my constant positive development is my oldest sister Cathy. Cathy, is not only my blood sibling but more than that by being my sister in Christ. Therefore she knows when I am feeling low and need to be encouraged. She knows just what to say at the right time. I also believe this could be because she was always strong, take charge, smart, and left in charge when our oldest brother was not around. Therefore she has taken the role on since my father is dead, older brother, and mother is bed ridden. We have to have someone to lend on and depend on therefore she is that person. She has kept our family together by possessing these characteristics and as the cook for family functions.

The second person that contributes to my ongoing positive relationship is my sister Constance who is three years younger than I. She is one of those sisters who believes you can accomplish anything in life you set your heart and mind to do. When I feel as though I want to give up in school she constantly encourages me that we all are smart just like our mother and you can do this. She believes no matter how long it takes, it is worth it, and her favor words if you don't die, you will need  this education. 

The third person I believe has a positive influence in my life is my baby sister Jackie. Jackie some how knows when I am feeling bad or someone has mistreated me and yes, the baby sister steps in and see is there anything she can do to resolve the problem. Furthermore she will text or call me with a uplifting word and even may say let us go shopping or even the fair. This means a lot to me.

The fourth person in my life is my pastor Elder Malcom Johnson. He reminds me of my father and just don't care about my spiritual soul but my nature soul. He was the person that told me to go back to school and close that chapter in my life and once I finish my undergraduate degree go right on and get my master. He always instilling in me things that will help me to succeed in my life at this age. Also I once taught the youth in church and this allowed me that my personal life can help motivated them to succeed in their life.

The fifth persons in my life help to maintain my goals is my nephew and daughter Michelle and Justin. Justin and Michelle, always remind me when I am having a tough time in school to pray and read my word. This allows me to know that God is with me and will lead me in all the positive ways. Also this reminds me of my two favor scriptures  Philipans 4:13 " I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" and Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

These relationships have taught me how to love children and be caring for each one in their on special way. I realized that all children can learn one thing regardless of their special need. It has taught me also that children are the most precious jewel one can invest their dividends. My mother was an educator and believe children were what you "called them". Even though they came from low-socioecomonic status my mother believed you should invested more in that child because you did not want him turned out like his enviornment.

In conclusion I have learned from all of my relationships children need someone that cares and show that child to believe in themselves. Children loves their teachers and want to be just like them. Therefore I realize how I treat that child will have a positive or negative effect on him the rest of his natural life. Teachers can break or make a child therefore before we say or do anything to that child we should think about the consequences. I recall a teacher asked my son what did he have in his head "Bricks inside your head for Brains"? Now what is that to say to an eight year old child, but had not I known this was not a positive thing to say, I would have not handled that in a positive manner. I reinforced in him that's not true and you are a very smart little boy and become whatever you want in life. My parents had taught all of us to know without a shadow of doubt you can be whatever you want in life. Therefore as a preschool teacher I must make sure my children know they can do all things regardless what obstacles come in their way.