Consequences in regards to learning from the international early childhood field for my professional and personal development were informative and somewhat cooperative. Attempting to reach out to international contacts is "hit or miss" at times. I was fortunate to achieve some communication, however; my colleagues were not always so fortunate. Information that I gained based on selected assignments provided valuable insight regarding the early childhood field located internationally and state side.
Consequences that I encountered were as follows:
* Relying on contacts to provide communications and not receiving information in a timely manner
or not at all
* Gaining knowledge regarding specific early childhood issues and how it effects a community, such
as poverty and quality programming
* Choosing other options or resources such as podcasts and websites to refer to issues for
assignments related to the early childhood field
I gained a wealth of knowledge and was able to share with my colleagues. Professionally and personally I plan to continue my involvement in the community for which I serve by volunteering and providing families with the best quality care their children deserve.
One goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends is to establish a strong foundation for children's rights in Romania.
My colleagues as well as our professor have been supportive during this course by responding to my posts with encouraging and positive feedback! I continue to learn from my colleagues as we follow our dream together at Walden University.
Until we meet again. Thank you!
Shelita
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Getting to Know Your International Contacts - Part 3
Speaking with my international contact Katrina Oliver, located in Germany, was interesting and engaging. I enjoyed our conversation and the shared interests.
Issues discussed where Katrina works are teacher professionalism and bringing the "fun" back into the field. The organization for which she works is focusing on building teacher's confidence and ensuring them that they have a support system in place through management to help them reach their personal as well as professional goals. "Childcare professionals have become stressed, overweight, and unhealthy with high blood pressure or constant migraines due to unhealthy life styles and the nature of the business...the goal is to provide a work environment that is friendly, engaging, and supportive" (Oliver, 2015).
Opportunities that exist for professionals weekend trainings that allow teachers to get away briefly to a resort typically, (Edelweiss) and they may take their family with them to attend trainings with early childhood specialists as guest speakers presenting new trends and strategies to implement in the field.
Professional development is continuous. Each teacher is placed on an individual development plan (IDP) that lists in detail mandatory requirements that must be met yearly.
Some of Katrina's personal goals are to, "first give birth to a healthy baby that she and her husband have trying to conceive for five years" (Oliver, 2015). Secondly, she would like to become a "principal in the public school system some day" (Oliver, 2015).
Some of Katrina's professional hopes are that the staff she has encountered continue to be their best self. Her dream is to have a healthy baby boy and some challenges have been relocating to new working environments that have been, "not so friendly or welcoming" (Oliver, 2015). Katrina states that she often has to prove herself because of her youthful appearance and her authority is challenged.
I thanked Katrina for her time and honesty assisting me complete this assignment.
Issues discussed where Katrina works are teacher professionalism and bringing the "fun" back into the field. The organization for which she works is focusing on building teacher's confidence and ensuring them that they have a support system in place through management to help them reach their personal as well as professional goals. "Childcare professionals have become stressed, overweight, and unhealthy with high blood pressure or constant migraines due to unhealthy life styles and the nature of the business...the goal is to provide a work environment that is friendly, engaging, and supportive" (Oliver, 2015).
Opportunities that exist for professionals weekend trainings that allow teachers to get away briefly to a resort typically, (Edelweiss) and they may take their family with them to attend trainings with early childhood specialists as guest speakers presenting new trends and strategies to implement in the field.
Professional development is continuous. Each teacher is placed on an individual development plan (IDP) that lists in detail mandatory requirements that must be met yearly.
Some of Katrina's personal goals are to, "first give birth to a healthy baby that she and her husband have trying to conceive for five years" (Oliver, 2015). Secondly, she would like to become a "principal in the public school system some day" (Oliver, 2015).
Some of Katrina's professional hopes are that the staff she has encountered continue to be their best self. Her dream is to have a healthy baby boy and some challenges have been relocating to new working environments that have been, "not so friendly or welcoming" (Oliver, 2015). Katrina states that she often has to prove herself because of her youthful appearance and her authority is challenged.
I thanked Katrina for her time and honesty assisting me complete this assignment.
Reference
(K. Oliver, personal communications, June 17, 2015)
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Sharing Web Resources
Two outside links that I have explored on The Institute of Children, Poverty and Homelessness are http://www.redwhiteandbluebook.org/ National Survey of Programs and Services for Homeless Families-this is an online resource for service providers, advocates, researchers, and public policy makers working in the field of family homelessness. Providing a state-by-state connection of homelessness.
A second link found is http://www.whitetigerspress.org/ White Tiger Press-Books in Print - provide books regarding homelessness for adult and young readers.
Searching closer on the web site I found a link titled What's New, under this link it focuses on African American families and how they are more likely to end up in a homeless shelter than whites due to housing discrimination, poverty, and employment.
I have not received an E-Newsletter.
The website contains a pdf that adds to my understanding of equity in early child care and education titled, Missing the Mark-this provides a national survey policy report from ICPH. It focuses on targeted federal homeless programs that may be accessed by families:
Grant Name
Education for homeless children and youth
Target Population
Homeless children and unaccompanied youth
Eligible Program Activities
Establishment of district homelessness liaison; educational support and services to ensure equal education for homeless children; educator training.
New insights gained about issues and trends in the field from the website regarding family homelessness in New York City (Highest homeless rate) has risen to a higher status.
Re-housing initiative in New York City where homeless families receive rental subsidies until they expire and families are expected to work and live independently.
A second link found is http://www.whitetigerspress.org/ White Tiger Press-Books in Print - provide books regarding homelessness for adult and young readers.
Searching closer on the web site I found a link titled What's New, under this link it focuses on African American families and how they are more likely to end up in a homeless shelter than whites due to housing discrimination, poverty, and employment.
I have not received an E-Newsletter.
The website contains a pdf that adds to my understanding of equity in early child care and education titled, Missing the Mark-this provides a national survey policy report from ICPH. It focuses on targeted federal homeless programs that may be accessed by families:
Grant Name
Education for homeless children and youth
Target Population
Homeless children and unaccompanied youth
Eligible Program Activities
Establishment of district homelessness liaison; educational support and services to ensure equal education for homeless children; educator training.
New insights gained about issues and trends in the field from the website regarding family homelessness in New York City (Highest homeless rate) has risen to a higher status.
Re-housing initiative in New York City where homeless families receive rental subsidies until they expire and families are expected to work and live independently.
References
Federal Funding Off Target for Homeless Families. (2013). Missing the mark. Retrieved from
Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness - http://www.icphusa.org/
National Survey of Programs and services for Homeless Families. Retrieved from
White Tiger Press/ Books in Print. Retrieved from http://www.whitetigerspress.org/
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Getting to Know My International Contacts-Part 2
I gained insight from two sources for this week's assignment, "The Global Children's Initiative" (GCI) which focuses on enhancing life skills for young children globally and to help the economy gain positive achievements for families from all walks of life. I also referred to the article "Current issues in comparative education, Volume 11, 2009" which discusses the school system in Southern Zambia located in Africa regarding the following issues:
*Over-enrollment - not enough schools to support students/70 students in one class with one teacher and the likelihood of reaching half of the class educationally.
*Lack of funds to make improvements and provide material such as books, furniture, and teachers. teachers must share one text for lesson planning.
*The turn over of educators-the time in which it takes a teacher to receive teaching credentials (2-3 years).
Insights gained from The Global Children's Initiative are:
*Improving the knowledge base of Brazilian communities to better understand the effects of supportive guidance for young children's development.
*Encouraging leadership in Brazil to learn valuable information in regards to early childhood development.
Additional information in particular is that gained from video footage, "Saving Brains" with Dr. Karlee Silver in which she discusses:
*Malnourishment and lack of attention for young children in Canada
*What interventions are best based on the environment
*Better understanding of risk factors
One of my overseas contacts did contact me to apologize due to "job training". I will share information once I receive via e-mail.
*Over-enrollment - not enough schools to support students/70 students in one class with one teacher and the likelihood of reaching half of the class educationally.
*Lack of funds to make improvements and provide material such as books, furniture, and teachers. teachers must share one text for lesson planning.
*The turn over of educators-the time in which it takes a teacher to receive teaching credentials (2-3 years).
Insights gained from The Global Children's Initiative are:
*Improving the knowledge base of Brazilian communities to better understand the effects of supportive guidance for young children's development.
*Encouraging leadership in Brazil to learn valuable information in regards to early childhood development.
Additional information in particular is that gained from video footage, "Saving Brains" with Dr. Karlee Silver in which she discusses:
*Malnourishment and lack of attention for young children in Canada
*What interventions are best based on the environment
*Better understanding of risk factors
One of my overseas contacts did contact me to apologize due to "job training". I will share information once I receive via e-mail.
References
Harvard University's Global Initiative website: http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/
Thomas, C. M. & Thomas, M. A. (2009). Current Issues in Comparative Education, Vol. 11. Early Childhood Care and Education in Zambia: An Integral Part of Educational Provision? Retrieved from http://devweb.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/25626_11Thomas.pdf
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