Mod.1 Blog: Course Goals 7854

     The three goals I feel would assist mein becoming more effective as a professional in the early childhood filed are:

1). Learning how to create a new way of thinking and meeting the needs of all young children, since I know that the early childhood field needs to constanly change and adjust to the ever growing needs of young children and their education. I must know how each child can grow, develop and become responsible , productive citizens at each individual's time.
2). I want to learn what policies and procedures should be in place and how they should be used that will properly benefit not only my work in the early childcare field, but young children and their families now and for future generations. I have learned over the years that the "More I know, the more parents know."
3). I would like to get more parents invovled and participating in their child's education, as we know parents are their child's first teacher and they must be familiar with what their individual child needs and work collectivley with others in the field. I also would like for parents and caregivers to be familiar with benchmarks and how benchmarks can hel their child become successful.

MOD 8 FINAL BLOG

        My overall experience from this course was, "So amazing", just when I thought I had read or heard it all about young children, my colleagues provide more resources or information that is vitual to the early childhood field. It is such a good feeling when oyu meet other individuals that have the same mind-set or goals that another individual has and how if we all work together, can get alot done.

       The course material that I liked the most was the resources that was provided for each module, especially the textbook, "Understanding families, supportive approaches to diversity, disability and risk." I will use this book as a reference within my classroom. I can also use the articles that were provided throughout this course as references.

        I have always been one to eagerly learn about others around me and to use the information to help someone else. We can also learn from young children and their families, if we just open our eyes and hearts to what they have to say. We must put our feelings to the side and take into consideration from those around us.

       Learning about how others in the early childhood field is the most applicable to me as an early childhood professional and the reason I feel this way is due to, "We learn something new everyday, if we just take the time to listen and use the information that is provided to us."

      I would like to wish everyone the best of luck throughout their adventures in the early childhood field, "Let's continue to make a difference in the lives of young children and their families."

Lori Gardner

MOD 6 Blog Assignment

       At this point my interviews are goin well, I have met with one of the interviewees and the process as been a great learning experience and I look forward to the next interview. I have had the opportunity to observe a resource teacher in action with a small group of students who are very eager to learn and who gives feedback when asked.

       I am truly surprised at how the professional was able to maintain the students focus and proceed with her planned lesson. The students were engaged and all of the four students participated and stayed focus on her and were not worried or concerned about me being in the room.

       The only challenge that I have is that I did not want to be a disruption to the class, so all I did was sit in one area of the room so that I didn't draw any attention to myself throughout my time in the classroom.

       My Course Project (Major Assessment) is coming along well, I have everything I need and I have began the writing process. I am so glad that I chose this topic and the two individual professionals that I am and will interview. I have always heard about Special Education, but now I have a complete understanding of the process.

     How can professionals in the early childhood field, make sure that young chidlren receive the support and/or resources that are needed to help them become successful?

Lori Gardner

Wk5 Day5 Discussing Course Project

The challenge: Children with varying abilities. Developmental Delays (Social, emotional and cognitive).

     I have selected this challenge due to working in the early childhood field and coming in contact with many young children who may have one or more of the abilities. I believe all young children deserve to have a high quality education, however if a child has an ability he /she will not grow and develop without the proper resources. Many parents have a problem when an early childhood professional brings to their attention an issue that their child may have or a learning ability that may need further resources or instruction. As an early childhood professional, I want to be able to bring to the attention of the parents, that their child may need further assistance and that their child will benefit from the services that are provided at no cost to the family.

Questions that I have or look forward to answering:

How can an early childhood professional help a child who may need additional resources, especially when the child's parent is in denial?

How can I as an early childhood professional meet the needs of young children with the support of parents?

What types of strategies can I have in place when I present my documentation to the child's parents and explain whay I have assessed and how we can work together as a team to benefit the child?

Lori Gardner

WK 8 Farewell, Moving On!

Quotes:
"The child becomes largely what it is taught; hence we must watch what we teach it, and how we live before it." -Jane Addams

"Wherever there are beginners and experts, old and young, there is some kind of learning going on, some kind of teaching. We are all pupils and we are all teachers." -Gilbert Highet


   I have learned through this program: That all children deserv a high quality early childhood program, as an early choldhood professional, I must be a tema member with along with others to ensure young children and their families are treated fair and receive the necessary resources and/or resources available and that it will take more than just myself to change the world. All early childhood professionals must come together and take steps to make the necessary changes.

   Long-term goal: To provide all children with an early childhood program that will treat them fair, include their families and teach them about themsleves as well as those around them.

                                               WE MUST COME TOGETHER
                                    

     I would like to THANK all of the professors and colleagues that I worked with and communicated with throughout this course and program. You all definitely made a difference in my life and I could have not completed this without you!  I can not believe it has come to an end, however I know that we all have worked hard to get this far!  I wish everyone the best and keep reaching for the stars. Feel free to contact me @ jesselori@bellsouth.net

Wk 6:Blog Assignment: Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

For this week's blog assignment I chose:

http://www.unicef.org: UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. We have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. That makes us unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young. This organization offers many resources for families an childre across the world. I learned alot of information from just reading all of the topics o this websites. I am interested in the New and Emerging Talent Initiatives, an individual must have a Master's degree, be proficient in English and be willing to be assigned world wide. Needs 2 years experience in relevant field P-2 level and 5 yrs experience in P-3 level, preference is to candidates that are under 35 yrs of age.

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm:Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves. We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation. There are may resources available throughout the world for families and children. MY attetion was drawn to the Child Protection Advsior: They help initiate interventions to address violations of childrens rights to protect them from abuse, exploitation, violence and neglect. Individual must be a good team leader, fluent in written and spoken English, commitment to and understanding of childs rights.

http://www.issa.nl/index.html: The International Step by Step Association (ISSA) is a membership organization that connects professionals and organizations working in the field of early childhood development and education. ISSA promotes equal access to quality education and care for all children, especially in the early years of their lives.

Services Include:

• Providing resources, technical assistance, and training in ECD, in a variety of areas including creating child-centered, interactive, and inclusive environments in preschool and primary classrooms; supporting education that values democracy, diversity, and social justice; promoting parent empowerment; and offering bilingual education, among others.
• Training, mentoring and providing support for reaching a common understanding about quality pedagogy in ECD, based on Competent Educators of the 21st Century: Principles of Quality Pedagogy.
• Training adults in education for social justice, advocacy, parenting skills, curriculum development, and project design and implementation.
• Developing training programs/modules, curricula and teaching materials for different audiences.
• Illustrated children's picture books that are available in different languages and include guidelines for educators and parents.

 This is a organization that I am considering becoming a member, the yearly cost is $65.00. They offer many resources for children, parents and educators. By researching these websites, I have learned alot and will go back to them to learn about issues going on across the world.

Wk4:Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

This week I found three websites that were very helpful and provide resources for an early childhood professionals or any one in the Human Service field.

1). U. S. Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Children and Families. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
Provide resources for child care, Head Start, child support, healthy marriage initiative, early childhood development. An individual can find any resources my entering their region and asking questions on different topics. I did not see any employment opportunities.

2). The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center http://www.nectac.org/
Office of Special Education programs, substance abuse and mental health services administration, early promotion and intervention research consortium, many links for resources for anyone in any situation. No job opportunites at this time.

3). Early Childhood Professional Development http://www.thecenterweb.org/.  Resources provided: education, literacy, parent support, professional development, and research.
This websites also provides state and federal government agencies.

Even though there were no employment opportunites at this time, I believe that an individual would need a degree and experience in the Early Childhood field or Human Service field.

EDUC 6990 Capstone: Explorin roles in the ECE community: Local and State levels

    This week I found two local agencies and one state agency that I would be interested in and I am going to contact about volunteering at once I am done with my course.

    The two local agencies are: Hearts to Nourish Hope, this is a non profit organization that caters to teens and families, it caught my attention because of the services that it provides to te community, by helping teens that are in trouble or need that extra hand. They provide a GED program, TABE testing for students that are trying to go into military school and they have a second chance program for teen  males who have been incarcerated, on probation or expelled from any of our county high schools.  Even though this program doesn't cater to the ECE community, it gives our teens a second chance and a place to go to in the time of need. They also provide a food pantry, they help with finances for families and they help teens find jobs during the summer, to help them have somewhere to go and spend time instead of being on the street. With researching this agency I am thinking about trying to had something to my background to have an opportunity to help teens within my community.The other
 local agency that I found was the Rainbow House they help children with special needs, families who children may have been removed from the home, they provide clothing, food and they offer educational assessments and a tutoring program. They are not hiring now, but do suggest that anyone interested fill out an application and submit it along with a resume. They also have a volunteer program and it seems that, that is the way alot of individuals get their foot in the door. I do meet the requirements for employment, I have had more than 8 years of experience with young children and families, a B.S. in Human Services, and I will have a M.S. ECS in a few weeks and I could definitely pass a background check.

     The state agency that I looked into is the Department of Family and Children Services. I meet the requirements for that as well and I even got an email back, stating that there is a freeze for employment, but if something comes available I would be contacted either by phone or email. They provide services for young children and their families. I would be interested in becoming a Social Work or a Child's Advocate. They are also the overseer for helping individuals apply for medicaid, food stamps, TANF and Peach care, a service for individuals that work at least 30 hours a week recive help with their child care. They also remove children from homes due to neglect, abuse,etc. I would like to say this would be a great place for me, but I do believe that my heart would get in the way, for some of the issues that young children and their families go through.

      All three of these agencies caught my eye and when I explained to my husband what we had to do and the opportunities that I found, he looked at me and said, "You leaving the classroom, no way" and walked out of the room.

Wk8 Reflecting on Learning

    My passionate hope is that all early childhood professionals create and maintain an anti-bias environment for all young children, their families and the communities that the families live in. All children and their families should feel welcomed and appreciated at all times within the learning environment.

     Throughout this course and is class, in my judgment we all have learned many ways to help young children in our care as well as their families, so we all need to take what we have learned, the ideas, and the resources and distribute them to those in our care. We should not just stop with this course, it MUST be given to those around us.

      I would like to say Thank You to all of my classmates for all of the positive feedback throughout this class as well as this course. We all have learned from each other and I can only imagine how life will be for the young children that we may come on contact with. Good Luck and Best Wishes to all, we only have 1 more class!  Do not ever give up, keep striving forward!

WK 7 Impacts on Early Emotional Development

For this week’s blog I chose Eastern & Southern Africa.

         I chose this area, because of the issues and concerns that the region is going through with HIV and AIDS. Globally there are 34% of people with HIV that live in Southern Africa.  There are also over 30% of deaths among children under the age of 5 that occur in the first month of life- two biggest killers are pneumonia and diarrheal diseases. Other main causes are Malaria, injuries, and HIV/AIS and Measles.

       I also learned from this that basic education and gender equality between 2000 and 2006/8 the number of children in primary school rose dramatically from 45 to 70 million. The office net enrollment is 88% for boys and 87% for girls. In 2008, around 8.8 million children in primary school age were excluded from enjoying their right to a basic education. For secondary education, rates are lower regional average are 25% and 33% for boys and girls and an even smaller proportion actually attends school was 24% boys and 22% girls.

       On Feb, 2, 2012in South Africa,  UNICEF call attention to international and national legislation protecting children from all forms of violence, abuse and maltreatment. January 16, 2012, Zambia: Netherlands provided the United States $10 million dollars for UNICEF education program.

      When young children are subjects of the above mentioned issues, he or she cannot grow properly and they lack the proper nutrition that will help to keep them at the same pace as other children their very same age. Every child rather boy or girl should be given the same opportunity as the next child, in all reality there may be some girls that feel like boys are given more opportunities and the girls may drop out of school or just not go.

       As an early childhood professionals, I would seek to administer to all children fairly and equally. I want to provide an ant-bias environment so that all children regardless of race, sex, religion or culture, be given the same opportunities to grow and develop into productive citizens. I have learned that even though we may think that the world we live in is so bad, there is many others that are worse off and need more help than we do.

 Reference:
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html

WK 6 The Sexualization of Early Childhood

      After reading the article, “So sexy, so soon”, I was truly bothered. I work in a public school system at a primary school that has pre-k through second grade students and I have seen some of the things that the article mentions.  Parents need to be made aware of what their child and their child’s friends are doing, not only at school but even in their own homes and neighborhoods.

      Some ways that I have observed children the sexualization are: I have observed some of my pre-k students singing certain songs, dance a certain way, and even talk like they are much older than they actually are. I have seen young children participate in videos, watching certain movies, I have even heard a first grader telling another student, “Hit me up on Facebook”.  I am not sure if he has a Facebook page or not, but that is way too young for a first grader to even have that conversation. There was another incident were a second grade female student told another student that her sister took some pictures of her and she would send them to her on her phone, the principal was there as well.

     These situations help to make our children grow p faster than they already do, there is a time and place for everything and young children should be kept away from certain issues at such an early age. Children have too many electronic devices and not enough of outside and kid games.  I would suggest that early childhood professional redirect young children when these issues arise and I have told my own students that, “School is not the place for that type of behavior, we are here to learn.” However, in all reality a young child should not be involved in that behavior until they are able to understand the differences in what are good choices and not so good choices. I would show and have examples of good behavior versus bad behavior.

     I have learned that as an early childhood educator I must be prepared for any and all issues that arise, with young children and if I cannot help a young child with an issue, I must use outside resources. Young children need to be sheltered and loved and not given the opportunities to grow up so fast. The society is full of mischief, so we as adults must help the young child to grow and learn responsibly.

Reference:
Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1–8). New York: Ballantine Books.

Wk 5:Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

     The consequences I might expect for the children and their families with whom I work: For them to learn more about me, others and their ways of life. I do not want any child or family that I may come in contact, to know if I do have biases or issues they will never see or feel in through conversations or communications.
   
     Throughout my life I have had to deal with te "isms" of classism, racism and maybe a few others, however I have never blamed anyone for the choices or actions that have come to me in my life and I have done the best with what I have.

      I would be more responsive to children, who's parents maybe going through a hard time financially or emotionally, due to my childhood and what my family had to go through. I feel that I would be able and willing to speak to my students about racism or any other "ism" on an age appropriate level.

      Some examples that I have experienced are dating and marrying an African-American male, I have many African-American coworkers or parents that say to me, "I didn't know you were married to an African-American", until I show them pictures. The part that puzzles me is, Is there a certain way to act if you are married to someone outside your race?

      To help others, I must put my feelings aside and deal with what is going on with the person that is seeking help. I know as a child, my family went through hard times, so that is why I am willing to go to any extent to help those that may be going through some of the same life experiences that I did as a child and a young adult.

WK 3 Observing Communication

    I observed a teacher and a kindergarten student in the Media center. They were discussing a Reading test and what the student had to fo and how imprtant it was for her to take her time and read each question, then select the correct answer.

   The teacher gave the child eye contact and made sure that the child understood the directions and the outcome if she didn't take her time and read all of the questions and answer them carefully.During the conversation, I overheard the teacher calling the students name several times, so that the child knew that the teacher was talking to her. I also seen the teacher lightly touching the students arm, I think this behavior was to help the child feel more comfortable.

    In my judgment, after reading the resources for this week, I do not feel nothing else could have been done, I feel that the communication was affirming and effective between the student and teacher. I feel that the teacher meant well, however she could have made the child more nervous by constantly reminding her of what was expected. If the student read the book and understood the questions, I feel that the student would have done well on the test. If I would have been the teacher, I would have made up my own questions similar to the test, to see if the child was prepared for the test, before taking her into the Media center to take the test.

    I always try to make eye contact with my students when speaking to them. I only say what I want to say, then I ask my students do they understand what I am asking or saying to them. I use alot of pictures and words throughout my classroom and my students know to use the pictures or words to convey the conversation at hand. If necessary, I will given my students more time to complete their sentences and give them a chance to tell their stories and then I will help them to solve their problems with my words, pictures or actions.

WK 2: 6358-1 Family Child Care Center

   I would like for my setting to be welcoming, warm and with just the right amount of light, so that the children feel safe and secure. As you enter into my family child care center, there would be a "Family tree", with all children and their families pictures on the tree, inlcuding mine, as well. I would have a parent communication board, included on that board would be a menu, daily schedules for all classrooms, and any important information that parents/families should know about the center and it should be available in all languages of the children and parents that are there.
   I love the 'Crying room" that Adriana's had in her center, that is very helpful for the new children or the childrent that have a difficult time leaving their parents or family members. I would have a "Safe place" in my center. This is an area that has soft space with pillows, crayons, paper, quiet activities and things that can help a child that may need some quiet time, can go and sit until he or she is ready to come back to the group.
   I would include labeling of all materials and/or objects in English and in any other languages of any of the other child that attend my center.  I would include pictures of adults and children with disabilities, as well as people from around the world.
   The center must include a variety of books, puzzles, music and dolls. Every child needs to be able to reflect and learn about others and just not themselves or their families. Children must have on hand, multi-cultural papers, crayons and markers. I would make sure there are multi-cultural families and community helpers that are available for boys and girls.
    Children must feel safe, loved and nurtured to develop the basic trust they need for healthy development. My goals are for children to develop a strong and positive self-concept and empathy for others through healthy intellectual, physical,social, emotional and moral development. I hope that my experiences may serve as examples for other caregivers as well (Richards).
    I also feel that all parents and families must be included in all aspects of the child care center, parents should feel comfortable enough to volunteer and enjoy the day at the center, without feeling like they are labeled or different from others.

References
“Welcome to an Anti-Bias Learning Community”
Anti-Bias education for young children and ourselves

Wk 8 What I have learned

     One hope that I have when it comes to me working with children and families,s that I set a positive and honest example for them. I must take into consideration what is best for all parties and think and plan for the future of those I am working with or for.

     One goal that I am setting for the early childhood field when it comes to children and families with issues relating to diversity, equity and social justice is: Is to be open and honest with myself and those involved. To be able to give children and families the required support, resources and/or materials that they made need at any time.

     To all of my colleagues, it is great feeling within my heart to know that like myself, there are other individuals that seek to help young children and families within our society. We are fighting a tough battle, but if we as early childhood educators and professionals stay strong and focus, we can help those who need help. I am sad to see this class end, however I am excited about being 2 classes away form completing my Master's program. Good luck and best wishes to all of you!

WK 7 CREATING ART

   

This is what I have learned from this course. Early Childhood Educators can help young children COPE with bias, discomfort and trauma. We have to do it for the children. Taking care of them now and they will take care of us in the future!                  

WK 6 "We Don't Say Those Words In Class!"

   I could not think or recall a time when this situation happened with me and my son's, however my co-teacher gave me a situation with her and her middle school aged son.
   Last spring Ms. R and her son Z were on a field trip with his 7th grade class at the Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta, Ga. Ms. J said, "As they walked through the museum looking at the artifacts throughout the museum, "her son "Z" said really loud in front of other students and chaprones, "Wow, look at that UPS man, why is her wearing his shorts about his knees," Z continued with, "Look everybody he looks gay with those shorts on." Ms. R said, "The UPS man looked at the group and just shook his head.
   Ms. R said, "Z that is the requirements of the company UPS", it identifies the company, as well it is woren for professional reasons and that what he said, "Was not appropriate."
   That certain companies require their employees to have certain dress codes and there is nothing wrong with the employees shorts.
    An anti-bias educator, could have explained that we should judge or talk about someone, just because they wear their shorts differently than other people. This educator could have gave examples of other companies that require certain dress codes and the importance of looking nice, decent and respectful for the company that people work for.

Wk 3 6357-6

   My response that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books that contain gay, lesbian or same sex families, every child should be accessible to all books, regardless of who is in the books, every early childhood classroom should be diversified and this will help each child to developed a positive identity of not only themselves, but those around them. Each child must be given the opportunity to learn about all people, as early childhood professionals, we know that we are their first experience to the outside world, so I do not see what books about gays, lesbians or same sex families, should not be included.
    If I was told that a parent/family member did not want their child to be cared for, educated by or interacted with: I would be apalled, just because a person is homosexual or transgender does not mean that they are not capable of caring for young children. Once again, the early childhood field must have diversity not only from sex, race or gender. Children will benefit from all people, it should not matter who the person is,  that is taking care of the children. My concern is what they do in the classroom with the child and that they have the best interest for the young child at heart.

WK 8 Moving On

I know that without support from my colleagues through discussions and blogs, it would be difficult to keep pushing forward. Even though we have never met, I feel like all of us have the same goals in mind.  I also tried to be positive throughout any situations and with positive and mature adults, if helps make it so much easier. This class has defintely helped me with my communication and collaboration skills and I feel the same for my colleagues.

My wish for my colleagues is that they continue to reach for the stars and keep in mind the reason that wse are doing this and it is for the future generations. They need all of the support and positive encouragement that we ALL can give them. We have to remember if we just help to change one life, we have made an accomplishment. With all of the early childhood professionals that are in the field, that would be alot of lives that we would touch.

My contact information is jesselori@bellsouth.net, lori.gardner@clayton.k12.ga.us, (404) 402-3099 cell phone.

Good luck and best wishes to all, if I can be of any assistance to any of you, please feel free to contact me.


think about how your colleagues have supported you, how you have supported them, and what you wish for your colleagues as they continue on their professional path

WK 6 Team Building and Collaboration

    In my judgment, I do feel that the high-performing groups are the hardest to leave, since it takes a team to make the group to perform, then once the goals have been accomplished it is hard to say goodbye.
   Also, groups that have the clearest established goals and objectives, along with a leader and a great dependable team are also very hard to leave.
   The hardest group I would say for me to leave was when I received a promotion this school year as a Lead teacher and I am no longer a part of the Paraprofessional team at my job. The paraprofessionals at my primary school have a great relationship,they go out to eat, they exchange gifts and just look out for each other and take care of each other.
   When the paraprofessionals found out that I had been promoted, they prepared for me a secret luncheon during the week of pre-planning, I was so shocked and they truly caught me off guard.
   Another group that is hard for me to disconnect from is my high school graduating class, we were the first class to graduate from a new high school and over the years we have set up many alumni invents and regardless of what is going on in my life, I will drop it or postpone it to participate with my high school classmates. My husband just shakes his head and laughs.
    I truly have not thought about saying Good-bye to my colleagues after this class is completed. I would hope that we all some how keep in touch rather through internet, text messages, etc. We have built some strong relationships, eventhough we have never met in person, I love the atmosphere and I know that the individuals that have been in many of my classes since Sept of 2010, have the best interest for young children and their families at hand.
    Adjourning, is letting us know that the job is complete as well as relationships have been built. As a team member, you have learned to trust and respect those that were in your group. All members of the group have worked effectively to reach a common goal.