Research Around the World

I chose to explore the Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharran Africa (SSA). This web page was loaded with information on early childhood. I was surprise to know that some of the articles concerns were related to ours concerns here in the United States. These articles all have early childhood at heart. There were articles with facts about the concern for a child’s early years of learning, children with disabilities and there were concerns about the teacher’s salaries as well. What was surprising to me was the websites design by students. These students had a passion for early childhood and researching. It was clear that these students were trying to make a difference in the environment in which they live. One of the articles I read really touched my heart: “Strengthening the Capacity of Grandparents in Providing Care to Children Less than 8 Years Old Affected by HIV/AIDS”. This article brought tears to my eyes, just thinking about the life these children will have ahead of them. However, I enjoyed reading a lot of the other articles and it was good to know that researchers across the world are working together to collect data to make a difference in the lives of young children. References http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

Beneficial Research

If I had the means to research a topic in the Early Childhood field, it will be on developmental delays in children. Many pre-school children suffer from developmental delays that should have been recognized earlier. For example: children with speech delays are often recognized before the child’s first birthday; however it is not recognized until the child enters pre-school. This may cause a delay in language development. If a child does not speak well he or she may be shy and less likely to build social skills as well. I imagine my study to research infants that attend regular doctor’s appointment with developmental delays and compare them to children that do not have regular check-ups. The study will show an improvement in language, social and emotional development.

My Personal Research Journey

I chose to research the topic on how children learn and develop. After reading many articles, I realized that all children learn differently and I would like to learn more about the stages and how researchers conclude data. Psychologist Kendra Cherry proposed a number of theories to describe and explain the process of development in children (2003). Children experience a number of changes from birth to adulthood. It is important that parents and teachers nurture our little ones anMy Personald give them the emotional and social support at an early age. Piaget’s theory was center around the cognitive stages. He pointed out the importance of intellectual development. Where as Erick Erickson look at the developmental stages of the child’s lifespan. He explained what will happen at childhood, teenage and adult life as it relates to psychosocial stages. Freud, he proposed a theory of fixation as it relates to psychosexual. And Lawrence Kohlberg proposes a stage theory which focuses on the moral development that can be broken down into many stages. I’ve gain a lot this week researching articles. It’s been a long time since I’ve done a research paper, but things seem to be falling into place. I am thankful for this class and I know that I will need my classmates, so I will be asking for advice. Reference: www.psychology.about.com Education/ Psychology/ Development‎

REFLECTIONS: INTERNATIONAL EARLY CHILDHOOD FIELD

In studying about Issues and Trends; I’ve had the opportunity to research information international. This learning experience has broadened my understanding about the early childhood field world wide. All of the issues and concerns for early childhood were an eye opener for me. To know that early childhood professionals, politicians, government and state representatives are all working together to prepare our children for adult life have given me the strength to continue this journey. This program has enhanced my computer skills as well as empowers me to improve my ability to teach young children. Since technology has become the way of educating our children, I will continue to improve my skills by researching up-to-date information. I am excited about taking young children to the next level in education. Thanks to my professor and my colleagues for sharing your thoughts and concerns for the early childhood field. Truly, your discussions were beneficial to my professional growth. Hats off to all you! as we stand together to make a difference in the lives of young children.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part 3

The UNESCO provides early childhood care and education for children from birth to eight years old. This organization has built a network between nations to enable mobilizing the right for education for all children. The UNESCO created the idea of World Heritage to protect cultural diversity, to pursue scientific cooperation (strengthen ties between nations and societies), and protect freedom of expression for human dignity (2000). The UNESCO was created on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. These programs are design to give children from a disadvantage home an opportunity to a quality child care education. This website provided information on other countries implementing policy and procedures on quality, access and equity in early childhood. In reading the Quality section of the article, I learn how other countries deal with the workforce of education. Teachers are train to teach children on the level of their training; for an example: a teacher with an early childhood education will only teach early childhood age children. It also talks about the wages for qualified teachers. The Access and Equity section of the article provided information on the importance of recognizing families that are at risk and below poverty levels. Government in participating countries has addressed the need of all families living below poverty level. High quality childcare for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, promotes motivation, confidence, good cognitive and linguistic development and school readiness (2000). Where government resources are limited, the last year of pre-primary education is frequently placed in a formal school setting or there may be efforts to lower the entry age. The Investment and Financing section provided information about the lack of funds. Countries have expanded and improve quality care by mobilization resource with other sectors. In general, government funding for early childhood is extremely low, therefore, private sectors, non-profit and for-profit organization has join together to ensure service that are delivered effectively to educate early childhood (2000). The UNSCO article has enlighten my views of mobilizing resources and how early childhood educators address the needs and challenges of disadvantage children.

Sharing Web Resources

This week I searched many websites on early childhood. All of the information leads to improving early childhood nationwide. I navigated through the NAECY sites and searched information on policy, funding, standards for programs and standards for teachers. The NAECY gave plenty of resources on the federal and state level. I gain new insights on policy, researching and tracking information national and on state levels. I also received information from Australia to sign up for newsletters this week www.naeyc.org/‎

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS: PART 2

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS: PART 2

I chose to read the assign article “Global Children’s Initiative” because I have not received a response from my international contact. This article explains the importance of early childhood development, mental health and children with crisis and conflict situations. Harvard University and other collaborations has come together to implement and design new projects that will support the well being of early learners.

Their first priority is to adapt the United States strategies about global investments in the early years of children’s life. The leaders of each international agency will be educate to establish and build a strong scientific framework for global work and systematic communications research to identify the most effective ways to translate the science of child development for global policymakers (2010). The second priority is to research new findings and address ways to support health and developmental needs in children through the global childhood research fund. These funds will be used to seek global understanding of the early childhood science of learning, their health plans and how behavior impact policy in countries around the world.  The research fund will also assess the quality of early childhood environment and explore the international impact of children. Scholars from around the world will use the science of a child’s health and development to guide policy makers and other investments to invest in young children and their families.

The global insight I gain from reading this article has broaden my perspective. I did not know about the wonderful work of global concerns for the early childhood field. One thing that interests me was the fact that 50 Brazilian politicians, policy makers, public mangers and civil-society leaders came together in 2012 to better plan for the future of early childhood children around the world. These collaborations will incorporate the science of development in children to assess, manage and strengthen global policy relevance. I believe the issues of reaching all children globally are possible with everyone doing their part. Therefore, educators our work is cut out for us, so lets do our part and be an advocated for early childhood.

Reference:

Article: Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2010). Global children's initiative http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/global_initiative/