We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.  ~Stacia Tauscher~     

Professional Thanks

I would like to take the time out to thank you all for all of the support throughout this enriching class. Each of you have added resourceful information to me. It gives me great pleasures to say that I will truly miss you all after this point. I hope that we  have more classes together.


I wish you luck in all that you set forth to do in the future here at Walden University and in life.

Give Love to The Children

 

Give Love to the children Children need love everyday Give love to the children Guide them on their way Love's like a burning flame consumes all that stands in the way Love is the only power on earth to take all the hatred away GIVE LOVE TO THE CHILDREN set the children free To make their own decisions then they will clearly see Love is the sun the moon and the stars love is a golden ring Love is the one thing the whole world desires be it beggar or king GIVE LOVE TO THE CHILDREN youth has not long to stay Love is a long term investment the best you will find any day Love like the rising sun takes all the darkness away Our children will tell their children and their childrens children will say Give love to the children they are our crock of gold and if perchance they ever stray they will come back to the fold Give love to the children the children of today Give love to the children and love will come to stay.

Testing for Intelligence

We all are aware and understand that children develop and learn at different rates. With that being said, we may ask ourselves why are children all being assessed and measured the same. Assessments, in my opinion should  be focused on the individual child. During the early years I feel as though assessments are not necessary. I feel as though we, meaning schools in the United States, should model schools in Japan and institute the yutorki kyoiku which means more relaxed education.

In Japan children attend school longer than we do in the United States. They have longer days, weeks, (including Saturday mornings) and years (only one month of summer vacation) . In 2002, the Japanese government eased educational and testing requirements by instituting the yutori kyoihu. They wanted to put more emphasis on learning rather than on memorizing facts to get high test scores. 

In my opinion, I feel as though  more information is attained and the learning was not in vain. 

I can speak and advocate for my daughter. She is terrified when the teacher tells her that she will be taking a big test. She freezes and does not do her best because she is focused and worried that she may not pass a big test. 9 out of 10 times, she doesn't.

In my opinion, I feel as though children should be given credit for the information and the improvements that they  make. I feel as though we put too much emphasis on the letter grade and it becomes a competition causing the children that really are challenge to continually fail.

I think we need to get on board with Japan. According to statistics, the children in Japan score far better on both Math and Science scores.

What do you think?

"Consequences of Stress on Children’s Development "



My cousin grew up in a violent home. Her father was an alcoholic and would cause harm to the family when under the influence. He was as nice and gentle as could be when he was not drinking heavily. When my cousin would visit me, she would always be afraid that her father would hurt her mother or brother.

My cousins and aunt coped with the violence in the home by talking to family members and utilizing the school counselors. There were several times when neighbors would step in and assist them. I can recall several occasions when they would try to cover up things that happened to them.

One sad afternoon, my  uncle had been drinking and came home to continue the unfortunate act. My auntie realized that she finally had ebough and wanted to make a change not only for her but for her children. While my uncle was at work, she attempted to leave. Guess what???????? He decided to go home for lunch to apologize and make up. My aunt was packing the car and saw him drive up. Luckily she had the car packed. He began to ask questions. She told him that she had enough and was leaving. He really did not like that answer. She ensured that the children were in the car and tried to back out of the garage. As she was backing out of the garage, he pulled out a gun and shot her in the head twice, killing her on the spot. That was a tragedy.

After researching Africa, I read that HIV/Aids impact the development of their young children. To minize the spread of Aids in Africa, they are encouraging more people to se condoms and prevention campaigns are being done. ne of the most important ways in which the situation in Africa can be improved is through increased funding for HIV/AIDS. More money would help to improve both prevention campaigns and the provision of treatment and care for those living with HIV

 In many African countries, sexual relationships are dominated by men, meaning that women cannot always practice safer sex even when they know the risks involved. Attempts are currently being made to develop a microbicide – a cream or gel that can be applied to the vagina, preventing HIV infection – which could be a significant breakthrough in protecting women against HIV.

Public Health Topic

"Breastfeeding" 

This topic is meaningful to me from several aspects. There are health benefits for both the infant and the mother. However, I become very concerned when I see women that breastfeed her baby and smoke and drink heavily. Before a mother breastfeeds her infant, she should not only be concerned of the benefits that it brings to her but also be concerned about the benefits that it brings to the baby. The first thing that I hear some young ladies s ay is that they want to get their pre-pregnancy weight back.

There are both benefits and side affects to breastfeeding for infants.You should avoid alcohol, especially in large amounts. An occasional small drink is ok, but avoid breastfeeding for two hours after the drink.

It is not safe for a mother to use or be dependent upon an illicit drug. Drugs such as cocaine and marijuana, heroine, and PCP harms the baby. Some reported side effects in babies include seizures, vomiting, poor feeding, and tremors.


To successfully feed an infant on non-human milk or formula, the following things are needed:

Clean water.
 Milk or formula.
Money to buy the milk or formula.
A way to safely store the milk or formula.
Containers for the milk or formula.
Effective cleaning methods for the containers.

Breastfeeding is really the only nutritionally adequate, safe food for infants in rural Africa, and to remove that is really hoisting an enormous burden onto families that are already really struggling.


In Africa, men often think women can't have sex if they're still nursing. So the husbands, of those  women are really encouraging them to stop breast-feeding.  This is yet another example of people putting themselves before their baby.

South Africa is one of only 12 countries in the world where infant mortality is rising. It also has one of the world’s lowest levels of exclusive breastfeeding: an estimated 8 percent, dropping to 1.5 percent for babies between four and six months old, government surveys have found. Children who are not breastfed are six times more likely to die from diarrhoea and have a higher chance of respiratory illnesses. South Africa's high teenage pregnancy rate meant teenage mothers often left their babies with their mothers and relied on formula feeding.

 

After researching this topic, I am aware of the situation that many mothers in the center I attend felt when they wanted to continue to have their baby drink breast milk after 12 months of age. We have a policy in the center that states that once the baby ages to 12 months he or she will start to receive whole. I feel as though I have a better understanding of the situation and do what it takes to advocated for the breastfeeding mothers. 

An exception to the policy is in the making.

Me, not breastfeeding explains the many ear infections my daughter had to deal with.  A lesson has been learned for the future. 

"Childbirth In My Life & Around the World"

On the afternoon of March 15, 2005, my mother, aunt, and grandmother went out to a nice restaurant to celebrate my grandmothers birthday. I was 9 months pregnant was ready to deliver at any minute. After having a nice lunch with the three ladies that meant the world to men, I went  back to my mothers have to ensure that all of my personal belongings  as well as my expecting baby things were ready to go. I had been given instructions from my doctor that if nothing happened after 5pm to check into the hospital to have an induction. That is what I did.

Before checking into the hospital, I went to visit my husbands grandmother who was on the hospital at the time. She and her husband both gave me a kiss and rubbed my bellying while saying to baby, "Grandma will see you soon". I will never forget that!

After leaving the room, I checked in and was rolled to the delivery room  by my mother where the nurse performed the induction. I laid there all night wishing that my husband could have been there to witness the birth of our first and only child. Around 8:00 pm, I began to have the worst pain that I ever had in my life. It only lasted for a minute or two. Around 8:45pm, the pain (contractions) were coming faster and lasting longer. My mother paged the nurse and she said that the doctor would come in to administer epidural if I wished. I could not wait until he arrived. As soon as he entered the door, I sat up in the bed and held my arm out. He said, "No honey; I have to give you this in the back." He explained that I had to be very still. At the time, I didn't care if he had said he had to give the epidural in the eye I was hurting so bad.

Instantly, the pain was over. I held my mothers' hand and told her thank you and that  love her. She was there for me the entire time. My husband had deployed the same month we found out that we were expecting a baby. I was sad but I knew that I had a support system that you help take care of me and the baby until he returned.

I fell asleep around 10:00 pm and woke up around 7:30 on March 16, 2006. The nurse came in to the room to check the cervix to see how far I had dilated. She said to my mother, "Are you ready to be a grandma ?" My mother was so excited and yelled yes! At approximately 8:10 am the nurse asked me to push. She ran out to get my doctor. On the second long push, I heard my daughters voice. I was in tears. It was both bitter and sweet for me. I was happy to be holding my baby but was sad that I had to do it all without the love of my life, my husband.

I chose this example because it is the most memorable event of my life. The entire pregnancy process can be both scary and exciting. I was do fortunate to have had the opportunity to have prenatal care and good doctors. The entire pregnancy process impacts child development. I was given all of the appropriate nutrition and health advice, the do's and don't plus more. Because I followed all of the safety precautions for my daughter and I , I was able to deliver a healthy baby girl who weighed 7pounds 9 ounces and 17 inches long.  I am not implying that all babies are born perfect if all of the safety precautions are followed. However, I am implying that it helps eliminate the misfortunes.

After research how births take place in Italy, I learned that both Italy and the United States have a lot in common. However, in the United States, I was not given the option to deliver in water. In Italy the parents will decide, in agreement with the gynaecologist, where they want the delivery to take place. The services offered by maternity hospitals vary and depend on the facilities available. These services include conventional (and sometimes water) delivery. Another difference is that maternity leave can be extended up to 11 months between the two parents, to be taken within the first eight years of the child's life. This indemnity also applies to parents adopting a child (for three months as from the date of adoption for children under six years) and also applies to the father. 

I have learned from this comparison that prenatal care is important all  over the world. In Italy, before the pregnancy, it is advisable for the father to have a general medical examination and run blood tests (not free of charge).

A Professional Thanks

I would like to take the time out to say, "Thank You" for all of your support while in this class. It was nice getting to know you all on a professional note. I wish you all nothing but pure blessings in all that you set forth to do while on this educational journey.

Good luck to you!

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.

Thanks for your kindness.

• 

Code of Ethics

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
2. We shall recognize our responsibility to improve the developmental outcomes of children and to provide services and supports in a fair and equitable manner to all families and children.
3. To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.
4. We shall maintain confidentiality and shall respect the family’s right to privacy, refraining from disclosure of confidential information and intrusion into family life. However, when we have reason to believe that a child’s welfare is at risk, it is permissible to share confidential information with agencies, as well as with individuals who have legal responsibility for intervening in the child’s interest.
   
   
   After reading the code of ethics, I feel as though I am more obligated to the children that I serve. The above helps me a a professional because I now strive harder to be there not only for the children but for the families that we serve. 
   
   
   
   

Just for Laughter

Oh, Lord, let it snow.

Let it drift and let it blow.

In the morning, no real fuss,

Just enough to stop the bus.

Enough to make the County say:

"There will be no school today."

Let the radio report: "Snow's deep!"

And I'll roll over for more sleep.

Then later on, say maybe ten,

I'll turn the radio on again.

Just in time to hear them say:

"It's strange; the snow has gone away!"

And then I'll know, You made it stop,

So I can go to the mall and shop.

Please, Lord, just hear my teacher's plea,
And make it snow for the kids and me!


-- John Hillen

A Teacher's Prayer

Resource Collection

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

Note: The following article can be found in the Walden University Library databases.

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.
Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title. 
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
This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the video on this webpage 

World Organization for Early Childhood Education
http://www.omep-usnc.org/
Read about OMEP’s mission.  

Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/about/
Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements.

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/main/about.cfm

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/index.cfm

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.preknow.org/

Voices for America’s Children
http://www.voices.org/

The Erikson Institute
http://www.erikson.edu/

Additional Resources

Learning and Teaching With Preschoolers
http://learningandteachingwithpreschoolers.blogspot.com/2010/10/top-ten-way-to-talk-with-children.html

Social Skills
And Positive Mental Health
Lynne Namka, Ed. D. © l997
http://www.angriesout.com/teach4.htm

Positive Ways to Talk and Listen
http://www.pbs.org/parents/talkingwithkids/strategies.html

25 Ways to Talk So Children Will Listen
http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/discipline-behavior/25-ways-talk-so-children-will-listen

Developmentally Appropriate Practices
http://users.stargate.net/~cokids/dap.html

Teaching Our Youngest
http://www2.ed.gov/teachers/how/early/teachingouryoungest/index.html






















   

Words of Inspiration and Motivation (Janet Gonzalez-Mena)

Teaching "Diversity": A Place to Begin

We all want children to grow up in a world free from bias and discrimination, to reach for their dreams and feel that whatever they want to accomplish in life is possible. We want them to feel loved and included and never to experience the pain of rejection or exclusion. But the reality is that we do live in a world in which racism and other forms of bias continue to affect us. Discrimination hurts and leaves scars that can last a lifetime, affecting goals, ambitions, life choices, and feelings of self-worth.

How can we best prepare children to meet the challenges and reap the benefits of the increasingly diverse world they will inherit? We can raise children to celebrate and value diversity and to be proud of themselves and their family traditions. We can teach children to respect and value people regardless of the color of their skin, their physical abilities, or the language they speak.

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

"As we take the next steps in our journey, I know you'll be right there with me, as always, in my heart and by my side.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless America"

- Hillary Rodham Clinton

Women's Rights Are Human Rights Famous Speech by Hillary Clinton
Beijing, China: 5 September 1995

What we are learning around the world is that if women are healthy and educated, their families will flourish. If women are free from violence, their families will flourish. If women have a chance to work and earn as full and equal partners in society, their families will flourish.

And when families flourish, communities and nations will flourish. 

1. • 

Quote by Louise Derman Sparks

I have a passion to create a safe more just world for all children.

Quote by sandy Sescobido

I am happy knowing that aI have the opportunity to shape and enhance a child's world. I feel good knowing that parents are learning how to advocate for their children.

My Personal Web Part 2

Personal Childhood Web

~In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.~

Eva Burrows

There were several individuals during my childhood that cared about me, nurtured me, and made me feel special. Read about the following individuals who played an important role in my life and helped me become who I am today.

~Mother~ My mother, Jessie Nell Gardner, is a hard working woman. She ensured that I had everything that I needed. She did not have a degree from a university but she majored in raising her children "Christ Like". That is the best lesson that she could have taught me. My mother influenced my life as a child because she always encouraged me to do my best. She praised me when I did things that were pleasing and made it known when I did things that were not so pleasing. She believed in the fact that it takes a village to raise a child. She did not spare the rod. She was, and still is, always there to listen when I need someone to talk too. My mother made me feel loved each day of my life. When things would get hard, she would tell me, "Nobody told you that the road would be easy but I don't believe he (God) brought you this far to leave you". 

~Father~ My father, Jeffery Gardner, is definitely a hardworking man. He demonstrated to me what to look for in a husband. My father influenced me as a child because he showed me that you have to work hard for the things that you want in life. I can remember riding in his truck, having a conversation with him about school and becoming a teacher. I always wanted to be a teacher. He told me that what ever I decided to do, he would love it and support me. My father nurtured me in several ways. He made sure that I had everything that I needed. He made sure that I attended church and hung with the positive crowd. My father made me feel special. I was not too good in sports. However, my father came to all of my games and supported me. He made me feel like I was the best player on the team. My father was so proud to call me his daughter. He introduced me to all of his friends in a positive and happy way. Once I realized that I was not too good in sports, I began singing more in the choir. My father was so happy to hear me sing. I always wanted to do things that made him proud. My father helped me to become who I am because I was always too scared to made him unhappy. Making him happy made my day.

~My Loving Late Grandmother~ My grandmother, Georgia Mae McGuire, was a masterpiece. Her wisdom and knowledge about life influenced my life as a child. My grandmother showed me how to grow up and survive with family, friends, and love. When I was growing up, television was limited. I only had the opportunity to watch cartoons on the weekends, and it was in black and white. My grandmother did not have an education and could not read or write as well as other. But this woman was amazing. She did not let anything bother her. She demonstrated me that God is good ALL the time. She raised me in her house until I was 8 years old. My grandmother nurtured me several ways. She always made me feel special. She made sure I had food, clothes, and shelter. She instilled in me family values that are more important than anything in this world. As I aged and became an adult, I was still considered her baby girl. When I started driving, she knitted me a cross. Until this day, the cross hang in my mirror in my car. It goes with me on every trip. Each time I would come home to visit my grandmother would come to my mother house to see me off. That made me feel so special. She does not drive but she would find a way to see me off to my journey.

~My Oldest Brother~ My oldest brother, Kerry Maul, always made me feel special. Being the only girl, I am very spoiled. As a child, he made sure no one bothered me or mistreated me. He was always there when I needed him. He never wanted to tag me along with him on dates. However, he would call me and tell me good night because I would be asleep before he made it back home. All of the things that I wanted as a child my parents felt was a waste, he would get for me. He always encouraged me to keep the faith and to do what I wanted to do in life. He made me feel special all of the time. When he was in high school, he was a star football player. He always had the announcer announce that he loves me before he ran on the football field. I thought that was so special. The year his team won the playoff, he had me stand in the crowd with the cheerleaders to run with him on the field. I sure did think that I was a queen. His senior year, my mother and I escorted him on the field. He always made me feel like I was special.

~My Aunt Lil Georgia McGuire~ My aunt, Georgia McGuire never had any children of her own. Guess what? I was one that she claimed. She was my mothers youngest sister. She lived in the house with my grandmother. My aunt helped my grandmother raise me when I was living with them. They ensured that I had all of he things that I needed. On the weekends,I would visit my mother and father. My aunt would go with me and stay as well.

My aunt helped me with homework until I was able to get things completed on my own. She taught me how to be independent. I know that my aunt love me because she treated me the way my mother treated me. She disciplined me when I needed it and praised me when it was deserved.

All of the individuals played a major role in my childhood. They all taught me that a family that prays together stays together.

Give Love To Children

Give Love to the children Children need love everyday Give love to the children Guide them on their way Love's like a burning flame consumes all that stands in the way Love is the only power on earth to take all the hatred away Give Love to set the children free To make their own decisions then they will clearly see Love is the sun the moon and the stars love is a golden ring Love is the one thing the whole world desires be it beggar or king Give Love to youth has not long to stay Love is a long term investment the best you will find any day Love like the rising sun takes all the darkness away Our children will tell their children and their childrens children will say Give love to the children they are our crock of gold and if perchance they ever stray they will come back to the fold Give love to the children the children of today Give love to the children and love will come to stay.    akingbehin daniel murphy

Quote about Children

Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.

- Robert Fulghum

A Story of a Young Boy that Touched My Heart

I was sitting on a team of deciding officials for a young boy who wanted to play basketball but has a handicap. The young boy has several medical issues that could possibly hinder him from being on the basketball team at the school. As adults, we were sitting around discussing his issues trying to come to the best conclusion for him. His parents were later invited to the meeting so we could hear what they had to say about the situation. His parents spoke and they felt the same as we did. They did not want him too involved with the boys because his bones were not as strong as it should be.

After discussing the young man with the team and his parents, we decided to hear what he had to say. We called him in the room and introduced ourselves. We then asked him how he felt about his situation and what could we do to accommodate him and make him feel part of the team. The young boy said to us, "I would like for you all to treat me as normal as possible. I love to play basketball and would give my last mobile leg to do it. I know my limits". This brought tears to my eyes. This was a reality check for all of us. Who wouldn't want to be treated the same regardless of our situations.