I was very interested in the Early Childhood Australia website. It is very similar to the NAEYC website. Some of the current international topics that I noticed were: Childhood Allergies are on the Rise; this interested me because it seems the same here in the United States. However, Australia is reporting the highest of any other country!
Workforce Strategy is in the news because each state and territory government have committed to develop implementations that outline steps to be taken to support people to join the Early Education and Care workforce and get the qualifications and skills they need to support children from diverse backgrounds and with differing needs.
Crisis in Syria is a report about how it is affecting children and families. At AlZaatari Camp there are 5000 children under the age of 4! How will this affect their futures?
Australians belive in the support of their youngest citizens. Something the United States could take lessons in.
I found the information on this website very noteworthy and I would definitely look here in the future to see what types of things are happening internationally and how Australia is dealing with problems that are similar to ours.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Research that benefits....
I started out with good intentions! I decided to talk about fluoride. Research done on fluoride showed it would be beneficial to our children's teeth, right? Well, in a Harvard study in July, has found that there is a relationship between fluoride and reduced IQs! The U.S. fluoridation proponents have continued their approach of forcing individuals, including children to ingest fluoride through tap water and food made with it. The United States in conventional risk assessment uses a default margin of safety that is ten times the levels that cause adverse effects. (Harvard study, 2012).
This truly was to be about how fluoride in the drinking water was good research to strengthen our children's teeth! Once I started looking for articles, however I ran across this one and it was over!
As the public is learning, there are deeply disturbing details that have been omitted from reports about fluoridating our water. Some children are at much greater risks than others. "A UNICEF-funded study (http://www.fluoridealer.org/uploads/lin-1991.pdf) for example, found that children with iodine deficiencies suffered reductions in IQ at low fluoride levels. (Harvard study, 2012). This situation is unnerving and very serious. Fluoride is toxic and the USDA has the public believing it is beneficial to us! How many children will suffer needless harm because of our government's inability to tell us the truth?
Thank you for letting me share this information with you. Please go to this website and read it for yourself!
Reference:
Harvard study, (2012), Retrieved September 20, 2012 from the World Wide Web: http://www.fluoridealert.org/hsph_2012/.
No Difference in Tooth Decay between F and NF countries. Retrieved September 20, 2012 from the World Wide Web: http://www.fluoridealert.org/issues/caries-data/
Many Children Now Exceed Recommended Daily Fluoride Intake From Toothpaste Alone. Retrieved September 20, 2012 from the World Wide Web: http://S4780.sites.pressdns.com/issues/sol-toothpaste/
This truly was to be about how fluoride in the drinking water was good research to strengthen our children's teeth! Once I started looking for articles, however I ran across this one and it was over!
As the public is learning, there are deeply disturbing details that have been omitted from reports about fluoridating our water. Some children are at much greater risks than others. "A UNICEF-funded study (http://www.fluoridealer.org/uploads/lin-1991.pdf) for example, found that children with iodine deficiencies suffered reductions in IQ at low fluoride levels. (Harvard study, 2012). This situation is unnerving and very serious. Fluoride is toxic and the USDA has the public believing it is beneficial to us! How many children will suffer needless harm because of our government's inability to tell us the truth?
Thank you for letting me share this information with you. Please go to this website and read it for yourself!
Reference:
Harvard study, (2012), Retrieved September 20, 2012 from the World Wide Web: http://www.fluoridealert.org/hsph_2012/.
No Difference in Tooth Decay between F and NF countries. Retrieved September 20, 2012 from the World Wide Web: http://www.fluoridealert.org/issues/caries-data/
Many Children Now Exceed Recommended Daily Fluoride Intake From Toothpaste Alone. Retrieved September 20, 2012 from the World Wide Web: http://S4780.sites.pressdns.com/issues/sol-toothpaste/
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Personal Research Journey
My chosen topic for this simulation assignment is children's mental health or perhaps their emotional health. The experienc I had personally is listed below:
We gained custody of my stepson at the age of 4. He was badly damaged and it has been a long road back to health. With my passion for young children, seeing a child in these circumstances made my heart cry out and at that time, I wished for more knowledge. We followed different avenues to try to get a handle on what was happening, and looking back I can remember it was almost always a decision that was left up to me. As I look at him now, thirty years later, I am assured I chose paths that benefitted him. He is happily married with 2 sons. I just wish I would have had better answers for him and myself when we were both experiencing things on a trial and error basis.
I do believe that in researching these topics, if I can help a family look to the proper sources for information, then my research will have been worthwhile. One of the most difficult things to do is to make those decisions while you are experiencing the problem. I can sympathize with these families and instead of jumping at the first offer of help, they can turn to the source that has been proven effective. This would make their journey just a little bit easier.
Also, another reason would be to be able to obtain the proper type of education for young families that are seeing emerging difficulties due to a lack of knowledge of how regulation can assist separation anxiety. I see many parents and children who have a difficult time separating at child care centers and sometimes even with grandparents. To instill the knowledge in them about how assisting their children in regulating themselves can be invaluable to separation anxiety would be priceless. This needless suffering they go through on a daily basis can be eliminated. Of course, they must learn this in childbirth classrooms so we don’t wait until they have not achieved self-regulation to try to correct it.
And lastly, the topic of child abuse which is very painful. My stepson had been abused by his mother and her new husband. Whatever I could do to try to eradicate this horrible plague would make it worthwhile. To look into a child’s eyes and see that terror is not something a parent should ever have to experience, nor should any child. I am adamantly committed to taking proper care of children, so it is very difficult for me to see someone use physical punishment to discipline a child. I raised my stepson and my son without spanking them. If people teach children respect first and foremost, they will find it is unnecessary to spank them. It is a very difficult world to raise two fine young men with only a mother to care for them, but it can be done. I am not looking to commend myself, only stating that I know firsthand that it can be done! If I found it possible somehow to inform parents of the crucial roles they play in their children’s lives at birth or before then, I would make it my lifelong commitment to inform all people! I have always said that giving new parents a diaper bag at the hospital is a lovely gesture, but why not give them a parenting class that would greatly benefit them and their brand new babies much more than a bag! Our society is in dire need of radical changes to keep our children safe. I would like to be a part of it.
If anyone has any advice or insight in this that might help the process, I welcome it! It makes it easier and more difficult to research something so personal!
We gained custody of my stepson at the age of 4. He was badly damaged and it has been a long road back to health. With my passion for young children, seeing a child in these circumstances made my heart cry out and at that time, I wished for more knowledge. We followed different avenues to try to get a handle on what was happening, and looking back I can remember it was almost always a decision that was left up to me. As I look at him now, thirty years later, I am assured I chose paths that benefitted him. He is happily married with 2 sons. I just wish I would have had better answers for him and myself when we were both experiencing things on a trial and error basis.
I do believe that in researching these topics, if I can help a family look to the proper sources for information, then my research will have been worthwhile. One of the most difficult things to do is to make those decisions while you are experiencing the problem. I can sympathize with these families and instead of jumping at the first offer of help, they can turn to the source that has been proven effective. This would make their journey just a little bit easier.
Also, another reason would be to be able to obtain the proper type of education for young families that are seeing emerging difficulties due to a lack of knowledge of how regulation can assist separation anxiety. I see many parents and children who have a difficult time separating at child care centers and sometimes even with grandparents. To instill the knowledge in them about how assisting their children in regulating themselves can be invaluable to separation anxiety would be priceless. This needless suffering they go through on a daily basis can be eliminated. Of course, they must learn this in childbirth classrooms so we don’t wait until they have not achieved self-regulation to try to correct it.
And lastly, the topic of child abuse which is very painful. My stepson had been abused by his mother and her new husband. Whatever I could do to try to eradicate this horrible plague would make it worthwhile. To look into a child’s eyes and see that terror is not something a parent should ever have to experience, nor should any child. I am adamantly committed to taking proper care of children, so it is very difficult for me to see someone use physical punishment to discipline a child. I raised my stepson and my son without spanking them. If people teach children respect first and foremost, they will find it is unnecessary to spank them. It is a very difficult world to raise two fine young men with only a mother to care for them, but it can be done. I am not looking to commend myself, only stating that I know firsthand that it can be done! If I found it possible somehow to inform parents of the crucial roles they play in their children’s lives at birth or before then, I would make it my lifelong commitment to inform all people! I have always said that giving new parents a diaper bag at the hospital is a lovely gesture, but why not give them a parenting class that would greatly benefit them and their brand new babies much more than a bag! Our society is in dire need of radical changes to keep our children safe. I would like to be a part of it.
If anyone has any advice or insight in this that might help the process, I welcome it! It makes it easier and more difficult to research something so personal!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Final blog for EDUC 6162
3 Consequences and a Goal........
I am angry at the United States for being so negligent. How can we claim to be one of the greatest countries on earth and continue to neglect our children?
Next, I am so glad that there are many countries in this world are taking the time to properly educate their children without struggles, and teachers are supported by their administrations and the community. They are much further in becoming recognized as professionals.
Thirdly, the European Union recognizes the importance of early childhood education and care, especially in enhancing social cohesion by breaking the cycle of disadvantages and laying the foundation for lifelong learning as well as contributing to better educational outcomes. (Klein, 2012). And because of this and its outcome, our own country needs to look at this positive stride Europe is making and echo their systems so our children will have a fighting chance.
Reference:
Klein, J. (2012), Das Nachrichtenportal Rhein-Neckar, p. 15
(This reference was received by me from my German contact. I asked her to find me a quote pertaining to what I was writing about, and this is the one she sent me that seemed appropriate to me.)
Oops! I almost forgot to include my goal!
Actually, my goal is two part. First to stay current on worldwide events in the early childhood field. And to stay current with the innovative Harlem Children's Zone. Secondly, to do everything within my power to make sure high quality early childhood education and care is accessible to all children.
Thanks for reading!
I am angry at the United States for being so negligent. How can we claim to be one of the greatest countries on earth and continue to neglect our children?
Next, I am so glad that there are many countries in this world are taking the time to properly educate their children without struggles, and teachers are supported by their administrations and the community. They are much further in becoming recognized as professionals.
Thirdly, the European Union recognizes the importance of early childhood education and care, especially in enhancing social cohesion by breaking the cycle of disadvantages and laying the foundation for lifelong learning as well as contributing to better educational outcomes. (Klein, 2012). And because of this and its outcome, our own country needs to look at this positive stride Europe is making and echo their systems so our children will have a fighting chance.
Reference:
Klein, J. (2012), Das Nachrichtenportal Rhein-Neckar, p. 15
(This reference was received by me from my German contact. I asked her to find me a quote pertaining to what I was writing about, and this is the one she sent me that seemed appropriate to me.)
Oops! I almost forgot to include my goal!
Actually, my goal is two part. First to stay current on worldwide events in the early childhood field. And to stay current with the innovative Harlem Children's Zone. Secondly, to do everything within my power to make sure high quality early childhood education and care is accessible to all children.
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
International Contacts - Part 3
I have really had an enjoyable time getting to know my "teacher friend" from Germany! This assignment has been fun and depressing comparing what we know and are learning to Europe, who seems to have it a lot more together than our country does.
The issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals being discussed in Germany are that Europe has a life-long learning project called, "Precious Project". This project was based on efforts within European partner countries to increase the quality of training for early childhood professionals. Their statement of commitment highlights "highly qualified staff performs more efficiently and increases the prevention effect and therefore reduces the cost factor".
Teachers are encouraged to attend at least one yearly training event. Carolyn tells me they are all glad to go because it does not cost them anything and the weekend long training is held three times a year in Germany. The classes are fun, they learn incredible amounts of information and are fed breakfast and lunch. Maybe if it was done that way here, people would be more willing to go and get their training. She told me that teachers are more than willing to go, but also that the general public sees them as professional teachers and their pay is comparable to the school system.
Carolyn also gave me a reference if anyone would like to check out the details.
http://www.european-agency.org/agency-projects/early-childhood-intervention
Those are the only details given to me. I did check out the website and it is very informative!
The issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals being discussed in Germany are that Europe has a life-long learning project called, "Precious Project". This project was based on efforts within European partner countries to increase the quality of training for early childhood professionals. Their statement of commitment highlights "highly qualified staff performs more efficiently and increases the prevention effect and therefore reduces the cost factor".
Teachers are encouraged to attend at least one yearly training event. Carolyn tells me they are all glad to go because it does not cost them anything and the weekend long training is held three times a year in Germany. The classes are fun, they learn incredible amounts of information and are fed breakfast and lunch. Maybe if it was done that way here, people would be more willing to go and get their training. She told me that teachers are more than willing to go, but also that the general public sees them as professional teachers and their pay is comparable to the school system.
Carolyn also gave me a reference if anyone would like to check out the details.
http://www.european-agency.org/agency-projects/early-childhood-intervention
Those are the only details given to me. I did check out the website and it is very informative!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Sharing Web Resources
Some of the links on the home page for the Harlem Children's Zone website lead to donations, more information about Harlem Children's Zone, Project Pipeline Information, Latest news and more news, and a business report to show how monies are being spent.
I chose to research the "Path to Sustainability" link on the website. President Obama is quoted as saying, "If we know it works, there's no reason this program should stop at the end of the blocks in Harlem. (Obama, 2008).
The Harlem Children's Zone has moved from an experiment to a success, and the final challenge is sustainability. Its clear what a nation such as ours needs to compete successfully in this global economy of the 21st century - a workforce that is ready and well-educated. (HCZ, 2012).
This project leads me to understand the wonderful job HCZ is doing and makes me believe that they will not have any problem sustaining their success. I hope it translates to other communities and becomes a national stereotype!
Reference:
Harlem Childrens Zone, Retrieved August 2, 2012 from the World Wide Web: http://hcz.org
I chose to research the "Path to Sustainability" link on the website. President Obama is quoted as saying, "If we know it works, there's no reason this program should stop at the end of the blocks in Harlem. (Obama, 2008).
The Harlem Children's Zone has moved from an experiment to a success, and the final challenge is sustainability. Its clear what a nation such as ours needs to compete successfully in this global economy of the 21st century - a workforce that is ready and well-educated. (HCZ, 2012).
This project leads me to understand the wonderful job HCZ is doing and makes me believe that they will not have any problem sustaining their success. I hope it translates to other communities and becomes a national stereotype!
Reference:
Harlem Childrens Zone, Retrieved August 2, 2012 from the World Wide Web: http://hcz.org
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Getting to Know My International Contact..
My contact from Italy is on holiday and apparently that is for a 1 month duration. I did however receive information from my contact in Germany. She informs me that there is a European Council/Union that speaks for the majority of Europe. Carolyn had just read this information in the paper and shared it with me.
The German presidency of the European Council lays special emphasis on the topic of equitable access to high quality early childhood education and care for all. The European Union recognizes the importance of early childhood education and care, especially in enhancing social cohesion by breaking the cycle of disadvantage and laying the foundation for lifelong learning as well as contributing to better educational outcomes. (Klein, J., 2012)
Equitable and high quality early childhood education provide the best return in human capital development and a solid foundation for success. Evidence shows us that experiences in early years can have long-term impact on parenting and child development. (Bunting M., 2012)
The United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child and several European texts state what the ideal should be: that every child should have the right to primary health, development and education, first within the family and thereafter in services supported and regulated by the state. (Klein, J., 2012)
Carolyn tells me there was just a national convention that took place in Belgium a few weeks ago and this is the report she is gathering her information from.
The commitment of governments to this ideal is decisive for European children both in the present and the future. (Bennett, J., 2012)
Mounting evidence shows that investment in equitable and high quality early childhood education pays off. It lays the foundation for more effective lifelong learning and social well being. (Roseveare,D., 2012)
Reference:
Das Nachrichtenportal Rhein- Neckar, p.15, 2012)
Carolyn wrote down the reference, but I don't know if they use APA formatting there. I did mention it, but she didn't reply. I am only copying the reference from her email!
The German presidency of the European Council lays special emphasis on the topic of equitable access to high quality early childhood education and care for all. The European Union recognizes the importance of early childhood education and care, especially in enhancing social cohesion by breaking the cycle of disadvantage and laying the foundation for lifelong learning as well as contributing to better educational outcomes. (Klein, J., 2012)
Equitable and high quality early childhood education provide the best return in human capital development and a solid foundation for success. Evidence shows us that experiences in early years can have long-term impact on parenting and child development. (Bunting M., 2012)
The United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child and several European texts state what the ideal should be: that every child should have the right to primary health, development and education, first within the family and thereafter in services supported and regulated by the state. (Klein, J., 2012)
Carolyn tells me there was just a national convention that took place in Belgium a few weeks ago and this is the report she is gathering her information from.
The commitment of governments to this ideal is decisive for European children both in the present and the future. (Bennett, J., 2012)
Mounting evidence shows that investment in equitable and high quality early childhood education pays off. It lays the foundation for more effective lifelong learning and social well being. (Roseveare,D., 2012)
Reference:
Das Nachrichtenportal Rhein- Neckar, p.15, 2012)
Carolyn wrote down the reference, but I don't know if they use APA formatting there. I did mention it, but she didn't reply. I am only copying the reference from her email!
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