Global Childhood Initiative

This week I found it enlightening and encouraging that there are individuals that are taking a stand for children all over the world.  I explored the Harvard University Global Children's Initiative website and was relieved that there are others who feel the way I do.  "The Center’s commitment to global work represents both an acknowledgement of moral responsibility to meet the needs of all children and a critical investment in the roots of economic productivity, positive health outcomes, and strong civil society in all nations, from the poorest to the most affluent." (Harvard Website)  I appreciated that work was being done all over the world to support development of children in countries who otherwise could not afford to do so effectively.
Listed below are a couple of projects the Global children Initiative dedicates its time:
"While a large number of studies have investigated the impact of early childhood experiences on children’s developmental, health, and educational outcomes in developed countries, relatively little evidence is available on early childhood development in sub-Saharan Africa. To address this knowledge gap, the Zambian Ministry of Education, the Examination Council of Zambia, UNICEF, the University of Zambia, and the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University launched the Zambian Early Childhood Development Project (ZECDP) in 2009, a collaborative effort to measure the effects of an ongoing anti-malaria initiative on children’s development in Zambia.
Un Buen Comienzo (UBC), “A Good Start,” is a collaborative project in Santiago, Chile, to improve early childhood education through teacher professional development. The idea is to improve the quality of educational offerings for four to six year olds, particularly in the area of language development. This project is also designed to intervene in critical health areas that improve school attendance as well as social emotional development, and it seeks to involve the children's families in their education.
My dream to support children globally is becoming more tangible.

References
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/activities/global_initiative/  

Supporting African American Children

The National Black Child Development Institute website is divided into six sections: Who we are, what we do, events, support, news, and resources.  Each section explored allowed me to better familiarize myself with the organization.  I most particularly enjoyed the affiliates information they provide and are located in over 10 states and a total of 21 cities.  It provides “resources and support around health, parenting, education, and child welfare.”  It provides information that allows exploration on ways to advocate for higher quality education and tips on the aspects of effective programs for Black children and their families. In addition, the events section allows professionals the opportunity to contribute to the field.  (Dehaney, 2013)

            The fact that the organization focuses solely on black children is a bit controversial.  I chose to explore the organization because I wanted to understand the reasoning behind targeting the black community.  Our exploration of poverty demonstrated that African American children are more vulnerable to poverty than a majority of American children.  This insight made me realize why the organization would want to focus on African American children.  Because they tend to comprise a majority of the children who are poor, the organization provides resources to parents and professionals on ways to effectively support the development of those children and lower the degree of toxic and chronic stress those babies are exposed to.

            The organization is a resource to me because a majority of the families I currently serve are African American.  Knowing the most effective ways to support them and bridge the achievement gap for the little ones is one of my current professionals goals.  I appreciate the website for supporting me in my endeavors.

References

nbcdi.org

Beyond School Books Podcast

I am still having trouble making contact with early childhood professionals outside of the United States.  As a result, I started following the UNICEF Beyond School Books Podcast.  The podcast’s main purpose is to focus on organizations responses to continuing education in cases of emergencies (war, natural disasters, etc.)  The past couple of series focused on Haiti and Afganistan.  In Afghanistan, the new UN Secretary disclosed his commitment to children in his new role and in Haiti the organization “Biblioteques Sans Frontiere” (BSF) discussed how their efforts to provide books and libraries in the country is actually cause an increased in school enrolment.  The podcast is very informational as it provides positive information that inspires action from early childhood professionals such as me.

            The podcast was particularly interesting to me because of the story on Haiti.  Being born there one can imagine why the story would be one of interest.  Haiti is a perfect example of how poverty affects the development of children.  Unlike the United States, there are not many government programs and resources to help counteract those effects.  So many Haitians rely on organizations such as UNICEF and NGOs to provide these resources.  Organizations who realize the malnutrition, disease, lack of education disrupting the development of Haitian children and are making their responsibility to combat it.  I am so entirely grateful for the aforementioned organizations and others who are creating positive changes in the community.  I am especially grateful to UNICEF because for as long as I can remember, its presence in Haiti was always known and felt.  Part of the reason my dream job would be to hold a position with the organization is because of the way they impact Haitian families positively and directly.

References

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/haiti_67882.html

National Black Child Development Institute

The National Black Child Development Institute is an organization of interest because I am interested in learning more about the heritage of African American and how the country's history currently impacts their growth and development.  "Since 1970, the National Black Child Development Institute has remained steadfast in its mission “to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and their families through education and advocacy.” As a membership organization with volunteer-based Affiliate networks in over 20 communities across the country, NBCDI serves as a national resource agency providing strengths-based programs, publications, policy and trainings focused in the following areas: Health and Wellness; Early Childhood Development and Education; Elementary and Secondary Education; Literacy; Child Welfare; and Family Engagement. NBCDI envisions a society that ensures a successful future for all children." (NBCDI website)
Upon subscribing to their newsletter the T.E.A.C.H DC program immediately caught my eyes because its purpose is to provide opportunities for early childhood professionals to obtain higher teaching credentials.  "NBCDI has received its third year of funding from the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) for the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood DC higher education scholarship program, which increase the opportunitiess for early childhood professionals to acquire higher education credentials.  Since TEACH DC launched in October 2010, over 730 scholarships have been awarded to teachers and child care providers throughout the District." (NBCDI website)
It warms my heart to know that others understand how important it is to properly train future educators and organizations are taking the time to provide opportunities for better preparation.  I look forward to continuing to explore the organization via their website. 

Resources
http://www.nbcdi.org/who-we-are/who-we-are
http://www.nbcdi.org/news/teach-dc-receives-its-3rd-year-funding

Indispensable Resources

This week I was unable to make contact with early childhood professionals outside of the US.  But I have sent out some emails and hope to get a hit soon.
After exploring the World Forum Website, I was elated.  Part of me understood how great the early childhood field was but somehow it never dawned on me how many wonderful leaders are already doing amazing things to support children all over the world.  I loved the idea of going on the site and using ideas from professionals all over the world as resource.  Exploring the site made me realize how much closer to my dream I am getting and a sense of joy fell on me.
I truly do appreciate each and every individual who continue to work on supporting children regardless of color, ethnicity, creed, values, beliefs, etc.  I truly believe we can make the world a better place for children by continuing to do the work we are still doing.
I also chose to further explore the National Institute for Early Education Research.  A majority of the families I serve are African American.  I sincerely believe our upbringings and background have tremendous impact on who we are and want to further explore how being African Americans directly impacts childhood.  It will better my services to my families.

DaiLy SuPPorTs

What does Support mean to me?

When I think of all the things that contribute to my peace of mind on a daily basis, the list is long.  

Before I even get up I rely on my alarm clock to wake me up... Then there is my house because I cannot function if I do not shower in the mornings.Without my alarm clock I run the risk of being late for work.  My cellular phone is truly an extension of me.  Without my phone I feel that I lost one major connection to the rest of the world; not being to communicate affairs with a person that I want to get in touch with is extremely frustrating to me. Without my house I would not only be homeless :), I would not be able to take the shower that turns my brain on and gets me ready for the day. I would have to say these two listed are the items that support me in the mornings.  

Then I arrive at work and count on all the teachers to be present (in the building) and on technology in order to fulfill my duties.  I count on my teachers to implement good practices in the classroom and the other administrative staff to provide assistance as needed. Without technology my day would move so much slower and without the people I work with, my job would be overwhelmingly stressful and taxing.

Already I'm realizing how very supported I am not just by the people but the material possessions I own.  As previously mentioned the items listed provide support every single day.  I did not list the personal relationships that support me because while they are a major part of who I am, I do not need DAILY support from these relationships.  I utilize them on a need-based format.  Life is a very beautiful thing to me and I not only value it, I attempt to spread the mindset and share with all the possibilities it offers.  As a result, my personal relationships aren't needed daily.

My CONNECTIONS TO PLAY!!!

                           

http://www.mansfieldplayforum.co.uk/                     www.telegraph.co.uk

QUOTES

It is a happy talent to know how to play.

Ralph Waldo Emerson
American writer
1803–1882

Life must be lived as play.

Plato
Greek philosopher
427–347 BC

In our play we reveal what kind of people we are.

Ovid
Roman poet
43 BC–17 or 18 AD

Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.

Diane Ackerman
Contemporary American author

Culture arises and unfolds in and as play.

Johan Huizinga
Dutch historian
1872–1945

Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.

Abraham Maslow
American psychologist
1908–1970

Whoever wants to understand much must play much.

Gottfried Benn
German physician
1886–1956

Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.

Joseph Chilton Pearce
Contemporary American scholar

http://www.thestrong.org/about-play/play-quotes


     
http://www.salon.com/2012/09/01/touring_the_brain/


http://www.123rf.com/photo_9521167_translucent-human-body-with-visible-bones-isolated-on-black.html

Having spent a majority of my childhood in Haiti, I would say I engaged in more naturalistic play than my American counterparts did but I could be mistaken.  The picture of the brain and body represent all the tools I needed to play when I was young and up until today.  I have a very playful nature and I believe that is entirely due to the constant teasing my family is known for.  Being blessed with a backyard we utilized a lot of naturalistic items when playing.  This is one aspect of play that I believe today's children miss out on.

The quotes chosen for the post represent my personal feelings about play.  The way in which I believe play has been an important part of who I am today.