Profile of a Volunteer

One of the most well known volunteer agencies in my area is AmeriCorp.  Larry Webster works with AmeriCorp and volunteers in the community to assist different organizations.  One of his strengths is that he brings in resources from other agencies to help local community programs.  Larry also works to get others to work as volunteers.  Based on my assessment of Mr. Webster, I have learned that volunteers must be willing to donate their time and resources to assist an organization or program that they believe in.  Volunteers must also be willing to work hard and dedicate a portion of their time to the community.  I have volunteered to work with churches and nonprofit organizations in the community.  My experiences have helped me to understand the power of giving back and the benefit of volunteer workers.

Using Social Media to Get Connected

I have used social media sites to stay connected with friends and family.  One of the most popular sites is Facebook.  I have a Facebook account, and I can communicate with all my friends and family at the same time.  I also use YouTube to watch videos and upload videos for people to watch. 

Social media can be very effective in advocacy work.  I would use Facebook to create a page for an advocacy effort.  I have seen many businesses and organizations use Facebook to connect to people.  This would help me to promote the advocacy project by encouraging people to sign up and use the social media information to support the effort.

I would further use YouTube to upload videos about the advocacy effort. This can help me reach a larger audience and communicate with people in new ways.  I also like that people can comment on the videos or follow my work.  Overall, social media tools can be very effective in supporting and promoting advocacy efforts.

Advocacy Messages

I like the following PSAs from the Ad Council:

Teach: Think you know.  This PSA is designed to encourage people to enter the teaching profession.  More highly qualified teachers are needed to provide a better education for families and children.  Also, the PSA promotes teaching as a profession and provides information on how to enter the teaching profession.

Together, we are feeding America.  This PSA focuses on how food banks are working to feed families across the country and to reduce hunger.  Hunger affects children’s nutrition and ability to learn.  Therefore, these programs and ads are designed to create awareness of the problem of hunger in this world.

I chose these ads because there is a growing need for teachers in education and hunger is a major issue that impacts learning.  New teachers in schools who are qualified can enhance the quality of early childhood programs.  Nutrition is equally important and providing food for hungry families can help overcome barriers to learning.

Reference

Ad Council. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.adcouncil.org

My Own Capacity

My passion is to help children in poverty to overcome the barriers that hinder their education.  As an educator, I have limited resources.  However, I can find resources in the community to help with the advocacy effort.  For example, I can solicit help from local businesses and from political leaders.  I have also learned more about advocacy in this course.  I plan to use this information to become a more effective advocate.  First of all, I want to learn more about collaborating with others and working with policy makers.  I have learned that it is important to search for local and national organizations that share the same goals.  These organizations can provide me with resources to help me address poverty in education.

My Role as an Advocate

What motivated you to start advocating for very young children?

I want to be an advocate for young children because of the needs of children in my community.  Children face poverty and issues related to poverty.  As a result, I would like to help to address these issues.

Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level?

Advocacy has to be addressed at all levels.  The micro level helps to address the needs of children in my school.  The macro level has to be addressed to create programs to address poverty on the national level.

What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues?

A community leader must be informed and capable of working with others to address an issue.  Community leaders also must be effective communicators.

What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues?

State leaders should have access to resources and funds to help support advocacy programs. State leaders should also have political ties to the community.

What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others?

I would help develop a coalition with others to address the needs of the community.  People often need to be motivated to address issues by providing them with information about the severity of the issue.

What advice would you give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families?

I would encoruage the person to research the issue and to make efforts to collaborate with others.  This will enable the person to lead with knowledge and support from others. 

Personal Advocacy Reflection

One of my experiences with advocacy occured about ten years ago.  A teacher was working with a family who had just moved to the area.  The family enrolled a set of twins in the Head Start and could not afford school supplies for both children.  The teacher saw the problem and asked some of the local stores to donate school supplies to the classroom.  Through this campaigne, the teacher was able to gather enough supplies for other children in the classroom. 

Watching someone take the initiative to create change in the classroom provided a positive experience for me in education and in my personal life.  I realized at this moment that anyone can create change and anyone can make a difference in other people's lives.  This helped me to see that advocacy is based on making a personal goal to create change and solve a problem. Therefore, I understand how educators can act as advocates for all children.

Welcome

Class,
Welcome to my blog.  I look forward to working with all of you.

My Hypothetical Family Situation

I have created my ideal family situation based on a scenario of a realistic family.  The family's culture, race, and economic conditions are within realistic limits.  I also plan to create the program based on the type of information I have learned in the course.  The family is an African American family located in Northwest Mississippi.  The family has three children and a mother and stepfather.  The stepfather is currently unemployed and the mother does not work.  The family lives off government assistance and food stamps.  The goal is to create a system that provides the family access to early childhood education services.

The Political Will to Improve Early Childhood Systems

One of the ways that advocates work to promote advocacy in early childhood services is to lobbying for programs to imrpove the quality of education.  Edcuators and early childhood administrators can work with political groups and policy makers to lobby for new programs.  This can be achieved by conducting research, writing letters, and working to establish programs that improve early childhood systems.  this gives educators and advocates a political voice and power to make changes in early childhood education.

Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

Parent involvement is essential to the success of children in Early Childhood Education.  When I see stories of how parents and the community become involved in education, it helped me to understand the importance of collaboration and teamwork.  This reminds of a quote that it "takes a village to raise a child".  Clearly parental involvement is important in helping children do well in school.  As a result, educators must be actively involved with parents and develop strategies to engage parents. 

The stories helped me to see the impact that families have on their children's education.  As an early childhood edcuator in Head Start, I have seen the difference that parents make in education.  When parents are actively involved, the children learn at school and at home.  Also, parents can provide information to edcuators that help them better understand the needs of the child.

Quality Programs for All Children

The public view on early childhood education quality has shifted to a view of quality for all children.  Although public opinion wants quality in education programs, the resources to ensure equity and equal access for all children is not in line with public views.  As an educator, I understand the importance of children being exposed to quality early childhood education programs as early as possible.  Children need guidance and direction to ensure that they develop academically.  Therefore, quality programs must address all areas of children's needs to ensure the success of children in the school system.

What Resonates With You About Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy?

Part 1: Why did you choose this specialization?

I am in the early childhood education (EC Advocacy Pub Pol) program because I want to create change in early childhood education.  I also realize that policy changes are the best way to create change and to develop best practices for early childhood education.

Part 2: Why are advocates essential in the early childhood field?

Advocates are needed in early childhood education to combat issues that affect children and their families.  Advocates help to create change by lobbying for change in the education system and policies.

Part 3: What do you hope to learn about public policy and advocacy?

I want to learn ways to develop new policies and to create change in early childhood education.  As a result, I believe that I can learn what I need in my program to become a social change agent and a policy maker.

Final Blog Assignment

Three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field

Learning about international programs in early childhood has helped me to understand ways to improve programs in my own classroom.  Also, I have improved my understanding of poverty and other issues that impact children around the world.  The research that I have studied has been beneficial to my professional development as an educator.  Furthermore, I have enhanced my personal development by learning from other early childhood professionals and developing a passion for combating poverty.

Goal for International Awareness

My goal for international awareness is to develop a program to combat poverty in early childhood education.  I plan to achieve this goal by continuing to study international research.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

This week, I decided to visit the UNESCO “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage. I enjoyed this site because it provided information on early childhood education programs and discussed topics related to health and nutrition.  Health and nutrition are important for students’ education.  As a result, teachers have to focus on the whole child in education.  UNESCO also provided information about a world conference for early childhood education.  I also found research articles and journals that can be used to improve education in the classroom.  Therefore, this is a great site to learn about early childhood education programs around the world.

Reference

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/

Sharing Web Resources

Early Childhood: Site: http://www.earlychildhood.com/

I found this site that provide good research and information for early childhood educators. The site also provides information about programs to improve early childhood education and preschool programs.

I currently do not have a new newsletter, however, I have received newsletters from a teacher's association with information on how to join.  I also recevied a journal and news from the early childhood site called theJournal of Professional Development.  The information in this journal provides articles and current information pertaining to early childhood education.  

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

I have continued reading the podcasts from the world forum.  I have studied the issues on poverty and programs to address poverty around the world.  This week, I also visited the Global Children’s Initiative website.  The site stated that “one essential, cross-cutting aspect of the Center’s approach is its commitment to work collaboratively across disciplines and institutions, drawing together the best and most creative expertise available to achieve the Initiative’s goals” (Global Children’s initiative, 2013).  The site further provided information about children’s health, early childhood development, and crises that affect children.  The site further provides information about was to improve children’s health and conditions in education.  Overall, this information can be used in the United States to improve the quality of education for all children.

References

“Global Children’s Initiative” (2012) Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative

www.worldforumfoundation.org/

Sharing Web Resources

Throughout the course, I have been following podcasts and information on the World Forum.  I have also been following research that was posted by the Child Poverty Organization.  I am concerned with the rate of poverty in the world and issues that affect children’s education.  As a result, the Child poverty site provides updated information and resources about programs used in other parts of the world.  One of the benefits of the site is that it provides free access to publications.  One of the publications focuses on America’s poor children.  The Global campaign for education also provides research and information about poverty issues around the world. The site also allows users to access information for specific countries, such as the United States.  

References

childpoverty.org

Global campaign for education. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.campaignforeducationusa.org/learn-the-issue-ece

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

This week, I listened to podcasts on the World Forum Foundation website.  The podcast from India discussed how poverty was limiting the education of young children.  I was surprised to hear this information because India is not a third world country.  Yet, poverty is an issue for a large share of the population.  Similarly, in American many families are impacted by poverty.  As a result, I can use information from the podcasts to assess how poverty is handled in other countries. It may be possible to use these programs to assist children in the United States.  Therefore, I plan to focus more on research and global programs addressing poverty.

References

www.worldforumfoundation.org/

Sharing Web Resources

I found a journal at the http://www.earlychildhood.com/ website.  The newsletter is called the Early Childhood News: The Journal of Professional Development. The benefit of this journal is that it provides research for early childhood education.  The journal also provides information on current issues that affect early childhood education and educators.  As a result, educators can use this information to develop strategies and programs to improve the quality of education for all children.

Reference

http://www.earlychildhood.com/

Getting Ready—Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

I have visited the World Forum Foundation site and the radio podcasts.  I also visited the Association for Childhood Education International because this site provides current research and information about early childhood education research.  I plan to continue establishing contacts with these sites and the podcasts from other early childhood professionals.  This information will help me to learn more about international issues. 

References

http://www.acei.org/.

http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/about.php

http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/radio.php

My Supports

I receive daily support from my coworkers and managers. These are my professional supports. 

My financial support and social support comes from my family and friends.

My spiritual support comes from my church members and my pastor.

I also find support from the families that I serve.

"My Connections to Play"

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” ― Plato

“Combinatory play seems to be the essential feature in productive thought.” ― Albert Einstein

Images of play

When I was in school, we had recess, and children were allowed to play during the day.  Play was seen as a way to work off lunch and to tire children down to make them more attentive in class.  Play was also a way for children to learn to socialize with other children.  Today, play is questionable in school.  People do not understand the benefits of play in learning.  As a result, opponents of play in school understate the benefits of play as a learning tool.  Play today is less active than when I was in school.  Therefore, I would like to see more creative play in the classroom. 

Reflecting on Building Relationships

I have relationships with people in all aspects of my life.  I have relationships with my family members and we love each other.  I feel comfortable sharing with my family and I rely on them for social support and guidance.

I also have relationships with my church members.  My church members provide spiritual guidance and support. 

I have relationships with the parents at the Head Start.  I try to establish communication with all parents to better understand the needs of their children. This helps me to build relationships with the parents and to establish an ongoing working relationship that benefits the children.

A Note of Thanks and Support

I would like to personally thank everyone who contributed to my blog.  I have enjoyed blogging with you in this class, and I look forward to blogging with you in the future. 

Thank you,
Elnora Fairley

Examining Codes of Ethics

From the NAEYC Code of Ethics, I chose:

I-1.3—To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.

I-1.5—To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development and that respect their dignity and their contributions.

From the DEC Code of Ethics, I chose:

“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” (DEC, 2000).

I chose these three ideals because I believe that it is important to encourage individual growth and development in children.  Every child is unique and has unique skills and abilities.  Children also learn differently.  As a result, it is important for educators to research family cultures and values to make the classroom more representative and inclusive for all children.  Furthermore, it is important to provide a safe and healthy classroom environment promotes each child’s development.

References

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.dec-sped.org/

Growing Your Collection of Resources

Part 1: Position Statements and Influential Practices

•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.

Part 2: Global Support for Children's Rights and Well-Being

•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 media segment 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/

Click on "Mission/Vision" and "Guiding Principles and Beliefs" and read these statements.

Note: Explore the resources in Parts 3 and 4 in preparation for this week's Application assignment.

Part 3: Selected Early Childhood Organizations

•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/

•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/

•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.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067

•Voices for America's Children

http://www.voices.org/

•The Erikson Institute

http://www.erikson.edu/

Part 4: Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library

Tip: Use the A-to-Z e-journal list to search for specific journal titles. (Go to "How Do I...?", select "Tips for Specific Formats and Resources," and then "e-journals" to find this search interface.)

•YC Young Children

•Childhood

•Journal of Child & Family Studies

•Child Study Journal

•Multicultural Education

•Early Childhood Education Journal

•Journal of Early Childhood Research

•International Journal of Early Childhood

•Early Childhood Research Quarterly

•Developmental Psychology

•Social Studies

•Maternal & Child Health Journal

•International Journal of Early Years Education

Three additional resources

Childhood poverty Organization

http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/

Global campaign for education. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.campaignforeducationusa.org/learn-the-issue-ece

Association of American Educators

http://www.aaeteachers.org/

These resources provide access to organizations and information that teachers can use  to enhance their toolboxes and find ways to improve learning for children.

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

“There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves.” Lyndon B. Johnson

“Education is not a problem. Education is an opportunity.” Lyndon B. Johnson

“Experts generally agree that taking all opportunities to read books and other material aloud to children is the best preparation for their learning to read. The pleasures of being read to are far more likely to strengthen a child's desire to learn to read than are repetitions of sounds, alphabet drills, and deciphering uninteresting words” Lillian G. Katz

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste” Anonymous

“Children are the future of our country, invest in them wisely” Anonymous

 

These inspirational quotes are from Lyndon B. Johnson and Lillian Katz.  The others are quotes that I have seen or read.  These quotes inspire the need to provide a quality education for all children. 

References

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/l/lyndon_b_johnson.html#eGgB9sd2dJGueJRK.99

http://quotes.dictionary.com/search/lilian g. katz?page=1#H86V5gheuqCmMJvH.99

Personal Childhood Web

My mother is the most important person in my life.  My mother encouraged me to go to school and to work hard.  My mother also taught me to respect others, to cook, and how to clean.  I am the woman I am today because of the influence of my mother.

My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Vaughn, played a major role in my life.  Mrs. Vaughn worked with me after the fourth grade and continued to be a part of my life until I became an adult.  Mrs. Vaughn worked with my mother to get me into volunteer programs and community activities.  As a result, I worked with the girl scouts and the 4-H club.

My uncle Leroy helped my mother to care for me when I was younger. He assumed the role of father figure and made sure I had things I needed.  Uncle Leroy also influenced my life by teaching me to cut the yard and work hard. 

My pastor has continued to influence my life.  My family went to church every Sunday, and I learned how to be obedient and honest in church.  The church was a part of my family, and my pastor was like a father to all of us.  The pastor encouraged me to go to college and to fulfill my dream as a teacher.

My aunt Mary was a definite influence in my life.  Aunt Mary taught me how to make lie soap and how to crochet.  She helped me develop life skills and encouraged me to be productive.  I would have dropped out of college; however, Aunt Mary would send me a few dollars and encourage me to continue. 

Personalizing My Blog

My name is Elnora Fairley.  I am currently a Head Start teacher.

My Favorite Quote:

"Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate." Anonymous

 

A story to remember:

I worked with a young child in Head Start.  The child was from a low income family and often did not have paper or supplies.  Oddly, the child could read, and was one of the few children in the class that could.  I asked the child how she learned to read. She stated that "her family could not afford cable, so they read every night".  This story touched my heart, and it showed how dedication can overcome adversity.

 

My favorite website:

http://www.thekidzpage.com/freekidsgames/index.html

 

This website provides activities for children.  I use this site to find fun activities for my classroom.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog.