Uplifting Child Quote and Give Professional Thanks

"Even if you find yourself in a heated exchange with your toddler, it is better for your child to feel the heat rather than for him to feel you withdraw emotionally.... Active and emotional involvement between parent and child helps the child make the limits a part of himself."

-Stanley Greenspan

I would like to extend a special thanks to all of professional colleagues in this course! I am so proud to have been a part of this cohort. It is my belief that each of you have added to my professional development but sharing and birthing your on experiences in this course. It is my hope that each of you continue to passionate about the field of early childhood education, not just in the classroom, but in life and in your professional careers. Thank you for the adding knowledge and memories to my life as a professional. 

Best Wishes,

Rachel F. Dyson

Testing for Intelligence?

Personal Believes on Assessing Children

 I find it essential to be able to assess younger children's receptive and expressive actions in regards to understanding how they view themselves in relation to the other in their world. Consequently, I believe that it is necessary for professionals to examine what a child understands, response to, imitates, focuses on are very crucial elements in my opinion of understanding how a child is developing. Being able to assess and understand the various levels of how the child see itself in the world allows educators and parents to see the how a child is developing in the following areas: cognitively, psychosocial  and bio-socially. In younger children I believe that it is evident that the best way to assess children is by utilizing observational tools and one-on-one engagement. 

School age children often have to complete various vigorous and lengthy assessment test in order to reveal their level of need and/or academic ability. These test are often set up to capture a child's ability to master a distinct area of study and most school age assessment are not set up to capture the "whole" child. Also most assessment can only capture what a child know at that very moment not information that a child will acquire with in a given period. On the other hand, I do find that assessment if the provided based on what the child has been exposed to and/or taught are beneficial in regards to child development. So often assessments discuss what a child show know, without taking into consideration the child culture, exposure etc. Also I do not believe that written assessment best portray a child ability. Many children are not "good test-takers". For example, there are many school age children who perform well academically, but poorly on standardize test, (i.e.  a child's grade point average, versus  their SAT score).  Although it is important for educators and other professionals to ensure that children are learning, I believe there are less comprehensive and/or less threatening ways of measuring a student's success. The question that comes to mind is how did all of us survive before assessment.

How India Takes a Stand on Globalize Testing

 The article, India Back out of Global Education Test For 15- year-olds by Hemali Chhapia, highlights the extent to how school aged children are assessed in general. The globalized test mentioned in this article compares the performance of students in India to other students in surrounding countries. Some may consider this testing necessary to in order to ensure that children are being exposed to and learning information that is needed to be successful bases on a global view. While other would perceive this type of testing as a ego boost for governmental officials without giving a care to the individual child as a "whole".  I believe that this time of testing should not be mandated and based in the article I would venture to state that I respect India's decision to not force their 15-year-old student to complete such an assessment. Based on the article it appears that many countries including India offer many assessment to their school aged children as a result of their stronge believed that academic sucess lead to better higher education and employment opportunity.

References:

Hemali, Chhapia, (2012). India Back out of Global Education Test For 15- year-old. The Times of India. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from, http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-03/mumbai/33019239_1_india-backs-global-stage-math-and-science

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development: Natural Disaster and Poverty

In 2005 Hurricane Katrina swept through New Orleans, Louisiana and affected many of the surrounding states in the U.S.A.  Consequently, members of my family were directly affected by this natural disaster.  Many people would describe hurricane Katrina as “living nightmare”. Although forecast as a severe threat, no one, I knew could really fathom the devastation that would occur as a result.  My cousin, Mike Scott, and his family were directly affected by the natural disaster. My cousin was 7 years old at the time.  The hurricane forced my cousin and his family to relocate. They lost their house, cars, and many of their personal possession. The services that assisted my cousin and his family during their transition came from the American Red cross, FEMA and the Washington, DC school district (where Mike and his family relocated). He was able to enroll in his appropriate grade level and was offered in school therapy sessions and a mentor.  My mother would tell me after having conversation with Mike’s mother, (Aunt Pat) that Mike was starting to wet the bed again and that he would wake up in the middle of the night crying. For a short period of time before moving to Washington, DC Mike and his family lived in a shelter staff by the American Redcross, this was a very difficult experience for my cousin Mike to adjust to. Mike was born and raised in New Orleans, LA and did wasn’t really aware to the extent of his parents how devastating hurricane Katrina was to the community at large. Once Mike adapted to his new home, school and supportive services, he began to flourish and is now performing at a higher level of that of his peers academically. His transition wasn’t smooth; nonetheless, he was able to cope with the change and was able to obtain the necessary support from, family members, friends, school teachers and governmental resources.

In the article, Child Labour among Working Children in Ogun State, Nigeria, by Akinola Dosunmu and Babajide Abidogun, the authors highlight how poverty is one of the main contributing factors in regards to children being forces to entire the workforce.  Children in Nigeria with poor parental background often engage in working instead of continuing school. Consequently, working children are then latter offer low paying jobs, which inevitable fosters the cycle of poverty. Many children and their families are homeless in Nigeria. Therefore children enter the workforce as a part of survival and employers find that child labor very attractive, because they are able to pay them substantially less than an adult, (Dosunmu &Abidogun , 2011). Dosunmu and Abidogun, (2011) recommend that “parent should be recommended of the adverse effects of child labor and that  The government should by providing a favorable economic environment for Nigeria because it has been identified that poverty is the cause of child labor in developing countries (Nigeria inclusive),” (Dosunmu &Abidogun , 2011). Dosunmu and Abidogun, (2011) survey/research concluded that the majority of child workers do not want to enter the workforce, but feel obligated to in order to help supplement their family’s income.  Although poverty is an endless issue in Nigeria, the Unites of America and around the world, I find that it is most vital for authors like Dosunmu and Abidogun to create awareness on the poverty epidemic crisis to the general public and politicians/world leaders in order to generate movement towards decreasing the effects of poverty on children in general. It is evident that the effects of poverty certainly trickle down to younger generations and play a role to the development of children and the field.

References:

Dosunmu, A. and Abidogun, B., (2011) Child Labour among Working Children in Ogun State, Nigeri. European Journal of Social Science, (25)3, p411-417, 7p, 2 Charts.  Retrieved July 21, 2012, from Academic Search Complete.

Child Development and Public Health: Breastfeeding

Prior to me giving birth to my son who is now 3 years old, I was committed to the idea of breastfeeding him from birth until 1 year-old, ( I am was able to for 10 months). It is customary in my family for a mother to nurse her baby until the age of 1 year-old. I discovered through research, child birthing classes and during discussions with close family members that breastfeeding was one of the best things that I could offer to my baby in regards to his health and in terms of developing a close knit bond with my baby. I also discovered the multiple health benefits it offers to not only to the infant, but to the mother in general.

I found it extremely informative and interesting to learn about the breastfeeding practice among medical professional women in the country of Nigeria. Sadoh A. E, Sadoh W. E and Oniyelu, (2011) conducted an experimental analysis of 36 Nigerian medical professional women who breastfeed their infants. This article highlights how the Nigerian women, as medical professional, were in fact knowledgeable of the healthy benefits of nursing their babies; however, do to their work responsibilities were unable to do so past 6 months. May women opt to pump their milk or formula feed. A bottle was the most used method in, which they used to feed their babies and soon after six months cereal was introduced. According Sadoh A. E, Sadoh W. E and Oniyelu, (2011) many of the women did not know that it was recommend for an infant to be breastfeed until 2 years old.  

As an aspired center Director, one of the ways I hope to enlighten my parents on the benefits of breastfeeding is through monthly newsletters. I also envision setting up a parent resource board as I have one now in my family child care setting. I believed my personal experiences and this assignment will enable me in the future, to be able to connect with my parents in a very meaningful yet appropriate way in regards to the research surround breast feed. I also envision having a private room in my child care facility where mothers can come in before drop off or during their lunch break or right before pick to nurse their infant. I also believe that breastfeeding has deepened my understanding about the topic, secure attachment.

References 

 Sadoh A. E, Sadoh W. E, Oniyelu P., (2011). Breastfeeding Practice among Medical  Women in Nigeria. Nigerian Medical Journel (52)1, 7-12. Retrieved, July 6, 2012 from Academic Search Complete.

Childbirth In Your Life and Around the World...

 

My Child Birthing Experience …

              On Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 1:36am I gave birth to my first son Paul Anthony Dyson III who at the time weighed 7lbs and 11oz and was 21 inches long. I can honestly say that, that day was one of the happiest days of my life. I arrived at the local city hospital on Monday, April 20, 20 at 8:00a.m. as my OBGYN instructed. I went through the process of being induced, because I was advised that my son was two weeks over due. Similarly, I wanted to avoid having a c-section, since it was estimate that he was already close to 9 pounds. Although I had my concerns about having an induced labor, I wanted to very much have a vaginal birth instead of undergoing a c-section.  

      
             I was accompanied by my husband and my mother throughout the entire process. I instructed to walk laps around the hospital to help intensify my contractions. I was advised that I could not intake any solid food until after labor. I decide to allow my nurses to administer an epidermal has my contraction intensified. The city hospital had recently been remodeled and I was stationed in a labor and delivery suite, which was private and very much like a hotel room.  I was given the option to deny or permit guess while admitted.  During labor my husband held my hand the whole time and was the first person to see our son arrive.  My son at birth was diagnose with jaundice and was stationed in an incubator for approximately four days and I remained with him at the hospital although my health insure did not cover my additional time there since it was not order by my OBGYN that I remain at the hospital. I couldn’t even fathom leaving my son at the hospital let alone having him out of my sight. Quickly, after giving birth my husband and I decided to have our son circumcised.
     
               Consequently, my son latched onto the idea of me breastfeeding him very well on the first day.  After the first day I did struggle with getting him to be consistent with getting him to nurse from me. I had so much support while making an earnest attempt to get my son to nurse from me. I had a main nurse and a breastfeeding coach who was employed with the hospital in order to directly educate new mothers on the importance of breastfeeding their infants. I found her role very enlightening and motivating.  Before I left the hospital I was given a care package all sort of child development and well-being materials. I was also requested to select a pediatrician for my son before discharge.  I was given the chance to have my son’s pictures be professionally take, which I chose to do since I was so elated about having a healthy baby boy. He had all ten finger and all ten toes and he was a happy, healthy and peaceful baby boy. 

Just a Glimpse into the Ethiopia Child Birthing Experience…

After reviewing Ms. Stepahine Urdang article on the morality rate in Ethiopia, I have a sense of gratitude and on the other hand a sense of rage in regards to the provision of medical health care services and/ or lack thereof for mothers and their children. The United Nations video clip highlights the “Dangers of Home Births” in Ethiopia. I discovered through my reviews of Ethiopian mothers that they have a higher risk of maternal death and that the mortality rates of infants are very high. It is evident that socioeconomic and culture play a significant role in the prenatal development within the Ethiopian culture.  Mothers are often conducting rigorous and hard labor jobs throughout their pregnancy. The issue of cleaning drinking water, prenatal care and good nutritious is prevalent as well. The living quarters of mother and their families in the video clip appear to be very poor. Although it appears to be a very common way of living, for most Ethiopian families, dwelling in huts, without running water or electricity, this certainly has a negative impact on the human development in country in general.

       One thing that resonated with me the most from the Unite Nations video clip was how the hospitals are lacking in medicine and supplies and as result there is a fear amongst expected mother of giving birth at their local hospital, (United Nations, 2009). The medical professionals that appeared in the video clip appear to gear their educational resources on contraception of woman then on prenatal care. I certainly understand that contraception education is promoted more than prenatal care as a direct result of the limited medical resource and the morality rate of women and their children. I was astonished by the belief that soon after birth a mother is concern about return her work/field of labor in order to support her family. It did not appear that there much information shared with mothers about the importance of self-care after labor.  

     In comparison to my personal child birthing experience and the Ethiopian woman child birthing experience, there is a great difference in regards to medical health care access, prenatal care/ education, socioeconomic status and culture. Although I make it my responsibility as a professional to be cultural aware of the difference that exist between cultures, I did not know the severity of the inadequate medical services and prenatal development/care that exist in the country of Ethiopia. This assignment has deepened my understanding about the child birthing experience how it varies across cultures.  I also have a better understanding on how opportunity, access and limitation play a key role in prenatal development. I believed that the term advocacy is crucial and necessary in order to amplify social change especially in countries like Ethiopia with regards to bettering the child birthing process for its citizens.  

                                                   Reference:

Stephanie Urdang, (2010).  To Save the Lives of Mother, Infants: Commitment, Money, Innovation Can Reduce High Morality Rates. United Nations,  Africa Renewal , January 2010, pg. 6 Retrieved June 29, 2012 from http://www.un.org/en/africarenewal/vol23no4/drive-to-save-lives-of-mothers-infants.html

United Nation (2009). Dangers of Home Births.  Retrieved June 30, 2012 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_vNyi3jKXs

A Note of Thanks and Support

Special thanks to all of my classmates in EDU 6005, especial those members who were in group 1. Each of you have contributed to my overall professional growth and development. Each of you have offered a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to me throughout this course of study. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to get to know each of you in one way or another. I wish everyone the very best in their future course work and/ or professional development. Thank you!

P.s. I look forwarded to posting some thank you notes!

Examining Codes of Ethics

“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,”( The Division for Early Childhood, 2000).

As a Family Provider, I have had the pleasure of serving many families from all different types of nationalities and races. I find no matter the profession, but especial in the direct service field of early childhood education it is undoubtedly necessary to be respectful of others. It is essential for professions in the field to be culturally sensitive and culturally aware of others beliefs, values, traditions and customs in for to adequately serve the families and children they work with.  It is most fun to create awareness amongst my children through recipes, arts and craft, story time or during a circle time discussion.

 “We shall strive for the highest level of personal and professional competence by seeking and using new evidence based information to improve our practices while also responding openly to the suggestions of others,”(The Division for Early Childhood, 2000).

Within the past new few years the state of Maryland adopted a new Healthy beginning module and curriculum, in which Provider were encourage to utilizes during daily observations of the children they services. As a new Provider a year ago, this was easy for me to incorporate into my program, but there were many well-seasoned Provider who did not latch on to the idea initially of incorporate in this new assessment tool into their Program. As Early Childhood professional we must be open to change and be willing to use the most current evidence base curriculums or educational tools in the field in order to maximize the benefits that our families and their children will retain from our serve.  In order to grow and expand my knowledge base, I often ask for suggestion from other professionals in my line of work. I find that responding positively to other’s suggestions allows me the opportunity to better my work/ efforts and I can then return if needed for more idea or clarification.

  “We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers

of services for their children,” (The Division for Early Childhood, 2000).

As a Family Provider, I and others in my position feel like we are the primary care givers to the children we serve. And it is unarguably true that the children I serve spend more hours in the day with me then they do with their parents. However, and I must emphasis how important it is to know you lane and stay in it. I only parent one child and that is mine. A major part of my responsibility in caring for young children is to make sure I am knowledge of the resources in my area  and that I am providing child care  relative information to my parents in a respect manner. Many of my parents are 1st time parents or are unaware of how to access the resources in the field.  I have a Parent Resource Board in my family child care setting and my monthly newsletter that highlights the various resources and latest information in the state of Maryland as it pertains to the field. My parents are very appreciative that I keep them informed and it is to my benefit to keep them informed.

“To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child,”(NAEYC , 2004).

I strongly believe that each child’s development is unique and child development occurs in varied speeds in general.  As Family Provider, I make an earnest attempt to dispel children being compared to other children. For example, many of my parents want to have their child potty trained by 3 completely, (this is a requirement for preschool) and most developmental models would suggest that this is something that a child by 3 years old should be able to do. On the other hand, there are many cases where a toddler is not potty trained until after she/he turns 3 years old. I am obligated to share and discuss with my parents in a respectful and impartial manner their child’s strengthens and weakness. Similarly, partnership is key with parents in order to maximize the potential of each child.

“To use assessment instruments and strategies that are appropriate for the children to be assessed,that are used only for the purposes for which they were designed, and that have the potential to benefit children,” (NAEYC, 2004).

There are so many observation tools that care providers can utilize on a daily basis. I recently attended a training on Observation and Assessment tools, I found that it is very beneficial to observe and assessment children daily, (week at minimum) in order to embark on their strengthens and help strengthen their weakness. The information gather helps me in the development of my lesson plans, activities, selection of books, craft etc. Likewise, the assessment instrument that I use are able to inform my parents in a very precise and non-basis manner how their child is developing.

“To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to the support services needed to be successful,” (NAEYC, 2004).

As a Family Provider, it is my responsibility to ensure that my children educational needs are being meet to the fullest and if I am unable to meet their needs especial, if they have a special need, I always find the available resource my in area that can assist in meeting my children needs. For example my son is a child in my child care program. I notice when he was 2 years old that he was struggle with speech and not development in this area at the level he should be for his age.  My son’s doctor concurred and he continues to receive speech therapy and since then his vocabulary has expanded and his speech has increased significantly. Although I am both his mother and care provider, I knew that he needed some additional support from an expert in the area of speech. Similarly he is more receptive to learning from his speech therapist then me at times, which is great, because this allow for partnership. When his therapist needs my help I can be there to assist her and vice verse. 

References

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved June 15, 2012 from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

 The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved June 15, 20012 from

 http://www.dec-sped.org/