Sunday, October 27, 2013

A Note of Thanks

As I conclude my first course in this study, I wish to thank all of my classmates for their support and ideas.  I have been afforded the ability to look at issues within the field of Early Childhood with different sets of eyes, and broaden my spectrum within.  I wish all of you luck in all of your future endeavors and look forward to continued contact through our future blogs, courses, etc.  May you continue with success while you grow and transform from your experiences.

Peace and best wishes!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Early Childhood Code of Ethics

Most professions have a code "Code of Ethics" which are really the rules that are followed within that field.  Early Childhood is no different.  This week I examined NAEYC's Code of Ethical Conduct, and Division of Early Childhood or DEC's Code of Ethics.

One ideal in NAEYC's code that is important to me is to appreciate the vulnerability of children and their dependence on adults.  We need to always be mindful that our children come from all walks of life, and what may not have been acceptable when you were a child or even were raising your own children, may not be frowned upon today by their parents or guardians.  Children learn what they live and we need to treat them with respect, and guide them.  Furthermore, these children all develop in different stages and at different times, we need to keep that in mind as well.

Another ideal, from NAEYC,  that I feel is very important is to develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.  A positive rapport is necessary when dealing with parents.  Parents need to feel a level of comfort when they are entrusting us with their most precious resource, their child.  Additionally, we need to keep in mind that parents are human and have faults and that no matter what or how a parent treats us, we need to maintain a level of professionalism.  One needs to learn how to maintain composure and patience when dealing with difficult situations.

Lastly, the ideal I feel is important from DEC is we shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services.  I especially like this ideal because I feel that it takes a few years to really get acclimated to the field, and after almost 20 years in this field, I can honestly say hat my first 5 were the worst.  I shed many tears and had a hard time remembering that these children are really just babies at 3 and 4 years of age, and are just learning to live life n their terms.  Having a strong mentor would have benefited me in ways that I cannot even imagine, and I try to mentor new colleagues at all costs.

In closing, I welcome any comments or any opposing views on ideals, as I love to see things with a new set of eyes.

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Resources for Early Childhood Professionals and Families
Resources Obtained From Walden University

NAEYC http://www.naeyc.org
World Organization for Early Childhood Education http://www.omep-usnc.org/
Association for Childhood Education International http://acei.org/
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/
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/
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/
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/
Voices for America's Children http://www.voices.org/
The Erikson Institute http://www.erikson.edu/

Additional Websites of Interest
compiled from years of experience and great minds in the field

Early Childhood Educators and Family Web Corner
http://users.sgi.net/-cokids/
Have a questions regarding young children or Early Childhood Education? This is the
place to go. Great teacher pages (including lessons, activities, educational links, etc.)
and family pages (parenting information, etc.). Good resource for links to sites for
information on young children with special needs as well as using technology with young
children.

 Sunshine Online
www.sunshine.co.nz/
Teacher Resources section has lots of good ideas for activities, lessons, and themes.
Nice computer learning section for young children. Websites to schools around the world
including the U.S. and 5 other countries (suggestions—Start a “Web Pals”
correspondence with another class—Connect with another teacher with a class similar to
your for activity ideas, support, etc.).

Preschool Teacher
www.bv.net/-stormie/
A website where teachers of Pre-K and Kindergarten students can go to for ideas for
curriculums, lesson plans, themes, activities. Teachers are encouraged to
contribute/share ideas on this site.

Early Childhood.com
www.earlychildhood.com
Nice site for parents and teachers. Lots of articles on a variety of issues regarding young
children. Fun craft ideas. Great internet links for parents, teachers, and kids. If you have a question or want to share one of your ideas, go to Sharing Boards. Join their mailing
list to receive the latest ECE news and ideas.

Hall of Early Childhood Education
www.tenet.edu/academia/earlychild.html
Great resources for teachers, parents, and kids---lots of links!

The Idea Box
www.theideabox.com
Hundreds of activity ideas, games, crafts, songs, recipes, etc. for young children. You
will also find coloring pages, online stories, links for children and adults, message boards
for parents and teachers, etc.

Early Childhood Today
http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/ect.htm
Lesson plans and reproducibles for many subject areas can be found at this site. A
parent Send Home Activities section is included, as well as activities section for kids and
their parents, and online activities.

Resources for Early Childhood Special Education
www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/pep/pz.html
Great sit for educators and parents of young special needs children. Great teaching
ideas, web links, information on disabilities, technology resources (including AT –
Assistive Technology), software recommendations, etc.

The Perpetual Preschool
www.perpetualpreschool.com
A good source for curriculum, activity, songs, and book ideas. Go to the ECE Web Guide
for articles on Early Childhood Education, including special needs. Need a break from
ECE? Want a little fun? Play trivia games at the teacher “break” area. This site also
offers online classes for educators. Tuition is $25.00.

 Early Childhood Ed. Online
www.earlychildhoodedonline.com
Various articles dealing with young children can be found here. You can also find several
web links to curriculum ideas, advocacy information, and professional development
opportunities.

Family Education
www.familyed.com
Great articles, activity ideas, internet tips for teachers (including special needs) can be
found at this site. Good parenting articles also. Up-to-date health articles from Dr. C.
Everett Koop.

 A World of Kindergartens
www.iup.edu/-njyost/KHI/KHI.htmlx
Kindergarten teachers from around the world collaborate to make this website. This site
includes great activities, resources, and personal insights from teachers. A great place to
go if you need suggestions from teachers in similar teaching situations. You can get lots
of support from preschool, kindergarten, and primary teachers from around the world

Parents as Teachers

Note:

These are great resources for all involved with young children…all ideas, opinions, additions, etc. are welcomed!