Adjourning

In the meeting or conferences that I attended the adjourning was always on a strong note. The person who hosted the meeting would give some encouraging words. Many times as you were adjourned I felt that I needed to act on thoughts or I felt as though I was making a difference in someone life. The group that is hardest to leave are those who have built strong line of communication and trust. The group of colleagues in my bachelors program was hard to leave because of the bond we formed. I still keep in touch with a few. Adjourning from my colleagues at the end of our master degree journey I hope will not be the last time we speak. My colleagues and instructors have been a blessing to me. They have been very encouraging and up lifting.

Nonviolent Communication

In the month of July, I had a disagreement with my CEO. The situation made the atmosphere very tense. If I would have had this class the situation may have ended on a better note. I would have used the 3R’s to handle this conflict. One strategy I could have used was to allow for the situation to cool down and the second strategy I should have allowed her to explain her reason for her actions. I was very upset with a situation, which involved another employee. Because of the CEO’s approach, I expressed my thoughts strongly. I should have thought things through and approached her from a different angle. I made my thoughts well known and I did not back down. It ended where we agreed to disagree. However, the tension was still present. So my colleagues how would you have handle the situation?

Becoming a Strong Communicator

In my communications class I took an assessment for Communication Anxiety Inventory, Verbal Aggressiveness and Listening Styles. I found that I scored moderate in all three. I had my coworker evaluate me and with her my score was higher. She feels that I am a strong communicator and that I can influence the audience. I do not see this in myself. I thought my listening skills were stronger than what I scored and it is something I truly feel is important factor in communication. The insight I learned about myself is that I am concerned about what I say to others so that I will not offend anyone. I also learned my listening skills need to improve. Listening and communicating are so important when, I as a professional, speak to the parents. Listening to their concern and needs are important gaining their trust and helping the situation. Listening one of the main ingredients to building strong relationships with the families; therefore I have to build my skills in order to be effective.

Communication and Culture

Diversity is an issue we cannot escape. In every aspect of life we see diversity. In my studies I have learned that diversity is not just race but it is language, traditions, norms, foods and customs. Yes I defiantly communicate differently with different groups and cultures. My line of work I help children with developmental delays and I conduct house visits. My children are not older than 3. I speak to them on their level and use sign language. I teach them how to sign so that they can meet their needs. However, I do not sign to the parents I speak normal adult language. When I speak to my colleagues we speak in more medical and therapeutic terms. I am sure that in every day situation our manner in speaking to others changes so the lines of communication will stay open and become strong. Three strategies that I can us to help communicate more effectively with other one is to speak in a respectful manner. Know the audience you are speaking too and speak clear and honest.

Effective Communication

The person who demonstrates competent communication skills is President Obama. He exhibits clear and accurate words that all people understand. He does not use big fancy words; his words are understandable and motivational. He demonstrates the ability to speak appropriately and effective. I would like to model some of my communication behaviors after him because his style of communication encourages people to act and move projects forward. He speaks with confidence, assurance and has good eye contact. This style of communication is needed when speaking to parents or as I am training people for a particular job. It is very important to be effective so that people will feel secure and have trust in your words.

Professional Hopes and Goals

The one hope that I have when working with children and their families who come from a diverse background is that I will accept their differences and not offend them with any microaggression that will disempower them. Also I would like to make a difference in the lives of children so that they will also make a change to accepting the differences that others bring. One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field is to advocate for the child and families so that they are given the opportunity that is merited to them without any hassles because of the color of their skin or any other differences they may have. I would like to thank all my colleagues for sharing your stories and your encouraging words. I wish you all the best in your journey. I hope to see or hear from you in future classes. Keep up the good work. I would like to thank Dr. Parrish for her patience and encouragement. Thank you for teaching me to see diversity in the true light.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I am working in childcare center and the family would come from China. The way in which I will prepare to be culturally responsive I will learn the language, what part of the country they are from, what are their traditions, customs, and the holidays they celebrate and I would prepare the student in the class so that they can also become familiar with the new families differences. Frist I would learn some words in Chinese so that I can teach the children how to greet them and introduce myself. By learning what part of China they are from will increase my knowledge as to who the family is and show them respect. Knowing their traditions, customs, and holidays will help me to plan a curriculum that will be free from bias and will make a warm and loving environment in order to make the family feel welcomed, safe and secure.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I can recall one incident that my friend experienced a prejudice act. I have a girlfriend who is African American we raised our children together and we visit each other offend. When our sons were younger they were in basketball teams in their perspective schools. The teams had played against each other during the year with no incident. It was the championship game and the game was hosted on our home team court. The bleachers are located on one side of the gym so the opposing team would set on one side and us on the far side. My girlfriend and I sat next to each other in the middle. They were winning and of course she was cheering her son on and I was teasing her; at that point one of the parents on our side looked at me and ask “why are they even here”? The other parent did not know that we were friends so I introduced her to my girlfriend. The other parent remarked hello and left. I felt so bad and was angry my girlfriend advised me not to waist my time in being angry at foolishness. We enjoyed the rest of the game and her sons school won the championship game. Our boys showed true sportsmanship by expressing a warm welcome to the others team members and joking around. This act of prejudice diminished equity in that my girlfriends rights to be at our school was infringe upon because she is African American in a predominately white school. The attitude of the white women would have to have change in order for the situation to change and be equal for all. I admired my girlfriends out look and her mature response to the situation.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions Now that I have read on what are microaggressions I find myself listening out for them and making myself aware of the things I say. This week at work I experience a microaggression. One of my co-workers was talking to a volunteer who is Indian. The co-worker was talking to her and made mentioned that she spoke good English for not being raised here in the United States. The volunteer told my co-worker that she studied English from home and studied in the States. My coworker remarked how impressive that was and how proud her family must be. As I listened to the conversation I immediately thought of Dr. Sue and his experience and feelings when someone had approached him in a similar manner. I see the volunteer become offensive and her answers were short and to the point. My observation of the situation was that my co-worker did mean to offend her and thought she was giving her a compliment. I looked at the matter in a different light now that I know and understand what microaggressions are and how the comments we think are innocent but in the end are hurtful and discriminatory.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The three people I asked about diversity and culture are my sister who is seven years younger, my sister-in-law who is an African American and my other sister-in-law who is Macedonian. The answers that then gave me were similar to what I have studied so far. They all feel that culture is a persons traits and traditions that are carried from generation to generation. Diversity is the differences that people bring to the table. Differences can be language, customs, foods, and up bring of the children. My sister-in-law who is Macedonian expressed the diversity in her own culture depends on which part of the country you are from; it may be that a particular food is prepared in a different way from where she was raised or center words can be different as well. The reason I asked my younger sister about diversity and culture is to see what the thoughts of the younger generation and if it was the same as mine being older. Her thoughts are the same and added she wished my parents raised us deeper into our culture. What is omitted from their answer to the question is how they were influenced by the dominant culture also if their parents altered their thinking and adopted any of the norms to fit in. The answers they gave me influenced me to continue to look into diversity and culture and to keep in the front of my mind to accept all differences and to put aside my biases.

My Family Culture

If I had to take three things that represented my family culture it would be seeds that represent plants that I use for cooking, family photos and cultural musical instruments. The seeds that I would bring will be used for our special foods that we make. I would bring this so that I can continue the richness of cuisine. I would also bring the photos of our family so that our children will not forget who they are and to show our future grandchildren their family pictures before the catastrophe. The musical instruments such as the small guitar that has four strings; it is called a quarto, which means four. This guitar has a special sound and when it is played all those who are Puerto Rican knows what instrument is playing. If I had only one to choose from it will be the family pictures. Pictures hold memories, so when you tell a story and show the picture it will form a visual that will keep those memories alive. The insight I have gained from this exercise is how important the pictures are to holding onto your culture. We can find spices and musical instruments, but the faces to the people you left behind or did not survive will carry on for generations.

When I Think of Research...

The insight that I have gained about research is all the preparation one needs to make sure that the research is reliable and trustworthy. Researchers have to choose a design and a method depending the subject or case study. I idea of research has changed because I was not aware of all the work that one has to do. Now when I read a case study or a research journal I will able to determine what method did the researcher use and if it is just and fair. My biggest challenge that I encountered was the understanding of the material and applying the information to my simulated research study. It was a humbling experience but worth all the time and effort. The importance of making sure that all information is correct will help the early childhood profession. The information that is gathered should be able to help the teachers, parents and professionals in different situations. I enjoyed the course. I wish we had more time to study more in-depth.

Research Around the World

I looked at the Australians web site. I found that on international base the research topics are the same as ours. They are concerned with child development and their well-being. The insight that I have gained is the different programs they offer for the children and families. They have one program in particular that caught my interest and it is called Everyday Living series, which speaks about have a positive learning environment for the children and other suggestion for the families to stay healthy and positive. It is very healthy as a professional to be aware of the issues that other countries face and how they are handled. I enjoyed the adventure of looking at the Australian life style. Reference Early Childhood Australia: This is the Australian equivalent to the U.S. based NAEYC. You can access several links to early childhood research from the menu on the left side of the home page.
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Uplifting Stories

A positive example that I have seen in research was of a 4-year-old child who had experience three-deaths in his family with in a matter of five-month span. This child lost his Grandmother and uncle on his mother side and his Grandfather on his fathers’ side; the Grandparents both died of cancer and the uncle died suddenly. The parents both agreed and signed consent forms for the child to be observed at school and home and asked questions. They observed him in the classroom to see if the child expressing any aggression towards his classmates and also if he was being more emotional then usual. This research benefited him and also others his age in order to help them handle death. This research helped the child cope with death of his loved ones. It also helped the parents in that they were able to maintain stability in at home continue with their normal routine.

Your Personal Research Journey

It is surly a journey to research topics. I was not aware of all the details that are involved in conducting a reliable study for this topic that are of importance to early childcare. The topic that I chose to research is child obesity. I will like to know how obesity effects the child’s development and what can we as educators help to put a stop or curve to the epidemic. I chose this topic because it is a growing concern. In my school we have started a program Healthy Choices. In this program we explain to the children and parents of the dangers of obesity and what we can do to encourage the children to make healthy choices on their own. The web-site that I chose to start with is Childhood Obesity - Children's Defense Fund www.childrensdefense.org/.../childrens.../child. This site shows statistics and other health related issues that comes with obesity. I know there many other sites that I can visit and help me to conduct a reliable study that will help me bring awareness to this issue. The research chart assignment has helped me stay organized and focused to be very effective in my presentation. If you have any other resources that will help me I would appreciate it. Reference Childhood Obesity - Children's Defense Fund www.childrensdefense.org/.../childrens.../child..

Professional and Personal Development

Throughout the course in Trends and Issues I have gained much valued information that has enhanced my knowledge. As I began to research how the early childhood field functioned on international bases good consequence resulted from this experience. One being the goals to help children and families were the same as here in the United States. Another is the passion to help children and families succeed is in the forefront of my collegial lives and third is how they advocate for the health and well being of the children. Personally I have gained a great respect for my collegial that live in third world countries and are pushing to educate the parents on the importance of a better education for their children. All children have a right to learn and do so in a safe and secure environment. One goal I have is to find ways to help the children internationally. I may not be able to go to these places however, I will be able to send resources through different organizations and help to advocate for a successful future for these children and families. Working together is the key.

Getting to know International Contacts Part 3

I live in North West Indiana and the issue of quality and early childhood professionals are being accepted as a part of the main stream school system. More kindergarten teachers are working with the ECE teachers in order to better prepare the children for public and private schools. The ECE workers are returning to higher education in order to gain more knowledge in child development. Many universities are offering classes for the ECE programs. My professional goals are to complete my masters’ degree, to help other organizations to establish the standards for a quality and affordable programs and the ultimate goal is to establish a school for kindergarten readiness that is looked at as a formal school so that all children are able to receive a quality education.

Sharing Web Resources

In my search the e-newsletter that I discovered is the International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, at http://14.36.32.123/upload/bbs_journal/4%20Andrews_USA.pdf from that site I was able to find the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) journals which gave me a multitude of leads of the trends and issues that are affecting the children in our country and that I am currently studying. The sites also lead me to the Child Care Awareness of America National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. At this site I was able to find 12 more journals that will support centers to become excellent in early care programming. What interested me was the fact sheets that are useful for administrators, legislators, and advocates to help strengthen child care programs and reduce the gap that exist in our society. The web sites are excellent resources to enhance my studies in early childhood programs. As the Education Director of my center the wealth of information is preparing me to up grade our center and encouraging me to continue searching for a better tomorrow for all children. Some much information is at our fingertips that it somewhat overwhelming however, I found if I focus on the issues in which I need information I will be well informed. Keeping the main site in my resource file will give me the opportunity to refer back to when needed. References Buettner, C. K., & Andrews, D.W. (2009). United states child care policy and systems of care: The emerging role of quality rating and improvement systems. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 3(1), 43-50. Retrieved from http://14.36.32.123/upload/bbs_journal/4%20Andrews_USA_.pdf Child Care Awareness of America National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

One topic that I found new is the application of science in Brazil. I know that through science a child can discover the world they live in and discover the world outside of their binderies. Through science a child can learn math, social skills, inventions and critical problem solving. In an effort to promote science the Global Children’s Initiative, began the Núcleo Ciência Pela Infância. These groups work with the local experts and targeted the “science of child health and development to guide stronger policies and larger investments to benefit young children and their families in Brazil” (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2014). In Zambia the existence of a gap in the field of early education is an issue there as it is in America. Assessments are in place “to measure the full impact of the anti-malaria campaign on Zambia’s human capital development, the ZECDP created a new comprehensive instrument for assessing children’s physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development before and throughout their schooling careers—the first assessment tool of its kind in Zambia” (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2014). The third new issue is Un Buen Comienzo (UBC), “A Good Start,” (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2014). This program is to develop a quality program in language development of the 4 and 5 year olds. This project also targets the “intervene in critical health areas that improve school attendance as well as socioemotional development, and it seeks to involve the children's families in their education” (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2014). I see that an effort is being made in other countries to develop a quality early childhood educational program. In these counties they also face a gap among different schools. The effort is being made to close the gap so that all children can have a chance to succeed and improve their future. Reference Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/),

Sharing Web Resources

The professional development information that is relevant to me is the information or involvement of the economists, neuroscientists, and politicians and how they are involve in early childhood education. The website which in which attracted me is U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Institute for a Competitive Workforce. (2010). Why business should support early childhood education. This website forces on the issues of children and families who live in poverty. Attention is being drawn to those children and families who live in poverty. In 2010 there were “approximately 20.3 million 6 children under age five across America, 45% of whom are minorities7 and 21% of whom live below the poverty line” (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2010 pg 13). Learning about how economist, neuroscientists, and politicians support early childhood education and their benefitshas given me new insight on how important their involvement and support is in early childhood education. Helping the families who live in low income household to succeed in their future is important for a healthy economy. References U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Institute for a Competitive Workforce. (2010). Why business should support early childhood education. Retrieved from http://icw.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/ICW_EarlyChildhoodReport_2010.pdf

Getting to Know Your International Contacts

My connection to a professional in another country has not yet been established so the alternative that I chose to investigate was childhood poverty in Canada; what I found was astonishing. The CBC news reported that the poverty rate for children in British Columbia is the highest and states "The number of poor children in B.C. was 153,000 —enough children to fill the [Vancouver] Canucks' stadium over eight times," it said in reference to Rogers Arena, which has 19,000 seats” (www.cbc.ca/, pp 7, 2013). The government officials are advocating making the wages to increase and or to increase the welfare rate for single mothers who seem to be the hardest affected. The insight that came form this site was the number of children that are being affected with poverty right here in our back yards. Canada is not a third world country yet it faces poverty in the same manner. This is saddens me while at the same time is very informational and shows me that I have to advocate stronger for poverty issues and support groups that are making a difference. Reference B.C. has highest child poverty rate in Canada: report - British ... - CBC www.cbc.ca/.../canada/.../b-c-has-highest-child-poverty-rate-in-canada-report -1.2440909

Sharing Web Resources

The newsletter that I found resourceful is the, National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, they have been operating since 1987. The agency’s vision is “A nation that supports the development and learning of all children” (Childcare awareness of America, pg. 2, 2014) and their mission is “To promote national policies and partnerships to advance the development and learning of all children and to provide vision, leadership and support to community Child Care Resource and Referral” (Childcare awareness of America, pg. 2, 2014). This agency also provides training, promotes national guidelines and partnerships and provides information to the families (Childcare awareness of America, pg. 2, 2014). The newsletter caught my attention on child obesity. They reported that the numbers are going down. This is a relief to me because we have been promoting physical education in our center and are training the children about healthy choices and healthy living. The site also gave more information that can help childcare providers’ insight on other issue going on in our state and globally. National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies http://www.naccrra.org/ (Newsletter: http://capwiz.com/naccrra/mlm/signup/ )

Establishing Professional Contacts

Macedonia Foundation for Educational and Cultural Initiatives of Macedonia (FECIM) Suzana Kirandziska Email: skiran@soros.org.mk China – Hong Kong OMEP National Committee for Hong Kong Pacific Early Childhood Education Research Association Dr. Betty Chan Po-king 20 Somerset Rd. Kowloon Tong, Kowloon Hong Kong Tel: 852-23396005 Email: sannas@ycef.com These are the two contacts that I chose. I have families that are from these areas and understanding their trends and issues will help me in my profession. Part of being a quality center is having a clear view of the families and accepting their diversities. Expanding Resources The issue in which I found interesting is about brain development and how important it is to keep a child active and engaged. Parent and childcare providers need to understand how the brain functions. We need to learn how we can enhance healthy brain development. The first three years of a child’s life is important and we as educators need to reach the child at this age in order for them to succeed in the future. “The first three years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a baby's development. A newborn's brain is about 25 percent of its approximate adult weight. But by age 3, it has grown dramatically by producing billions of cells and hundreds of trillions of connections, or synapses, between these cells. In this section you will learn about the many ways parents and caregivers can help children get off to a good start and establish healthy patterns for life-long learning” (Zero To Three). References The Global Alliance of NAEYC has e-mail addresses for early childhood professionals worldwide:http://www.naeyc.org/resources/partnership/globalalliance Zero To Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/ )

"My Supports"

My first support is God; he has given the strength and my support team to get through my journey. My main supporter is my husband, and then will come my sister and parents. My husband is very supportive in my college career. Being that I am working fulltime and keeping up with other demands he is very understanding and patient. He is very helpful around the house and joins in with the household chores. If he sees that I stressed with other issues he will step in and manage the budget and will order take out. My sister is another supporter she is always available to step in and help out when needed. My parents are both in their 80’s and support me when ever needed. My mother will cook for me and my father will drive my daughter to places or allow me to borrow his car when my car is in the shop. Without these people in my life helping me, I would not have been able to return to school for either my bachelors or master degree in Early Childhood. They never ask for anything in return or expect it. I am in gratitude to them forever and thankful to God for all the blessings he has given me.

"My Connections to Play."

Quotes I you feel summarize what play represented in my childhood. “Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson STRONG SUPPORT My parents were strong supporter in different forms of play time for me and my siblings. My father worked at the steel mills and worked different shifts. In the summer time when he had the weekends off he would take us to the parks, where would meet other family members. We had cook outs and play in the sandboxes, climb trees and have races. He also would take us to the Chicago museums; there we would have picnics and go on bike rides along Lakeshore Drive. If it were a rainy day my mother would help us set the kitchen up into a grocery store. She would help me make purses out of aluminum foil and give us coins for our register. We helped my mother in the garden and we would have our own section. One year we had a pumpkin patch and we decorated them for Halloween. My parents were always looking for ways we would be able to play and interact with others. In the winter we were outdoors making igloos and having snowball fights. We would come in and she would have hot chocolate with cheese and crackers waiting for us. Our play station was outside. Play today is different for our children. In many households both parents have to work to make ends meet. They work long hours which leaves little time for the children to play outdoors. With technology we find more children on the computers playing game, watching television or on their electronic games. The art of outdoor play even in school is fading out. My fondest memory of being young was play time. Through play I was able to be creative, use my imagination and explore. In my adulthood I understand how important play is in a child’s life. As parents we encouraged and made time for my children to play outdoors. Explore and travel. As a teacher I encourage play as a form of learning. Many children tell their parents they play all day however; the parents see an increase in their child’s vocabulary, social/emotional skills and academic skills. I give the credit to their success to the art of “play”. Reference http://www.oneperfectdayblog.net/2013/02/21/quotes-about-the-importance-of-play/

Relationship Reflection

I am in a relationship and have been happily married to a wonderful man for 26 years. Our relationships began when I was 15 and he was 16. We stayed dating until he joined the Marines and I was a senior in high school. His wishes were that I graduate and get married. My wishes were I graduate and go to college. Our communication skills were not the best at the time. We tried to make things work but it just was not the right time. Years later after I finished college and he was out of the Marines for 3 years our paths crossed again. We were married and now have 3 beautiful children. This relationship is important to because I feel he completes me and is a wonderful father. I also have a great relationship with my sisters one sister is 3 years older and the other one is 6 years younger. We have a great bond and seek each other for advice and comfort. Each relationship is strong and is a positive aspect of my life. Now that I am older I have found that a relationship that is strong is one that each person involved are honest and open. We keep the lines of communication open and discuss all issues weather we are in agreement or not. I can pick relationship that are positive and up lifting. Now I know and understand that I do not have to have many relationships and having a chosen few is greater that having many. There are always challenges to develop and maintain a strong relationship. Each person has their own personality and views. One challenge that I have found with my husband, by him being an over the road truck driver, is keeping an open mind and making sure we resolve our differences before he leaves to work. A special characteristic that we have in our relationship is that we all get along and we all can have our differences and still love and encourage each other.