The time is drawing near...

Thank you all.  As my title states, I feel that our first course has really been about taking the first steps in educating ourselves, but we have also educated each other during our discussions and blog postings.  We are on our way to better educating our future.  I look forward to the next courses with each and everyone of you.  Good luck!

NAEYC and DEC Code of Ethics

I-1.1- To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.
*Every day research and science are being done, not only in the education field, to improve our society.  I would want a doctor that is up to date and current with new research, and I would want my children's teacher to understand child development and be current with new research, technology, and data.  So I feel that is my duty as an early childhood professional, to give our children and families the best care and education for children and families.

I-2.2- To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.
*Families are the first person that we encounter and they are the consumer.  If we do not build trust and partnerships with families, then whose children will we serve?  If we take the time to build those relationships and partnerships with families, they will come to us for advice, they will visit their child's classroom and get involved, and they will take what they learn in the classroom home and provide their children with the best care and education possible.

I-3C.3- To strive to secure adequate and equitable compensation (salary & benefits) for those who work with or on behalf of young children.
*Often times our work and time with young children is not given the amount of appreciation that is deserved.  With this ideal, employers must strive to conpensate its workers for their work and dedication.  This helps to cut back on turn over as well.  However, I feel that salary should be based on performance and dedication.  Not only the degree you hold.  You should be able to apply what you learned into a classroom and with families and be compensated in such a manner.

Additional Resources related to Young Children, Families, and/or the Field of Early Childhood

http://www.teachingstrategies.com/
This website provides information about creative curriculum, assessments, professional development, and family connections

www.northampton.edu/Early-Childhood-Education
This section contains a selected list of special education resources about universal design for learning, inclusion, early learning, early intervention, disabilities, and the BICC project.

David Elkind, PhD
Building on the theories of Jean Piaget, Elkind has done extensive research in the areas of perceptual, cognitive, and social development.  He was a past president of NAEYC.  Some of his book titles include:  The Hurried Child and The Power of Play

Quotes and Excerpts in Early Childhood Education

"Five and six-year old children are inheritors of poverty's curse and not its creators. Unless we act these children will pass it on to the next generation, like a family birthmark."
-Lyndon Johnson

"Respect for a diverse community begins with teachers willing to build upon the uniqueness of each and every one of their children."
-Ann Turnbull, Behavior Concerns within an Inclusive Classroom

"We, as professionals in the early childhood field, have the opportunity to shape a child's life for the better."
-Sandy Escobido, Los Angeles preschool advocacy initiative


"When getting bogged down with paperwork, take 20 minutes to go see the children so you don't forget what
you are doing all this for."
-Raymond Hernandez, Executive Director School of ECE

My personal childhood web



My grandmom



My dad

These are the people that have been in my life as a child, and still are a huge part to not only me, but my family as well.  My memories of my dad as a child include playing tea parties, playing card games, and helping me to learn how to drive a three wheeler, I know, old school right, which he still has today and is teaching my sons how to drive it?!  He did not show emotions or affection often, but I could just feel the love in his heart.  Now that he has three grandchildren, he is forced to SHOW his love.  They don’t let him forget to give hugs, play basketball, drive the three- wheeler or say I LOVE YOU! 



Pop & Gram



My mom was always there for me as a child.  She was there to make sure my needs were met, help me with homework, listen to me, encourage me, and help me through tough times.  Today, she continues to do all of that and so much more.  She was there for the birth of all three of my children, and is able to care for the youngest one while I am at work and helps to be sure my other two are off to school.  She is always there to listen and never judges my decisions. 

My grandparents are another part of my web that I consider amazing.  My gram was the care taker.  She would babysit me when I was little and I would often spend many sleepovers at her and my pop’s house.  As an only child, I was yearning for someone to always play with.  When I would come over she would also arrange for cousins to stay as well.  My pop was a man of few words, and still is.  His actions showed it all.  He would be the one to take me fishing, allow me to help him in his workshop, and take me to flea markets to sell his woodwork, and even give me a few dollars to spend.  He taught me about the simple things in life. 

Last, but not least by any means, my grandmother.  She was always energetic, loved to play games and go places.  She would often pick me up on the weekends and take me to amusement parks.  Or we would go to the store and buy lots of snacks and stay up to the wee hours of the morning playing games.  No worries with grandmom, just fun.  She was always so relaxed and anything that I would do would seem ok with her.  As you can see in the picture, she still enjoys being active and being with her great grandchildren.

All of these family members still play a part in my life.  I grew up with a family that worked for everything they have and appreciate everything they were given.  It was a simple life, and I am thankful for that.  I want the same for my family and for them to know their grandparents and have the simple life as I did, with little worries growing up.

 

My mom



busy times, but keeping up

Where did the week go?  I hope the weekend doesn't go as fast!  I am feeling that the more that I have on my plate, the more organized I become and the more productive.  Managed to meet with most of my new protege's this year that I will be mentoring and the relationships seem to be buiding nicely.  They are motivated to learn and gain new skills and you can see the passion in their teaching as well.  I thought, how appropriate for this week and our application paper about passion, motivation, and wisdom. 

I managed to complete my assignments in a timely manner for the first week, and am keeping up with that schedule for the second week.  I realize that there is much more to come, as I look at  next week's assignments, but these first two weeks were great to get accustomed with all of the requirements and technology.

Even with work and school, I am finding time to spend with the family.  Last night was a great night at the ball field where my 7year old son had a baseball game.  And tomorrow is a day to visit with my grandparents.  So, off I go to finish my application paper...  busy times ahead.

Childrens' Quote

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.  ~Stacia Tauscher

I found this quote and thought about how well it corresponds to my childrens' book, Leo the Late Bloomer.