Saturday, February 25, 2012

THANK YOU, Dr. Kien! THANK YOU, colleauges! THANK YOU, family!!

This has been the best experience!  I cannot wait to see what discoveries come next!

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
-Albert Schweitzer

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed.  Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.
-Denis Waitley

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Examining Codes of Ethics

Three ideals contained in the NAEYC and DEC codes of ethics that are meaningful


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


This fragile and resilient age group is often under appreciated.  It may be commonly understood within the bubble of our field, but the common awareness of policy makers is evidently lacking.  It will be a tremendous effort within my community to effectively communicate early childhood's importance and ultimately it's economic advantages.

I-1.12—To work with families to provide a safe and smooth transition as children and families move from one program to the next

Head Start and programs like it are perfect examples of gains for the field, yet they are not enough.  Once children and more importantly families leave their walls, it's like being thrown to the wolves.  Asked to navigate through a system that often contradicts itself.

From Division of Early Childhood, We shall advocate for equal access to high quality services and supports for all children and families to enhance their quality of lives.

The field of early childhood has a very large responsibility to equalize children's ability to navigate through a system of education that has yet to be perfected; want to talk about school readiness?  With a strong foundation created in the early years of life, children of all incomes can actively play a role in the pursuit of knowledge.  Their architecturally primed brains will have the strength and resiliency to overcome negative environmental experiences.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

From Neurons to Neighborhoods

National Research Council
Shonkoff (2000)
Abstract: The Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development reviewed an extensive, multi-disciplinary, and complex body of research covering the period from before birth to entry into Kindergarten to generate an integrated science of early childhood development and the role of early experiences. The result of the committee's review, this book synthesizes the literature, elaborates on a number of core concepts of development, and offers recommendations for policy and practice. The committee's conclusions and recommendations are grounded in four overarching themes: (1) all children are born wired for feelings and ready to learn; (2) early environments matter, and nurturing relationships are essential; (3) society is changing, and the needs of young children are not being addressed; and (4) interactions among early childhood science, policy, and practice are problematic and demand dramatic rethinking. Following an executive summary, the book's chapters are as follows: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Rethinking Nature and Nurture"; (3) "The Challenge of Studying Culture"; (4) "Making Causal Connections"; (5) "Acquiring Self-Regulation"; (6) "Communicating and Learning"; (7) "Making Friends and Getting Along with Peers"; (8) "The Developing Brain"; (9) "Nurturing Relationships"; (10) "Family Resources"; (11) "Growing Up in Child Care"; (12) "Neighborhood and Community"; (13) "Promoting Healthy Development through Intervention"; and (14) "Conclusions and Recommendations." The book's four appendices include related reports from the National Academies, and discussion of technologies for studying the developing human brain. Contains 1,821 references. (HTH)

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Susan Ochshorn: Preschool Teacher Sells Chili to Make Ends Meet: Where Are Our Values?

Warning!!! Not a Scholarly Article, it will be obvious, but I'm curious to hear reactions.
Susan Ochshorn: Preschool Teacher Sells Chili to Make Ends Meet: Where Are Our Values?
The McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership is a good resource. Become friends with them on facebook for links to some wonderful upcoming forums.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Early Childhood Newsletter Archive

This link brings you to the Policy Priorities from the Children's Defense Fund site, specifically for early childhood.
Early Childhood Newsletter Archive