My Supports

Life can be a challenge in which we as people have to find ways to deal with things and handle things appropriately.  There are times when we are faced with things that we feel that we just cannot go on and just want to give up.  Even though life is not easy we are able to get through it daily with the use of different types of support and support systems.  Without support, I don't think I would have been able to get across some of the bumps in the roads that I have experienced.  My support system is my everything and I don't know what I would do without them. 

My Mother

My daily schedule is very busy and without the people that make up my emotional support system, I think I would have went crazy by now.  The first person that is very supportive is my mother.  My mother is not only a parent but a friend, listener, provider, and wonderful grandmother.  Being a mother of two young daughters have me on the go at all times in which I am having to take them to and from their daily activities such as dance class, baseball practice, and girl scout meetings.  My mother always steps in and helps with the girls in which she takes care of one of the and I handle the other.  She often comes over and helps prepare dinner as well as listen to my daily mishaps that I may have experienced.  I feel that my mothers' support is the reason I am the strong person I am today.  She often motivates  me when I want to give up and also she makes sure that I am taking care of myself both physically and emotionally.  I feel that without the support of my mother I don't know where I would be today.  I don't think that I would be able to function sanely and do all the things that needed to be done daily.  I cherish every day that my mother is in my life and wish that I could have her by my side forever because life without her would be like taking away my sunshine.

My Children

I am blessed to have two beautiful little girls, Nya & Jada, who bring me great joy!  These little girls are two of my biggest supporters.  They make sure that their mother's day is always bright in which they make sure I am always smiling and in a good mood.  When they see that mommy is having a bad they will step in and do things that always turn my frown into a smile such as wanting to help clean, cook, and do laundry.  Being the mother of these two little girls provide me the sense of having something worth living for.  They are the reasons I work so hard to provide them with the best of things in which we make sure that we are all taken care of.  I couldn't imagine a day without these little girls and just the thought of them not being there makes me emotional.  If they were not in my life I don't think I would be the professional, hardworking, and dedicated woman I am today.

Physical Disability

 

The challenge that I chose to imagine to have that I do not currently have it the inability to walk and beinf confined to a wheelchair.  This type of challenge would be very difficult to me in which I would basically need someone on call that could always assist me with different situations and daily activities.  I would want to have a support system that would allow me to independent and not be to the point where they wanted to do everything for me.  I would have to make sure that I had someone to drive me from place to place so that I go do some of the things I could possibly do alone.  In this situation, I definitely feel that my mother and daughters would definitely be supportive in which they would assist me with things that I could not do due to my disability such as getting thing from high places, driving the girls to and from their activities, and just emotional support such as being my motivators.  Regardless of the disability, my support system would made sure that I continued living life to the fullest and that my disability would not be viewed as a disability but a obstacle that I am facing.  If I did not have them, being confined to a wheelchair and trying to take care of my children would be very hard.  I would basically have to find someone to help me which may be a person that would not provide the actual support and love that I needed like my mother and my daughters.  If they weren't there I probably would just give up and live a life full of depression and low self-esteem.

My Connections to Play

Quotes About Play

 Children need the freedom and time to play.  Play is not a luxury.  Play is a necessity.

Kay Redfield Jamison

When children pretend, they're using their imaginations to move beyond the bounds of reality.  A stick can be a magic wand.  A sock can be a puppet.  A small child can be a superhero.

Fred Rogers

My Essential Play Items

 

Doll House

Kitchen Set

Jump Rope

Play & My Childhood

When I was younger, play was a very big part of my life.  I spent a lot of my time playing and getting to know other children.  My mother was a big supporter and advocate for play for children.  She often told us that it was very important that we learn how to play with other children because working with others would be a big part of our lives.  We would often invite cousins and friends over and my mom would have several different activities for us to participate in.  A lot of the time we did things that focused on creating things and using a lot of arts and crafts.  Also, when I was younger, I started daycare at an early age in which I was exposed to play at an extremely early age.  I can remember playing at times and we were taught to share, be nice, and to make sure everyone was happy at all times.  These types of lessons and activities definitely increased my communication ability, language development, emotional development, and social development.  Therefore, I strongly believe that the role of play supported my healthy development.

My Perception of Play

I feel that when I was a child play was basically a part of life and no one really commented on whether or not it was good or bad.  It was just children learning and playing and having a good time.  I feel that now people are taking the fun out of play and debating on it too much.  Some feel that play is necessary and some feel that play is a waste of time; however, it depends on their definition of play and what is actually going on during the child’s play time.  Children need a little time to be able to express themselves and play with other children.  Play gives them the time to be independent and decide what they want to do or what activities they want to participate in where its playing dress up, being a superhero, playing school, or even playing house.  What ever the case may be adults just need to realize that play is very essential for the healthy development of children.

Play & My Adulthood

I feel that play provided me the opportunity to learn how to communicate and socialize with others in which I feel has contributed to ability to become a social butterfly.  I have people now that often come to me with their problems or just like to come around for a little chatting and fun.  The role of play in my childhood has given me the opportunity to learn how to express my feelings and emotions as well as pass it along to my children.  I love to be in places where there are big crowds and everyone is having fun together.  I also love to work on teams and in groups at work in which I often find myself as the leader.  I often allow them to have slumber parties in which they all participate in activities in which they will gain something from it and not just letting it be a waste of time.  I am basically now an advocate for children and play in which I promote it in an setting I am in that involves children. 

References

The Strong.  (2013).  Play quotes.  Retrieved from http://www.thestrong.org/about-play/play-quotes.

Relationship Reflection

Relationships are like rainbows that come and go through good times and bad times.  Relationships are what make us better at communicating and teaches us social skills and how to express our emotions and feelings.  I have had my share of relationships in which some have come and gone and some have come and stayed.  Relationships are very important to me in which they have developed me into the caring, honest, and helpful person I am today.  The relationships I have developed over the years have taught me many lessons in which I was able to learn and figure out who was for me and who was against me.  Therefore, at the end of the day, the bonds that I have developed and kept are very special to me.
As I sit and think about strong and lasting relationships I have developed, four individuals come to mind.  These are four individuals who have been with me through the good times and the bad and never have they left me alone to deal with things on my own.  I can honestly say these are four individuals who will never lead me in the wrong direction or lead me astray.  These four people are my father, Lee Dukes, my mother, Mary Dukes, my brother, Lee Hodges, and my sister, Chandra Hodges.  The relationships I have with each of these individuals are very positive.  The relationship I have with my father is very loving and special such as bond that father and daughter develops.  He often gives me advice and makes sure no one is trying to take advantage of me.  He is very open and is honest about everything.  The relationship I have with my mother is very strong.  She is my motivator and my guidance counsel in which I can go to her about anything or any problem I am experiencing.  She is my shoulder to lean on and cry on.  The relationship with my sister is very strong in which we are like best friends.  We love to spend hours talking about life and spending time together.  We are honest with each other and have promised each other to always be open regardless of the outcome.  Last, the relationship with my brother is like that of a protective big brother over a little sister.  He has been by my side since day one and I appreciate all of it.  He is the type that always asks questions and makes sure that I am always safe.  I feel that the positive aspects of all of these relationships comes from the strong bond that our parents encouraged us to have and to love each other regardless of the situation or what we were going through.  

Over the years I have definitely realized that there are challenges that come along with developing and maintaining relationships.  I feel that the reasons I only have a few strong relationships is due to the fact that a lot of people do not believe in honesty or being a person that can be trusted.  A lack of honesty is one of the main reason why a lot of my relationships ended instead of maintained.  The four individuals listed above have never been dishonest or deceptive and have always kept it real with me.  I am an individual who believes in trust and honesty and if they go against that then I feel that they are not worthy of a relationship with me.  I have also learned that no everyone has your best interest at heart and will basically try to destroy your life intentionally.  However, if honesty is not developed and kept there is absolutely no way that a partnership can be developed.    

As I reflect on my relationships, both past and present, I definitely feel that my experiences with relationships/partnerships have prepared me to be an effective early childhood professional.  I have learned that honesty is the best policy in every relationship and partnership that is developed.  When it comes to developing relationships and partnerships with families, children, and parents, you have to be honest and let them know that you are there to provide them with the services and resources needed for their child's education.  If they feel that you are a liar and have deceived them, then the possibility for a strong and lasting relationship is impossible.  I have to show the parents that I want to be an active and supportive participant educating their child and that they can trust me with the task of providing their child with a high quality education.  

When I Think of Child Development

Sitting at my computer letting out a sigh of relief and patting myself on the back and sending out virtual high fives to all of my classmates because we are finished with yet another class and a step closer to obtaining our MsED.  My desire to work with children is even stronger now after going through this class.  This class has given me information that I will be able to use throughout my career and I appreciate the information and guidance given to us from Dr. Kien.  I have located several quotes that I have listed below that captures the essence of what I think about child development.  I have truly enjoyed this class and look forward to other classes.

Quotes

"The principal goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done—men who are creative, inventive, and discovers. The second goal of education is to form minds which can be critical, can verify, and not accept everything they are offered."
(Jean Piaget, Remarks from a conference on cognitive development at Cornell University, 1964)

“But an adult if he is to provide proper guidance, must always be calm and act slowly so that the child who is watching him can clearly see his actions in all their particulars.” (Maria Montessori)

References

Cherry, K.  (n.d.).  Jean Piaget quotes.  Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/ early-child-development/a/jean-piaget-quotes.htm.

Daily Montessori.  (n.d.).  Maria Montessori quotes.  Retrieved from http://www.dailymontessori.com/maria-montessori-quotes/.

Testing for Intelligence?

 

 

A child's cognitive development changes over time in which the thinking ability of a child increases. The brain continues to develop in which the child will be able to carry out abilities that begin with the using of senses, memory,  thinking logically, and problem solving.  The ability of a child varies from child to child but for the most part the development of children progresses in an orderly manner (Kato, 2010).  It is very important that teachers and early childhood professionals are familiars with the ability of their children so they will be able to provide them with the services and resources needed to increase their cognitive ability.  They also have to understand the importance of assessing and measuring a child's ability and the purpose of the different methods.  According to the World Bank (2011), "An assessment of the needs of young children provides you with an understanding of children's developmental status and condition in order to define the areas and groups which are most in need of attention" (para. 3).

 

There have been several forms of research conducted in which there have been different aspects viewed as how the cognitive ability of children should be measured and assessed.  However, during this day in time, the most common and traditional method is the use of standardized tests.  This type of method may be effective, however I feel that this method may not be an accurate way to measure or assess a child's ability.  I feel that the downfall of assessment tools such as standardized tests are not beneficial for all children.  I feel that some children may not have test taking skills or the mindset to sit and take a test.  Also I feel that even though the test may be on a level for that particular grade, the child may have a hard time comprehending some of the questions on the test especially if the child is struggling in reading.  They child may understand and be able to implement the concept but may not understand what the question is asking.  I am not saying that standardized tests should be completely taken away, however I feel that there should also be a second option where students can have a performance based assessment in which the results of the written test and performance test can be compared.  I just feel that if we are going to stick to assessing the whole child, we have to come up with a way that the assessments or measures that are given takes both the cognitive and emotional development of the child in mind.

 

I have always been interested in the lives and education of children in Africa in which I used the country of Africa for my focus on researching how their children's abilities are measured and assessed.  I was shocked to find out that the students' abilities in Southern Africa are assessed and measured through the use of standardized test like the children in America.  There are several tests that are used to determine the levels that their children are functioning on.  However, the thing that I found was interesting was that Africa also wants to focus on the whole child in which they are trying to find other ways to not only assess the ability of the child but also things that can be down to allow African children to live healthy and productive lives.  A lot of the children in Africa go to school but are basically not learning.  According to Fleet (2012), "37 million African children will learn so little while in they are in school that they will not be much better off than those kids who never attend school" (para. 1).  With this in mind the leaders of the country continue to search for or develop ways that can help improve the education levels of the children.

 

As a personal opinion, I just believe that it is very important to determine the ability of our children so that we may be able to provide them with the information and help needed in order to help them successfully progress through school so that they can become successful individuals.  If we do not develop a successful and effective way to assess their needs then we will fail as professionals in which we are there to serve them.  The children are our future and it is up to us to prepare them for the journey.

 

References

 

Fleet, J. W. V. (2012).  Africa's education crisis: In school but not learning.  Retrieved from http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/up-front/posts/2012/09/17-africa-education-crisis-van-fleet.

 

Kato, S. L. (2010). Teaching. Tinley Park, Il: Goodheart-Willcox Co.

 

 

The World Bank.  (2011).  Needs assessments and indicators.  Retrieved from

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTCY/EXTECD/0,,contentMDK:20200666~menuPK:524388~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSitePK:344939~isCURL:Y,00.html

 

 

 



Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

Children are exposed to both positive and negatives things throughout their lifetime.  Even they though they are such small and innocent creatures they sometimes experience levels of stress that one would only think adults would go through.  Parents fail to realize that sometimes any incident whether it is big or small can have negative effects on a child.  Stress can cause many issues for children because they are sometimes considers too young and fragile for stress.  According to Tennant (2005), “It is essential that adults understand the damaging effects of stress on children's health, behavior and learning and in turn, value the benefits of a calm, relaxed state” (para. 7).  In many households, a child experiences violence first hand especially in the case of domestic violence that involves the mother and the father.  The children basically goes through the stress of watching their father beat and hurt their mother and by being a child, there is nothing that they can do. 

This is definitely the case of a dear friend of my who grew up in a household where domestic violence occurred daily in their home.  From the time she was five, my friend would often see her father slap or punch her mother.  It started off with just a hit or two every now and then.  By the time she was twelve, the one or two lick had turn into her mother being severely beaten, dragged, spit on, and cursed.  There was many times where her mother was placed into the hospital because of injuries she had received during the fights.  This caused my friend a great deal of stress in which she was always nervous, always crying, not focusing at school, and on the verge of being retained.  To get away from all the commotion and to cope with the stress she would always want to spend the night at my house.  It went from one to two days a week to basically living with us.  Her mother said it okay because she didn’t want her daughter to see her being hurt.  My friend hated to leave her mother and felt that someone had to do something.  She finally told my mother why she always wanted to spend the night and that she wanted to help her mother.  My uncle was a police and my mother called him to report what was going on.  The police got involved and her mother finally decided that enough was enough and pressed charges on her father.  After the father was removed from the household my friend was able to go back home and live with her mother. 

I used to always wonder why my friend never got over the situation while it was going on knowing that there was nothing that she could do about.  I also wondered why she became so distant and isolated but I then realized that she has been through so much that the stress she accumulated made life seem void for her.  According to Berger (2005), “Almost every child can withstand one stressful event, but repeated stresses make resilience difficult” (Cumulative Stress, p. 381, para. 1).   I am just so glad that my friend was able to help put a stop to the violence within her household and to be able to live in a peaceful environment.

In Southern Africa children are faced with several stressors on a daily basis that is basically causing them to deteriorate.  In Southern Africa the children are faced with the widespread of HIV/Aids and the fact that there is no cure for this disease.  There is also the stressor that there is very little food for some children and they are facing starvation in which this also leads to the deteriorating of their health.  Lastly, the Southern African government is not equipped to provide the different services needed to address these stressors in which the future of these children is not so clear (Drimie and Casale, 2009).  The stressors that the children are experiencing are so severe that children are dying because their bodies are not strong enough to handle these harsh stressors.  However, there are several foundations established such as Save the Children an organization that focuses on helping the children of South Africa to deal with the stressors.  According to Save the Children (2012), “In every programme we aim to: innovate – develop and prove evidence-based, replicable solutions to the problems children face” (About Us, para. 2).  The organization is basically working to aid in minimizing the stressors the children are faced with to make sure the children receive the resources and services needed to stay healthy and alive.

References

Drimie, S. & Casale, S.  (2009). D Multiple stressors in Southern Africa: the link between HIV/AIDS, food insecurity, poverty and children's vulnerability now and in the future. AIDS Care: Psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV, Vol. 21, Supplement 1.  Taylor and Francis Group, LLC, Florence, KY.

Save Our Children.  (2012). About us. Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org.za /about-us

Tennant, V.  (2005). The powerful impact of stress. Retrieved from http://education.jhu. edu/PD/newhorizons/strategies/topics/Keeping%20Fit%20for%20Learning/stress.html

Child Development and Public Health

Nutrition/Malnutrition

 

 

When it comes to children, nutrition is very important and should be taken seriously to avoid problems with malnutrition, developmental problems, deficiencies, and death.  According to Berger (2012), "malnutrition beginning in infancy and continuing through early childhood contributes to one-third of all child deaths and slows later growth, including the growth of the brain" (Nutrition, p. 226, para. 1).  Healthy eating is encouraged early before the child is even born.  Mothers have to make sure that they are eating healthy and providing their unborn child with food and nutrients needed for the development of a healthy child.  Even after the child is born the mother must continue a healthy diet such as formula, breast milk, and eventually the child will become old enough to eat baby food.  This is the mothers opportunity to introduce the child to healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables in order to allow the child to become comfortable eating them.  As the child become older the mother should encourage the eating of fruits and vegetables to make sure that the child is getting the necessary amount of food and nutrients needed to keep the children healthy. 

There are several factors that can affect the child from receiving the proper nutrition needed such as economic levels and culture.  When a family is within the low economic levels, they are not able to purchase large variety of foods and basically get what they can.  This happens a lot in countries that are poverty stricken such as India.  Malnutrition is a big problem  in India in which one of the main causes of death in children are due to a lack of food and limited access to health care services.  According to UNICEF (2013), "In India, around 46 per cent of all children below the age of three are too small for their age, 47 per cent are underweight and at least 16 per cent are wasted. Many of these children are severely malnourished"(para. 3).  Culture also has a lot to do with a child's nutrition because of they way they are taught.  There are some cultures that limit what is available for families to eat as well as certain things that are considered a normal part of their diet.  Missing out on essential nutrients can cause problems that can lead to malnutrition.  However, there are different countries that focus on healthy diets such as the Chinese who cuisine consists of brown rice and a variety of vegetables (Berger, 2012). 

This topic is meaningful to me because I and a mother and I feel that no child should go hungry or without the proper nutrition needed for proper development.  I know times can be hard and in some countries they get what they can, but I believe that if everyone works together no one will go hungry.  As a future Early Childhood leader, I feel that information such as this will give me the motivation to want to help children in any way possible. 

References

 

Berger, K.S. (2012).  The developing person through childhood (6th edition).  New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

 

UNICEF.  (2013).  Nutrition.  Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/india/children_2356.htm.

Childbirth in My Life and Around the World

I have had two birthing experiences of my own in which I gave birth to two beautiful little girls.  This was the most special time in my life.  However, giving birth is totally different from coaching and helping someone during a birthing experience   My friend was due any day to have her first child.  However, during her last doctor's visit she was informed that the baby weighed 11 pounds and that he had to be taken immediately   When I got the news I became nervous because this was my friend and I was so excited for her.  The day she went in she was so nervous which rubbed off on me.  The procedure took about 30 minutes in which she had to get a Caesarean section.  The delivery room was so clean and organized and the doctor and nurses are dressed for the procedure.  I had never been in the room with someone who was having this type of birth so things went fast.  I was able to basically see everything the doctor was doing which was amazing.   They were tugging and pulling until after about five minutes a 10 pounds 12 ounces baby boy was pulled out and covered in things I cannot describe. This was the first time I had ever seen a baby right out of the mother's stomach before being quickly cleaned.  I was overjoyed.  He was so big and looked like a little man.  This birthing experience was so special because I was there by my friend’s side cheering her on.  I feel that the birth of a child has a great impact on the child's development.  The mother has to take care of the child during pregnancy just as much as they do when the child is born.  The mother can help with the development of the child during pregnancy by eating right, reading to the child, playing music for the child, and making sure that she is receiving prenatal care.

When thinking about births in the United States, they are totally different from births in other countries.  In the Netherlands, most of the women there are given a choice to give birth at home or at the hospital in which most of them choose to have their children at home.  This is very uncommon in the United States because almost 100% of American women give birth in a hospital.  My friend would often tell me about her doctor's visits she would have throughout her pregnancy.  However, the women of the Netherlands do not see an obstetrician.  The women of the Netherlands are not given and type of pain medication during birth and are not able to spend a couple of days in the hospital for monitoring like women of the United States.  If the birth experience goes okay, the women are home with their children within a couple of hours.  This seemed bizarre to me in which American women feel that they have to give birth at hospitals to have healthy children, however the opposite is happening in other countries and their children are healthy as well.

Examining Codes of Ethics

A code of ethics is basically a set of rules that is to be followed by the individuals in which the codes apply to.  This is information that is very important in which professionals are held to high standards and held accountable or their actions.  In the area of early childhood the codes of ethics that apply to early childhood professionals include the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethical Conduct and the Code of Ethics of the Division for Early Childhood.  As I pursue my dream of becoming an Early Childhood professional I have to always keep in mind  the code of ethics that apply and the importance the codes have in the success  of my career.  Every ideal that is expressed in each of the code of ethics is meaningful to me however there are three that stood out the most.

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (2005), ideal I-2.2 is “To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve” (Ideals, p.3, para. 2).

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (2005), ideal I-3B.1 is “To assist the program in providing the highest quality of service.” (Ideals, p.5, para. 1).

According to the Division for Early Childhood (2009), “We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whom we work.” (Professional and Interpersonal Behavior, p.1, para. 2).

According to the Division for Early Childhood (2009), “We shall support professionals new to the field by mentoring them in the practice of evidence and ethically based services.” (Professional and Interpersonal Behavior, p.2, para.52).

These ideals are meaningful to me because I feel that in order to be successful in the Early Childhood field professionals must establish trustworthy relationships with the children, families, and other professionals to make sure everyone is on the same page.  Without trust early childhood professionals will not be able to provide the best services for the children and families in need.  When relationships are developed professionals and families are able to communicate and meet the needs of the child.

References

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

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved  from http://www.dec-sped.org/.

Early Childhood One Stop Resource Shop

Learning Resources

Part 1: Position Statements and Influential Practices

• NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf
• NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf
• NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf
• NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf
• Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller
• FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://community.fpg.unc.edu/sites/community.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/FPG_Snapshot_N33_EvidenceBasedPractice_09-2006.pdf
  
  Note: The following article can be found in the Walden University Library databases.
• Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42-53.
  Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title.

Part 2: Global Support for Children's Rights and Well-Being

• Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
• Websites:
• World Forum Foundation
  http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
  This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the media segment on this webpage
• World Organization for Early Childhood Education
  http://www.omep-usnc.org/
  Read about OMEP's mission.
• Association for Childhood Education International
  http://acei.org/
  Click on "Mission/Vision" and "Guiding Principles and Beliefs" and read these statements.

Part 3: Selected Early Childhood Organizations

• 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/
• WESTED
  http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm
• 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/
• HighScope
  http://www.highscope.org/
• 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/
• Pre[K]Now
  http://www.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067
• Voices for America's Children
  http://www.voices.org/
• The Erikson Institute
  http://www.erikson.edu/

Part 4: Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library

• YC Young Children
• Childhood
• Journal of Child & Family Studies
• Child Study Journal
• Multicultural Education
• Early Childhood Education Journal
• Journal of Early Childhood Research
• International Journal of Early Childhood
• Early Childhood Research Quarterly
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Studies
• Maternal & Child Health Journal
• International Journal of Early Years Education

Part 5: Additional Resources

• Children’s Defense Fund
• http://www.childrensdefense.org/policy-priorities/early-childhood-education-care/early-childhood-resources.html

• Effective Practice in Early Childhood Education – Textbook 
• Author: Virginia Susan Bredekamp 

• Early Childhood Education and Training Program
• http://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu/videolibrary.shtm

Quotes Corner

Here are some great quotes from individuals who have been major contributors in the area of Early Childhood Education:

“We cannot build our own future without helping others to build theirs.”
― Bill Clinton

“We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more."
- Bill Clinton”

“It is the responsibility of every adult... to make sure that children hear what we have learned from the lessons of life and to hear over and over that we love them and that they are not alone.”
― Marian Wright Edelman

“If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for much.”
― Marian Wright Edelman

“It was in Early Childhood Education that allowed me to see the unique opportunity we have in working with children.”
― Sandy Escobido

Personal Childhood Web

Hello everyone and welcome to my Personal Childhood Web! I would like to introduce to you some of the dynamic people that I have in my life that I call my support system.  They have been by my side since day one and I thank them for everything.





Lenitra Wadley is my Godmother.  This individual is like a ray of sunshine in my life.  She has influenced my life as a child in many ways.  She was the person that I could talk to about anything.  She would always be there to give me encouraging words and to put a smile on my face.  She made sure I did the right things and always taught me right from wrong.  She made me feel special by showing me love.  She has impacted my present life by teaching me things that I can share with my children.

 Lee Hodges is my brother.  By being the little sister Lee was always there to protect me.  As a child I was greatly influenced by hime becasue he taught me how to be a big girl such as standing up for myself, riding my bike, and playing ball.  He nurtured me by taking me under his wing and helping me in school.  He made me feel special by calling me his baby girl and always told me he loved me.  I am able to share with my daughters some of the stories about my brother and I and I.

Chandra Hodges is my big sister and my right hand girl.  She taught me how to be a lady and how to respect myself.  She made sure I was pretty at all times before we left the house.  She always told me to make sure I look my best at all times.  I teach my daughters the same thing and I make sure I tell them I love them everyday just as my sister told me.

 Lee Dukes is my father and my rock.  He has influenced my life by always being there and teaching me right from wrong.  He made sure that I knew that men are supposed to respect women.  He supported me in all my decisions, the good ones and the bad.  He made sure he gave me lots of hugs and kisses.  I make sure that my children respect their fathers and spend as much time with them as possible.

Mary Dukes is my mom and the person who has my heart.  This lady makes me smile and has always taught me to get a good education and to be the best mother I can be.  My mom has supported me and been my backbone.  She makes me feel special especially when she helps with her grandchildren.  She continues to influence my life by helping with my daughters and motivate me.