My Supports

My daily supportive factors that I continue to need throughout life, these factors are supportive of me are my family, my faith and my daughter. I want to share with you all why these factors are supportive of me when it comes to the things I do and how important they are to.

My family, such as my mother, father and sister. They are my true supporters, that continue to encourage me when I feel low. They uplift me when I feel I can not continue when It comes to school, being a single parent and my work life. I have my up and down moments, however when I feel like I just want to quit, they motivate me and just listen to my needs. A listening ear, is all that is needed sometimes and a shoulder. If they were gone, my life would probably be empty. They are my rock, laughter when there is needed and most importantly motivation. They have played a huge part in the way I am a mother, for continuing my education and how hard I continue to work each day. Without them, I'm not sure how complete I would feel, I'll probably be lost, but I'm sure I would have made away. My faith and my belief in God, gets through every struggles. I pray constantly on a daily basis and at times just to say Thank You. Without my faith, there would be nothing to be grateful for and to just realize how good life can be. Be grateful to be able to live and do the things that I have done. I continue to strive to be better, I pray for myself, my family and friends that we all can continue to enjoy life that God has given us. I know that all do not believe in such, but we are all human and have different support. I choose to believe in what I believe and what I have grown up in believing. Without my faith, I feel It would be a struggle. I feel happy when I can pray and just talk without judgement. Most Importantly, my daughter London Aaliyah. She is my life, my support system and my motivation. The things I do, solely is for her. I'm her role model and want her to grow and be a strong loving woman. Continue her education and be encouraging just as she is to me. She has taught me that loving another human being such as your child is the most precious gift a person can ask for. 

My Connections to Play

These 2 Quotes summarizes what I feel Play represent in Childhood.

Essential Play Items that I can relate to as a child, learning my alphabets and at the same time playing with these items. The school playground and pretend playgrounds I had growing up as a child. This allowed me to play and utilize my gross motor skills as well as tailor to my social and healthy brain development

As I was growing up they were many who supported Play such as my parents and teachers. They provided settings an activities within the classroom to support my social development and built opportunities to enhance my imagination and creative play. While at home, I was able to explore different types of children's museums and watch creative play to help explore my imaginary and creative as I can recall as a child

Today Play is a lot similar to the play that I was engaged in as a child. Now there is more research and knowledge on how play can be essential and enhances a child's development. During my growing and development I don't recall it being as serious or taking into consideration, how important it is in a child's development. More creative play is looked into and how can play benefit a child is taken more into consideration. Play has always been an up and down topic whether it benefits the child or not. However as of today, more research has been done and we know more than we knew in the earlier century.

Having meaningful, sharing, healthy relationships help you maintain a positive outlook and helps you stave off feelings of depression, anxiety and anger. Sharing your feelings, concerns, hopes and challenges with others help you stay connected and helps you maintain a healthy level of healthy support and camaraderie. In addition, having other people involved in your life when things are challenging helps provide you with alternative points of view that can help in objective decision making when you may feel that making any decision is too difficult. Friends are essential part of life. My overall outlook on developing meaning and healthy relationships are vital an an important part of my growth and development, especially those that contribute such as my friends and family. I would like to share some important relationships and the people that contribute to my happiness and growth.

My parents, my mother Karen Robinson and father Lorenza Robinson are the two most important contributors to my happiness, my success throughout the years and the continuous growth. Even though my parents are no longer together, them exhibited and displayed wonderful co-parenting throughout my childhood and until now. They were positive contributors and cared more about my education than I did initially. They ensure I got what I needed to ensure I achieved my goals such as finishing high school, then going to college and completing my bachelors. I was never the one who enjoyed school and was always the an average student and dis enough to pass the class. However, as time went on and throughout my bachelor's programs I made straight A's and graduated with honors. My parents always encouraged me to think and to do better. Gave me reassurance that I have the potential and that I am smarter than I think. I will be forever grateful for being there when I needed them the most and for all the encouragement and being understanding.

My younger sister Licole Robinson, however we are only 17 months apart. She has made a huge impact in my life, not only because she is my sister but she is my role model. She is the brains in the family, my soon to Dr. Robinson next year. So you can see she is smart and intelligent and has helped me throughout the years when it came to school and just be there to  confide in. We grew up together and until now we are still together, she is truly my best friend. She has encourage me throughout the years and if there is anything that I need, rest assure she is always there.

Last but not least Miss London Aaliyah Robinson, my daughter, the love of my life. She is the sole reason of my success, my inspiration and motivation to get through each and everyday. She has made me a Mother and I am her provider. She teaches me that relationships means everything. She gets me through times where I experience stress and anxiety or yet angry. She keeps me sane and because of her I strive to continue to succeed and to do better. My 8 year loves people and is so friendly. She is a prime example of  a healthy relationship as well as loving.

Throughout the years I have encountered some challenges such as when people does not show respect or have any type of remorse when it comes to your feelings. Relationships I have encountered throughout the years I have taught me lesson, to never be disrespectful and to have an open mind. It is okay to display your thoughts and feelings, however it is the way it is delivered. I have loss several relationships due to the lack of respect. Each person that I spoke about above has helped and encourage me to continue to be kind, loving and most importantly respectful. Love what you do and to never settle. Continue to explore all your options and to never give up on my hopes and dream. Anything is possible as long as you continue to strive and work.

When I Think of Child Development

These are a few quotes about child development and I how feel we as professionals, families, and our community to keep in mind when thinking of our young children in how they grow and development, most importantly how they learn and see our world. 

Testing for Intelligence?

Considering a commitment to viewing young children holistically such as a commitment to the whole child I believe to a certain extent or in most cases a child should be assessed and measured. My reasons because when a child is assessed, it gives us a pinpoint where a child's stands academically and then we can gather goals to help that child to achieve academically where they should be. Another reason, person my daughter was assessed at a young age, which helped her in all developmental areas. As time continued and goals were established, London was able to meet those goals whether it was academically as well as pertaining to any developmental delays. I believe when you assess and measure a child for these reasons are beneficial to the child and the parent.

On the other some may focus extensively on test scores and far too little on the whole child. This is said especially in children that are tested on the upper end of the age range. A valid statement was made is that we often choose one-size-fits-all fixes while ignoring solid research about the infinite ways students learn and how children develop (ASCD, 2015). I can recall when I was younger and even not into adulthood, it seems we are tested for everything even when it comes to employment. Most people like me are not very good test taker, however does not mean we are not capable of doing the job nor the assignments. We shouldn't simply teach to the test, However, teach for understanding, and assessment are tools to gauge that understanding. More importantly, when the use of effective assessment are used, assessments can facilitate high levels of student achievement by providing ongoing information about students grasp of key concepts and how to enhance their learning to help them meet or exceed academic requirements (ASCD, 2015).

Standardized testing is controversial everywhere, regardless of its purpose. Most countries based upon research use testing for tracking and for selecting students for admission into academic secondary schools or universities, but generally not for holding educators accountable (Rotberg, 2006). As for most countries do not even administer standardized tests until the later grades. For example Canadian universities do not require the SAT or other standardized admissions tests except for those students that are applying with a high school diploma (Rotberg, 2006). Assessment are different around the world some has it's reason why assessments are just not administer. What I found interesting is that most do not assessed and do not hold educator accountable as far as the United States. Another interesting fact most countries are trying to administer testing the same way the US does in hopes that their academic assessments are appropriate.

References:

ASCD. (2015). Assessment. Retrieved April 16, 2017 from  http://www.wholechildeducation.org/what-works/featured-topics/assessment

Rotberg, Iris. C. (2006). Assessment Around the World. Retrieved on April 16, 2017 from http://neqmap.unescobkk.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Assessment-Around-the-World.pdf

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

When I think about the lives of children and adults that I know well, the stressors of which I am aware of are Poverty and Violence within the community. These can cause impede on a child's and adult biosocial, cognitive and psychosocial development. The adult and child that I am speaking lived where violence were committed daily and the fact is because of where they reside, struggling and had no means to live in a better community. They were able to cope with their situation by reaching out to support groups, that were able to financially assist with food assistance and sometimes assistance with clothing to help the mother and her children. As far as the violence, that was happening in her community, she was able to survive just by ensuring she stayed in her home, and did not allow her child to play outside in the area. At that young age children should have the freedom to enjoy their childhood without the worry of having something bad happen.

Children are more likely to be exposed to violence and crime than adults are. An experience of violence can lead to lasting physical, mental, and emotional harm, whether the child is direct victim or a witness (Child Trends, 2016). It states, that children who are exposed to violence are more likely to suffer from attachment problems, regressive behavior, anxiety, and depression, and to have aggression and conduct problems (Child Trends, 2016). Based on the research on children that live in Canada, they tend to have a high rate on Violence within the family that effect young children. I wanted to learn more about Canada, because of how a lot of people say Canada is a place they will love to move to one day, so I wanted to research more on any impacts that effects young children in that country. According to Family Violence in Canada: A statistical profile (2014), police - reported data shows that three in five child and youth victims of family violence were victimized by a parent (RCMP, 2012). In 2014, among the approximately 53,600 child and youth victims under age of violent crime, and about 16,300 were victims of family violence, perpetrated by a parent, sibling, extended family member or spouse (RCMP, 2012).

To minimized the harm that is being done to these young children, is more intervention that is being reported. Family outreach therapy is being offered as well. The damage can last a lifetime. A child that is abuse or witness violence and is effected by poverty is more likely to end up in violent or abusive relationships as an adult, and the destructive cycle continues. We all need to care about children. Today, we are taking more responsibility for intervening within our community in all states and countries where violence and poverty is happening.

References:

Child Trends. (2016). Children Exposure to Violence. Retrieved on April 2, 2017 from https://www.childtrends.org/?indicators=childrens-exposure-to-violence

RCMP. (2012). The Effects of Family Violence on Children- Where Does It Hurt?. Retrieved on April 2, 2017 from http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cp-pc/chi-enf-abu-eng.htm

  

Child Development and Public Health

This week discussion is on Child Development and Public Health, there were several topics, however the one that was the most meaningful to me was Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). I have always been interested on the root cause and if there was additional research being done. I have never personally experience having a child that has died or known anyone personally that has experience such a sad incident. A lack of answers is part of what makes SIDS so frightening. Upon research it is known to be the leading cause of death among infants, ranging 1 moth to 1 year old, and claims the lives of about 2,500 each year in the United States, It is still unpredictable despite the ongoing research.

SIDS is known to affect other parts of the country. It is important to note that the age of inclusion
for SIDS varies from country to country, with some countries defining SIDS as occurring from age 1 year, while others use a range from birth to age 1 year or another range (World Health Organization, n.d.). New Zealand is also known to be one of highest countries and the lowest countries were in the Netherlands and Japan (World Health Organization, n.d.).

Considering all the information I have read and resources, there is no single risk factor is likely to be sufficient to cause a SIDS death. I don't think this information will affect my futher work or career, however this information is vital and important to me, knowing this can happen in any situation. In addition, there is no root known cause to SIDS, rather just knowing there are several risk factors combined may contribute to cause an at-risk infant to die of SIDS (KidsHealth, 2017).

References:

KidsHealth. (2017). Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Retrieved on March 18, 2017 from http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sids.html

World Health Organization. (n.d.). SIDS. Retrieved on March 18, 2017 from https://www.ncemch.org/suid-sids/statistics/

Childbirth In My Life and Around the World

My personal birthing experience, actually occurred 8 years ago March 8, 2009. Age 24, I was nervous but yet exciting at the same time, knowing I was going to give life to another human to bring into this world. While going through pregnancy, I watched several pregnancy reality shows, read tons of books and always asked plenty of questions. When my due date came March 4, 2009, she was definitely stubborn and comfortable and did not want to come yet. So I had to be induced on Saturday morning March 7th and finally the next day 5 PM in the evening she came. I received epidural for pain and pitocin to induce my labor. I was so nervous, especially having to go through pain, I felt like my epidural did not work as it should, so I still felt the contractions. Well when I finally became 10 centimeters, the doctors said I was ready to push. I had her vaginally. I actually only pushed 4 times and out she came. After birth for me was horrible, my body was in tremendous pain, and because my child was big and I was small she torn me down below and I had to receive stitches. My experience, overall, was a great experience, nice hospital and the room was big enough for family and friends. The doctor and staff, were amazing during the child-birth process. Child birth is the most exciting experience a woman can go through in my opinion. Giving life to another small human, is just remarkable and the prenatal phases to get to child birth is fascinating. I had a girl, and I named her London Aaliyah, 8 lbs, 1 oz.

Choosing a region of the world, other than the U.S. and it's child birth, I chose to discuss China. For some reason, their birth experience, I wanted to learn more and if and how their birthing process differs from the U.S. I have learned that China is known for the importing of C-Sections. China has been getting steadily more urban and Western, and along with capitalism (Davis, 2017). The wealthiest of urban Chinese women give birth in luxurious private hospitals, which have a c-section rate as high as 90%, as these are seen as "status births", which is known for them the most western, modern and desirable way to give birth. Middle class tend to give birth at state-run hospitals, where they have no choice of do doctor and placed in a room , with other birthing mothers during active labor. Furthermore, in large towns, woman-baby hospitals, the equivalent of freestanding birth centers here, are attended by zhuchanshi, midwives who do everything from perform abortions to c-section surgery (Davis, 2017). It is known to be high rate for c-sections there as well but not as high as the private hospitals.

Reference:

Davis, L.S. (2017). Birth and Maternal Health Around The World. Retrieved March 12, 2017 from http://www.parenting.com/article/birth-maternal-health

Thank You!

This course has come to an end, it has been a wonderful 8 weeks. I appreciate you all for your dedication, encouragement and the great work we all have put into this course. I enjoyed reading all post, blogs and getting to know each and every one of you. I wish everyone great success in your education as well as your professional goals. Continue to strive for greatness!

Examining Codes of Ethics

Ideals

1-1.1-To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

1-1.5-To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children's social, emotional, cognitive,  physical development and that respect their dignity and their contributions.

1.-1.8-To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with and without disabilities

These 3 Ideals are meaningful to me because it the field of Early Childhood, you want to remain focus and stay informed to be able to continue to educate our young children in helping them learn and grow. This has become apart of my professional life as an educator, it's our responsibility and our commitment to promote our young children's self-awareness, competence, self-worth, resiliency, and physical well-being (Naeyc, 2005). With the ongoing education and training as educator, we can continue to support our children. 

DEC Code of Ethics

Professional and Interpersonal Behavior

We shall serve as advocate for children with disabilities and their families and for the professionals who serve them by supporting both policy and programmatic decisions that enhance the quality of their lives.

The DEC Code of Ethics is meaningful to me as well in my professional life because I believe in being that advocate for our special needs children and their families. Without the right professionals and support our children will not benefit nor be successful without the right tools and information. I've taking many courses related in teaching children with developmental delays and it's important that as professional we help them enhance their developmental growth as well create and maintain a safe and healthy environment that fosters their growth.

References:

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.dec-sped.org/ 

Course Resources

Video: Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). The resources for early childhood. Baltimore: Author.

 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
• 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.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

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.

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/

Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library

Tip: Use the Journal option under Search & Find on the library website to find journals by title.

• 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

Additional Resources

Early Childhood Book:

"Young Children, Parents and Professionals: Enhancing the Links in Early Childhood"

By Margaret Henry, This is a book Title , I recommend as a great resource for Parents and Professional, Margaret, proposes three dimensions of care giving behavior through which parents and professionals not only help young children to develop, but can also help one another's development.

Early Childhood Quote

Influential People In The Field Of Early Childhood Education

Maria Montessori's Philosophies, One of her greatest quotes that I Love "Young children learn in a way that is fundamentally different from how adults learn".

Inspirational Quotes from Edward Zigler and Sylvia Chard

Inspirational quote from a well known professional  Edward Zigler, in the early childhood field. I can relate to this quote in so many ways and I'm sure others can as well. Don't start anything, that you plan to not achieve for many years to come. A lot of us pursue careers and find ourselves unhappy and undecided.

"Young children are inquisitive. They ask questions, wonder about things, and like to investigate interesting phenomena in their world".- Sylvia Chard, Ph.D.

This quote from Sylvia Chard, I can understand, on how our young children asks questions on everything single thing and their young minds are fascinated about how everything works. If they don't understand, they make sure to investigate, which is absolutely true.

Passion, Motivation and Wisdom

During week 2 in my Early Childhood class, we watch a video from professionals,  Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). The passion for early childhood. These professionals discussed their passion, motivation and wisdom within the early childhood field. While watching the video, they quoted how and what inspired them in working world of early childhood and I would like to share this with you all, of what I thought was inspirational.

"The passion, to make sure all children were taught in environments and in ways, that truly nurtured their ability to grow and development to their fullest ability". - Louise Derman- Sparks


"We as professionals in the Early Childhood field have the opportunity to shape a child's life for the better, so that's what makes me passionate about this field".- Sandy Escobido

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). The passion for early childhood. Baltimore: Author.

Personal Childhood Web

As we go through life as young children, there will be several individuals who nurtured and cared about you during your early childhood until now. I was very lucky growing up in my early childhood days and blessed to have such loving and caring family members. Of course, there are a lot more that have impact my life growing up, however these five individuals are very important and special part of my life.

.

















My Mother: Karen Robinson, my twin.The short one in this picture. She's my heart, my world, my everything. When I tell you how important she is to me, especially growing up during my early childhood. She's definitely tough and growing up, I've watched my mother raised me and my younger sister the best she could and I must say she has done a wonderful job. Even though my parents divorced, it wasn't a bad divorce, because my father was still a great father and helped my mother up until now my adulthood. My mother was definitely independent, she showed me what a hard working women is and how to raise your children the right way. She encouraged me from my early childhood while in school and never gave up on me when I wanted to give up on school at times. My mother cares about her family and will help anyone if she's able to. She ensured growing up that my sister and I had everything we needed to become successful throughout our education. She makes me feel like I can accomplish anything and if it wasn't for her, I would not be the strong, independent successful women that I am today.

My Father: Lorenza Robinson. He's definitely a wonderful man and father and I wouldn't trade him for the world. Even though I didn't grow up in the same household with my dad, he's still was an important part of my early childhood. My sister and I were able to spend a lot time with him during certain times. He made sure to call us every single day while growing up. Whenever I needed my dad, whether it was emotionally, financially he was there whenever I needed him to be. In my eyes he was a wonderful father and still is until this day. Im now 31 years old and he continues to call me every single day. He's the definition of a real true father, even though I didn't grow up with him in the same household. He was always there during our important times such as school, graduation, jobs etc.

My Grandmother: Virginia Massey. My mother's mother. This woman is very important to me as well and has always been there from the time I was born and until now. She made sure all of her grandchildren including me was well taken care of. Made sure our education came first and most important God! We grew up in the church and going to church faithfully and because of her we know the true meaning of family and how important family can be. We were like her own, not only just her grandchildren, but as if she gave us birth. She definitely the true definition of a strong woman and a leader. I will always be grateful for everything she has done during my childhood and until now. I look forward to many more years with her.

My Sister: Licole Robinson, This young woman, she's my best friend. While growing up everyone though we were twin and until now they still do. Even though she's younger than me but not that much, she's a role model to me and to my daughter as well. Going through childhood with her has been fun and at times were tough. She taught me a lot growing up, especially when it came to academics. She was the smart one, the one who loved school versus me. Whenever I needed a helping hand, I know I could depend on her without a doubt. She's always made me feel special and important and mostly loved. She will always be my love and my best friend.

My Cousin: Tameka Massey, my first cousin and she's like a sister to me as well. We grew up together and at one time within the same household. We went to school together up until middle school. She's been an important part of my childhood up until now. She has shown me a lot of things and what it means to be a true friend as well as family. She's another important person that will be there if you need her. Tameka is smart and has shown me that there is more to life and how to just be care free. She one of my favorite family members and I will always be grateful for everything that she has done