Thank You!

It's a bitter sweet moment. I'm so excited to have almost completed my first Walden University class, but a bit sad that the class is over. The last few weeks have been amazing. I've learned more about myself than I expected. I'm excited about my own professional growth and that of all my colleagues. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, goals and professional development. It has been great working with you!

~ Shayla

NAEYC and DEC Code of Ethics

According to the NAEYC Code of Ethical statement of Commitment, the code sets forth a framework of professional responsibilities in four sections. Each section addresses an area of professional relationships: (1) with children, (2) with families, (3) among colleagues, and (4) with the community and society.

According to the Division for Early Childhood Code of Ethics, the code’s purpose is to: (1) identify the key principles guiding our professional conduct; and (2) provide guidance for practice and personal dilemmas in our conduct of research and practice. The Code is intended to assist professionals in resolving conflicts as they arise in practice with children and families and with other colleagues.

1. 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. (NAEYC)

2. To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child. (NAEYC)

3. We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers of services for their children. (DEC)

These codes of ethics provide a guideline for educational professionals to follow and remind us of the reasons we began this journey in the first place. I chose these three codes to post as they are very meaningful to me.

1. Being supportive to children as they play is imperative to their social and emotional growth amongst other physical development. Its important for all children to have that outlet of play whether they have disabilities or not.

2. We have to remember that every child is different. They learn differently, play differently and should be recognized for the uniqueness they bring to our classrooms.

3. Keeping families informed provides for a great learning community for children and support for teachers. When parents feel involved they are more compelled to be supportive in their child's educational journey. Which is very important.

ECE Course 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, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://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, fromhttp://www.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://www.fpg.unc.edu/~images/pdfs/snapshots/snap33.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, fromhttp://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
  
  
• Websites:
  
• World Forum Foundation
  http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/about.php
  This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the video on this webpage
  
  
• World Organization for Early Childhood Education
  http://www.omep.org.gu.se/English/about_OMEP/
  Read about OMEP’s mission.
  
  
• Association for Childhood Education International
  http://acei.org/about/
  Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements.
  

Note: Explore the resources in Parts 3 and 4 in preparation for this week’s Application assignment.

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/main/about.cfm
  
  
• 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//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
  
  
• Institute for Women’s Policy Research
  http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm
  
  
• 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.preknow.org/
  
  
• Voices for America’s Children
  http://www.voices.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=22807
  
  
• The Erikson Institute
  http://www.erikson.edu/
  

Part 4: Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library

Tip: Use the A-to-Z e-journal list to search for specific journal titles. (Go to “How Do I...?”, select “Tips for Specific Formats and Resources,” and then “e-journals” to find this search interface.)

• 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

Three other resources...

http://www.successdegrees.com/inspirationalquotesaboutearlychildhoodeducationandteaching.html
~ I love this link...I often add these to my preschool newsletter or check back for my own inspiration.

http://www.brainy-child.com/article/reggioemilia.shtml
~ Interesting points about child brain development

http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=334
~ This article assisted me in making a great learning environment for my preschoolers.

Inspiring Words...

“In the new economy, information, education, and motivation are everything.”

William J. Clinton

“Let us all take more responsibility, not only for ourselves and our families but for our communities and our country.”

William J. Clinton

“Part of our essential humanity is paying respect to what God gave us and what will be here a long time after we're gone.”

William J. Clinton

“Doing what's right isn't the problem. It is knowing what's right.”

““If you do a little bit of looking at books with your children and inspire them to be curious about the pictures and ... what the word means, but don't get into very structured systematic teaching at too early an age, ... and you also interact emotionally and have fun with pretend play ... then you have the best of both worlds.””

Dr. Stanley Greenspan

"It just made me feel whole...it made me feel creative...and so it became my lifelong work."

Louise Derman-Sparks

Professor

Pacific Oak College, CA

Personal Childhood Web

Five people who fit my childhood web:

1. My Mom - seen here in the middle/top . My mom has always been my hierarchy. She raised me for 10 years as a single parent before marrying my step-father. She has served as my biggest support system and my best friend. ~ Also included in this picture (me, far left, my daughter in the middle and my sister, far right).

2. My Grandmother - my grandmother has always been around to give me words of wisdom...even when I didn't want it. She's wanted nothing but the best for me. In my book, what my grandma says is gold.

#3 - My grandfather - my grandfather passed in 2006. He was the family hierarchy. He served as my male role model/father figure for many years and he and I were very close. He wasn't afraid of telling you when you were wrong and commending you when you were right. He knew just what to say to me when I was down. I miss him dearly.

#4 - My Stepfather - my dad as I call him has been just that for me...a real dad a father. Although he and my mom didn't marry until I was 10 he was a family friend for many years. He has served as a better half to my mom and a parent for me when I needed. He has shown true support when needed and often offers a great perspective to a difficult situation. ~ He's shown here with my girls.

#5 - My Uncle Kevin - my uncle Kevin was a great support to me as a child. He's my mom's younger brother and was very much my "fun uncle". We would make up crazy dances together and he even played dolls with me. While in elementary school he always supported me by being the uncle at my school performances...something I will never forget.

I Love You Through and Through

I use to read this book to my now 5 year old. She loved it so much that she eventually memorized the story and was able to recite it by just looking at the pictures.

I love this book as it has simple rhyme (perfect for younger ages), and meaningful text...in addition the illustrations are great!

How do you learn?

I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand.
-- Chinese Proverb

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog. I hope you enjoy what you see.

Thanks for stopping by :)

~ Shayla