Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I wanted to extend a big "Thank You" to all of you who have been encouraging and thoughtful throughout this class. I have genuinely enjoyed reading your posts and have learned so much from you. As you all know, early childhood isn't my area of expertise but with your help I feel as though I have learned a lot and have a new appreciate for the field.
I wish you all the best in the New Year. Merry Christmas to all of you.. I hope to have another class with you soon!
Amber
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics are important because they serve as a guide to help teachers remain professional, do the right thing and grow as better teachers. The three Code of Ethics I choose are:
NAEYC
Ethical responsibilites to children
Ideal: I.19
"To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to support services needed to be successful."
-- I chose this ideal because special education is my passion. These children need advocacy as much as any other but sometimes are forgotten because they truely cannot advocate for themselves. Throughout this course I have learned how important advocating is for students and families and I want to keep this in the forefront on my mind as I continue down my academic and professional paths.
Ethical Responsibilites to Families
Ideal: I.2.2
"To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with families we serve."
-- I chose this ideal because last year I encountered a VERY difficult parent. It seemed no matter how hard I tried to build a relationship of trust with her it always went downhill. I saw the difference between families who collaborated with the school and teachers and those who didn't and I saw a HUGE difference with the families who worked with the school. My goal is always to build this relationship with families and parents and having the opportunity to work with a difficult parent made me realize that importance even more but also made me grow as a teacher.
DEC
Professional Collaboration
#2
" We shall honor and respect the rights, knowledge and skills of the multidisciplinary colleagues with whom we work recognizing their unique contributions to children, families and the field of Early Childhood Special Education."
-- I chose this ideal because I work in a school where there are 4 center based classrooms. These classrooms are for self-contained special education students who cannot be in general education without a lot of support if at all. I work with an AMAZING staff who have listened to my strategies and suggestions when dealing with any classroom behaviors. I realize the importance of respecting all professionals and where their strengths are. I am a true believer that "two heads are better than one" and I believe this ideal sums that up well.
References:
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.dec-sped.org/
NAEYC
Ethical responsibilites to children
Ideal: I.19
"To advocate for and ensure that all children, including those with special needs, have access to support services needed to be successful."
-- I chose this ideal because special education is my passion. These children need advocacy as much as any other but sometimes are forgotten because they truely cannot advocate for themselves. Throughout this course I have learned how important advocating is for students and families and I want to keep this in the forefront on my mind as I continue down my academic and professional paths.
Ethical Responsibilites to Families
Ideal: I.2.2
"To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with families we serve."
-- I chose this ideal because last year I encountered a VERY difficult parent. It seemed no matter how hard I tried to build a relationship of trust with her it always went downhill. I saw the difference between families who collaborated with the school and teachers and those who didn't and I saw a HUGE difference with the families who worked with the school. My goal is always to build this relationship with families and parents and having the opportunity to work with a difficult parent made me realize that importance even more but also made me grow as a teacher.
DEC
Professional Collaboration
#2
" We shall honor and respect the rights, knowledge and skills of the multidisciplinary colleagues with whom we work recognizing their unique contributions to children, families and the field of Early Childhood Special Education."
-- I chose this ideal because I work in a school where there are 4 center based classrooms. These classrooms are for self-contained special education students who cannot be in general education without a lot of support if at all. I work with an AMAZING staff who have listened to my strategies and suggestions when dealing with any classroom behaviors. I realize the importance of respecting all professionals and where their strengths are. I am a true believer that "two heads are better than one" and I believe this ideal sums that up well.
References:
NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf
The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.dec-sped.org/
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Course Resources
- NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/74759/CRS-CW-6060773/educ6005_readings/naeyc_dap_position_statement.pdf
- 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://www.fpg.unc.edu/~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.
- 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 video 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/about/
Click on “Mission/Vision” and “Guiding Principles and Beliefs” and read these statements.
- World Forum Foundation
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/
- The Erikson Institute
http://www.erikson.edu/
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
Additional Course Resources
One of my career goals is to open my own practice someday. To do this I need to be familiar with different types of curriculum. This is one curriculum I found that impressed me. The website is very user friendly. The mission and goals align with my own philosophies. There is also a section that aligns the curriculum to state standards (which is VERY important), tracks progress and a family connections section. Check it out!
http://www.highreach.com/highreach_cms/Home/tabid/179/Default.aspx
A checklist for Early Childhood Curriculum. It can be used to help develop or select a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/teaching/eecd/Curriculum/Definition%20and%20Requirements/edudev_art_00527_030907.html
Child and Family Web Guide. A guide that allows the user to pick topics and then gives a plethora of articles/resources based on the topic. There is also a rating system to help determine how helpful the article may be. You can also go to the website, homepage or review the article.
http://www.cfw.tufts.edu/?/category/education-learning/3/topic/preschool-curriculum/162/
"Now, today, some children are enrolled in excellent programs. Some children are enrolled in mediocre programs. And some are wasting away their most formative years in bad programs....That's why I'm issuing a challenge to our states: Develop a cutting-edge plan to raise the quality of your early learning programs; show us how you'll work to ensure that children are better prepared for success by the time they enter kindergarten. If you do, we will support you with an Early Learning Challenge Grant that I call on Congress to enact."
- President Barack Obama, speaking to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, March 10, 2009
http://www.highreach.com/highreach_cms/Home/tabid/179/Default.aspx
A checklist for Early Childhood Curriculum. It can be used to help develop or select a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/teaching/eecd/Curriculum/Definition%20and%20Requirements/edudev_art_00527_030907.html
Child and Family Web Guide. A guide that allows the user to pick topics and then gives a plethora of articles/resources based on the topic. There is also a rating system to help determine how helpful the article may be. You can also go to the website, homepage or review the article.
http://www.cfw.tufts.edu/?/category/education-learning/3/topic/preschool-curriculum/162/
"Now, today, some children are enrolled in excellent programs. Some children are enrolled in mediocre programs. And some are wasting away their most formative years in bad programs....That's why I'm issuing a challenge to our states: Develop a cutting-edge plan to raise the quality of your early learning programs; show us how you'll work to ensure that children are better prepared for success by the time they enter kindergarten. If you do, we will support you with an Early Learning Challenge Grant that I call on Congress to enact."
- President Barack Obama, speaking to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, March 10, 2009
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Inspiring Quotes
"And I believe that one of our greatest future directions is to provide as much choice and control as possible for people with intellectual disabilities. And when those people, similar to Jay, need support in making that happen, then they are surrounded by family and friends who can enable them to have the life that all of us want for ourselves, an opportunity to control our front door and opportunity to have a job where we can contribute and to have valued friends."
-Ann Turnbull
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111781649
"Special Olympics athletes are spokespersons for freedom itself - they ask for the freedom to live, the freedom to belong, the freedom to contribute, the freedom to have a chance. And, of all the values that unite and inspire us to seek a better world, no value holds a higher place than the value of freedom."
-Eunice Kenndy Shriver
http://www.betterworldheroes.com/pages-s/kennedy-shriver-quotes.htm
"It became my passion to make sure all children were taught in environments and ways that truely nutured their ability to grow and develop their abilities."
-Louise Derman-Sparks
Multi-Media Presentation: The passion for early childhood.
-Ann Turnbull
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111781649
"Special Olympics athletes are spokespersons for freedom itself - they ask for the freedom to live, the freedom to belong, the freedom to contribute, the freedom to have a chance. And, of all the values that unite and inspire us to seek a better world, no value holds a higher place than the value of freedom."
-Eunice Kenndy Shriver
http://www.betterworldheroes.com/pages-s/kennedy-shriver-quotes.htm
"It became my passion to make sure all children were taught in environments and ways that truely nutured their ability to grow and develop their abilities."
-Louise Derman-Sparks
Multi-Media Presentation: The passion for early childhood.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Personal Childhood Web
I have thought a lot about the people who nutured and cared for me as a child. I moved around a lot when I was little and never planted "solid" roots with friends or teachers. I had my family of course but it wasn't until I was in high school that I really met people who would change my life. I will start with the family.
1) My granny:
My granny is my favorite person in the entire world. She has loved and supported me through some tough times. But I always knew that I could count on her to listen and love me no matter what. She has implanted in me some solid family roots and many of my childhood traditions have come from her. She has shown me what a strong woman is. She has fought and beat some difficult situations but she never let that change her or the love she shows me. She shows me who I want to be.
2) My papa:
My papa died when I was a week shy of 16. But he made a huge impact on me for 15 years. I didn't know until later some of the demons and struggles that lurked in his closet but NEVER did those effect how he treated me. He was the most loving and supportive grandpa I could have asked for. He fought hard against several types of cancers and finally one of them beat him. His influence was based on love and nuturing. I knew that like my granny he would love me despite my faults. If he were alive today, I know he would be proud of the person I have become.
3) Nick ( my best friend)
Nick and I met my freshman year in high school. We were on a class trip to Chicago and BOOM light lightening we were inseperable. We spent the next three years going to dances and hanging out all summer. He showed me what friendship was. He showed me what it meant to truely LOVE someone. He is the kind of friend that I know will ALWAYS be there for me, no if's and's or but's about it. Even though we now live 1200 miles apart and we can go months without talking when I see or talk to him again it will be like the day of we left off. He has changed my idea of what friendship is. I know what kind of person I deserve and even today when I find a "friend" I compare them to the friendship I have with him.
4) Sir (high school teacher)
Sir or Mr. Sattherwaite was my journalism teacher for one year in high school. But that was all it took. He was the "cool" teacher and one of the favorite among many students. But for me, he was the person who pushed me beyond my comfort zone. He made me work hard for what I wanted and didn't hand me anything. He showed me the kind of teacher I would later become (even though I didn't know it then). He saw potential in me and eventually made me see it too. Now even as I have grown into an adult we have kept in touch.. That is influence.
5) Elizabeth (the only childhood friend I have)
Elizabeth is about 6 years older than me. We met when I was 6 and our families become instant friends but it wasn't until I was a teenager that I appreciated who Elizabeth was. You see, our families met because my grandparents (the ones mentioned above) were hit and nearly killed by a drunk driver right after my family moved to a new neighborhood. We knew no one and it was Elizabeth's family who came and watched my siblings and I while her mom drove my mom to the hospital. We instantly bonded. She was my babysitter growing up, my big sister during my teenage years and now one of my best friends. She guided me through middle and high school and supported me when no one else would. She is one of the most thoughtful and strong women I know. She continues to show me grace, love and support even when I feel like I don't deserve it. I can tell her my deepest secrets and know they are safe. I only hope that I have impacted her in the half the way she was impacted me.
1) My granny:
My granny is my favorite person in the entire world. She has loved and supported me through some tough times. But I always knew that I could count on her to listen and love me no matter what. She has implanted in me some solid family roots and many of my childhood traditions have come from her. She has shown me what a strong woman is. She has fought and beat some difficult situations but she never let that change her or the love she shows me. She shows me who I want to be.
2) My papa:
My papa died when I was a week shy of 16. But he made a huge impact on me for 15 years. I didn't know until later some of the demons and struggles that lurked in his closet but NEVER did those effect how he treated me. He was the most loving and supportive grandpa I could have asked for. He fought hard against several types of cancers and finally one of them beat him. His influence was based on love and nuturing. I knew that like my granny he would love me despite my faults. If he were alive today, I know he would be proud of the person I have become.
3) Nick ( my best friend)
Nick and I met my freshman year in high school. We were on a class trip to Chicago and BOOM light lightening we were inseperable. We spent the next three years going to dances and hanging out all summer. He showed me what friendship was. He showed me what it meant to truely LOVE someone. He is the kind of friend that I know will ALWAYS be there for me, no if's and's or but's about it. Even though we now live 1200 miles apart and we can go months without talking when I see or talk to him again it will be like the day of we left off. He has changed my idea of what friendship is. I know what kind of person I deserve and even today when I find a "friend" I compare them to the friendship I have with him.
4) Sir (high school teacher)
Sir or Mr. Sattherwaite was my journalism teacher for one year in high school. But that was all it took. He was the "cool" teacher and one of the favorite among many students. But for me, he was the person who pushed me beyond my comfort zone. He made me work hard for what I wanted and didn't hand me anything. He showed me the kind of teacher I would later become (even though I didn't know it then). He saw potential in me and eventually made me see it too. Now even as I have grown into an adult we have kept in touch.. That is influence.
5) Elizabeth (the only childhood friend I have)
Elizabeth is about 6 years older than me. We met when I was 6 and our families become instant friends but it wasn't until I was a teenager that I appreciated who Elizabeth was. You see, our families met because my grandparents (the ones mentioned above) were hit and nearly killed by a drunk driver right after my family moved to a new neighborhood. We knew no one and it was Elizabeth's family who came and watched my siblings and I while her mom drove my mom to the hospital. We instantly bonded. She was my babysitter growing up, my big sister during my teenage years and now one of my best friends. She guided me through middle and high school and supported me when no one else would. She is one of the most thoughtful and strong women I know. She continues to show me grace, love and support even when I feel like I don't deserve it. I can tell her my deepest secrets and know they are safe. I only hope that I have impacted her in the half the way she was impacted me.
Friday, November 11, 2011
"Where The Wild Things Are"
I love the illustrations and imagination that take place within this book. My students LOVE when I read it to them and they pretend they are the "wild things". It brings back wonderful memories of my own childhood.
"All kids are gifts, some just open their packages earlier than others".
"All kids are gifts, some just open their packages earlier than others."
-- Michael Carr
Being a special education teacher this quote has always held a special place in my heart. For my students it may take years to communicate, show affection or make friends. But when that day comes it is an amazing accomplishment and I consider myself so lucky to have played a small part in it. It is the small things that make the biggest impact. :-)
-- Michael Carr
Being a special education teacher this quote has always held a special place in my heart. For my students it may take years to communicate, show affection or make friends. But when that day comes it is an amazing accomplishment and I consider myself so lucky to have played a small part in it. It is the small things that make the biggest impact. :-)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
My First Blog!
Hi Everyone,
This is my first blog! I have always been interested in the world of blogging but I never took the initiative... until now...
An introduction about myself, I moved to Colorado Springs from Michigan 2 years ago. I love it here and to my family's dismay I won't be moving back to Michigan anytime soon. I am a newlywed and got married August 5, 2011. I am lucky to have found my better half. :) We bought a house in a funky, hip and old part of town(which I love). My hubby and I have three pups that keep us on our toes. We are very blessed.
I am special education teacher and work with K-1 students with autism. I have 7 kiddo's and two educational assistants. I also work with an amazing group of people.
When I am not working or spending time with the family. I can be found running or hiking. I am currently training for the Pike's Peak Ascent which is a half marathon up Pike's Peak!! We will see how the training goes throughout the year. I am also a huge music fan! I love going to local places and listening to music. I am also a tv junkie so if I reference tv shows don't be surprised.
I look forward to learning more about everyone! And if you want to know more about me just ask!
This is my first blog! I have always been interested in the world of blogging but I never took the initiative... until now...
An introduction about myself, I moved to Colorado Springs from Michigan 2 years ago. I love it here and to my family's dismay I won't be moving back to Michigan anytime soon. I am a newlywed and got married August 5, 2011. I am lucky to have found my better half. :) We bought a house in a funky, hip and old part of town(which I love). My hubby and I have three pups that keep us on our toes. We are very blessed.
I am special education teacher and work with K-1 students with autism. I have 7 kiddo's and two educational assistants. I also work with an amazing group of people.
When I am not working or spending time with the family. I can be found running or hiking. I am currently training for the Pike's Peak Ascent which is a half marathon up Pike's Peak!! We will see how the training goes throughout the year. I am also a huge music fan! I love going to local places and listening to music. I am also a tv junkie so if I reference tv shows don't be surprised.
I look forward to learning more about everyone! And if you want to know more about me just ask!
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