Saturday, December 24, 2011

Thank You

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 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/

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Course Resources

Part 2: Global Support for Children’s Rights and Well-Being
Note: Explore the resources in Parts 3 and 4 in preparation for this week’s Application assignment.
Part 3: Selected Early Childhood Organizations
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

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