Getting to know international contacts, pt 2

This week I researched the Global Children’s Initiative. The initiative is built on three foundations: early childhood development, mental health and children in crisis and conflict situations. Within the area of early childhood development the goal is to educate, research and communicate effectively to policymakers the importance of investing in early childhood education within the United States and around the world (Center on the Developing Child, 2012).  The second area I learned about was mental health. This area of child development needs to be in the spotlight more.  In order to do that the Global Children’s Initiative has launched three projects around the world.  They are addressing the mental health system in China, developing family based strategies to prevent mental health concerns within families dealing with HIV/AIDS in Rwanda and addressing mental health concerns and child maltreatment in the Caribbean (Center on the Developing Child, 2012).  Finally, the Global Children’s Initiative is addressing children within crisis and conflict situations. The goal of this is to work collaboratively with other organizations which bring together a science based and developmental approach to assessing and managing children in man made or natural conflicts (Center on the Developing Child, 2012). 

Within the website I also came across an article, “Targeting Toxic Stress in Children”, that discusses the impact that toxic stress can have on children. Several of the questions mention the importance of having a stable environment. This stable environment helps children feel a sense of security and learn to cope with the stress (Weintraub, 2012).

I believe the Global Children’s Initiative and the article address the issues relating to equity and excellence within the early childhood field.  First, the Global Children’s Initiative is striving to provide equal and excellent programs for children across the globe.  They are educating, researching and communicating to policymakers the importance of investing in early childhood programs and the benefits that can come from the investments.  Second, the article discusses the importance of having a stable environment for children.  If children aren’t receiving this within their home generally the school setting is where children feel the most stable and secure.  Therefore, it is essential that funding and policies be in place that support children developmentally rather than focus on a monetary gain.

References:

Global children's initiative. (2012). Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/activities/global_initiative/

 Weintraub, K. (2012, February 27). Targeting toxic stress in children. Boston Globe. Retrieved from http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2012/02/27/targeting_toxic_stress_in_children/