"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression. - Dr. Hiam Ginnot

Friday, May 25, 2012

Websites and additional resources


The website I am exploring is www.naccrra.org 

·         What specific section(s) or information seemed particularly relevant to your current professional development?
  • Currently I am speaking with a professional overseas on a Dodds school, mixing that with a sister whose husband is in the Marines, the military assistance program was something I wanted to explore further.  A number of centers that I am associated with accept NACCRRA assistance and I believe it to be a great thing!  Providers must meet standards and apply to be a part of the NACCRRA program.  Also, the amount of support given by NACCRRA is “Fee assistance amounts vary by program. For many programs, your fee assistance will be based on your total family income and provider rate” (NACCRRA, 2012).  Families in more of a need will receive more assistance than others.
·         Which ideas/statements/resources, either on the website or in an e-newsletter, did you find controversial or made you think about an issue in new ways?
  • One area I thought was pretty controversial was the support and lack thereof for politicians.  In my opinion, when organizations get too involved in political stand points it takes away from the objective of that organization.  If the focus is on children, allow the focus to be on children . . . not taking the opportunity and podium to voice one’s opinion or slanted version of people.
·         What information does the website or the e-newsletter contain that adds to your understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field?
  • Reading some of the articles posted on the website, NACCRRA includes in their posts the politicians that voted in favor of bill/act/law.  One area that was slightly shocking to me, I thought more states required child care professionals to pass some form of a background check.  Understanding more now “The Child Care Accountability and Responsibility Act of 2012 (CARE for Kids Act) calls on states to conduct a fingerprint check against federal and state records and the sex offender, child abuse and neglect registries” (NACCRRA, 2012).
·         What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain from exploring the website or e-newsletter?
  • Taking advantage of the “Media Kit” on this website offers a large array of information.  Information on advocacy, products/services, and partnerships.  Any chance to grow in resources within this field is a chance that should be quickly taken advantage of!

This week communicating with my International contacts, I wanted to hear about some of their additional resources they use to enhance their curriculum.
Questions that began our discussions:
What types of resources does your school offer for enhancing your curriculum?
What are your favorite websites or additional resources that you prefer to use?
·         Kathryn Wonnacott – Belfast, Ireland, Nursery Asst. in a preschool of 3’s – 4’s with 52 children within the school.
o   Awaiting to hear back from Kathryn as of 05.25.2012

·         Lina Vasquez – Pre School teacher in Colombia
o   Continuing information regarding poverty:  in my community the families have many resources, but when they enter schooling that requires money they turn out to be affected and move for the one who is going to pay the school and these things, these days the families suffer very much!  My school also provides psychological guidance to families and at times when it is a possibility (due to money) they buy insurance at beginning of year to help them in those moments and covers for the rest of the study.
o   We use a program called SISBEN in our school we are implementing ICT in the classroom. We handle the artistic portion; we strive to teach through play.  Assembly of artistic portion: the teachers handle the conceptual content and are way more creative.  Our organization has the pedagogic model, something that has part of the spiritual, academic and concerned with the part of
·         Melanie Buckley – Germany Dodds school system (Department of Defense schools usual locations are on military bases both state side and overseas)
o   Upon returning to Germany from visiting her father, Melanie will return communication as she catches up on her obligations.  If she answers before this week is over I will update the blog.
·         Crystal Trigaux – Incheon, South Korea,2nd level teacher (In American terms equivalent to 2nd grade)
o   Crystal is away on “holiday” this week.  I will be in contact with her next week.
·         Katie Meyler – Monrovia, Liberia (founder of “More than me foundation”, an organization that assists girls in West Africa to get off of the streets and gain an education)
o   Upon posting this, unable to reach Katie.  If communication is opened, I will update promptly.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Shelly,
    In regard to controversies: I have always had mixed views about education being a "political issue". But if education is going to be made available to everyone, than it needs to be publicly funded and that means politics. Too bad though that education has to get mixed up in the bipartisan bickering that often goes on, in U.S. politics at least. It reminds me of divorced parents fighting over "what to do with the children". I wonder if there is a way to focus more on the facts- the things we know that work, and as Jack Shonkoff might say, closing the gaps between what we know and what we do.

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  2. I am also interested in learning more about advocacy and partnerships. I am exploring NAEYC and it has extensive information regarding advocacy. Like you, I'm looking forward to learning more about the subject.
    Carolina

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  3. "One area I thought was pretty controversial was the support and lack thereof for politicians. In my opinion, when organizations get too involved in political stand points it takes away from the objective of that organization. If the focus is on children, allow the focus to be on children . . . not taking the opportunity and podium to voice one’s opinion or slanted version of people."

    I completely agree with you, organizations that are too politically involved loose their ability to behave objectively and on behalf of the best interest of early childhood education. The balancing act between being involved in policy and unbiased is difficult.

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