"My Support"

First I am a wife, mother, then teacher, therefore I have a lot of support on a daily basis.  I get the most support from my husband.  He works very hard and try to provide for our family.  The most support that he gave me was when I ask him could we have three kids come live with us in addition to our three.  He has been there for them at any event they have at school as if they are our own. He is the one that does all the laundry. He picks the kids from school when needed.  He goes to the grocery store.  I feel that I need all this from him because I work long hours at the school and quite tired when I get home.  I cook and now studying for my masters, so the household things are done by him and the kids.  They are my other support.  The kids try to help in anyway they can.  Each one of them have a chore to do, from washing dishes to doing laundry, mowing the grass or anything around the house.  There are times when you just need a laugh, the kids just step in and make my day with a simple joke or some event that may have happened at school.  My six year old is my real support.  He keeps me moving.  When I need some exercise, he always want to ride a bike.  When I need a smile, he is another one in the house that will brighten my day or night with something humor he may say or do. It would be quite hard for me if the husband would leave.  Since he is the worker in the family and the 'breadwinner'. I would worry if I could support my family as he does monetary.  My childcare center is not big, but it get the small bills paid.  I would  hope I have the money to make my household bills and other things if something might happen to my husband.  It is the holiday season and I get a lot of support for family member and friends with the other kids.  Everyone make sure they have a Christmas like other children. If I didn't have their support, then there would be no Christmas for them. I would only try to do the things that are needed for them.  I have been bless to have the support I have from my husband, my children and my family and friends.

My Connections to Play

When  I was a little girl, my mom and grandmother was the people that made me and my cousins go outside to play.  My mom was a teacher in headstart and never believe in letting children sit around adults and listen to their conversations.  She love the outside.  We had this really big garden, and each year we would plant and grow our vegetables.  My most found of my childhood would be the day my mom bought me a bike.  I rode my bike from sun up to sun down.  While I was lear to ride, I was trying to
I trying to do a turn around without stepping off my bike. Needless to say, I did the turn around and stepped on a piece of glass and cut my foot.  That did not stop me from riding a bike I would get a new bike every other Christmas and I even took my bike to college. 

I love to jump rope.  I would jump and make many game up and as I jumped. My friend and I would turn the rope really fast and called it the "hot peas".  I learn to do the double dutch rope jumping.  I would always play that. 

One thing my mom and grandmother would make sure that I played close by home. There was a park close by but I was never allowed to go there to play.  I had to stay close to home.  My mom would say we have the same thing in our yard as that's in the park, dirt.

Today, children do not play like they use to.  My kids in my house will not go outside unless I go outside. If I go walk they go for a walk.  If I ask them to let go ride a bike that's a whole different story. No one wants to ride a bike take a walk, play hiding-go-seek, mother my I, or any the fun game I played as a child.  I do get the children at my center play.  And they think that's the most amazing thing to see me play just like them.

RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION

                A relationship should be one that is being together, doing things that one may like to do, going to the movies, going out to eat dinner or just sitting at home looking at a good movie or playing family games. Having a conversation about life or what just maybe going on in your life.  Someone to laugh with be there when the times are hard and lend a helping hand with anything that you may need.  Be a parent when the either parent can not be there.    

            Over the years, I have a cousin who is like a sister. We talked our problems with each other.  We go on vacations, shopping, and just about anything that you could imagine a sister could be.  Second, there are three kids that I have been apart of their lives for the past three years.   They have come to be apart of my family since they do not have a family to share the love they have in their heart.  I have given them a place to stay in my home and place in my heart.  Along with my own three children, we do all the things families do.  We have family night, attend church, and go to school programs and most of all a special bond with one of the children who is a six year boy that I can not release.  He calls me ‘mom’ and he never let me out of his sight.  He has a lot of growing and developing to do including discipline, respect and hyperactivity.  As his new mom we are working on those things and I know it will come with time.  I try to keep involved sports to learn how to interact with other children not only with children at home or school. 

            As a child care professional, I feel that I can help this child grow to be the best child ever.  He may not know the ways he should go, but I will show him love with discipline.

Thinking of Child Development

"A teacher is a compass that actives the magnet of curiosity,knowledge, and wisdon in the pupils.."

Ever Garrison

Teaching a tool that help children develop all the skills that is hidden inside.  I as a teacher am helping my students understand themselves as young thinkers. Helping developing the person that the student would like to become within themselves. 

Children age three cutting and developing their fine motor skills. This skill is very hard for three year olds but because of the musle development in their hands.   Early development of such skills are important to children at the age of three and many other skills. Early development does not only involve fine motor but those skills of cognitive and social, as this children are illustrating in this picture.   

Assessment our Schools

For many year we have been going through some type of assessment.  There are many type of assessment, formal, written, oral and summarizing.  Many of the children begin getting assessed in our school system as early as kindergarten.  Why?  They have just begin school, therefore what can they know.  I think assessment can go a little to far and be a bit much.  Assessing children is only a way to see if the teachers are teaching and to see if the children are learning what the teachers are teaching.  Our school system has an assessment called the MCT2, Mississippi Curriculum Test 2. Children from grades second to eight grade are evaluated on their mathematics, language, and reading skill.  The levels of grading is advanced, profienct, basic, and minimal.  These score are record and compared to the other students in the state.  After eight grade, grades nine to twelve there are subject area testing and these test depends on if the student will graduate from high school.  How disappointing it will be that a child has mastered all their major subjects in school, and fail the subject area test and can not graduate. VERY DISAPPOINTING. Why assess when the students are assessed every day, either by some mean of  assessments.

In South Africa, the education system is similar to the MCT2 in Mississippi. They begin assessing students from R-9.  R the kindergarten. The test is a National Curriculum Test R-9.  This is a variety of assessment strategy that adequately assess learners achievement and development skills for long learning.  The South African Council have several assessment tool use to assess their students. One is the Continuous Assessment
model the integration of assessment into teaching and development of learners through ongoing feedback. The assessment of learner in R-3 grades focus on learning outcomes and the assessment standards defined in Language, Mathematics, and Life Orientation.  The assessment of learners in 4-6 are assess in learning areas; Language, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Natural Science, Technology, Social Science, Economics and Management, and Art and Culture.  Each test is graded on a point scale from 1-4.    Children are not moved on if satisfactory points are received on their assessment exam. 

I think assessment exams should not be given to pass a child on the next level or given to graduate high school.  Assessment should be given to measure the child ability to do the work taught in that grade.

Reference:
http://www.education.gov/za. National Policy on Assessment and Qualification for school in the General
Education and Training Band

Hunger Where does it begin

As a small girl, I can always remember my grandmother feeding the children in the neighborhood.  My grandmother worked at a orphanage for children.  She cooked in the kitchen there for all the children that lived in the orphanage.  Now I never to miss a meal, because she and my mother made sure that we had a nutritional meal every day.  As I remember my mom use to tell a story how my grandmother feed all the kids in the neighborhood.  When the kids see her coming home they knew they could get something to eat. No only did she feed the kids, but anyone who came by.  I also can remember this young lady was from out of town in our city selling books. Everyday she would come by to get her meal.  So that summer I know she could not say she went hungery.  If my mom didnt feed her, then one of my aunts who lived next door would.  So how did hunger in america all begin.I surely can not say if we had peole like them.

Hunger in America
As I researched, hunger in America I found that in 2010 that 17.2 million American household, 14.5 percent of household were food insecure.  Children in America food insecure at times were 9.8 percent.  Also, household with children 1percent or more experienced food insecure condition measured by USDA.  The very low security with meals were irregular and food intake was below considered below adequate.  All this means that household members reduced normal eating habits and food intake did not meet the food pattern due to some lack of income or other resources.

Reasons for hunger is believed to be because of three reasons.  One the culture of the inequality which could have come from some lack of income.  The second reason is the operation of US political system and last operation the of US economic. 

It has been found there are programs that can help end hunger in America but there are may guildelines and my rules and a whole lot of red tape to get on these program. The programs are Supplemental Nutrition Assittance program, Women Infants and Children, and National School Lunch. 

www.worldhunger.org/article/learn/us-hunger-facts. Hunger in America. 2011 United States Hunger and proverty Facts

Oh the Love of Breatfeeding

Breatfeeding is getting that special bond with your bond when your baby is born.  My first and second children were breastfeed and I did not breatfed my last child.  I had read so many pamphlets on breatfeeding how we should do so because of the health issuse that can guard the baby.  For instance, ear infections, colic, and colds are a few that I read on. I can say that I breatfed my two boys. I never had to set up at night because of an ear infection neither on ever had one.  Neither of them ever had really bad colds or sinus infections; they had a little cold probably that would last a couple of days, but after they would be fine. But I thought breatfeeding was the painful thing.  I really could not do it because it was so painful.  After I learned how to relax, I just contuinued to do so for six weeks for the first and only four weeks for the next child.  I just could not take the pain.
     Now, I can not say that my daughter, which is my last one, I did not breastfeed.  I thought about the pain I had with the first two and I just could not do it.  The nurse come to my room every hour begging me to breastfeed and I keep telling her I start tomorrow.  The next day came and I just could not do.  But to this day I really hate I did not.  My daughter have had some illnesses beginning with the ear infections.  We went to the doctor repeatedly.  Then one day a friend to me to take her to the choropactor. We  went there for four months and never had a cold or ear infection again.  Later, in her fifth grade year, she had a bout cancer and diabetes.  Cancer is in gone, but still dealing with diabetes.    I will never know if it's because I didn't breastfeed but I have a strong feeling it did. We have done well with and had much help from the diabetic foundation, which I encourage all to support.
     Now I did to some reach on Mexican-American or Mexico. The Mexicans choose to breatfeed more than any race.  The women were educated on prenatal issue of breastfeeding and all are encouraged to do so.  Those who are less educated, single and did not receive pamphlets, they were less likely to breastfeed. But the mother that were educated, had high income were more likely to breastfeed.  Some mothers had a belief that breastfeeding would make there children really fat, after studied this was just a myth.

Personal Birthing Experience

I gave birth to three children; well I can say I because I had to have three c-section.  The most frightening thing for me was that I was asleep for the first two.  I did not see my kids come into the world.  The last baby was born by c-section and I had the chance to be awake.  It was the most wonderful thing, and she look like a little fat doll.  I can say I did not experience labor pains with my children, but I did experience the pain of breastfeeding. After I learn what it took to make it easier I love it and I am glad I did.  To this day I have healthy kids all but one.  As I think about my children being born, I researched the country of Africa. I read and read that children are born into life that is hard and hungry and run the risk of being permanently disadvantage as a result. The mother is to weak to feed the child or sick.  Due to the lack of health care professionals is why the children are dying. My insurance covered me having my children, having both prenatal and postnatal care.  I was blessed enough to have milk and the doctors care for my children.  In Africa, their is no government assistance or health care for the mother or baby.  Currently the Catholic church try to provide needed funds and seek private funds where available for children and their mothers.  This project is called Project ISIOLO. It is to help mother survive before and after childbirth and get need help during childbirth.  I choose Africa because I have heard so much about the death of children in that county.  I wanted to see what exactly did that county do to prevent such tragedy.
References:
www.Catholic-tube.com/Project Isiolo: Helping Mothers Survive Childbirth in Africa
http://allafrica.com/: SouthAfrica. Tough Life for Chldren born into Due Proverty.

My Main Code of Conduct

1.  We shall build relationships with individuals, children and families while individualizing the curricula and learning environment to facilitate young children's development.
       According to my profession, this mean a lot to me because we as a teacher should include no only the child but the family to.
2.  We shall honor and respect the rights, knowledge and skills of the multidisciplinary colleagues with whom we work recognizing their unique contribution to children, families and the field of early childhood special education.
      As a profession, we have to get alone with everyone in our profession. I will have to learn respect their thoughts and encourage their efforts as they work with the children and their families.
3.  We shall engage in ongoing and systematic reflective inquiring and self assessment for the purpose of continuous improvement of professional performance and service to young children with disabilities with their families.
     Not only should we assess children, but assess ourselves, see if we are growing professionally. As a goal make our profession a great part of service even if it is with children with disabilities.

Article: 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

EARLY CHILDHOOD RESOURCES

Learning 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/63694/CRS-CW-5364582/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://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/~snapshots/snap33.pdf
  
• 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://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-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.

• 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/
     

Professional Journals

• 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

Additonal Resourses
Mariam Wright Eledman. The State of America's Children.Yearbook. 2002

Preschool Matters: Edward Zigler: It's Time for a new Approach to Public Pre-K Starting from Birth. Retrived from http://nieer.org/p-sm/index.php article=90

Head Start Background/History. Retrived from http://sitemaker.umich.edu/356.bell/background/history

WORDS OF INSPIRATION OF PASSION AND MOTIVATION

"Service is what life is all about"       
"You really can change the world if you care enough"    Mariam Wright Edelman

"Students not only need to know how to use a skill but also when to use it.  They need to learn to recognize for themselves the context in which the skill might be useful and the purpose it can most appropriately serve."
                                                                                   Sylvia Chard,PhD

"Make sure that all children were taught in an environment the way to nurture their ability to grow in their ability."        Louise Derman-Sparks

"Passion is to really see the unique opportunity to shape a child life for the better."        Sandy Escobido

Some passion and motivational saying of my mom while she was in the daycare:
"Never do for a child that he  can't  do for himself."

"Remember the book The Little Engine That Could the train never said I can't it said "I think I can, I think I can". So remeber there is no such word as "I can't"   my mom, Ms Henry RIP

PERSONAL CHILDHOOD WEB

TOP 5 IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

MOM...........was always there. She made sure that I was involved in everything pertaining to church and school.  She was the mom to all children.  Why I say that is because she worked in the Head Start Program for 20 years; and then she owned and operated her own daycare center for 25 years.  Although I was the only child, I never felt like it a day in my life.  I was always around her and the kids from work.  As a little child, I thought my mom was the meanest mom I could ever have.   After all her love and care and making sure I had the things I needed, she was the best mom I or anyone could ever have.  The children from Head Start and from the daycare center would always come back just to see Ms.Henry. 

GRANDMOTHER.........I lived with my grandmother all my early childhood life.  For the longest I thought she was the mother and my mom was my sister.  She made sure I had just about anything that any child could have.  Now if you want to say I could have been spoil, then I would say she was the one that spoiled me.  Like my mom, my grandmother cared for everyone in the neighborhood.  She would make sure everyone was fed.  Love was for all the kids in the neighborhood.

MRS. IDA FRANCES DAVIS....was my godmother, my sunday school teacher, my neighbor that lived across the street, my first grade teacher, her traveling companion, and most of all my mentor.  She was my influence to mentor  in the community, to teach children, and to help everyone.

CHARLOTTE......my "sister", my cousin, and my phone buddy.  Now when I could not talk to anyone and tell my problems to I could tell them to her. She was the sister that I never had.

MICHELLE.......my best childhood friend.  I made friends with Michelle in the first grade.  I thought she was the smartest girl in class and she was.  She was an only child also so she and I got alone very well.  While growing up, we would walk downtown to the movies, walk to the library, and ride bikes forever.  Today Michelle, although she has an ongoing illness,  we are still the best of friends and keep in touch everyday.

My Favorite Children Story Book

This book is very interesting it talks about how the little girl adventures off looking for Sally through pieces of fabrics on The Quilt. It reminds me of the quilts my grandmother made me when I was a child.

The Drawings of My Children

These are drawings of my boys they drew for me for Mother's Day 2003