When I Think of Child Development

                                                                          Quotes:

Growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership. - Harvey S. Firestone

There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again. -Elizabeth Lawrence

Professional support and Thank you 

Elizabeth Vassallo-

Your enthusiasm from the beginning motivated me to continue to read your blogs each week. Thank you so much for being such a passionate and inspirational person.

Jannen Payne 

Thank you so much for sharing your child birth experience I greatly enjoyed reading your blogs. Continue to share you fascinating  stories.

Testing for Intelligence

When considering a commitment to viewing young children holistically, I believe growth should be measured and assessed not so much of what the child does not know but how well certain methods of teaching works for that particular child. I also believe what should be measured is how well the teachers are integrating curriculum and assessment in education program. Young children should be based on practiced  assessment developmentally appropriate for young children. Most importantly I believe that teachers should be the primary assessors  for the children they teach since it is they who will use assessment information to design instruction. Based on my research school age children in Asia are assessed based on their ability to regurgitate information. However traditional testing is still used. Other assessments are given as well including, teacher observation, self assessment, and performance-based assessment tasks.

Reference:

http://asiasociety.org/education/chinese-language-initiatives/assessment

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

Chaos

My sister is a great example of someone growing up in a chaotic environment and achieving success despite the unstable living conditions. Being the oldest of six kids came with a lot of responsibility. She was responsible for caring my twin brother and I while still trying to achieve her personal goals. Along with my five siblings my grandparents also took in my aunt and her two kids. These living arrangements made it hard to live a structured life. My Sister Anita Alston-Ellis fought against all the statistics and became an academic success. She has received her Ph.D. in Public Health and is now a published author of the book “Abandonment to Abundance,” where she explains how she overcame her chaotic lifestyle.

Hunger in Africa

 Hunger in America is one of the greatest problems that the continent faces in the 21st-century over 6 million children die each year from malnutrition according to Cozay organization. Poverty is the principal cause of hunger in Africa. The Population is going up 3.5% a year, food is going down 2.5% a year. (Scribid 2014)The people in Africa just do not have enough income to purchase the food that they need. Only 8% of children who are hungry are victims of emergency situation or famine the remaining 92% suffer from long time now nutrition as well as general deficiency of nutrients (Ehow 2014). There are several reason Africa is suffering from hunger as a whole for example, much of Africa is covered by desert and there is not enough rainfall to keep crops healthy. Also, there little understanding of modern technology and much of Africa’s farming is still done by hand on small plots.

Here is an example of a child in Africa suffering from Hunger and malnutrition.

References

 Ehow 2014 http://www.ehow.com/facts_5134722_hunger-africa.html

http://www.scribd.com/doc/533023/Hunger-in-Africa

Child Development and Public Health

The topic I chose was breast-feeding this topic is meaningful to me because I as a woman hope to bear children one day and found it interesting to review and research the importance of breast-feeding as it relates to early childhood development. Researching breast-feeding as it relates to early childhood development will impact my future because not until I explored the importance of breast-feeding did I come to realize how important breast-feeding was for the development of newborns to six months

Globally, less than 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed WHO(2004).. One study of 120 cultures showed that 50 withheld the infant from the breast for 48 hours or more due to the belief that colostrum was “dirty”, “old”, or “not real milk”. In central Karnataka in India, 35% of infants were still not breastfeeding at 48 hours, yet at 1 month 94% were. A mother who may be reluctant to give colostrum feeds in a western hospital may be passionately committed to exclusive breastfeeding later on.

Traditional groups in Papua New Guinea and the Gogo tribe of Tanzania among them – emphasize the need for the woman to be celibate during breastfeeding. A mother may be torn between her desire to breastfeed – in an environment when food after weaning may not be plentiful – and her desire to satisfy her husband. A husband who is often not expected to also remain celibate Emma Pickett (October 30, 2012).

With the information I have learned in the future, I most certainly will breast-feed my children and advices every child bearing mother to do so. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival.

References

WHO (2004) http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/breastfeeding/en/

Emma Pickett, (October 30, 2012) lactationmatters http://lactationmatters.org/2012/10/30/a-closer-look-at-cultural-issues-surrounding-breastfeeding/

Childbirth in My Life and Around the World

On August 4, 2010, I received a phone call from my best friend Zia Mose she told me she was going into labor and to get to the hospital as soon as I could. I remember wishing to the hospital a little nervous that for the first time I was going to be a godmother. Upon my arrival Zia was in so much pain it almost brought me to tears. The doctors then examined her and told us the baby would be here shortly. As I nervously waiting, at 8:00 am was ready to push On August 5, 2010  at 8:23 a.m weighting  6 lbs. 8 oz. Alayna Sani Mose was born.

I chose this example because this was the first childbirth I had the privilege to witness. I personally believe that childbirth is the world's greatest gift. It is my personal opinion that how the childbearing mother cares for her body will have a long time affect on her child whether positive or negative as far as how the child develops.

I chose south Africa as the country to focus on the procedures of the women bearing children. The San Bushmen tribe believe that childbearing brings status and social recognition after she has navigated the journey of pregnancy and birth. The women are actively taught that she must face the pain of natural childbirth alone in a squatting position, the women then bites the court with their teeth and bury it.

I found many similarities in America's childbirth procedures and South Africa's. In both countries children and consider precious and a gift. Both countries enjoy women who are bearing children to stay active and eat right. However there are many differences the women in the San Bushman tribe are encouraged to withstand the pain and do so alone. On the other hand women in America are encouraged to use several instruments to reduce their pain and make their childbirth somewhat of a pleasant one.

Examining Codes of Ethics

Examining Codes of Ethics

The three ideals in the NAEYC and DEC code of ethics that are meaningful to me would be the Enhancement of Children and Families’ Quality of Lives, Personal Development and Preparation and to provide the Community with High Quality Early Childhood Care in Education programs and Services. Though not in any particular order all are significant to my professional life. My professional goals and aspirations have been influenced tremendously by reading the articles for this week.

The Enhancement of Children’s and Families’ Quality of Lives is very meaningful to me because it recognizes the diversity of children, families, colleagues and others whom I may be in contact with. The code of ethics respects and honors all beliefs, values, customs, languages and culture. It is significant to my professional life because, I strive to make a positive influence on all that I come in contact with, in hopes to always be respectful and sensitive to all people from all walks of life.

            Professional Development and Preparation sparked my interested because I often times see Early Childhood special needs or disable children not receive all the time and structure they need to be successful within the programs. This code deals with professionals being suitable for servicing young children with disabilities. “Professional should acquire the knowledge, skills and disposition to work with a variety of young children with disabilities NANYC (2005).”

To provide the community with high-quality early childhood care and education programs and services is a code of ethic that is meaningful to me. This code main focus to provide programs that meet the diverse needs of families, and to provide the best possible program of care and education for children and to conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity. I pride myself on being a woman of honesty and integrity, and hope that my colleagues are doing the same. High-quality education means a great deal to me, every child deserves the best education available.  

References

Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment April 2005

thttps://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201520_02/MS_MECS/EDUC_6005/Week%207/Resources/Resources/embedded/naeyc_codeofethicspdf.pdf

Code of Ethic August 2009

https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201520_02/MS_MECS/EDUC_6005/Week%207/Resources/Resources/embedded/dec_codeofethics.pdf

Resources:

Library: http://library.waldenu.edu/1244.htm

Video: Laureate Education, Inc. (2010). The resources for early childhood. Baltimore: Author

Article: https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201520_02/MS_MECS/EDUC_6005/Week%205/Resources/Resources/embedded/zerotothree_infanttoddlerpolicy.pdf

Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/

Additional Resources:

Book: Early Childhood Education Today By: George S. Morrison 

Articles: http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/early-education/five-great-articles-on-early-childhood-education/

http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/page2.aspx

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

"My own mother struggled through a childhood of neglect to give her own children the opportunities she never had. My mother taught me at a young age that all children deserve the chance to live up to their God-given potential and make the most of their lives" Hillary Clinton 

 "I have never met a child without potential. But I've met plenty of children growing up in extraordinary hardship and lacking the basic tools they need to succeed," Hillary Clinton

"The future is not an, it is an opportunity and an obligation" William J Clinton 

   
"if you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person." William J Clinton


"We as professionals in the early childhood education field have the opportunity to shape a child's life for the better." Sandy Escobido 

"Everyday I go to work I look forward to it because I know the services I am providing will help children." Raymond Hernandez 

"I am not here to save the world I am here to make a difference in the community I work in." Raymond Hernandez

Personal Childhood Web

My Older Sister Anita Alston-Ellis has been a sister, mentor,and my biggest cheerleader. Anita has always been the one to motivate me to succeed. She has lead by example and became an excellent
 role model for me. She is the true definition of a smart successful African American woman.


















        Shirley June Jackson my biological grandmother and adopted mother, taught me how to be a strong independent woman. She was the "boss" in our family. My grandmother loved me and my siblings and treated us as her own. This helped me growing up due to my biological mother's absence in my life, my grandmother filled that void. I will always remember my Grandmother saying "whatever you want to be, be the best at it" This saying helped me in doubtful time when I have wanted to give up on my dreams.


All five of my siblings Jeana, Anita, Sherry, Barbara, and my twin brother Anthony. All of my siblings have shown me unconditional love. Being the youngest of my siblings they have always made sure I felt love and support growing up. Having such supportive siblings helped me be a better me by not feeling like I was missing out on something by not having my biological parents in my life.


James Jackson Jr my biological grandfather and my adoptive father has been the biggest and greatest man I know. My grandfather is an exceptional man, he was a gentle spirit and delayed that everyday in caring for me. He made me feel love and showed that my opinion matter, he loved me as his own. This helped me growing up because I did not have me biological father in my life and grandfather definitely filled that void.
                                                                       

About Me Blog

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou

I chose these three a picture of me now, the book Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss, and a quote from Maya Angelou. Grow up I did not have much self-esteem, later on in life I began to aspect my flaws and all. The picture is of my today comfortable in my skin. I chose this Dr. Seuss book because it inspired me to believe and myself, the sky is the limit. I have always be a woman of few word, hearing Maya Angelou quote inspired me to continue allowing my action to speak louder than my words.

Hi my name is Alysia Parker, early on in life I began to have high hopes of becoming a teacher, it was not until later in life did I become intrigued in the minds of adolescents.  Watching children grow and learn became my obsession, children are just like sponges they soak in everything the adults in their lives are willing to teach them.