Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative

Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative

 

 

In looking at the website I found a lot of interesting things on the site. The site discussed many things that interest me. One of the things that interest me is how the purpose of the Global Children’s Initiative is to reframe the discourse around children health and development, support and   build leadership in child development polices and research.  

The focus of the site  is on early childhood development; child mental health; and children in crisis and conflict situations.Theser are the chidlren and family the site helps to suport.

I also enjoyed the link  that had many books and articles about different issues related to chidlren, povery and their family. One article titled Strengthening Adult Capacities to Improve Child Outcomes: A New Strategy for Reducing Intergenerational Poverty by  Jack P. Shonkoff, Harvard University. This Article discussed the different issues related to poverty and what we as educators a parents must do  to help our children succeed. Shonkoff stated “It’s clear that high-quality early childhood programs can make a measurable difference for children in poverty, but we must do more.” And I agree. There are so many children in this world that are not afforded the luxury of a good education that will prepare them for school. I understand that poverty is an issue but I feel that parents who are capable and who know and value education should implant their knowledge and education into the children.

 

 

References:

Strengthening Adult Capacities to Improve Child Outcomes: A New Strategy for Reducing Intergenerational Poverty Jack P. Shonkoff, Harvard University - Posted April 22, 2013

 

 

The Headstart Association

THE NATIONAL HEADSTART ASSOCIATION

 

                                                       What specific section(s) or information seemed particularly relevant to your current professional development?

The information on  advocacy, professional development, research, membership also the statement that the organization present on the cite stating that they are committed “To lead.To be the untiring voice that will not be quiet until every vulnerable child is served with the Head Start model of support for the whole child, the family and the community.” And that they are  committed. “To advocate.To work diligently for policy and institutional changes that ensure all vulnerable children and families have what they need to succeed.”

                                                       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?

                                                        

                                                       I did not find anything to be controversial but I did like the issue on Maternal and Infant Home Visiting Program Evaluation. As a new grandmother I was glad to see that head start in interested in the care of infants and young children. The program is called The Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) and it provides intensive home-visitation services to families who are expected a child or children. The goal is to help build relationships and assist parents in becoming ready for the family.

 

       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?

                                                               

                                     The research Tab had some wonderful information on how Head start is beneficial in many different areas such as educational. Economical and even Law enforcement. I was shocked to see how Head Start could benefit Law Enforcement, but according to the article it stated that “HS children are significantly less likely to have been charged with a crime than their siblings who did not participate in HS.”

 

                                                        

       What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain from exploring the website or e-newsletter?

    

                                                       When I explored the Head start website I also learned that there are a lot of resources out here and that people really do care about the education of our young people. I also learned that more needs to be done.

 

National Head Start Association http://www.nhsa.org/

(Newsletter: http://www.nhsa.org/news_and_advocacy/advocacy/legislative_eupdate

Benefits of Head Start and Early Head Start Programs

Getting to know your International Contacts

I previously sent out email to two International contacts however I have not heard a reply from them.

I chose the Country of China. It was really surprising to me that China had a problem with poverty.    China has the population of 1.27 billion back in 2001.  According to the site Much of chins’ poverty issues have been due to the economic an social transition. I also was glad to read that by China moving from a centrally plan need to a globalize market economy has help decrease the poverty.  There are about   4.2 million children in china who are living in absolute poverty and there are more than 8 million living in conditions that are considered be disadvantaged.

In exploring this site I am more informative about individuals in poverty. I really did not realize that so many children live in poverty here in the United States.  I would like to learn more about absolute poverty and how it differs from Poverty.        

The website also discussed The Minimum Living Standards that relate to Social Security reform and how  it was developed. The social security system has had to change because there are so many different forms of poverty and the change was needed to make sure every one is protected.

 

As a professional I will continue to learn more about poverty and how it can be reduced in our County.

 

Reference:

 (http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/),

Professional Contacts

       Provide the name and link for the international website you selected, and a brief description of the organization’s focus.

        

South Africa
OMEP South African National Committee
The National Early Childhood Development Alliance
Mr. Eric Atmore
P.O. Box 2363
Clarinch, 7740
South Africa
Tel: 27 21 683 2420
Email: cecd@iafrica.com

 

The website focuses on Early Childhood Education

Ghana Rev Charles Arko-Nunoo
P.O. Box MK 157
Mankessim C/R Ghana
Tel: + 233 42 34180
Email: 2kdotcom@ghana.com

 

       Identify one current issue/trend from the newsletter and/or from the website that caught your attention.

 

One of the Current issues that caught my attention was the issue on School Readiness.

 

Head Start is the leader in the early childhood field with a strong and clear focus on healthy child development. These developments include physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, all of which are essential to children getting ready for school.  Head Start requires all programs to establish school readiness goals, setting expectations of children's status and progress in a full range of development domains, as part of Head Start reform regulation.

 

The site shares a parent post card as well as a worksheet  that  teachers parents how to feed their children healthier meal and what proportions are needed for the children to get a balanced meal as well as discussed how important it was to limited television time and more outdoor play.  This was very interesting to me because our children are not actively involved in more outdoor activity in our schools or at home. The site also discusses tips for children and infants to succeed in school as well.

 

 

       Share if there was anything else you learned from studying these resources related to the topic of this week.

        

       I have learned that there is a lot of information out here if one is able to access it. I believe that all children have the right to a great education.

Early Chilhood Outside of the United States

I have requested information from the following places outside the United States:


South Africa
OMEP South African National Committee
The National Early Childhood Development Alliance
Mr. Eric Atmore
P.O. Box 2363
Clarinch, 7740
South Africa
Tel: 27 21 683 2420
Email: cecd@iafrica.com

Ghana Rev Charles Arko-Nunoo
P.O. Box MK 157
Mankessim
C/R Ghana
Tel: + 233 42 34180
Email: 2kdotcom@ghana.com



National Head Start Associationhttp://www.nhsa.org/
(Newsletter: http://www.nhsa.org/news_and_advocacy/advocacy/legislative_eupdate )
I also observed  the Head Start website and it is very informative on  professional development, membership, advocacy, and events and conferences. The website also discusses the 2013 Budget as well.  I also signed up for the new letter.

My Supports

 When it comes to Support. I have a lot of support from many people from all walks of life. I have support from people who sometimes seem so distant. I have a lot of support from my mother and many of my family members. Sometimes I feel like I 'm all alone due to many things that I have to endure. I have migraines and they incapacitate me so sometimes I feel like I need more support in this area. My children have  had to deal with their mother being  unable to do things that normal mother s can when I have a headache.
Once place I wish I had more support was on the Job. On the Job there is not much support on the job when we are going through stress. The job itself is stressful but there is not much support for workers who need an outlet.

My Play Connections

Quotes
“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold” Joseph Chilton Pearce
Play is Children's Work, Jean Piaget

As I child I grew up in  a neighborhood where I was the youngest  and the only girl on the block. I was the only girl on the block so I played with a lot of my boy cousins. I play football, basketball, baseball, hide and go seek and many  other games.
 I also played my Atari because I was  only child.  So I spent a lot of my time alone at home in my room. My family supported me when I was in Head Start and throughout my years of school. They continue  support me even now.
As an adult all my children  attended the same Head start that I went to and had the pleasure of meeting some of the teacher that I had as a  child.

Playing as a child was great for me and I believe that as adults we must continue to play in a sense  and not be so uptight.