Getting to know my International Contacts.

Hello Everyone , I wanted to introduce you to my new friend Thierry Koningstein ~ He is 33 years old, he lives in Boxtel in 

the Netherlands. Thierry said that they do not have States in the Netherlands, but they have providence's. Boxtel is

located in the province of Noord Branbant. Thierry is a teacher and teaches children with special needs. He teaches at 

Herman Broeren School. I asked Thierry about poverty in his country.

Thierry stated that there is a number of people who are finding it harder to make ends meet. He stated that some of the 

reasons for problems are gambling addictions, and job losses. The economy is in a crisis, he stated. He did say that he 

has not noticed a huge problem with this subject but that he hears of business closing.

I look forward to finding out more about the Netherlands, through Thierry.

Personal Resources

The name of the newsletter/program I subscribed to is Child Care Aware of America. The address is http://facebook.com/USAChildCare

Their mission is to “promote national policies and partnerships to advance the development and learning of all children and to provide vision, leadership, and support to community child care resource and referral.”

The reason I chose this organization was because after I complete my Master’s, my goal is to be a director of a child care facility and I feel that with their goal to “ provide leadership and support to community child care resources” I would like to be in on their ideas.

The name and link of the international website I selected was http://www.naccrra.org/.  The organization’s focus is on that of increasing the quality of child care. The NACCRRA offers training to child care professions. They are also interested in improving the families and child’s life.

The reason I chose this organization is that they want to improve the outcome of families and children in the child care setting. They receive no state funding.

The issue/ trend that caught my attention was on the www.naccrra.org  site. The article was in the “Journal Gazette” a newspaper in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The article I am referring to is about “Indiana one of the first stated to develop disaster guide for child care. The reason I chose this article was first off I feel that to be prepared and not scared is a motto for everyone, not just at home but at the work place as well as child care facilities. The article discusses child care providers right now they only have a plan for fire or severe weather situations. The child care preparedness guide covers all emergencies. Everything from flash floods to threats of violence.
This is very near and dear to me first because I live in Indiana. Second, I work at Early Head Start and I am employed at a facility where we were are prepared for all these things. Early Head Start is under the umbrella of Hamilton Center. Hamilton Center is a Mental Health Facility, and we are required to do each of these test monthly, bi monthly and bi yearly. I was just shocked to see not all facilities were under a prepared plan. At Early Head Start we ensure the safety and wellness of our children. With the unknown violence that occurs at the schools now days, it is best if there is a lockdown procedure in place as well. This article discussed this very issue. And actually Early Head Start was on a lock down just a few months ago. With Early Head Start being within a Mental Health organization sometimes the people are not always mentally stable. And that was the case. There was a client who was obsessed with an employee and the whole facility became locked down until she was found and was stable. I am learning that not all child care facilities are under a disaster plan.

http://facebook.com/USAChildCare

www.naccrra.org

http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20130709/NEWS07/130709526/1067/NEWS07

Establishing Professional Contacts

As of the current moment I have not had any contact from the two professional contacts. I will continue to try and if I still have no success I will move on to the Alternate. I am attempting to get in touch with Priscilla Rixon at Melboure Australia, the Victoria University.


And the Early Childhood Organization I choose. The reason why I choose this organization is because of its resources and the experience it offers. Where I work we get lots of information from this organization and newsletter as well.


Early Childhood Related Websites - United States.
Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
http://www.zerotothree.org.

                                “MY SUPPORTS”

I would have to describe my factors within my daily environment that are supportive to me; and the benefit these support.

I would have to start with my husband, Rich. He is my Number One Support. I would have to say every day he tells me how proud of me he is; and he has been the number one supporter of me continuing my education. Richie has been the one to help me understand that I can do it. He has told me on several occasions to breathe and I can make it and that twenty four months is not really that long. The benefit I see as having Richie be a supporter for me is that without him I might have given up on school. He is such a big impact on my life. He has helped guide me and listen to my complaining as well as my successes.

The second supporter I have to support me is my co-worker and friend, Kim. Kim helps me on a daily basis. She is there as I get stressed over work, as well as being there for me in my personal life. We have become very close over this last year. She has taken on the role of “little sis”. Without her support and guidance my job would be more stressful. We do things in our personal life together as well. She and I have taken trips together; just mini vacations. When we are together we laugh and laugh. Having someone I can be this close with is a great asset to my life.

Without the support how would I exist…..hummmm I began to think about this as I was writing what supports they are to me, and I began to tear up. The thought of having to face daily life without my husband and best friend made my heart ache. The thought of waking up to the other side of my bed cold broke my heart. The thought of going to work and not seeing Kim was just as bad. Taking my steps in life without them beside me was terrible to say the least. I just hope and pray that I will never have to find out. I know that one day it is conceivable that my husband may die; or my best friend moves away. I will hope I do not become depressed. I know that this will surly happen. If something like this does happen I know I will need to seek help. I know life does not end with the closing of one door. I just pray that I never will have to experience that closing.

My daily life is better because of these two people. I wake to my husband’s voice every morning. He leaves early in the morning but will always kiss me before he leaves. My life has been so impacted because of him. He is my rock, my foundation. My husband is my best friend, my lover, my everything.

My friend Kim, she supports me, and shows me that I don’t need to be serious all the time. Laughter helps the sole. I laugh so hard when I am with her I cry. I cannot image my world without her. We are always talking or texting. We are always together. Everyone at work laughs when they see one without the other. They want to know where our side kick is.

With these two people in my life there will be nothing but benefits. 

MY CONNECTIONS TO PLAY

“My Connections to Play” by Diana Cox

QUOTES= what play represented for me in my childhood.

Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.

Fred Rogers

There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.

Graham Greene

PICTURES OF ESSENTIAL PLAY ITEMS FOR MYSELF WHEN I WAS YOUNGER=

 Mrs. Beasley doll was from the 1972 TV show Family Affair. Mrs. Beasley was there for Cissy after her mother died. I had many losses in my childhood and I felt like Cissy, Mrs. Beasley was the only one there for me.

 This is the Chrissy Doll, 1970’s she was given to me and became my best friend; she and I had many adventures. She was one of my first students as I played teacher. J Who would have know that I would grow up to become a teacher? Chrissy is still with me today. She sits and watches over me as I complete my homework each week.

These two toys are something that I spent many hours playing with the one on the right allowed me to enhance my “teaching” skills the one on the left enhanced my “imagination” skills.

HOW THE ROLE OF PLAY WAS FOR MYSELF WHEN I WAS YOUNGER:

There was not a lot of people who supported me in my play when I was younger. I was pretty much left to fend for myself in my childhood. The role of play in my childhood was something I enjoyed with the neighborhood kids. I spent many hours running climbing trees, making “mud pies”, taking whatever we had in the yard and making “a grocery store” and having customers check out.

TODAY'S PLAY VS PLAY WHEN I WAS GROWING UP:

Play today is so different from when I grew up. When I grew up I was outside from the time the sun came up till the street light came on. As a child we made up games, found ways to keep us busy. Days were spent outside except for in the winter. And usually then we spent time between friends’ houses. We stayed at different friends’ houses until we drove their mothers crazy. Play was so important when I was young. I learned so much through imaginary play spent many hours imagining what my adult life would be. Today’s children are so wrapped up in technology that no one gets outdoors. They are worried about what the new trend is; and how they can conquer the next level in that video game. The games live little to imagination. Virtual reality is what is replayed the imagination of the child.

PLAY THROUGHOUT MY LIFE AND THE ROLE IN ADULTHOOD:

The roles of play through my life, and how it has played in my into my adulthood; I would have to say that I believe play has kept my heart young. I have found that working with children has kept me very young. I have found how pretending with children and giving them the childhood I never had has lead me to where I am now in my adult life. I am in a position to foster and help children’s lives grow. I am so grateful for this opportunity to help someone else in their lives, and their imagination. 

Relationship Reflection

Relationship Reflection~~~

Meet My Family~ The top picture is of me and my children; I am Diana Cox of Terre Haute Indiana, Meagan-Leigh is my daughter and she is 23 years old , and my son, Caleb is 18. The bottom picture has my husband, Richard (loving called Richie by me). The reason my relationship with these people are so important is because they are my world. My husband and I have been married 25 years in June. My children mean the world to me. I would die for my kids. Even though my children are not learning to walk, talk or write they are still learning and growing every day. Every day is exciting and new for them and they are so excited to share it with me. I would have to say almost every day is a positive experience with them. My son, is a junior in high school and plays football, and throws shot put and manages the basketball team. He comes home and is so excited to share the “fun facts” of the evening with my husband and myself. My daughter is getting ready to begin a new job. Her new job is working as an Early Head Start teaching assistant. She will be working with me. This is new and exciting for both of us. She also recently has become very serious with a gentleman. She is awaiting his proposal. She shares a lot of things with me as this is a new aspect of her life.

Someone else I have a positive relationship with would be my co-worker and very close friend, Kim. She and I have shared many hours talking and learning about each other. She has become like a sister to me. I was so glad to have Kim come into my life. I needed a close “female friend” and she has become this for me. I truly love her like a sister.

The ways in which each relationship is positive and what contributes to developing and maintaining each relationship; is first and foremost, trust. I trust each of these people with my life. My husband, Richie and I have learned to trust each other and tell each other everything. There are no secrets between us. We treasure the time we get to spend together; even if it is cutting grass together or planting flowers. We love being together, holding hands in the grocery store is just one of the things you will find us doing on a Saturday afternoon. We have found out after 26 years of being together, communication is the number one key. We discuss something if it is bothering us. We never go to be angry. We are always honest and open with each other.

The challenge I would have to say in maintaining a relationship with my children over time would be; they don’t like the advice I give them. They think that I am butting in to their business. But after I step out of the way and let them handle the situation the way they think it is supposed to be handle, and it fails, they come to mom and dad for advice. They then realize that I was really right. The challenge I have learned from the rest of my relationships is sometimes I forget to listen completely. I forget to tune out everything else and listen and then give input. Sometimes this has gotten me into a whole lot of trouble.

Special characteristics of these relationships that make them partnerships; I would have to say trust and communication, and probably mutual love for one and other. My husband and I spend very little time together. The trust issue has never been an issue for us. Then the communication issue, sometimes neither one of us really want to hear what the other is saying but afterwards we realize that it is not what we wanted to hear, but what we needed to hear. We take our time that we get to spend with each other as very special time. Without my husband’s love and support I would not be back in school right now. He stands beside me no matter what.

The experiences with my relationships has taught me to be an effective childhood professional, because it has taught me that communication is key. Love and respect for each other goes really far. Talking out differences really helps, and being there for one and other is what it is all about. Taking it day by day. Step by step, and even if necessary inch by inch. Together we will make it to the finish line. Whether your finish line is getting to your 25^th Wedding anniversary, your graduation, your wedding day, or in my case, graduating with my Master’s Degree. One step at a time. 

pictures to go with quotes

Quotes

I chose these three quotes because I feel they describe my view of child development because

1.       We worry about what a child will become tomorrow yet we forget that he is someone today. By Stacia Tauscher ~ this quote makes me think of the psychosocial development of a child. The parent sometimes gets wrapped up in the child “growing up…” they forget to enjoy the moment. They don’t take time to see what is developing right in front of them.

2.       Imagine with all your mind. Believe with all your heart. Achieve with all your might.                        I know that in children ages 2 to 5 they spend most of their awake hours creating, imagining and learning new skills. They are always curious and wanting to learn something. They imagine it, they believe that they can do it. And they will achieve it if not told they cannot do it.

3.       Only a child sees things with perfect clarity, because it hasn't developed all those filters which prevent us from seeing things that we don’t expect to see. This quote makes me think of emotional development; how children learn to express themselves. They come with a clean slate and don’t judge. They put everyone on an equal playing field. They do not judge, and as adults we sometimes put our feeling and prejudges on children.

Just stop taking it all at once…..Take it one day at a time…one action at a time!!! 

Testing for Intelligence~

Do I believe children should be measured or assessed? ~~~Young children are exposed to a variety of test from the moment of birth. The infant is given a test to see how they are within a minute or two after birth. This test will determine if the child stays with mom or will go to the NICU. The infant then begins going to the doctor and again more test; every time their height and weight is taken. This will go on until death. I believe that assessments are important. I believe they show us where we need to be, show progression, regression and finally be able to put in place, if need be, assist the child with what they need to achieve their very best.

As I have stated many times before, I am an Early Head Start Educator, as educators, we assess the child to see if they fall within the “norm” of development. If the test indicate there is a delay the teacher/educator will encourage the parent/caregiver to seek medical advice and receive services for the child.

Assessments are given to “assist” the child. But with every test there is also a degree of error. That is why it is so important to consider multiple sources of information, and only act after there has been a full and complete picture presented. As an educator, the test is given and staffing with supervisors are all put into place before anything is stated to the parents, if a delay is found.

Assessment of school aged children in other parts of the world~                                    I chose to learn more about Poland. The Polish school system is divided into the following stages: Kindergarten (for children ages 3-5/6 years of age)                     Primary School (6 years; for children ages 6/7-11/12)                                Gymnasium- Lower Secondary School ( 3 Years; for children 12/13- 15/16 years of age)                                                                                                                   Secondary School (different types, education 3 or 4 years depending on school type)

Education in public schools is free of charge. Public Kindergartens are opened Monday to Friday and closed on the weekends. Usually children are there about five hours a day. Staying in Kindergarten is mandatory for children above the age of 5.

Kindergarten is a way of preparing the child for school where attendance is important that is why it is mandatory. Enrollment begins in March for school that starts September 1.

Primary school is next; Children learn in an integrated learning environment. There is no clear division into subjects such as Polish, mathematics, science, etc. Most of the subjects are taught by one teacher. The child will learn German or Russian, and English, this is taught by different teachers.

During their primary school education, the children take a nationwide examination in the form of a written test in April, on same day and at the same time in whole Poland. In some schools, students also take the national competence test, taking place at the end. However, this test is not mandatory, but remains voluntary, and parents must agree for their child to participate in it.

The score received on the test also has no impact on whether the child completes primary school, it can be taken into account during admission to the next schooling stage, which is the gymnasium. The test assesses reading, writing, reasoning skills, use of information sources and use of knowledge in practice.

Sitting the examination is mandatory and a precondition for the completion of primary school. If a child is unable to take the examination during this time, they will have to retake it the following year.

After finishing primary school, all children are required to continue their education in Gymnasium. Gymnasiums specializing in foreign languages or sports. The examinations that are given are nationwide written examination consisting of three parts: the humanities, Mathematics and Science and language. Taking the exam is necessary to complete gymnasium, but there is no specified minimum of points required to pass it. Possible support if needed; these are such things as extending time, separate classroom, use of modifiers. After completing this; I feel Poland takes a Big infancies on assessments.

I work with Early Head Start in Vigo County. We are in the state of Indiana, and we complete an assessment called ISTAR-KR (Indiana Standards Tool for Alternate Reporting of Kindergarten Readiness).

This assessment measures skills in children from infancy to kindergarten. The assessment focuses on the areas of English/Language Arts and Math as well as three areas; physical, personal care and social-emotional skills. The data is inputted to the computer three times a year and it goes to the state. This follows the child to Head Start, then on to public school, Kindergarten and then ends at first grade.

I personally think that assessing our children in our program is a great tool. I know many, many times I get asked by parents, “Is my child doing okay.” This assessment will show the parents the progress on the child. I know as a parent, it was hard to not see progress on paper. I feel like if it is presented to the parents in a positive, caring way they will understand and be willing to work with the child to progress more next time.

References:    http://migrant.info.pl/Types_of_schools_in_Poland.html

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

Poverty

I grew up in a town called Terre Haute Indiana. We are located 77 miles southwest of Indianapolis, Indiana. Terre Haute is known as the cross roads of America because, it is at the intersection of two major roadways: US Hwy 40 and US Hwy 41. There is a spot in our town where if you traveled from California to Maryland and Michigan to Florida connects. This is why we are called the cross roads of America.

The current federal poverty level is approx. $23,000.00 annually for a family of four, low income is defined as having a family income below 200 percent of the poverty threshold, or $45,622.00 for a family of four. (Tribune Star Sept 2012). These are statistics from today, and I grew up in Terre Haute in the 1970’s. I was born in 1966, and poverty was very much a part of my life growing up.  

I was the middle child of three children and both of my parents worked full time jobs. We were known as latch key kids. For those who are not familiar with this saying Latchkey kids were children who came home from school to an empty house because parents worked; we were also left unsupervised many times.

My family lived in a small house which was originally a one bedroom home and basically they built walls in between the rooms for our bedrooms. We never really had enough to eat. When we had something put on our plate before us we were expected to eat it. Leftovers were leftovers until there was nothing left. We (my siblings and I) were given hand me down clothes, we rarely got new clothes. I was made fun of for having “old clothes”. My siblings and I got used to the hand me down clothes and not having enough food, it was part of our world.  The neighborhood that I grew up in was just as poor it really wasn’t until I started attending middle school did I realize how poor I was. I realized through the friends I made that there was really a lot I didn’t have growing up.

“Coping measures reduce the impact of repeated stress. One factor is the child’s own interpretation.” (Berger 2012) I believe this statement. I have taken what I grew up with and brushed it off, I have become a better person for it. I am able to relate to my families I work with and am able to have empathy for the low income. I have taken the way I grew up and use it as an example for my families. I show them with hard work and patience you can make a new life for yourself.

Rural Turkey is number one ranked lowest poverty county in the world. Rural Turkey’s has experienced more poverty over the last ten years as in the prior years. Turkey has experience extreme low income and very low poverty levels throughout the county. The problems are contributed to large family sizes, twice the national average. The adult literacy rates are far lower than the national average. Turkey has very few doctors. There are very few women that are employed in Turkey as well.

Turkey has a lot of remote mountains and areas where the poor people tend to be isolated from the rest of the nation. Turkey’s rural people are self-employed and the family is sometimes not paid for working, they are farmers and household people who live in these remote isolated areas. Poverty is not just something we can brush aside. We as a whole need to work to bring everyone, worldwide, out of poverty. 

Public Health

Public Health ~

Breast feeding 

Why should you breast feed? Breast milk is sometimes called liquid gold. This is called liquid gold because the colostrum  is the thick yellow. It is the first breast milk that the body make during pregnancy and just after birth. 

This milk is nutrient rich and the antibodies protect the baby.The  baby only gets a small amount of colostrum at each feeding,but their tiny stomach can hold about a size of a walnut. 

The breast milk changes as the baby grows. The colostrum changes into what is called " mature milk". By day three to day five the mature milk  fat, sugar, water, and protein in it. This will help the baby to develop and grow.

Breast milk is easier to digest . For most babies, especially premature babies,formula is harsh for premature babies so  breast milk is easier for them to digest. The formula is made from cow’s milk and it takes time for babies’ stomachs.

Breast milk fights disease in the baby and the antibodies that the breast milk produces helps to protect against certain illness. Formula has tried but it can not reproduce equal to breast milk. There is a lot of reports of formula fed babies getting ear infections and diarrhea. 

Breast feeding has also been shown to lower the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Reducing Type 1 diabetes, and childhood leukemia are two other possible things that can be lowered if the mother breastfeeds. 

Mothers benefit from breast feeding too; life can be so much easier when they breast feed. The breast milk is always ready. There is no bottles and nipples to sterilize. You don't have to mix and measure anything in the middle of the night. It is there and ready to go. The baby's hunger is satisfied right away and you can go right back to sleep. 

Breast feeding can save money. Breast feed baby's are sick less, and most important breast feeding is mom and baby getting physical contact. The contact of the mother can help the baby to bond with mom. Mothers also benefit from breast feeding; they lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and Postpartum Depression.

I found an article that stated Norway is doing a wonderful job of supporting breastfeeding mothers. “Norway tops the Breastfeeding Policy Scorecard ranking." They contribute this to  Norwegian mothers being given one of the most generous parental leave policies in the developed world.

After the mother gives birth," she can take up to 36 weeks off work with 100 percent of pay, or they may opt for 46 weeks with 80 percent pay (or less if the leave period is shared with the father)". "Norwegian law provides for up to 12 months of additional child care leave" The fathers take advantage of this time off as well. . When moms return to work they are given nursing breaks as they need." Norway also has nearly 80 percent of hospitals that have been certified as baby-friendly and enacted into law many provisions of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Norway is a very supportive environment for  breastfeed: 99 percent of babies there are breastfed initially and 70 percent are breastfed exclusively at 3 months.” I found a study that said in Norway 96 percent of babies was getting fed breast milk. What am amazing number.  

Compare this to the USA:“The United States ranks last on the Breastfeeding Policy Scorecard." The US is just one place where it is not required by employers to provide any paid maternity leave. Breaks are unpaid, and this is usually for the mom to pump breast milk. "Only 2 percent of hospitals in the United States have been certified as baby-friendly and none of the provisions of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes has been enacted into law. While 75 percent of American babies are initially breastfed, only 35 percent are being breastfed exclusively at 3 months.”

The differences between Norway and the United States amazed me. In the US we talk about “Breast is best”, The US is doing a very poor job of providing parents with the support they need to actually give their babies the “best”.Most mothers want to breastfeed and usually breastfeeding is initiation high but it soon drops off within a few weeks. There is not any support to help the mother continue to breastfeed.  Breastfeeding is natural, but community support is needed for the mothers to continue. In the US we need more Baby Friendly hospitals and support for the breastfeeding mothers. 

The reason why I chose to do this blog on Breastfeeding is I feel strongly about it. I feed my children breast milk and I work with prenatal mom's and I do my best to educate them of the benefits of breast milk. I also will continue to support mothers who do breast feed and if once I get into a position where I have staff that are breastfeeding I will support them. I will make sure there is a room in which they are allowed to breast feed. I will be an advocate  for my female staff that want to breast feed.  

REFERENCES: 

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/int-comp-whocode-bf-init~int-comp-whocode-bf-init-ico~int-comp-whocode-bf-init-ico-norway

http://nurturedchild.ca/index.php/2012/05/11/the-best-and-worst-places-in-the-industrialized-world-for-breastfeeding-support/

Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). Chapter 1, “Children  and Childhoods”, New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

week 2 6160

This is me: Diana Cox ~ This is what I look like sitting at my computer doing my homework. I know it is not a great picture but that is me. :)

QUOTE

The quote i chose to use what one by Robert Shaffer: 

We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled, but as candles to be lit. 

CHILDREN'S BOOK I REALLY ENJOY

is the book I chose to talk about, the creative kid paints on the walls, floors, everywhere and then paints himself. It is a great book to talk about colors and body parts. And it is great to see the look on the children's faces know what he is doing is wrong. Very cute! I recommend for young children. 

A STORY ABOUT A CHILD THAT TOUCHED MY HEART 

As many of you know I work at an Early Head Start Program in Terre Haute Indiana. We work with children ages 18 months to 3 years old. Sometimes these children are fine, just qualify do to low income. Other times they get into our program do to a disability. 

Well the child that touches me is an autistic child. She was 3 when she came to our program. Z. had never been in any other program and was very scared and timid and did not want to be touched or play with the other children. We continued to encourage her to play and encouraged her to use sign language. It took months for us to break down the wall she had between us and her; but finally those walls were broke down, she is now laughing and smiling and playing with the other children. She is participating in circle time and using sign language and even giving hugs and playing with the other children. 

Child birth Experience

The birth experience I would like to write about is my own. My daughter was born 23 years ago September and the following is why I remember this event like it was yesterday.

My husband and I was married for over a year when we got pregnant and we were so excited. My first 7 months of my pregnancy went as planned. I gained the appropriate weight and exercised and watched what I ate and everything was perfect ~ until my seventh month. My blood pressure began skyrocketing and swelling and I was put on complete bed rest. The doctor told me I was going to lose the baby if I did not rest and keep my feet elevated. I had to go on long term disability and struggle through migraine headaches. I was at the doctors 2 to 3 times a week checking to make sure toxemia was not setting in. I then was told the baby was due on September 4, the doctors induced me on September 5^th, and I was sent home late that evening. The doctors induced me again on September 12, and again I was sent home after a long day of induction. Then finally on September 18^th, and l laid there all day, being induced and then the nurses began to ask if I needed to push. I asked what they were talking about and they began to explain…..I said that I did not and after examination the doctors determined I was only dilated to 1 ½ cm. I needed an emergency c section. I was then rushed into the emergency delivery room and given a vertical incision and delivered a 9 lb. 1oz 22 in baby HEALTHY girl. I had only gained 18lbs with her so I was completely all baby.

The region of the world I chose to write about was Niger, it is officially the most dangerous place on earth to have a baby. It was reported that in Niger childbirth was “likely to end badly. Dahara is the lady I read about, she was 26 years old and she being from Niger, “had a one-in-seven chance of dying during her reproductive years as a result of a pregnancy-related complication or infection.” The newborn in Niger has a very great chance of not reaching their first birthday and if they pass that there is a one in six chance that they will not make it to age 5. After birth Dahara will only stay for a few hours and then will tie her son to her back and walk approx. one mile to her village and will receive no after care for the baby or herself. The father will not likely be involved in with the child, since “in Niger, birth is considered to be women's work and fathers keep their distance.”

Berger (2012) states that “in the poorest nations, almost all babies are born at home; Doctors are called only for emergencies. This is why I chose to write about someone who had her child in a hospital yet the survival rate for this  child was still very slim.

                                                                  References
Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). Chapter 1, “Children  
            and Childhoods”, New York, NY: Worth Publishers. http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2006/oct/03/healthandwellbeing.health

Examining Code of Ethics.

COLLAPSE

Parent Post

Interconnections that have come together for me during this course would be the following:

1.     The field has created ethics guidelines professionals in their interactions with children, families, colleagues, policy makers, and the public in general.

2.     Create and become part of a community of caring learners and professionals.

3.     Share our individual wisdom with each other.

Since I have been in this field since 1988, I knew that there was an ethics guideline for our profession to follow, but until week 7 I guess I never realized there was so many guidelines to be followed. I did not realize how it is a step by step foundation to our field. I knew that they were there due to being in the field so long, I was just amazed how many there of the ethics there were and how many and how they were  broke down and made plain and simple and not any room for error. Plain simple and to the point. I feel that when a new employee begins that they should be made to read over the ethic guidelines. I know that in my undergrad classes we discussed a few of these but again I was just amazed how many guidelines.

The next interconnection that came alive for me would be; to create and become part of a community of caring learners and professionals. This was somewhat common sense to me but I guess I would have to say that the term “ becoming part of a community of caring learners and professionals” now has a different meaning to me. I would have to say that now I feel like I belong to a community, not only my own community, but a Walden community. I now feel l have a connection with my colleagues and will be able to contact them if need be in the future. We can all learn and grow from one another.

The last interconnection that has come alive for me during this course would be share our individual wisdom with each other. Again, I feel that I knew networking was important prior to starting Walden and this course; but now I am beginning to realize how important sharing our individual wisdom with each other is. Each person is unique and has special qualities and learning to share this will be a great asset for everyone. I also have enjoyed learning from our colleagues that are from other counties. Their experiences are very different from our experiences.

            Each of these interconnections will contribute to my professional growth and personal growth, through the guidelines I will grow to my fullest potential. Once I grow and begin to implement the guidelines I will begin to become a caring learner, as well as a professional, who will teach these guidelines to my colleagues. And last but not least I will share my knowledge and wisdom with my future colleagues.  

Professional Ethics

 One of the ideals that I chose was from the Excerpt: NAEYC, (2004). NAEYC advocacy toolkit (page 5) spoke of “Responsibility to co –workers.” The section spoke of behavior of a co-worker, and “that we shall first let that person know of our concern in a way that shows respect for personal dignity and for the diversity to be found among staff members, and then attempt to resolve the matter in a confidential manner.” The reason this code of ethics is meaningful to me is because in my current place of employment there was a person that was hired that was not showing any personal dignity to their job. This person chose to say things about families both after home visits as well as after phone calls. I spoke with this person on several occasions explaining that there was a lack of respect. This person continued to be very disrespectful as well as degrading toward the families and even co-workers. I felt that I needed to follow the chain of command and took my concerns to the director of our program. The director had a talk with this person and within days they resigned their position. I feel that knowing how to handle this situation helped me out. My co –workers looked to me for guidance and directions. I was glad I could assist in this situation.

The second ideal that I chose was again from the Excerpt: NAEYC, (2004). NAEYC advocacy toolkit (page 2), “to be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.” I chose this code of ethics because it is our foundation for everything we do. Staff must understand the basics to build on them to be able to teach families and children. The knowledge I gained in Early Childhood care and education was in my undergrad studies. I know the program that employs me will hire only persons with a degree in Human Services, Early Childhood, and/ or Child Development. The town I live in currently has three colleges, two of which have very good Early Childhood programs. Lots of students’ complete practicums at our center and them later hire on as full time employees.

The third ideal I chose was from, “The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics.”  “We shall engage in ongoing and systematic reflective inquiry and self-assessment for the purpose of continuous improvement of professional performance and services to young children with disabilities and their families.” I again feel the program where I am employed does a great job of ongoing self-assessments. The program is always continuing to look for improvements of the program. This is done through self- assessments as well as professional assessments each employee completes several times a year. We complete professional development goals yearly and question our families on improvement of the program.

Upon completing this paper I do not in any way want it to sound like the program I work for is perfect, by no means is this the case, but I was amazed at all the areas that the supervisors strive for and achieve in the program. There is always room for future growth and development and I am sure that will continue but right now they seem to have a pretty good handle on things. I feel like that is why I want to continue working for such a great program.

REFERENCES:

Excerpt: NAEYC. (2004). NAEYC advocacy toolkit. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/policy/toolkit.pdf

·         Article: The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from
http://www.dec-sped.org/