Sharing Web Resources Part Two

 http://www.nbcdi.org

 

 

In spite of the challenges facing us, as a community and as a country, we are

hopeful. We know that things have, can and will change, not because wishing

will make it so, but because of the commitment and hard work undertaken

every day by those who care for, educate, support, lead, love and nurture

our children and their families. As Elizabeth Alexander read from her poem

written on the occasion of the Inauguration of the first Black President of

the United States of America,

 

“In today’s sharp sparkle, this winter air,

any thing can be made, any sentence begun.

On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp,

praise song for walking forward in that light.”

 

 

We celebrate and cherish our children. They are not risks, but rewards. We

believe that the true state of the Black child lies in their natural curiosity,

excitement and genius, and we believe that they will indeed walk forward

in the light.

 

 

Felicia DeHaney, Ph.D.

President and CEO

 

 

National Black Child Development Institute

One of the Resources I found on the website was a publication entitled Being Black is not a Risk Factor.  The about statement was made by the President and CEO.  Her forward was enlightening and really hit home to me.  Being an African American women, and mother I must take into account that yes my child is black but that does not just define her as a person or maybe how the world or society may see her.  I must raise her to be the best person she can be. 

Some may look at this publication as playing the race card.  This not a race card play but I true look into reality and how some see us as Black people and what we can do to make a difference and change how some view us. 

I would recommend this publication to anyone looking to understand and finds ways to help the not just the black community but all communities.  To just pull out one article or reading would not due this justice.  This publication hits on some many different topics around education and the black child.

There is an article that I found to be very interesting on was called, When Standardized Test Miss The Mark A Personal Essay, by Ivory A Toldson PH.D. 

Behind every statistic, there is a human spirit—a spirit that is as fragile as it is resilient. In the U.S., Black and Hispanic students carry the burden of scoring lower on essentially every known measure of achievement or aptitude than Whites and Asians. These tests often serve as gatekeepers to specialized schools, gifted classes and elite colleges—or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, as determinants of special education, grade repetition and emotional-support classes( Toldson, 2013).  Focusing on this statement I think back on when I took these test and wonder how educated was I on the importance of these test and were they really important too me.  I personally did not do well on any standardize test but I currently have my Bachelors, working on my Masters and own my own business.  So is putting so much emphasis on these test really what makes our children, black or white. 

 

I encourage everyone to download or order a hard copy of this publication you will not regret.  Every article had true meaning.  I felt after I read the entire publication that my insight on education, the black community and our youth has grown so much.

 

http://www.nbcdi.org/sites/default/files/resource-files/Being%20Black%20Is%20Not%20a%20Risk%20Factor_0.pd

 

Toldson, Ph.D., Ivory A. . "When Standardized Tests Miss the Mark: A Personal Ess ay." Being Black is Not a Risk Factor Sep. 2013: 42-45. http://www.nbcdi.org. Web. 27 Sept. 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting to Know Your International Contacts

Unfortunately the connections I first reached out to has not responded to my emails.  I reached to a group Facebook called Learning Through Sharing Networking In Early Childhood Education and Care. 
 
My first contact is  Ashleigh Smith and here is some information she sent about herself:
 

My name is Ashleigh Jade Smith and I was born in Adelaide, Australia in 1993. I have no brothers or sisters- I moved to Brisbane (Australia) with my mother at the age of 3 and began my journey into the confident, independent, determined and passionate person that I am today. My mother was always a hard worker, only the best was ever enough. Owning and operating her own business as an independent woman for over 10 years saw my mother become my idol and set the standards high for where I wanted and needed to be.

 I began my first part-time job at the age of 13 working in a local video store- at such a young age, I very quickly matured and slowly developed my confidence as I was yelled at by unhappy customers and able to resolve their issues and sometimes even manage a smile from them as I developed quick thinking,  problem solving and conflict resolution skills. I worked 3-4 shifts during the week straight from school and then also spent my weekends working hard and developing the strong work ethics that I have today.

I always had dreams of being a teacher- I loved helping people and I had a passion for mentoring from a very young age. Grade 11 presented the opportunity for me to undertake my certificate 3 in  Children’s services whilst also studying for an OP (Overall Position, a number from 1-25 of ranks) to allow me to follow my dreams and gain entrance into University after school to study my Bachelor of Primary Education.

 I thought that studying the Cert 3, (Minimum Australian Qualification requirement to work in an early learning centre) would further ignite my passion and desire to become a teacher and drive my studies towards gaining a tertiary qualification. I completed the theoretical component of the course and began my practical placement in a early learning service for only 2 days before I was offered a permanent position within the service whilst completing my studies. During the two most crucial years of schooling, I worked from 1:30pm until 6pm 5 days a week and very quickly fell in love with my ‘job’ as an Early Childhood Educator.

I finished school with an OP that allowed me direct entry into University to continue my studies and become the ultimate Primary School Teacher that I had always wanted to become. Instead, my path began to change as I became the Lead Educator of a Toddler age group which inspired me to become to best Early Childhood Educator that I could possibly become through further studies of early learning. I attained my Diploma of Children’s services a year later which again re-ignited my growing passion in Early Education and Care. I worked hard... actually no, I worked REALLY hard- Sometimes in excess of 12 hours a today often without a lunch break, without sick days and certainly without long periods of holidays. My family and friends told me to slow down, take a break- but that was never an option for me.

At the age of 18 I bought my first house- something to show for the hard work that I had put in. It was an amazing feeling although sometimes I wonder if I gave up my ‘young & fun’ years for ‘hard work and commitment’ too early but then I remember where I am now and I would never look back. Three years on at the tender age of 21, I bought my second house, my now beautiful home- another big achievement which I am so proud of. The commitment of two mortgages isn’t one to take lightly. I’ve always persevered and when times got tough it was my strong determination to succeed has helped me through.

Unexpectedly this year, I finished in the Top 3 in Australia for an Early Education Industry award called the National Rising Stars of the Early Education and Care industry which is an annual award for Early Educators under the age of 25, judged by a series of panellists who read initial submissions from families about the candidates that they feel are a worthy recipient of the award. I was shortlisted in to the final 100 and that was a big enough achievement for me- I was ecstatic to be recognized by the families of the children that I care for and truly appreciated the recognition that the individual nominations gave me. I was asked to submit answers to about 10 questions which saw me through to the next stage of the finals. The judges reviewed my nominations along with my submission and shortlisted me in the Top 10 Australian finalists, representing my home state Queensland. I then went on to complete phone interviews with the panellists who then shortlisted to the final 3 candidates- myself included. I was for the first time ever speechless! It was an amazing experience and I was truly grateful for being held in such high regard. I didn’t take out the overall National Title, but I was strongly advised by the judges to please submit an application for the title the next year. The recognition of this award has inspired me and truly pushed me to reach my full potential as an Early Childhood Educator. I am always learning and reflecting on the amazing journey that I have had so far and my goals of what I would like to achieve.

 In between working full-time as a Lead Educator and Educational Leader of my current long day care service, fulfilling my sporting interests and of course a busy family life, I have decided to again further my studies. I am currently studying my Cert IV in Training and Assessment which will allow me, once qualified, to pass on my knowledge, my learning and my passion to others in the Early Education Industry, something that I am truly excited about.

I cannot wait for more of the exciting adventures that life will bring me! 

 

My second contact is Leonie Robinson and here is her information:

Hi here is my email i work at outside school hours care Mornington Australia Saint Maccartans primary school I am interested in all aspects of learning about other educators and their education techniques especially how to document children's learning. also how other countries educate children and their practices. i look forward to following your blogs feel free to email me anytime regards Leonie

Poverty Insights:

More than 14.7 million children in America are poor, but they live in working families. A disproportionate number are Black and Latino. Poor children lag behind their peers in many ways beyond income: They are less healthy, trail in emotional and intellectual development, and are less likely to graduate from high school. Poor children also are likely to become the poor parents of the future. Every year that we keep children in poverty costs our nation half a trillion dollars in lost productivity, poorer health and increased crime (http://www.childrensdefense.org).

Poverty lead to more than just one problem, it builds and adds on to other.  As shown above the increase in poverty leads to increase in poor health, crime and debt for our nation.

The latest official data on child poverty released September 16, 2014 shows that while child poverty dropped from 2012 to 2013 for the first time since 2000, nearly one in five children remain poor. While child poverty decreased for Hispanic, White and Asian children, Black children saw no decrease and continue to have the highest child poverty rate (http://www.childrensdefense.org).

One thing I see that we most try to find out why other races poverty rate is dropping and the African American rate saw no decrease and continues to be the highest.  What is happing in this community that there is no positive change.  How can we as educators help to battle the poverty rate within this community.  Being an African American myself I plan to get more involved and try to help battle poverty within my race and community. 

I am currently a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. and we do a lot of the community.  We have programs that give out book bags with school supplies, every year called Operation Big Book Bag this is on of our national programs.  We also have a Youth Symposium that we have ever year and educate children on STEM and we also have added Swim 1922 which educates children on water safety.  African American have a high death rate due to water accidents. 

I have reached out to my contacts to get their insights on poverty and their country and will add that information as soon as I receive it.

UPDATE:

Here is the my contacts response on poverty:
 

1 in 6 children - nearly 600,000 children - are living in poverty in Australia. 

The number of children living in poverty is a growing  issue in Australia.  While Australia continues to thrive as one of the most established countries in the world, an increasing number of our families are living 'below the line' of poverty.  This socio-economic issue has re-emerged in the past 5-10 years as a major concern due to an increase in child specific poverty during these years. It is evident that access to a high-quality early education program provides a significant basis from which important foundations of literacy, numeracy, learning, behaviours and future opportunities can be developed.

Most concerning, the most vulnerable children in the poorest communities suffer most. A number of barriers deny families and young children the benefits of quality early childhood education in Australia. These include costs, transport, lack of places and lack of awareness of services available. The Federal Government provides Special Child Care Benefits to assist families in meeting the costs of child care where children are at risk of serious abuse, neglect or financial hardship.

 

I personally have had many children come and go through my service who are living in poverty. Service policies and procedures are working towards closing the gap and providing equitable outcomes for all children although there is still certainly a divide. Extra curricular activities, excursions, incursions and many community events are simply not affordable for many families- causing the divide and exclusion due to socio-economic status. 

Ensuring equitable educational outcomes for each child is always a challenge, especially with the rising costs of early childhood services simply becoming unaffordable for families. Research from Harvard University economists again point to the "long-term value of early childhood education, and especially the value of quality teaching in boosting learning outcomes and later earning potential," -  it’s clear that Australia’s investment in early childhood services for families is a crucial step to providing the best opportunities for our children of the future. 

Kind Regards,

Ashleigh Smith

 

 

Sharing Web Resources

National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)

http://www.nbcdi.org/

 The organization was launched by the Black Women’s Community Development Foundation, whose leadership, in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement, was deeply concerned about the unsatisfactory conditions faced by families determined to raise healthy Black children.  By organizing NBCDI as a national advocacy group, they created a unified movement to develop strategies to improve the life circumstances of the Black child through policy change (http://www.nbcdi.org/who-we-are/who-we-are).

Their mission is:   “to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and their families through education and advocacy.”

Child Health Talk is a publication that is put out three times a year.  In the current issue the main focus was on back to school and preparing the children and parents for the return of school.  The topic that caught my eye for the portion on bullying.  This section had information on the warring signs, what parents can do, and social media and bullying. 

When we think about going back to school must of us focus on supplies, uniforms or clothing, schedules, buses etc.  In today's again we now must be concerned with bullying.  School is in and already on my local news there was an incident of 8th grade students fighting on the bus ride home.  There is some talk about the how the incident  started with some girls bullying another girl.  The incident is under investigation by the school and bus company.  As you can see school and start of the one time we may not choose to discuss or think we may need to is the one issue that we must differently address.  Bullying can start at any age, and we as parents and educators must make sure that every child feels safe to come to school and learn.    

Establishing Profressional Contacts

This week for class we were ask to establish a professional contact outside the United States.  I choose the following people to reach out to:


Federal Republic of Nigeria
Niger Delta Academic Foundation
Daniel Ibigoni Semeniworima, Director/CEO
Ajoke International School
Mrs.Bimbo Are
New Jericho G.R.A.
P.O.Box 679, Dugbe, Ibadan
Nigeria
Tel: 080-23236933
Email: arebimbo@yahoo.com

HaitiStep by Step Program / Tipa Tipa
Dominique Hudicourt
Email: tipatipa@hainet.net

I pick this to because I am interested in the cultural and the educational styles.  I believe I can learn a lot about them and can grow as an Early Childhood Professional.   I sent both contacts an email.  Here is the email I sent to each. 

My name is Sherry Saunders and I am currently studying to get my Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education.  I am taking a class which requires me to establish an international contact.  I would was wondering if you could be that person for me. 

Thank you for your time and consideration with this matter.  I am looking forward to getting to know you and learning about you and your country's Early Childhood Programs.

 

I have yet to receive a response but before go to the alternative to Part 1 I have pick two more contacts to reach out to.  The two that I pick are:

 

Canada
OMEP Comité national canadien
Canadian Child Care Federation
Senior Consultant Robin McMillan
ext. 239
rmcmillan@cccf-fcsge.ca

RomaniaStep by Step Centre for Education and Professional Development
Carmin Lica
Email: carmenlia@dnt.ro

I have also sent them emails and I am waiting on a response. 

Part 2 Expanding Resources

I pick :

NBCDI
National Black Child Development Institue
http://www.nbcdi.org/who-we-are/who-we-are

The reason I pick this site is I feel being an African American I can never learn to much about the development and teaching of Black Children.  I am currently expecting my first child and I feel this site can help me with that as well. 

I would love to know how everyone else is doing with their contacts.  The only tip I have is try more than two contacts and hopefully someone will reach back out to you.  Good Luck in class everyone.