Literacy

On the Zero to Three website an article regarding the literacy of low income young children drew my attention. The article states, "Many low-income children arrive at school already behind in communication and language, a disadvantage that only persists over time"(Zero to Three, 2011). The article goes on to detail how this disadvantage later on effects our economy due to low skilled workers being forced into a competitive workforce. The Zero to Three article mentions the need for reform of programs to include collaboration between all early childhood educations from Birth to a K-12 setting in addition to greater support and resources for parents. It is a challenge to see the need, know that programs exist to fulfill the need, yet due to legislation, funding, and lack of other resources the children are still being left under represented and unserved. It is such as great leap from legislation to action. I recognize a need for accountability, especially in terms of fiscal responsibility with tax payer money. I just wonder at what point children and education will be adequately represented in the national budget. 

References:
Zero to Three (2011). Early language and literacy development.
Retrieved from: http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/infant-toddler-policy-issues/positive-early-learning.html
http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/infant-toddler-policy-issues/positive-early-learning.html

International Community

I saw this quote on the CHIPS site and it really made me think, "A 1% reduction in world military spending could provide primary schooling to all the world's children. A 10% reduction could eliminate illiteracy completely for a decade. If 0.5% of world military spending were diverted to immunisation, all children could be vaccinated against preventable diseases for the next 10 years" (UNICEF, 2004).

It would be fantastic if each country could change perspectives and realize that education and literacy ensure success.

I listened to a podcast by Meridas Eka Yora from January 6, 2010 on World Forum Radio, discussing issues in Indonesia. Particularly since the Tsunami in Indonesia in 2004 poverty has stricken many young children and communities. Not only are the children suffering effects of poverty such as loss of educational opportunities, but also trauma. Many children lost parents, which has changed the family dynamic as they must come together and fill roles for younger siblings or cope with the tragedy that occurred.

As we discuss poverty, in my mind I see the comparison poverty=survival. When we think back to Maslow's hierarchy of needs our goal with young children and families surviving in poverty situations is to reach a place in life where educational attainment can become a focus, not just fulfilling basic needs. There are so many circumstances that children are placed in and they must cope and survive, but thankfully there is a field of professionals that are reaching out to all children. While the need seems so great, I am thankful to be learning with committed professionals such as all of my Walden colleagues and those around the globe to fulfill the promises to future generations.

Zero to Three

First of all I saw this picture this week and it applies to our discussion and had to share it!

I have chosen to follow the Zero to Three organization during this course. During the Foundations course I first learned of this organization and absolutely love what they do and offer the Early Childhood Education community. This week I reviewed the newsletter geared toward grandparents raising their grandchildren entitled: On Your Lap, In Your Heart. This article offers tips for grandparents in terms of raising their grandchildren successfully, sharing responsibilities with parents, as well as addressing developmental stages. Here is the link for that article:http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/grandparents/. I think this addresses diversity due to the changing family structures that are occurring nationwide as more grandparents are raising their grandchildren. Family systems are no longer composed of a mom, dad, and two children, and this article addresses that changing demographic. 

Also, I have struck out contacting resources from outside of the U.S., which is disappointing as I was really looking forward to learning more about early education internationally. I plan to continue to try and find resources on my own aside from the email addresses provided within the course.  

Establishing Contacts & Expanding Resources

Part I
So far I have contacted via email the UNICEF offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, and Angola. During my ten day break from classes I decided to cram a few books in for personal enjoyment, all of which took place in Central Africa. Due to this I decided when this assignment came up I would love to establish a contact in the region in order to learn more. Also, I contact the offices from the The Global Alliance of NAEYC in Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa. I received one email from Tamalin Harper in South Africa stating that they have been contacted already by another Walden student and felt to diversify the discussion it would be redundant to work with two students for this assignment. I plan to send a couple more emails today to various organizations in Thailand and India, and hope for a response.

Part II
I chose the Zero to Three organization for this portion of the assignment. I had not heard of this organization until beginning my Master's program, but I feel drawn to it and hope to become a part of it in the future. In Idaho there are no early intervention programs for this age group and I hope to be a part of this change in the future.