Thursday, July 28, 2011

One More!!! Another Resource!!!



Y of Central Maryland
http://ymaryland.org/

Ken's Additional Resources

logo
http://nbcdi.org/

Office of Head Start logo



Get Ready to Read
http://www.getreadytoread.org/

Teaching Strategies for Early Childhood
http://www.teachingstrategies.com/


http://www.readingrockets.org/

National Fatherhood Initiative
http://www.fatherhood.org/

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

Course Resources

PROFESSIONAL JOURNALS:
  • YC Young Children
  • Childhood
  • Journal of Child & Family Studies
  • Child Study Journal
  • Multicultural Education
  • Early Childhood Education Journal
  • Journal of Early Childhood Research
  • International Journal of Early Childhood
  • Early Childhood Research Quarterly
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Social Studies
  • Maternal & Child Health Journal
  • International Journal of Early Years Education

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Quotes or Writings from Two Professionals in Early Childhood Education Passion Video Segment

Louise Derman-Sparks, Professor Emeritus, Pacific Oak College, CA
As a child, Louise Derman-Sparks always wanted to be a teacher.  As she became older, she still had a passion to teach.  She felt as though she had a built in passion to make a difference in the world.  She wanted to make a difference through teaching. Her passion was in making sure that ALL children were taught in environments and in ways that truly nurtured their ability to grow and fully develop. Her passion was in creating a safer and more just world for all children.

Sandy Escobido, Deputy Field Director-Los Angelas Preschool Advocacy Initiative, California Community Foundation
Growing up, she observed her parents being actively involved in her education.  This alone made her want to be involved in the education process. Upon entering the field of Early Childhood Education. Sandy was able to see the unique opportunity individuals have in working with children. Her passion comes from having the opportunity to shape a child’s life for the better.

Raymond Hernandez, MS. Ed, Executive Director, School of Early Childhood Education, University of Southern California
His passion comes from his belief and desire to give back to children, the experiences and opportunities that were afforded to him as a child. He is dedicated to helping parents learn about the many resources that are available to children. He became an administrator because he wanted to do more, as in having an impact of benefiting children and families. His passion comes from wanting to make a difference.  He expressed, “I am not here to save the world, but to make a difference in the community he is serving.”

Renatta M. Cooper, Program Specialist, Office of Child Care, LA County Chief Administrative Office
 As a Master Teacher in the Infant and Toddler Parent Program, at the Pacific Oaks Children School, Renatta stated, “working intently with children and families was almost like earning a doctorate., because every year there was almost a specific challenge that had to be met.”  She always felt like she owed families her best.  Renatta stated, “It’s not all about you, you got to take your ego out it and do what is best for this child, and you care of them enough to help them transition to what comes next and for what’s best for them.”  

Leticia Lara, LCSW, Project Manager, Outreach and Professional Development, Zero to Three
Her passion has evolved through the years.  She explained that it’s like a ripple, as it continues to grow.  At an early age, she realized that families need support.  Today her passion, as a professional, is within affecting policy and conducting research to promote change.

Quotes from Two of My Favorite Contributors to Early Childhood Education

MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN
"If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time." Marian Wright Edelman.

"Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time."  Marian Wright Edelman.

SUSAN BREDEKAMP, PH.D

“Effective teachers are intentional in everything they do–they are purposeful, they’re planful, they know why they’re doing what they’re doing and they can explain it to other people." Susan Bredekamp, Ph.D

"We are decision makers. As adults caring for children, it is our responsibility to seek out and intentionally plan the best opportunities for children that support their over-all well-being and healthy development. Developmentally appropriate practice, commonly known as DAP, is a comprehensive educational perspective that supports optimal healthy development for every child. Understanding DAP - its meaning and intentional practices - is essential in guiding the decisions we make for young children."   Susan Bredekamp, Ph.D

Saturday, July 16, 2011

PERSONAL CHILDHOOD WEB

My Grandfather -  "Big Daddy"- This man has been the "main" man in my life.  He is more like my father than a grandfather.  He has always been there to support me in ANYTHING.  He instilled in me the importance of education, having a voice, being inquisitive and fearing God.  He also demonstrated that it is okay to excel above the status quo or the "norm".  I love this man so much.  I am grateful to still have him in my life. This year, in November, he will celebrate his 80th birthday!!!  My grandfather was an example of charity. He believed in helping individuals from all backgrounds.  I inherited my grandfather's ability to infuse humor in every situation, giving to others in need and the ability to advocate on behalf of others effectively.

My Grandmother - "Granny"- OMG...I can not begin to describe the many qualities that this lady helped to mold and shape into my life as a child. She demonstrated to me how a woman could maintain a career, while supporting her husband's preaching ministry, caring and nurturing her family and being a pillar of strength in the community. My grandmother has always made me feel like I was the ONLY person in the world.  I have always been priority in her life.  She has always been there to provide her support.  We still talk on the phone, at least, once a week. Today, I'm so glad that my grandmother instilled in me the importance of valuing family and working hard.  Today, I'm a hard worker.  Sometimes, I work too much, but I always manage to have time to stop and recollect myself and energy.  Many people say that I have a "sweet" personality.  I know this comes from my grandmother.  My grandmother was nice to everyone she met, regardless of their race, creed, origin or socioeconomic status.
Aunt Roy Ann- "Aunt Runie"- Aunt Runie was my second mom.  I hung out with her A LOT! I guess you can say I was her shadow! She taught me how to be practical, straight forward and creative.   Aunt Runie cared for me whenever I was not with my mama.  She looked out for me and always kept me safe.  Today, I definitely have her sense of creativity.  I enjoy arranging flower arrangements.  I am also known for speaking my mind effectively. Anybody can "run off' at the mouth, but it takes courage to speak from the heart.
Uncle Wayne -  Uncle Wayne was Aunt Runie's husband. I spent a great deal of my childhood with the two of them.  Before they were married, I was the "third" wheel on many of their dates! LOL! (My grandmother was a smart woman!) Uncle Wayne was loving, caring of protective of me.  He always listened to me.  He always took time to let me explain my thoughts or ideas.  He never gave a "quick" answer.  He took time to research and give me the best possible advice and guidance.  Uncle Wayne demonstrated the ability to not judge. He believed in giving everyone a fair chance.  He believed in believing in one's God-given abilities.  He always supported me in my endeavors and ideas.  Through him, I learned what peace feels like. Throughout my life, I always strive to look at people for who they are and not what "I" think they may be.  I am not judgement, as we are all humans; therefore capable of making "many" mistakes.
My Mother - Catherine-  My mother has always been a source of love, strength and guidance. My mother taught me that the choices you make today will impact your future. That was mom philosophy about ANYTHING (finances, friends, peers, life decisions, etc)  My mother made always dressed me "to the nines". She sewed those big, poofy, fluffy dresses with a huge "can-can"! LOL!!  Yes, I guess you can say that I always looked like a little porcelain doll! Because of my mother, I am quite fond of interior design.  I have also remembered her philosophy.  It has helped me to become the lady that I am today.

I'm extremely blessed to have these individuals in my life.  With the exception of Uncle Wayne, I talk to each of them on a weekly basis. Uncle Wayne passed away, unexpectedly, in March of 2000.  My Aunt Runie remarried last year in 2010.

Friday, July 8, 2011

One of My Favorite Children's Books

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst.  I love this book because Alexander is indeed having a HORRIBLE day!  I love it because anyone, regardless of age, can identify with Alexander's terrible, horrible and no good experiences during his very bad day! LOL!!

One of my favorite quotes!

A hundred years from now it will not matter
what my bank account was,
the sort of house I lived in,
or the kind of clothes I wore.
but the world may be much different
because I was important in the life of a child.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Journey for Knowledge: Take 1!

I have come to the conclusion that in order for me to be an effective voice for children and families; I must obtain a higher degree. My goal is to speak on behalf of all children and families.  Regardless of socioeconomic status, families need true, effective and consistent advocates who will promote, as well as, educate the public regarding family-first practices. Being a Head Start Director, I must admit, this is somewhat scary.  I worry about my demanding work schedule, deadlines, as well as, my online studies.  I have limited anxiety regarding "forgetting" something or a deadline!  I'm trying my best to be as organized as possible.  I hope to connect with peers to broaden my learning, as well as, professional experience during my journey for knowledge.