Getting to Know Your International Contacts: Part 2

     I was unable to make any connections or communications with my international contact this week; therefore I choose to visit the Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/). This website was very interesting in regard to learning about ways in which child development is viewed on a global level and how these very delicate issues are being accounted for that is vastly different from those of the United States.

     Three insights and issues that I learned from the website is:

1.    Early childhood Development

2.     Mental Health

3.     Children in Crisis and Conflict Situations

     Early childhood development: "The first priority in this area is to adapt the successful work the Center has conducted in the United States for a broader range of strategically selected audiences, in an effort to energize and reframe the global dialogue around investments in the earliest years of life. To this end, we plan to educate the leadership of key international agencies, publish and disseminate papers to establishing strong scientific framework for global work, and conduct systematic communications research to identify the most effective ways to translate the science of child development for global policymakers".

     Mental health: "concerns constitute a massively under-addressed issue that has significant implications for the broader health and development of children and societies. There is an urgent need to identify the scope of the problem within and across countries and to develop evidence-based approaches in policy and service delivery that are responsive to diverse cultural context"s.

     Children in Crisis and conflict situations: "The goal of this effort is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration that incorporates a science-based, developmental perspective into the assessment and management of Child well-being in a range of natural and man-made crises, focusing on both immediate circumstances and long-term adaptation". (Global Children’s Initiative)

      I believe that all three of these initiatives are vital to the growth and development of children and  families of third world countries. Taking note and following in the footsteps of the United States, who are leading the way in early childhood development. Mental health issues are prevalent in the United States, but, in a country where eating one meal a day is the priority, mental health is not at the top of the list. Children in crisis and conflict situations are unfortunate situations, but true. Children who are victims of war or natural disasters suffer greatly with social/emotional issues. I think it’s a commendable act to help these very young children.

References

“Global Children’s Initiative” website (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/

    

SHARING RESOURCES

 I originally selected “The National Child Development Institute”, but, for some strange reason I was unable to obtain any information. It was as if the website was down; so I  chose “ The National Black Institute of Greensboro”, some pacific sections or information inc that seemed particularly relevant to my professional development was “The back to school extravaganza”, because it is an event that takes place to provide various school supplies to the local community children. This fits in perfectly with the issue of poverty, giving back to the community is an effort that must be given in order to support and uplift our families and children. As an educator I will be looking into ways that I can provide my services to give back invest and support my community.

     Some information that this website adds to my understanding of how economists, neuroscientist, or politicians support the early childhood field is that from an economist’s perspective is this organizations works toward better the community, specifically supported the children, through after school and summer bridge literacy enrichment programs. Educating the children is an investment, children who are educated are more likely to succeed and become a successfully contributing member of society. Providing support and quality learning experiences gives children the emotional support; which develops strong cognitive abilities.

     One insight that I have gained in regard to issues and trends in the early childhood field is the organization’s annual Black History Quiz Bowl,” Each year middle and high school students from local schools, churches and community organizations form teams that study from an extensive resource packet, prepared by a hand selected team by BCDI-G.  This resource packet contains a myriad of information on the rich culture, heritage and accomplishments of Africans and African Americans and allows students to build their knowledge, boost their self esteem, and teach them the value of team work” (National Black Institute of Greensboro) I think that this is an awesome issue, which provides truly unique learning experiences well past the early learning years! Which is an issue within the black community, providing resources, support, ways to connect, learn, and celebrate oneself is to empower oneself.

References

http://blackchilddevelopment.org/pledge.htm

    

      

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

   

     The professional international contact that I was able to converse with and receive feedback from is “Professional Jamaicans for Jamaica”. In relationship to poverty and homelessness that they encounter in their professional lives as well as those encountered throughout the world is that in Jamaica early childhood education was something that was not focused on much until recent years, the organization was founded in 2010, to bring the recognition that early childhood education is the counter stone to future success. Poverty is something that represents a very large community in Jamaica, their focus is to put value and light on the importance of early childhood education, by creating programs for the very young, to ensure that these children affected by poverty will  be given the tools to succeed. I love this quote from their website “Our organization is committed to each and every project we launch and will ensure "failure is not an option" as we continue to work on behalf of the success of Jamaica and Jamaicans”. (Professional Jamaicans for Jamaica).

     I have learned that Jamaica is making great strides to improve the status of their country in regards to early childhood education, Jamaica is a place where I frequently visit to vacation, therefore; I am aware of the poverty, but, to learn that they are aware that early childhood education is key to the success of children is new to me. I will be visiting Jamaica this June for a family vacation, hopefully while I am there I will be able to meet with the organization and maybe be able to provide some services or volunteer work for them in the near future.

References

Professional Jamaicans for Jamaica, http://www.pjfj.org/

Sharing Web Resources

The name of the organization that I selected is National Black Child Development Institute
http://nbcdi.org/
(Newsletter: http://nbcdi.org/support/sign-up-for-nbcdi-newsletters/ )

This organization responds to the unique differences, strengths, concerns, health, education, welfare, literacy, and family engagement of the black family. The organization has existed for more than forty years, working with policy makers, stake holders, parents and teachers to ensure the best outcomes for the black family and their children.

     The name of the international website that I selected is The Canadian Association for Young Childrenhttp://www.cayc.ca/at: http://www.cayc.ca/indexjournal.html )

This organization’s mission is to influence the direction and quality of early childhood programs for all Canadian children, through professional development, developmentally appropriate practice, and collaboration with policy makers, educators, and families.

     A current issue/trend that I would like to share with you all comes from the National Black Child Development Institute. The organization is looking for the smartest, brightest, and cutest children to focus on and celebrate in their 2015 calendar, which I think is a great way to showcase our children’s beauty, intelligence and success throughout the year!