When I Reflect About My Collegial, Professional Learning Community

During the past few weeks my knowledge and understanding about the early childhood system has grown tremendously. The first thing that I have to acknowledge the support and understanding of our Professor. I would not have made through this course if it was not for her understanding. She has been a prime example of understanding the needs of her students. Second, sharing information with my colleagues and understanding from different perspectives was definitely a great experience. Understanding that no one person has all the answers we are able to use what we have learned from each other and this course to help enhance our systems. Sharing information among other colleagues and learning how to utilize this information to improve the overall development of young children is an awesome opportunity.

Through this course I have been given information on different organizations that can be helpful in making my advocacy efforts more effective. Most of these agencies specialize in understanding what it will take to improve our early childhood educational system. They offer support, training, valuable information and funding to help early childhood programs provide the best service possible.

My main goal is to utilize this opportunity that has been given to me to be the best representative of young children I can be. I will take what I have learned and incorporate it in the work I am already doing to help improve early childhood programs. I will also share my experience at Walden with other professional and those looking to make a difference in the field.

My Hypothetical Family Situation

My hypothetical family situation is based on a family who found out at an early age that their child is deaf. The family consisted of a mother and grandmother, who were the primary care givers and one sibling. Not born with any abnormalities the child was considered normal and healthy. Around the age of three the family begin to notice a difference in how the child responded to them. Concerned about what might be going on they consulted the child’s pediatrician who referred them to an ENT that determined the child had a profound hearing loss. The family is now faced with decisions that will have a major impact on how well this child develops.  

Questions:

1.      Do you think I have given a complete picture of this family and their lifestyle?

2.      Does this situation seem real?

3.      Do you have any suggestions on resources available that might be beneficial for this family to utilize?

4.      What obstacles will this family face once the child enters into school.

My Hypothetical Family Situation

My hypothetical family situation is based on a family who found out at an early age that their child is deaf. The family consisted of a mother and grandmother, who were the primary care givers and one sibling. Not born with any abnormalities the child was considered normal and healthy. Around the age of three the family begin to notice a difference in how the child responded to them. Concerned about what might be going on they consulted the child’s pediatrician who referred them to an ENT that determined the child had a profound hearing loss. The family is now faced with decisions that will have a major impact on how well this child develops.  

Questions:

1.      Do you think I have given a complete picture of this family and their lifestyle?

2.      Does this situation seem real?

3.      Do you have any suggestions on resources available that might be beneficial for this family to utilize?

4.      What obstacles will this family face once the child enters into school.

The Political Will to Improve Early Childhood Systems

As I studied my resources this week, I noticed several strategies that the different organizations use to improve early childhood systems. The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) a national, nonpartisan, anti-poverty nonprofit advancing policy solutions for low-income people was one of these organizations. CLASP is driving important policy change that helps poor and low-income people, including expanding access to post secondary education and workforce training; improving jobs through paid leave and fair scheduling; providing affordable, high-quality child care and early education; increasing education and employment for youth of color; and strengthening programs to help meet basic needs (The Center for Law and Social Policy, 2010). CLASP support policies that expand resources for child care and early education initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels. They also study the relationships between child care subsidy systems, Head Start and Early Head Start, state pre-kindergarten programs, and other birth to five early education efforts, to advance ideas that ensure these systems address the full range of needs of children and families. 

Their work provides high-quality child care and early education that can build a strong foundation for young children's healthy development and ensure that children have all they need to thrive. This knowledge is the driving force for CLASP to promote policies that support both child development and the needs of low-income working parents. Which is the part that appeals most to me. We have to help those who are not able to support themselves, but we also have to ensure that what we are doing benefits the whole child.

Reference:

Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP). (2010). Retrieved from http://www.clasp.org/

Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

After viewing the life stories presented in the media segments, I am reminded how important the early stages of develop are and the important role adults we play. Almeta Richards describes her journey from Head Start to where she is now in life. As I listened to her story it reminded me of myself. Not knowing my role in life thinking one thing but only to realize I had plenty to offer and give. Her professional views were just as significant. She knew and understood that the change would begin with her.

She goes on to explain why parent involvement is important. Head Start is about empowering families. There is so much information available that families can utilize to become self-sufficient. Meaning they have the power to become strong vital part of their community as well as being a part of their child’s continued development. Parental involvements give parents the opportunity to give back and be the next in line to make a difference for the future. Head Start has all the tool necessary and available to prepare parents for their children’s and others to come for a successful educational career.

Parental involvement is critical to a child’s development especially in the early years. It not only benefits the children but it also provides opportunities for parents and family as well. Almeta is prove of these benefits. She stated out as a Head Start mom, working her way up to being a program direct and now being able to share her success with others on a local and national level. Hearing this story was truly an inspiration to me. It only deepened my desire to serve, work, and be an advocate for young children and their families.

Reference:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/hs/about/stories/pfs.

Quality Programs for All Children

Over the next five years I hope public opinion will have a huge impact on the educational system. First, the public needs to know and understand why public opinion is important. Educating the public on current issues is critical. It’s easy to give a survey and ask people to answer questions but not really knowing the meaning related to the questions being ask. People have to be aware of the issues before we can ask their opinion. Encouraging other to become more involved in the process opens the door for positive change. As we begin to encourage others and they become more involved and began to understand the issues, our influence opens the door to them voicing their opinions. We have so many issues that will affect the educational system but we’re mainly looking at issues that children and their families may face and not the issues of those who work closely with our children. These issues also affect the healthy development of our children. Public opinion can be a major tool that will help us change how we chose our educators. Passing a certification test just like requiring students to take standardized test is not the answer. You have many that may qualify because they have book knowledge but will they possess the human characteristics that are needed to ensure that all children are safe and in an environment that is centered around their needs. Public opinion will can have a profound impact on the educational system. So many efforts have been put in place to limit voicing our concerns, but the public has many opportunities to voice theirs. If we continue to encourage and educate the public on important issues our efforts are not in vain. The opportunities are there we have to get the public to take advantage of them.

Blog Assignment: What Resonates With You About Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy?

Why did you choose this specialization?

As I have studied early childhood education and being a parent there are so many things that spark my interest. Growing up I always knew working with children was what I wanted to do. When I became an adult the desire turned into a passion. As a parent I have had the experience of both regular education and special education. I have always believed that every child deserves the best education they can receive.

Why are advocates essential in the early childhood field?

I have already completed my masters in early childhood studies Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education and wanted to add this certificate program because I believe advocacy and public policy will allow me the opportunity to examine the early childhood field at each level and analyze policies that are set in place. I will also be able to be the voice that young children need to help ensure that these policies are in the best interest of the children.

Advocacy is an important role, especially in the early childhood field because we are the voice of reason for those who can’t speak for themselves. Becoming skilled in this area increases my chances of being more effective in my efforts to create a learning environment that is centered around the individual needs of each child. Every Educator in this field must be skilled advocates in order to have a positive effect on change. This is a great opportunity for me to gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools I will need to be the best advocate and influence on changing policies.

What do you hope to learn about public policy and advocacy?

My first goal is to learn as much as I can about public policy and advocacy. Second I want to engage with other professionals in the field so that we can share what we have learned and use this knowledge to serve young children, their families, and the profession. Third I want to ensure that every child has access to an education that is based on their individual need so that they all become successful adults.