Thank you ALL!

Thank you to all of you who have supported my journey to further my education in early childhood. Thank you for your insights, your words of encouragement, your interest, and your dedication to being an educator. I hope the best for each of you in your endeavors. It is great to know that there are people who truly care about children and want these children to succeed. It keeps me motivated to continue to fight the good fight for excellent education for every child.

Code of Ethics

Early Childhood Professional Ideals

To participate in building support networks for families by providing them with opportunities to interact with program staff, other families, community resources, and professional services (NAEYC, 2005, p. 4).

The importance of support is what drives people to continue to help each other. Knowing that someone has your back every step of the way can positively influence a child and those around him/her.

To base program practices upon current knowledge and research in the field of early childhood education, child development, and related disciplines, as well as on particular knowledge of each child (NAEYC, 2005, p. 2).

The importance of current teaching is what will keep ideas fresh and new. Children learn different today than they did ten years ago, especially with advancements in technology.

 
We shall recognize our responsibility to improve the developmental outcomes of children and to provide services and support in a fair and equitable manner to all families and children (The Division for Early Childhood, 2000, p.3).

            The importance of being fair is what brings respect and honor to leaders. People desire to be 

            treated fairly in all aspects of life, and early childhood is no exception.

Reference

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved May

26, 2010, from

http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf

 The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved May 26, 2010,

From http://www.dec-sped.org/

Resources for Education

Education has so many websites and resources. Here a just a few. More links are on the page title Resources.

NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap

NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf

NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf

NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf

NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf

NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller

FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.pdf

Additonal Resources:

http://www.educationworld.com/

• This website states it is 'the educator's best friend.'

http://www.aasa.org/

• 'aasa' stands for American Association of School Administrators and this website states it 'advocates for the highest quality public education for all students, and develops and supports school system leaders.'

http://www.tolerance.org/

• This website states it is 'A place for educators to find thought-provoking news, conversation and support for those who care about diversity, equal opportunity and respect for differences in schools.'

Inspirational & Motivational Quotes

Quotes: Encouraging Educators

'The best way, therefore, to strengthen democracy, to strengthen our nation, to make the most of the possibilities, and to do the best job of meeting the challenges of the 21st century is to guarantee universal, excellent education for every child on our planet.' William Clinton, 42nd President of the United States

'We must do more to make sure education meets the needs of our children and the needs of our future. First and foremost, we must continue to hold students, teachers, and school to the highest standards.' William Clinton, 42nd President of the United States

'Keep in mind that developing a healthy identity and understanding of others is a long-term process. While the early years lay an essential foundation, learning continues throughout childhood and into adulthood and will take many forms.' Louise Derman Sparks, Professor Emeritus Pacific Oaks College

'The passion was that all children were taught in an environment that truly nurtured their ability to develop and grow.' Louise Derman Sparks, Professor Emeritus Pacific Oaks

'When builiding a foundation for children, be clear with what you build on, be clear about how the structure will function and act, and be clear with everything that impact the structure.' Lilian Katz, Professor Emeritus University of Illinois

Personal Childhood Web

My mother's influence on me as a child stays with me now. She cooked three meals a day, worked two jobs, and still managed to take care my older brother and sister, and me to our extracurricular activities. Her hard work and dedication in everything she did stays with me. When I think of how hard she worked to keep the kids and my dad happy, it makes me work even harder for my kids and husband. Even at work, I push thinking about how my mom would be half asleep from working a 16-hour shift and still have a smile.

My father taught me as a child to be obedient and have discipline with a loving heart. He used to let me sit out in the garage while he changed the oil of the cars or in the yard while he mowed the lawn. Whenever I did well in school he would praise me. When I did not listen to him or my mom, he would scold me. He was always around. To this day, I can hear my dad telling me how to act as a lady. I conduct myself in way that he would be proud of me.

My Aunt Lou is a storyteller. She was imaginative, creative, and a counselor. I remember as child, she would tell me all the stories of how she would write a book and I would illustrate it. She would tell me how to be nice to my siblings. Because of her, I still dream big and constantly find new stories to tell.

Inang, who was my babysitter when I was a child, used to let the other kids and myself have freedom to move about her house wherever and whenever we liked. She allowed us to express ourselves. She would let us find the pots and pans and wooden spoons and let us beat them while we hid under the sink. The good old days helped me be the person I am today, allowing myself freedom to express myself with my voice and mind.

Mr. David, my first piano teacher, taught me to practice, practice, practice. My parents started me out early on the piano, and I never wanted to practice. When I went to class, Mr. David already knew before I hit the third note of the piano piece. He would say, "If you do not want to practice, maybe you do not want to play." Today, I know now that if I had just practiced, playing would have been easier, and I would have enjoyed it. Practice and perserverance and never giving up is what Mr. David taught me. I may not have listened in the past. But I have finanlly learned that lesson. 

Story of a child who can learn

A 10-year old boy was sent down to the office for misconduct in class. The teacher sent him to my office because of talking, making jokes, and fighting. When he sat in my office, he was angry. He was yelling, telling me where the teacher should go, and going on and on. Then he realized I was not saying a word. I let him have his time. He stopped talking, looked at me, and said, "Say something." I sat silent for a few minutes. Then I said, "Look, I do not know exactly why you are angry. Maybe something is going on at home. Maybe someone here made you mad. What I do know is that you are disrupting class and we need to find a better way for you to get the attention you deserve. So, I am going to send you back upstairs on one condition. You have to show me your next report card with improved grades and you cannot be sent out of your class for 4 weeks. I think you can handle that. Now, once you have reached that goal, I will give you a reward. Name your price; choose chocolate, Skittles, a dollar, or anything reasonable." He said, "I don't like candy. I don't want to take your money. I want two bracelets from Rue 21, black and blue." I said, "It's a deal. Go back to class. I will check on you when report cards come out." After so many offenses with this child, I would do the same thing over and over. I would call his parents, have a meeting with the child present, and the results would be the same. He would do well for two days and then cry out for attention again. This time I was going to try something different. To my amazement, it worked! He came to me one afternoon and pulled a folded-up piece of paper out of his front left jeans pocket. He opened it up and said, "I made B's and C's!" For the first time in 2 years, he had a genuine smile and he hugged me. He was so used to making D's and F's and now he had something to be proud of. With this accomplishment, on top of not being sent out of his class, he earned his reward. To this day, he still wears the bracelet. Now, it is a reminder to him to stop himself when he feels the need to act up. He has a lot to work on, but I am glad that the improvement has already begun and continues on.

Children's Book for Creativity

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

This book shows how a child's imagination can inspire creativity. Let a young child express him/herself with a crayon or any other art tool. I loved drawing as a child, and now as an adult I will find that I draw while I think. You can call it scribble, but I think of it as my mind working on a thought. A child's artwork can show so much more if we just take the time to appreciate it.