All Most There............

All Most There..............

I have to say that I am amazed that we are almost there.  Another class is complete and four more

await, till the big day.  Life has been rocky, and some day are better than others, but I am glad that I

haven't given up, and each day that I look at my children, its a reminder that with a little more

determination, I can do it.  I would like to say thank you to all my classmate who are on the journey

of completion.  I pray that all of you will finish strong, that you will keep believing in  yourself and

reach for the stars.  Thank you Professor Myers for all your hard work.  I was quite up to parts this

time, but I loved all the information that I learned and I gain some valuable insight in regards to

communication and how the skills are important just about every wallk of life.   

Adjourning, Adjourning, Adjourning

Adjourning....Adjourning...Adjourning..

I was a part of a great organization called "Anytown" and now called "Camp Lead."  The group was comprised of college graduates who had all once participated in the program as delegates and now counselors.  They were amazing people, and we all worked together very well to make an exciting week for more than 80 young adults who were rising juniors and seniors in high school.  Seeing the young kids grow intellectually, spiritually, physically and mentally was a rewarding experience as an instructor.  For those two weeks of living in a small community, we built strength that could get us through even the toughest of days.  The hardest part of leaving/parting away from the group at the end of the session, was the absence of unity and harmony, outside of the program.  The group had a focus and it performed and it meet its requirements and then some, each season for more than 7 years. 

                The type of closing rituals that I have experienced are:  round table communication, camp fire reflection the night before, and hugging session where you thank each person verbally and with a hug.  I have never left there feeling empty, except for the fact, that life outside the group, was different and not so scheduled nor sheltered.  I think leaving this group of colleagues here at Walden will be hard, but okay, because it will hopefully mean we participated and completed another chapter in our lives and so if nothing else, we will have friends that we can communicate with, beyond this program.  Adjourning in my opinion is a vital and essential part of teamwork because it bring closure at many levels, and it exhibits growth, failure and reflection.  Without adjourning, I believe that it would be difficult to evaluate and adjust. 

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

I decided to use the role of mommy for this assignment.  I am always in constant conflict at home and it is like I am thrown the middle of the mess and none of my kids take responsibility.  All of them are always the victim and so no matter what I decide, I am wrong.  As I looked over the reading for this week, I particularly liked the  (Allocation of Power) because I think that it would truly help me at home.  If I can delegate privileges based on their ages etc, then it will hopefully motivate each of them to be or try to do their best.  Since my oldest feels unhear, left out etc, then I would allocate him a larger amount of good responsbility so that he feels special and mature.  The other method would be (Compromise).  I have issues at home with trying to stick to the rules with the children, so I think that it would help if I were able to give them options and be willing to let them choose and support their decisions.  By compromising I am sort of eliminating rage, crying and unwilling behavior, by empowering them with compromise which give them options.

I can definitely use some of the principles of nonviolent communication to resolve this conflict, because through applying the principles, the base issue is uncovered without suggested opinion and it teaches the observer/educator etc, to focus on ways to resolve conflict.

 

Self Communication Evaluation

Self Communication Evaluation

(My thoughts, their thoughts)

         I am not surprised at my outcome of the exercise because in dealing with my son who was one of my family members that participate,  no matter what the reality is, he is the victim so my communication is off, my listening is off and my verbal aggressiveness according to him.   I truly expected that, but it was only fair to let him have a chance, and also the fact that I live in an area where I do not have many associates. What I found unique is that although I do not say a lot of things out loud, my internalized thoughts were that of some of the questions. I think mentally sometimes I do get frustrated when something needs to be done, and because of strong will a person refuses and makes a stand based off of being stubborn. For example, my roommate who rents to us, is single and has been so being around kids is different for him, but he enjoys them. He got cable just because he could even though we talked about the fact that the kids would not play anymore, and they would get fixed on the TV. I asked if he would put it in his room so that they would not feel the need to stay on the couch all day with no activity, and he would not. Another example, I asked if he could leave the key, and  he said yes, well he decided to hide it, which was fine, but where he hid the key was the problem. He took a sign and laid over the key, which he place on the ground in the grass next to the house. Well we got home at 11 pm and it was dark and the key was like a needle in a haystack. I was so upset, because once again I felt that it could have been handled better. When I asked him why, he said well "I did not want anyone to see where I put the key" and I thought to myself, "you did not want anyone including yourself to be able to find it either"; but I kept that to myself and few other things LOl. What I am trying to say is, when I encounter stuff like that, in my head a few thoughts that aren't so nice surface, but I do not let it come out of my mouth out of respect.

I guess I learned that "if you can't say something nice, then you should not say anything at all".

My thoughs:  Communication is the gateway to understanding, and if one cannot convey their ideas appropriately, then they can end up being misunderstood.  Also, I do believe that how you view yourself, does play an active role, in how we communicate with others, and I feel that if our self-concept is poor, then we tend to convey ourselves as such.  For the most part people see me as better than I see myself, but of course with my son will always have a selective perception of me, because he is close to me and he has his own personal reasoning.  Last, but not least limited self-denigration, in my opinion can improve a person's self concept, because we are our own worst enemy at times.

Reference:

Rubin, R. B., Palmgreen, P., & Sypher, H. E. (Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures: A    

         sourcebook. New York: Routledge.

 "Communication Anxiety Inventory" and "Verbal Aggressiveness Scale"
Copyright 2009 Taylor & Francis Group LLC Books. Used with permission from Routledge via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Rubin, R. B., Rubin, A. M., Graham, E. E., Perse, E. M., & Seibold, D. R. (Eds.) (2009). Communication

        research measures II: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge.

 "Listening Styles Profile-16" 

Culture Diversity

Truthfully, I do find myself communicating differently with individuals from other cultures, because it seems like many times when I call customer care for help, they usually have people from other countries for responders.  The individuals know English, but it is limited and it gets a little frustrating when they talk so fast and you can't understand.  So, I ask politely for my responder to repeat and talk a little slower, because I am having trouble understanding.  My main things is to try to be polite and achieve my overall goal, which is to get help, because if the tables were turned, I would want them to be polite with me.

The ways in which I communicate with other groups are: talk slower, pronounce my words clearer, and I ask questions so that I can be of help rather than a hindrance.

One strategy that can help communicate more effectively with people or group is being mindful.  Instead of lumping groups of individuals, I can take into count each of their individual qualities as I encounter them and it helps to relate and communicate better.

Secondly, I can deconstruct my schemas and in doing so, I can eliminate some of the schemas that might have been created based on stereotypes.  I find that it is easy to train oneself to believe something, that is not necessarily based on the true, but rather a preconceived idea; but it is harder to go back and self correct a prior thought process to enhance communication and become more effective with various cultures.

Last but not least, I can expand my perspective.  As a college student, one of the things that was stressed, was to get out on campus and in the community and get involved.  By getting involved, it opens a gateway to understand, and with understand, people can begin to relate and communicate with one another.  Cancer Awareness, Battered women programs, community center involvement, church aide groups (that issue food, clothing and vouchers to those who qualify).  The more one is exposed too, the more he or she expands her perspective.

Communication (Love and Hip Hop)

                I observed  Love and Hip Hop. When I looked at the show, I saw lots of men and women

dancing, and talking.  From what I could see, the expressions on their face told a lot. The girls were

dressed very degrading, but of course that was due to my lack of understanding of their role in the

show.  I basically felt like there was a lot of relationships going on and drama, and must of that was

because of the body language exhibited.  When I turned on the volume  it was just as I suspect,

marriage and dating drama.  Women and men cheating on one another, and a lot of loud arguing. 

Of course the dress attire was due to the dancing in the hip hop business; but despite all of that,

many of the women on their acted like they had no class, which lately I find that is the way that

women of color are portray themselves both verbally and non-verbally in reality shows etc.  There

was strong use of eye contact, voice volumes and facial expressions and for the most part the

women appear to be at war, because of the way they acted towards one another.

Tyler Perry

A.K.A

Madea

            My celebrity of interest that exhibits great communication skills is Tyler Perry.  Over the years, I have watched most of his plays and of course now, I have seen most of his movies.  He has a great personality, and he is not afraid to address the issues of today in his productions.  Tyler smiles, he has great eye contact, and he knows the struggle; so with each performance it shows that he relates to his topics and he tries to make it as real life as he can. Let's face it, no one wants to look, nor listen to a boring person speak;  but in educating we must practice tolerance and acceptance for all.   With that being said, his roles as Tyler Perry, Madea, The brother, the father keeps you engaged and entertained throughout; which shows his level of communication skills.  A profound speaker, actor, entertainer must remember that the key is to get straight to the point, keep things simple/ clear, and communicate to your target audiences; but most of all have confidences in yourself and what you are presenting. My hat goes off to Tyler Perry, who believed in himself enough to get up from poverty and homelessness and make something of himself.

Professional Hopes and Goals

Blog: Professional Hopes and Goals

           

                First, I would like to thank Professor Dartt, and all my colleagues for all the information you shared during this course.  I must say this was a great class, but I would be lying if I say I did not struggle.  Having a new system, and limited training prior to class drained me this semester; and it limited me with time restraints because I struggled to figure things out.  Professor Dartt, you were the exception, because I think you reached out to us and helped your classroom adapt and you encouraged us.  I felt defeated at times, disappointed with my quality of work, which had nothing to do with my ability to do or not to do, but rather the kais of life, and conformity which this course really required with all the changes with Walden University.  I guess, if we all are reading this, then we have just about made it, and my hope is that we all realize that we can make it through the storm, and hopefully after the storm, the sun will shine bright and each of us will reach our goals.

One goal that I have in regards to working with children and families from diverse backgrounds, is  to step away from my own personal assumptions and customs, and see them for who they are and work for the greater good of the children and their families.  I hope to take the opportunity to learn from families and broaden my understanding of their way of life. 

My goals that I would like to set for the Early Childhood Field in regards to diversity and culture, is to embrace the reality that every child does not learn the same, and begin to create curriculums that are inviting to all children and not just a specific race of children/privileged.  I like the "no child left behind", but really at the end of the day, does" no child left behind" mean we pushed kids through without necessary skills, or we forced those who are not capable to adhere to the standards that are above their own personal capabilities?  I hope that the early childhood profession will begin to see that diversity means different  as in unique, and not bad; and  adopt the theme, each one teach one  so that we all can learn to co-exist in the world and classroom. 

Welcome to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Blog: Welcoming Families From Around the World

The name of my family's country of origin is Venezuela, and the family consist of 3 children and a mother and father.  The children speak very little English, they have poor health and they are in need of help with housing, food etc.

Five ways I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards the Venezuela family:

1.  I will practice basic language skills so I can communicate some with the family and I will seek to find a person who is fluent in their language to help convey as much information to the family as possible, which will be also good practice and learning for myself.

2. I will find out if there is any available housing specific for families who have migrated from other countries.  I will contact the refugee office and find out about as many services as I can, and get brochures /information to give to the family to help them adapt.

3. I will prepare an information packet that I will go over with the family, with the translator present in hopes to find out more about them, their likes, dislikes, customs, culture, foods (likes and dislikes) needs, and history.

4. I will try to find classroom resources about my family's country of origin that I can put on the walls to make the family feel welcome.

5.  I will gather a care package of items for the families and present it to them from the class

I believe that all of these measures will help narrow the gap between myself and the family.  By taking the time to research, prepare and aid the family with the proper information, items and help, it decreases the stress and anxiety of feeling lost in a new environment.  I feel that it helps create a bond and a support system between the family and I so that they feel like they can begin to trust.  Sometimes it's the smallest things that mean the most when you are entering a country for the first time and your responsible for providing for a family.

Information on Venezuela:

"1. State of children

Main problems faced by children in Venezuela:

Poor children

Almost 40% of the Venezuelan population live below the poverty line. Despite this, the country has succeeded in perceptibly reducing the poverty in a manner that is particularly commendable for a South American country.

The rights of many children are endangered as a result of this poverty, posing a very real threat to their well-being. Children living in isolated rural regions, as well as children of indigenous peoples, are the ones most affected by this problem.

The right to education

In Venezuela, roughly one child in ten is uneducated.

This lack of education affects some children more than others; indigenous children, those descended from African families, and those who live in rural areas may encounter more difficulties in obtaining an education than others. In particular, they must overcome numerous administrative obstacles.

Sexual exploitation of children

The sexual exploitation of children is a stark reality in Venezuela, a country which is frequently the source or the intermediary location for the trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

This type of commerce is extremely harmful for children who are sometimes subjected to the most senseless forms of sexual exploitation (e.g. pornographic films). It clearly flouts the principles of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Violence against children

Corporal punishment is widely accepted by the Venezuelan population. It is still practiced, specifically by parents who cannot imagine alternative means to punish, or reason with, their children. Corporal punishment can have serious physical and mental repercussions for children.

In addition, many children are victims of domestic violence and abuse.

The right to protection

Venezuelan police are not always protective of the children they encounter. In fact, when faced with children who are not always aware of their actions, the police officers often resort to violence or other inadequate means.

The Venezuelan justice system is also greatly suspect: torture, illegal execution and forced disappearances are commonplace. Not even minors are spared from the shocking conditions of detainees, often being subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment.

In this way, the police and judicial protection to which children are entitled are regularly overridden, going against the principles posed by the CRC.

Children of Minorities

In Venezuela today there live people whose rights are violated and unrecognized, where children are unprotected and constantly threatened. These children are not treated in the same manner as others. They are victims of discrimination in essentially every fundamental right. It is particularly difficult for them to obtain access to aid, health services and education.

The treatment of these children by the State and by the rest of the population has grave consequences for their standard of living. The state of their health is extremely precarious, and it seems that with each violation of their rights they become increasingly vulnerable.

These people and their children are deprived of their fundamental rights: security, health, nutrition, education, and protection."

Blog: The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

Blog: The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

One memory that I have where I experienced bias,  was about four months ago when I had to meet my friend's parents, who had not been told much of anything positive about me, on top of the fact that he and I had decided not to date while sharing a house, for the kids sake.  We were set on the couch and each of three members set in front of us in a chair and they drilled us.  His parents did not offer us anything to drink, the kids were not offered a snack, they made comments to stair of trouble, and then when I tried to answer they cut me off and said never mind.  They treated my family and I like second class citizen, and the a sad thing was I had more going for me than their son, who's only strengths were routine work, and watching movies. 

After this happen, it really changed the whole dynamics of our friendship, and it diminished equity, because in their eyesight I would never be good for their son.  Since then, they have not come to visit, nor do they ask about us.

This incident brought up feelings of inadequacy, because they took the fact that I was temporarily displaced, as I was a user, a deadbeat, and a disappointment for their son; whom honestly seem to not care about life at all, or much of anything beside work and movies.

The things that I would have changed to make that a greater opportunity for equity, is he should have told

them more about me, than I am a mother of 4 with no job.  He could have made our first meeting in public and

not in either's home quarters.  I should have made it known that I am strong and independent and that despite

what they think, I am a survivor.  After all, they did not even know that I had been to college, when in reality, I

had more education than their son.  What it all boils down too, is that people deserve some respect despite

what we feel about them, and it should not matter what titles one has, in regards to how they are treated.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

                             Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

                  After studying this week, I found that I had to adjust some of my ways, because as innocent as they might be and unintentional,  with the terms that I learned, I realized that some are classified under the micro aggressions.  Well, sadly enough I went into the furniture store, and I was there to pay my bill.  Well, my children started running around, so I followed them, so that I could get them together and bring them back next to me.  Well, this young lady came out of the office and asked me if she could help, and I told her no, I was just looking.  So, when I got to the counter and the young lady was standing next to the other worker, I asked if the young girl was her daughter? She said, "no, my mother is the owner."  So, then I said, "oh, I said you know that children can work for their parents and make up to 5000 dollars as long as their parents are the boss."  And she said "yea I am old enough to work.  The young lady went on to tell me that she was graduating in two weeks.  And I like an idiot told her that she looked very young,  and that I would not give her over 12.  I also told her, that she would always get carded, and that when she is 50, that she would look 20 maybe.  She was really nice,  I truly meant well, but it was definitely an ism.  I am going to go out on a line, and say it was an AGEISM (discrimination), because I assumed that she was too young to help me, and then when I found out she was of age, it shocked me.  Then I thought I was giving her a compliment  by telling her she looked very young, in a good way, but what I was really conveying is that people will always think she is too young, and that just like I did not seek her help, because I thought she looked like a kid,  so will others.  I was not trying to say that, but after I pondered over my words later, I realized how the content was conveyed. 

I apologized to her, and though she said I am use to that, and that it felt good to look young, I know somewhere inside, she probably wonders if she will ever be taken serious.

I think self awareness was at its highest for me this week,  because I realized that just as much as  people discriminate against me etc, that minor things that I saw  as innocent, also conveyed a tone that could be misconstrued.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

·         Week 3 Assignment 3

Blog Assignment: Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

                The three people I chose to include in this assignment are Marquita, Troy and Jeffrey.  All three of the people chosen, are different , whether it be age, gender, ethnicity etc. 

Marquita's definition of culture is as follows:  elements or ingredients that are combined or blended to create all the elements of a person.

1.  Marquita's definition of diversity is  as follows:  is elements which differ, but together tell or display a person.

2.  Troy's definition of culture:  is the way in which we are formed or defined.

Troy's definition of diversity:  a celebration of differences.

3.  Jeffrey's definition of culture:  the things that flow together and defines who we are.

Jeffrey's  definition of diversity:  highlights of the things that makes us uniquely different.

                Culture does define who we are.  Culture includes everything and I think for the most part, each answer denotes or leads one to believe that everything on the surface or beneath defines culture. Though the definitions are not elaborate, but they are straight to the point.   I believe that through hearing other's views  or definition of culture and diversity, it has helped me to see things from many different angles.  I believe that culture and diversity takes on so many different  elements, and it has made me exam my own culture and what makes me diverse.  I think that my strengths are a great part of my diversities, because no two people are alike. 

My Culture

Imagine the following:

A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your family culture.

Blog about all of the following:

My Culture

If I was blessed to be a survivor and I had to give up everything but three items that I hold dear and that represent my family's culture, the items would be my faith in God, and Bible, and family album.

If I had to explain to others what each of the items mean to me, it would not be very hard, because I was raised with Christian grandparents and a mother that Believes.  My Faith is number one, though there are times I fail, but I get back up and keep trying.  Faith is not an object, nor a routine; but rather a belief grounded on principle and guidelines that shape us into Christians. I learned earl from my dad's mom, that Faith in God could carry me, even in the toughest trials and tribulations.  I chose the Bible for my second item, because when I was at my weakest point in the middle of nowhere feeling like I should give up, I began to realize that though I knew the Lord, that not enough of his Word lived in me.  By reading daily to get my day started;  it gives me the wisdom needed to apply God's Word on my life, and situations.  Family album was the third item and I chose that, because I am visual and the sweet memories will help me to smile and remember my life.

If I arrived and was told that I could only keep one and I had to choose, then I would choose my Faith in God, because with God, "all things are possible."  So, by keeping my Faith in God, I can call on him when I am in need, and though I may not get everything I ask for, I trust that God knows what is best. 

I have learned that time is precious and that making wise choices, even in times of despair, builds a legacy, and inheritances, that can be full proof, if God  is at the forefront.  I could have easily chosen family heirlooms, valuables but those items will not get me through, when times are rough.  

Blog Assignment: When I Think of Research...

                 First, I would like to thank all my classmates and Professor Davis for providing a wonderful course this semester.  I truly appreciate all the feedback and prompt responses that  I received, and even though I have a long way to go, I do recognize progress; and I am happy with all that I learned.

                 I learned that research requires a lot of time and prep work.  I think that it very important and it does help bring awareness to many issues, and causes within the world of early childhood studies.  This course opened my eyes to complexity of research and how important it is to have a plan, and follow steps to oversee the progress.  Research to me is like give and take, basically the amount of work you put into the research, reflects the outcome.

                 The lessons that I learned about planning and designing and conducting were beneficial.  Plans have to be detail, but straight to the point to avoid wordiness and overlapping of similar information.  The design should be geared towards your research topic, and it should reflect the highlights of your study.  I think that some topics sort of lean a researcher in various directions, and that direction should have more pros than cond.  If I am dealing with numbers and I want statistical data then I will need quantitative research, and if I want surveys, in-depth interviews, and observational data, then I will have to go with qualitative research. Basically one is well thought out and one kind of evolves as the study evolves, and it is up to the researcher to recognize and make decisions that exhibit the study at it best. 

                Some of the challenges I endured were lack of prior knowledge, word expression with grammar, and overdoing in areas where I should not, and not providing enough in other areas where I should provide more.  I realize that I am indeed not a writer, though I have good ideas.   I am artistic, and creative with design in a child's world, but I have a lot to learn when it comes to creativity with research, even though I tried this semester.  I know now that is it not simply just jotting down ideas, finding participants and hoping for the best, because validity within a study, will set one researcher's study apart from others.

                My perception of early childhood professional since taking this course has not changed.  I believe that early childhood professionals should be commended for all their hard work.  So much goes in to researching topics, issues, themes and the preparation is priceless when one considers the outcome of the knowledge gain.  This course was a highlight of my time here at Walden, and no matter what the grade may or may not be, I believe this coursed challenged me and pushed me to try to understand what may have not been common knowledge and for that I am truly thankful.  This was a success and I look forward to learning more as I pursue the remainder courses within this program.  Best of Wishes to Everyone.

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Question Responses:

I love this website/organization http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/, because it empowered Early childhood professionals to get involved, get connected through a network of excellence, gain a voice, and make a difference.  Many of the issues they face in Australia, are very significant to the many problems here in our own country.  The ECA has a strategic plan that they apply to each situation, so that families needs are met, children's rights protected, and advancements in the EC field are followed through.

1.  Some of the current internaional research topics are as follows: Early Childhood Australia does this by:

developing and advocating policies on early childhood education and care promoting and reviewing the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics contributing to the development and evaluation of government policies and programs through submissions, committee membership, delegations, and discussion with politicians and departments promoting increased awareness and understanding of the needs of young children and their families supporting informed debate and good practice in early childhood settings through its own specialist early childhood publications.

2.  Surprising facts about early childhood I gained from exploring this international sight are as follows:  "As a non-profit, non-partisan organization Early Childhood Australia is in an ideal position to advocate for the best interests of young children and where necessary campaign for change.  As a leading early childhood publisher,
we aim to identify and promote best practice in early childhood.

3. listed below is noteworthy information about the Organization. 

position statements

Our mission statement: Early Childhood Australia will advocate to ensure quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight years. The rights of children Leadership Excellence Respect Courage Honesty Openness Collaboration Diversity Justice Social inclusion of children

Early Childhood Australia

...voice for young children since 1938

Early Childhood Australia

• The peak national, non-profit, non-government organisation
• Acts in the interests of young children aged from birth to eight years of age
• A knowledge broker linking quality assured early childhood knowledge and information to those who need it
• A leading early childhood publisher

Early Childhood Australia works with...

• Government, Opposition parties, and departments
• early childhood professionals
• parents and grandparents
• other carers of young children
• various peak organisations and lobby groups.

...to secure the best range of options and outcomes for young children as they grow and develop.

Membership of Early Childhood Australia enables you to:

1.     be a voice for young children

2.     receive discounted access to our quality assured publications and conferences

3.     be kept abreast of early childhood news and happenings

4.     network with others in the field through your local branch

5.     identify issues and influence policies concerning the care and education of young children

...and it's tax deductible for those working in the field.

Click here to become a member online.

Social justice and equity 
are the cornerstones of Early Childhood Australia's advocacy and publications programs...

Advocacy	Publications
As a non-profit, non-partisan organisation, Early Childhood Australia is in an ideal position to advocate for the best interests of young children and where necessary campaign for change.	As a leading early childhood publisher, we aim to identify and promote best practice in early childhood.

"{Early Childhood Australia is the peak early childhood advocacy organization, acting in the interests of young children, their families and those in the early childhood field.

A function of our advocacy work...		Policy areas to be reviewed:
Early Childhood Australia develops position statements on a range of early childhood issues. These position statements provide a framework for much of Early Childhood Australia's advocacy work, and support good early childhood practice for those who work with and for young children. Early Childhood Australia position statements emerge from consultation with members in all stateand territory branches, and are debated and ratified at the annual meeting of National Council.		Breastfeeding Care of Infants Child Care – Work Related/Work Based Children and the Mass Media Children of Asylum Seekers Cultural Diversity Gender Equity Guidelines for Consulting with Children Inclusion of Children Information Technology and Children Integrated Services Language and Literacy Physical Environments for Centre-Based Early Childhood Services Professional Development, Training and Support of Early Childhood Personnel

My Response: 

The Early Childhood Australia Organization is wonderful, and as I navigated through the  website  and explored some of the articles of research, there were quite a few that should out. 

Article #1 of my choice:   the ECA really advocates for the child and family, they want to provide assistant to all despite citizen approval, and they strive to provide equal opportunity to all.  Something I found interesting is, that they believe that providing temporary visa's do not benefit the family; but rather they contribute to lack of stability and dislocation.  I took it, that they believe that for as long as a family thinks they can stay without making arrangements, the more time they lose to finalize plans for the future. This organization seeks to cover all children no matter what the circumstances are because they understand that a child does not ask  to be brought into the world, but once they are here, their rights must be guarded and decision's should be made in their best interest.

June 2011 - Media Release: Children’s Commissioner needed to protect children in detention centres

Sending unaccompanied children who are seeking asylum in Australia to detention in Malaysia is a breach of not only their human rights, but also their special rights as children and as refugees, according to the peak advocacy body for young children, Early Childhood Australia (ECA). ECA chief executive Pam Cahir today spoke out strongly in favour of the establishment of an independent Commonwealth Commissioner for Children and Young People to ensure children’s best interests are put first in this and other situations, and released additional recommendations around the issue of asylum seeker children. “It’s a huge concern that children are being put into mandatory detention in this country, and even more disturbing that the Government is considering sending unaccompanied young people to detention in Malaysia,” said Ms Cahir. “The whole debate about children in detention shows that there is a need for an independent commissioner to give a strong voice to vulnerable children in Australia. “One of the functions of a commissioner should be to promote and protect the rights of children and young people in immigration detention, or children whose parents or guardians are in immigration detention. It should also go further to uphold their rights not to be incarcerated in these institutions. “Right now political point-scoring is being given precedent over the rights of vulnerable children. “Our efforts to stop people smuggling – a dangerous, abhorrent industry – should never undermine our responsibility to protect and care for children. “Often these children are pawns in the people smuggling trade. Punishing them will only aggravate their trauma and cause them more harm. “The government needs to show moral leadership in dealing with the complexities of this situation. Australia will fare best by protecting children, and seeking to place families with children and unaccompanied minors in the community while their claims are assessed,” Ms Cahir said. ECA Recommendations: Families with children and unaccompanied minors should be placed in the community while their claims are assessed." In the event that an application for refugee status is unsuccessful and families and unaccompanied minors cannot return to their home country, families and unaccompanied minors should continue to live in the community until such time as they can return home.   Families should have access to the support they need to care for their children and participate in the community. Unaccompanied minors should have access to the support they need to participate in the community. All school-aged children should have access to the same education available to all other Australian children. All young children and families should have access to the same range of children's services and funding support available to all other Australian children. All children should have access to health programs and services. Language support should be available in the child's home language. Specialist support services should be available to help children and families cope with trauma. Temporary visas must be abolished as they significantly contribute to the dislocation and the unsettled nature of the refugee status and are not conducive to the rearing of healthy children. Establish an Office for the Commissioner of Children and Young People to provide a focus on the best interests of children and young people and a platform for comment and action that is in their best interests. Media comment: Pam Cahir, 0407 008 524 | Further information: Claire Johnston, 0434 489 533

Last Updated ( Monday, 06 June 2011 )

Research in Practice Series

for practical, effective approaches from early childhood experts and practitioners ... The Research in Practice Series provides practical, easy-to-read resources for those involved in the early childhood field. The books are designed to assist with those challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children, by offering effective, new approaches.

RIPS INDEX

Seeing assessment as a stepping stone: Thinking in the context of the EYLF The more you know, the more you see: Babies' and toddlers' learning and the EYLF Planning in the context of the EYLF: Powerful, practical and pedagogically sound Respecting diversity: Articulating early childhood practice Children's resilience: Working with the Early Years Learning Framework Learning and teaching through play Stars are made of glass: Children as capable and creative communicators The Early Years Learning Framework: Building confident learners The Early Years Learning Framework: Getting started Optimistic careers and children: Pathways to confidence and wellbeing Nurturing the spiritual child: Compassion, connection and a sense of self Dealing with bullying together: Prevention and resolution Portfolios: Documenting a journey Treasures and collections: A touch of magic in the early years Learning from High/Scope: Enriching everyday practice The Code of Ethics: A guide for everyday practice The Circle of Security: Roadmap to building supportive relationships Greening services: Practical sustainability Dreaming Stories: A springboard for learning Discovering letters and sounds Capture the moment: Using digital photography in early childhood settings Diversity and difference: Lighting the spirit of identity Managing change with infants and young children Young children as active learners Active children: Healthy now and later Young gifted children: Meeting their needs Engaging families: Building strong communication Storytelling with young children Understanding children's feelings: Emotional literacy in early childhood Overlooked curriculum: Seeing everyday possibilities Aggression and young children Revisiting celebrations with young children Meaningful planning: Rethinking teaching and learning relationships Learning with computers (2nd ed.) Babies: Good beginnings last forever Managing difficult behavior in young children