Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA):

• What are some of the current international research topics?

Malawi

Coordinating the Development and Implementation of the 2003 – 2013 National Action Plan (NAP) for Children in Malawi

Nigeria

Assessment of the Caring Practices in Two Motherless Babies’ Homes in Abia State, Nigeria and the Development and Delivery of a Nutrition Training Program to the Staff of These Homes to Improve Nutrition of Children in Their Care

• What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?

Some surprising facts/insights i gained about the early childhood after exploring this website was a topic called  A "Generative curriculum" approach which is a learner-focused approach - drawing as much as possible on the learner's experiences in their personal and professional lives;

an ecological approach - placing individuals, programs and policies into an interactive and dynamic context and seeking to plan activities and interventions to maximize resonating impact throughout the larger ecology;

a capacity building approach - aiming to strategically strengthen the capacities of participants to effectively fulfill their mandates in their professional position and to be accountable to their constituents and the broader ECD community in their countries. Although most education activities claim this as a general 'purpose', the ECDVU program addresses capacity development in a specific, strategic manner and many more( http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/generative.php). Through the generative curriculum the school is about to help and work professioanlly to help reach the childs best potential.

What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?
The Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) works with nominees of participating countries to enhance the country's social and economic development through addressing the needs of their youngest citizens and the families and communities which nurture them.

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

I chose to share a positive example of the effects of research on children and/or families which is the attachment theory, as many educators know in all early childhood centers or home day care centers children go through the attachment stage. Attachment is an emotional bond to another person in which most children show to their parents.  Job Bowlby is the first attachment theorist, describing attachment as a lasting psychological connectedness between human beings. The attachment theory is a positive example because it allows parents to understand the components of attachment such as safe haven, secure base, and separation distress these are the stages that their child/children goes through when something new is occurring  such as going to daycare for the first time. Without this research on children, educators would not no whats going on with children, as they cry loudly for their parents or guardians. I am happy Job Bowlby conducted this study, its makes my life much easier, and with several trainings i attended in the past i know what and how to comfort children.

Research Topic

This week i am learning more about a topic that brings passion and hope to my heart . During week 1, i was thinking about a topic that i thought was crucial for children's development as well as something that Teachers need more training on. I decided for the research stimulation question i decided to research more on the topic of Parental/ Family  involvement  on student success. This subject really hit home for me because as i stated before i find it profound when parents don't have a clue on whats going on in their child's school education instead they use early childhood professionals as babysitters instead of educators. I would like to study more on the statistics about the success rate of families that are involved with the children's education, not saying parents who are not involved  with the education of their children will fail, but as we all know there are parents who can care less about the development of their child and there are parents who are busy but take the time out for the education of their children.

Final Blog Assignment

Through this course i have gained valuable knowledge and insight about other agencies and their thoughts on the importance of an early childhood education. Although i was unable to get in contact with someone in another country, that brought me great sadness and frustration. Although their are several meanings for consequences i must reflect on the agencies that i learned and gained more insight about. Three reflections that brought me a better insight was the understanding about other agencies and there influential affects on others in there country or state. I enjoyed reading articles and initiatives that agencies conduct and also hearing the podcast in which other early childhood educators make an positive impact on the lives of others. I also feel as though i have grown professionally because i have learned about what is going on in other countries or states and how i can continue to be an advocate in the State Of Illinois to make an impact on the lives of the children in which i come in contact with.

One goal that i have, is to continue to learn about other agencies and also to continue to communicate with my friend who teaches in Morocco so that maybe i can learn about the issue and trends that are happening in her country. I also want to continue to learn and stay in connect with my classmates so that we can complete this achievement together.

Getting to know International Contacts-Part 3

This week I will be explored the UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” website. I will share three insights i have learned and gained while reviewing the site. Before reviewing the website i have never heard of this place but according to the website their mission is to, "contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information"(http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/).


Underneath the heading of education, I enjoyed reading about there literacy initaitve which promotes literacy around the world, and to make literacy a fun experience. I also learned that UNESCO's early childhood education program thrives for outstanding early childhood care both for the well-being and holistic development of the child. Their mission is to support early childhood policy development with the aim to build a solid foundation for a child’s lifelong learning.

I also learned that UNESCO wishes to achieve gender equality in education by 2015, with a focus on ensuring girls’ full and equal access to and achievement in basic education of good quality. I think this is a fanstatic idea and i hope more orgnizations will try to reach the same goal.

Week 6-Sharing Web Resources

Looking back on the Black Child Development Institute i have gained an exceptional amount of knowledge as i explore the website again because i have not received a newsletter yet although i have subscribed several times. Learning from this week about equity and excellence in care, i learned that the Black Child Development Institute has initiatives going for their Pre-K program it focuses on, "PreK-3 strategies that are  dedicated to improving systems for children through age 8; easing transitions and ensuring continuity for children and families through child care, PreK and K-12; and seamlessly connecting high-quality early childhood and PreK programs with high-quality elementary schools"( Prek-3, 10 February, 2012).

Exploring through the website i learned that about the Child Health Talk this is, "a quarterly publication, generously funded by State Farm Insurance, which provides a range of information for families with young children on topics related to their health and well-being" (Child Talk, 10 February 2012). As all educators know children's health is over the rise for obesity and heart concerns and it is up to us to reach out the parents and relay the message how our children's health is at risk. This is a common issue and trend that many centers and early childhood centers should be focusing on, because the issue of childhood obesity is on the rise.
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Parent Empowerment Project:
This is another area within the website of which i explored. The Parent Empowerment Project was designed  by and for low-income families where they talk about the importance of being children's first teachers. These groups discuss child development and parenting skills that not alot of parents no about

Resources
Black Child Development Institute. Prek-3. Retrieved from  http://nbcdi.org/blog/2010/09/10/prek-3rd/

Getting to know your International Contacts-part 2

Three insights i learned from the Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website: (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/.

1.One of their initatives is to prepare future and current leaders to build and leverage knowledge that promotes the healthy development of children and families and brings high returns to all of society.

2. The Harvard Universtiy Global childrens initiative plans to improve the life outcomes of all children in the united states as well as in other countires.

3. One insight that i learned which is so true about the growth and development of our children is that the Harvard Global children's initiative fouses on, "the healthy child development as the foundation of economic prosperity, strong communities, and a just society, and our mission is to advance that vision by using science to enhance child well-being through innovations in policy and practice"( Harvard University, 2012). As educators we must look at our children as our future leaders and it is a must that these children be brought up with a healthy development and a good foundation, we have to truly try our best because this is our future.

Listening to Barbara Jones from the podcast i learned that she founded the Pine Grove School, which is a montessori school which was issued in the exchange magazine. As she was telling her story i find it intriguing how all educators find there way to the education field, as she learned about her passion by helping other children and learning how she can improve others lives.