Preschool and Beyond: February 2012

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Harvard University Center on the Developing Child

As I browsed the Harvard University Center on the Developing Child website, I had the opportunity to learn about new initiatives that are being implemented around the world to help improve conditions for young children and families. These initiatives also help to improve that quality of care that children receive in early childhood programs. This even includes creating early childhood programs. The first insight I gained was about an initiative that is currently being implemented in Santiago, Chile. The name of the program is called Un Buen Comienzo (UBC) or “A Good Start.” The main goal of the program is to improve children’s early childhood experiences by improving teacher professional development, in hopes of improving the children’s language development. This program will also focus on improving children’s health, socio-emotional development, and family involvement. The next insight that I gained is about how individuals looking for opportunities to work in the field can apply for a position to help jumpstart the child development initiatives being brought forth in Brazil. Such opportunities as these can provide hands on experiences in administering and facilitating child development. Last insight that was gained was the how the Center on the Developing Child, has created a short video that is similar to the video games used on the Xbox gaming system. Unlike the video games used on the Xbox, this video is being used as a teaching tool to demonstrate how children’s environments and the individuals in the child’s environment can have positive or negative effects on the child’s brain and development. This video is the Center’s first video to be translated in another language.

Relationships

I currently have healthy relationships with my two sisters, my brother, my sons, my daughter, my father, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues. These relationships are healthy because we first take the time to acknowledge each other as individuals, keeping in mind that we come with our own beliefs, needs, desires, goals, and morals. Respecting each other and working through issues, help us to maintain open lines of communications. As we all know that no relationship is perfect, but being committed to forming strong relationships, can help everyone learn to be better people.

Personal Advocacy Reflection

I cannot pinpoint just one individual to talk about as it relates to advocacy and its effect on my life. There have been a number of people who have advocated and shared important information with me. So to name just one person would not be fair, because they all have impacted me greatly. All through-out my journey to pursue my higher learning education. These individuals have been very positive in sharing information as it relates to school and other opportunities. Because they were so supportive, I was able to pursue three separate degrees consecutively. They were also compassionate and encouraging as I raised my children as a young single mother. Through the sharing of vital information, I excelled higher and to greater places in my life. As a result of their kindness, I am paying it forward by sharing information and resources with others that may be looking to pursue a better life. I always find myself encouraging young mothers to do their best as mothers and to pursue more education in an effort to be a better provider for their young family. I pick up informative brochures and flyers that I come across when I'm out in the district for my job. I share those flyers and brochures with those young mothers and anyone else who's interested. I just believe that we must not be afraid to reach out to lending a helping hand, not a hand-out.

Relationship Reflection

As a mother of three, a sister, a daughter, a friend, and an employee, building and being apart of strong lasting relationships is very important to me. It is important to me, because it allows me to be accepted by my peers. It allows me to contribute to the lives of others in a positive way. It also allows me the grand opportunity to learn from the individuals I have relationships with. Learning how to give, receive, value the opinions of others, and agreeing to disagree are all some of the things I learn as I interact with my sisters, brothers, friends, children, and co-workers. Being able to see the world from the point of view of others is an awesome thing, because they can point out very important points, when our selfishness tend to rear it's head. Healthy relationships allow us to bear our feelings to others, our weaknesses revealed, enabling us to be strong by the strength and helping hands of others.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Harvard University Center on the Developing Child

About Me