Sharing Web Resources
Zerotothree.org

As I continue to explore Zero to Three website, it becomes evident that this website is very informative.  As a new Infant Toddler teacher, this website would be a great resource for me. I looked deeper into the Resouces tab I found an article related to Early Learning for Infants and Toddlers. I choose the topic Early Literacy nd found various resources on the topic. One article I found "Learning to Read the World: Literacy in the first 3 years" provides caregivers insight on how their everyday interactions can help to build culturally appropriate language and literacy developmental skills in young children. It expresses the importance of doing this to help children build on these skills in later years.

What I found interesting in tab was at the end of every article are tabs that you can connect to other resources related to the topic.  I also found information that allows me to connect with this weeks topic. Under the same tab, there are resources that guide parents, teachers, or other professionals in ways to find quality child care. Whether it is center based, or a close friend watching your child, there are articles that will guide your decision on what type of care is best for your child(ren). 
As I continue to explore this website I am learning how beneficial the resources are to all who care, provide or educate professionals in early education.

Resource
https://www.zerotothree.org

International Contact - Part 2 

This week we made another frequent connection with our international contact in Early Childhood. My contact name is Jane and she is from Kenya. In my conversations with her, I have learned that issues in Early Childhood are very similar around the world. The only difference would be the available resources to assist the programs policy and or standards.

Jane had shared with me the process she had to undertake when opening her school in Kenya. I found the process there to be familiar to the opening and operating of an ECE program in Maryland. She shared that first one must be trained to teach, fingerprinted by police and have good conduct. Once that is done then you can proceed with obtaining the deed to some land and the public health process.

When it comes to the equity and excellence in ECE, Jane shared with me that the government does not consider ECE programs at all. The parents are usually the providers which are scarce. Government funding is rare in her country and every household can not benefit from it. So in Kenya, there are not many ECE programs and if there are it is up  to the program to provide for the needs of the children.

More on Zero to Three Website

As I continued to explore the website of Zero to Three organization, I found that they have a section for professional development. They offer continuing education units to help you meet the required licensing standards for your particular role in the center. The professional development can be conducted in group settings, webinars or customized to your individual needs.

What I love about this website is that if you do not see a certain topic or resource that you can utilize the search tab to find the information you need. For this week’s topic, I was able to find resources that will help me gain a better understanding. Once I conducted the search I was given resources, such as articles, service centers, and tools that I could use on my on time.

One insight that I gain while I explored the website was a tab that led me to the policy resource information. Here I was able to find resources that could help me understand the policy of early childhood programs that service infants and toddlers.  I could also research what programs in other states are using or how they making a change in their programs as well.  Another insight that I gained was how the website offers training for administrators and mental health. 

Reference:

http://www.zerotothree.org

                        War on Poverty
Prior to this week I honestly thought that poverty was something that happened to folks that had bad luck. Never would have thought that it is an epidemic that is sweeping children and families around the world.  As instructed I made weekly contact with my fellow educator Jane from Kenya. Jane is an early childhood educator who currently works and leads a community school, for children ages 3-9.

When I discussed poverty with her it helps me to realize how this has begun to take over communities around the world. In my conversation with her, Jane expressed how poverty is affecting their families. Many are not able to provide the basic needs for their families.  Unemployment is high as well due to the lack of families obtaining an education. One thing she believes will decrease poverty in her country is educating her people from young to university level on the importance of education.

My eyes have truly been open to the issue of poverty. Poverty is like a virus it spreads around to the weakest system and spreads fast.  I have grown to learn about numerous resources that are national and worldwide assist to families in poverty. With this knowledge, I plan to utilize it to the best of my ability to help as many families strive for a change.

Web Resources     

Great nephew 1yr
Daughter 20 mths

Zero to Three
https://www.zerotothree.org

ECE Resources from Around the World

This week I was encouraged to reach out to another Early Childhood Professional from another country. My first reaction was, this profession is worldwide. I never thought that other countries needed early childhood education. This was shocking news to me. So the task was now how do I go about finding two individuals to make the connection with. I thought this would be a very difficult task. I was grateful to my professor for providing a starting point because it led me to a page on facebook entitled Teachers Around the World Pre-school Pen- Pals. Here on this page, i felt confident that I would be able to meet the requirements but  I was not successful. Then I tried Walden University Early Childhood Organization (WUECO). Here I was able to make a connection with some from Nanyuki who came highly recommended from another group member.

The one website that I would like to study is Zero to Three. I choose this website due to the career change I will be making. I will be transitioning from Head Start to Early Head start late this fall as the agency I currently work for is in the process of opening a small center. I feel that Zero to Three organization will be a great resource to have as i begin this journey with Infants and Toddlers. 

Reference

https://www.zerotothree.org/

https://www.facebook.com/PreschoolPenPals

 My Supports

I have a strong bond with my sisters that is unbreakable. Before I became a wife, I did everything with my sisters. My sisters have been very supportive in helping with my children and through this journey of continuing my education. One of the benefits of my support system is having four sisters in your corner who look up to you for advice, support, encouragement and occasional fun times with. 
If I did not have this support system, I do not believe I would have made it this far in life. I would have giving up on furthering my education to focus more on my children. My sisters have been that cushion of comfort and encouragement that pushes me to accomplish all obstacles. 

One challenge that I face on a daily basis is not having someone to help with transporting the children to their various activities. Having someone to help me with this matter would allow me to manage my time a lot better. It is very stressful at times when you have to plan around everyone's schedule. If I had this support I would be less cranky and moody with  others. I would also have more time to spend with my family. Being a mom of multiple children have is moments of exhaustion but it makes me a better person.