Childbirth My Life & Around the World!

During the birth of my firstborn I was full-term and I acknowledge that birthing was going to be very painful.   After going in a quarter to 10 p.m. July 22, 1999 my little girl would be gracing our presence only 4 hours later.  I also realize that eating prior to giving birth is not a great thing.  I became very sick during labor because we had just eaten dinner.

After attempting to hold out and do the natural labor I began to beg for medication and an epidural but it was to my strength and to no avail she was coming quicker than usual so I had to endure the remaining hours with no aided support.

Each pregnancy is different with my second daughters birth, while both girls were absolutely easy in growth and being full-term, I was in labor this time for fourteen hours.  Entirely too long!  

I am currently pregnant with my only son and this pregnancy is giving me more trouble than I care to go through.  I was sick through my entire first trimester, something that did not happen with my daughters, I am 7 years older than I was when I delivered my last baby, I work in early care as a manager/supervisor which can be very stressful, and I just found out that I have gestational diabetes.  Feeling very anxious about the delivery and praying that I deliver a healthy and happy baby boy.

According to Berger, pp. 105, I am completely intrigued with the childbirth preference of women in Peru, "Vertical Births".  In the country of Cuzco, Peru women prefer the childbirth in a standing position.  This strikes me as unusual since the baby comes out typically head first.  Physicians and nurses are very careful and show that they are professional when handling birth this way.   This is very different from the way North American culture considers it normal to have babies.
The comparison makes me wonder if the women in Peru have an easier time delivering.  Their posture may make it easier to push the baby through the birth canal.  Just my opinion.  After two vaginal deliveries and feeling what contractions are, childbirth can be hell before facing joy.

Reference.

• Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
• • Chapter 1, "Introduction" (pp. 3-21, stop at "Using the Scientific Method")
  • Chapter 4, "Prenatal Development and Birth"

Thank you for your support!

To my colleagues in 6005 - Foundations: Early Childhood

Thank you for all that you do in the field of early care and what you continue to do
I appreciate and applaud you all and the way that you lead, advocate and carry yourselves in a professional manner.

Keep up the great work and may you have the success of your dreams!

Examining Codes of Ethics

As I reflect and in retrospect to the three ideals from NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct that are meaningful for me are:
Ethical Responsibilities to Children in which environments for children are safe, healthy, nurturing and responds to the needs of each individual child.
Secondly, the ethical responsibilities to families in this role it is important for early care professionals to remain respectful, keep open lines of communication, and to remember that the family is the primary importance in children's development and the child is the common interest of both the family and the early childhood practitioner.
Finally,  the last ideal that is meaningful to me is ethical responsibilities to colleagues.  When working in management there are ways to making the work environment ideal, being caring, cooperative, showing dignity and integrity, professionalism in workplace relationships in the same way that children and families are viewed is also applicable to how we interact with adults in the workplace.

Three code of ethics of the Division for Early Childhood that are meaningful to me are similar to NAEYC's are  the enhancement of children's and families' quality of lives, also as a practitioner my responsiveness in regards to family centered practices.  Secondly, I support and find this very important ethical and evidence based practices to establish the foundation of what we do with children and families in our care.  Early care is centered around research based practices which allows educators to maintain clarity on the evolving changes in our field.  Lastly which is why professional development and preparation is largely important.  Teachers and other support staff must stay on top of the innovative ways that early care is changing.  This is why early care professionals attend training's and professional development workshops that will enhance their knowledge that help them to implement classroom practice.

These three ideals are significant to my my professional life because each and every day this is what I work toward.  The responsibilities to the children and families are what our mission statement emphasizes and the importance of quality care and best practices is what is I value in my program. This information was so timely since my site is going through NAEYC re-accreditation.  This supports the work that is being done and why we work so hard at doing what it is that we do.

Resource Page: The Value of Resources

Required Resources

• Course Media: "The Resources for Early Childhood"
  Five early childhood professionals discuss their preferred and trusted resources.

Part 1: Position Statements and Influential Practices

• 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://community.fpg.unc.edu/sites/community.fpg.unc.edu/files/imce/documents/FPG_Snapshot_N33_EvidenceBasedPractice_09-2006.pdf
  
  Note: The following article can be found in the Walden University Library databases.
• Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42-53.
  Use the Academic Search Complete database, and search using the article's title.

Part 2: Global Support for Children's Rights and Well-Being

• Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
• Websites:
• • World Forum Foundation
    http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
    This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the media segment on this webpage
  • World Organization for Early Childhood Education
    http://www.omep-usnc.org/
    Read about OMEP's mission.
  • Association for Childhood Education International
    http://acei.org/
    Click on "Mission/Vision" and "Guiding Principles and Beliefs" and read these statements.

Note: Explore the resources in Parts 3 and 4 in preparation for this week's Application assignment.

Part 3: Selected Early Childhood Organizations

• National Association for the Education of Young Children
  http://www.naeyc.org/
• The Division for Early Childhood
  http://www.dec-sped.org/
• Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
  http://www.zerotothree.org/
• WESTED
  http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm
• Harvard Education Letter
  http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
• FPG Child Development Institute
  http://www.fpg.unc.edu/
• Administration for Children and Families Headstart's National Research Conference
  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/
• HighScope
  http://www.highscope.org/
• Children's Defense Fund
  http://www.childrensdefense.org/
• Center for Child Care Workforce
  http://www.ccw.org/
• Council for Exceptional Children
  http://www.cec.sped.org/
• Institute for Women's Policy Research
  http://www.iwpr.org/
• National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
  http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/
• National Child Care Association
  http://www.nccanet.org/
• National Institute for Early Education Research
  http://nieer.org/
• Pre[K]Now
  http://www.pewstates.org/projects/pre-k-now-328067
• Voices for America's Children
  http://www.voices.org/
• The Erikson Institute
  http://www.erikson.edu/

Part 4: Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden Library

Tip: Use the A-to-Z e-journal list to search for specific journal titles. (Go to "How Do I...?", select "Tips for Specific Formats and Resources," and then "e-journals" to find this search interface.)

• YC Young Children
• Childhood
• Journal of Child & Family Studies
• Child Study Journal
• Multicultural Education
• Early Childhood Education Journal
• Journal of Early Childhood Research
• International Journal of Early Childhood
• Early Childhood Research Quarterly
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Studies
• Maternal & Child Health Journal
• International Journal of Early Years Education

Part 5:  My Interest.  Three Additional Resources Related to Young Children, Families, and the Field of Early Childhood

Exchange.  Supporting Early Childhood Education Professionals Worldwide in their Efforts to Craft Thriving Environment for Children and Adults.   http://www.childcareexchange.com/ 

   

INCCRRA.  Illinois Network of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies. http://www.inccrra.org/

 

Gateways to Opportunity.  Illinois Professional Development System. http://www.ilgateways.com/en/   

Words of Inspiration and Motivation!

For the quotes of my two chosen contributors form their commencement speeches given for graduate level grads

The first lesson is there is no free lunch in life. Don't feel entitled to anything you don't sweat and struggle for. Help our nation that it's not entitled to world leadership based on the past, or on what we say rather than how well we perform and meet changing world needs.

For those who are minority in this college class, I hope you will never take anything for granted in America, even with a Muhlenberg degree. And, we need to all be concerned as racial intolerance resurges across our land. It may be wrapped up in new euphemisms, and in better etiquette, but as Frederick Douglass warned us earlier it's the "same old snake."

And for any graduates who feel entitled to leadership by accidental birth or color of skin, let me remind that you that the world that you already live in is two-thirds non-white and poor. And that our nation is becoming a mosaic of greater diversity that you are going to have to understand and respect and work with.

I hope each of you will struggle to continue to achieve and not think for a moment that you've got it made. I know you won't ever be lazy. Do your homework. Pay attention to detail. Take care and pride in your work and take the initiative in creating your own opportunity. And don't wait around for other people to discover you, or do you a favor. Don't assume a door is closed…and if it is closed today, don't assume it's closed tomorrow. Keep pushing on it. Don't ever stop learning and improving your mind, because if you do you are going to be left behind. ~Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President, Children's Defense Fund

"We see children for who they are; remarkable human beings who are just beginning to discover the world in all it contains and provide adults with dilemmas, challenges, joys, and heartaches, as we try to make sense of how they see the world, why they do what they do, and what we should do in response." ~Dr. Samuel Miesels, Ed.D, President Emeritus of Erikson Institute, a graduate educational institution preparing child development professionals

My most memorable quotes about passion, motivation, and wisdom from the professionals in the media segment week 2 are from Ray Hernandez, "As a professional in early childhood we have the unique opportunity to work with children."  The final quote was from Renatta M. Cooper, "All education is a civil rights issue. This is equity work."

Personal Childhood Web

To make a clear connection of my personal childhood web are the five people I am about to name.  These individuals nurtured and cared for me as a child and taught me valuable lessons about life and myself that have carried me on throughout my adult life.

The first person was James Campbell Sr., next is Carrie Campbell, then Diane Campbell, I then will add Ms. Gunn and Mr. Williams.

James Campbell Sr. is my maternal grandfather and he has been the rock in our family since before I knew.  Yet as a child he was the male figure that was protecting and loving and he too was a life long learner and voice of reason and rational.  He showed me so much about family and what it means to be a caregiver and a provider in the family.  He would always tell me, "I knew you could do it, you needed was a chance."  This saying stays with me to this day and I often tell my children the same thing, especially if they are feeling discouraged.  He nurtured everything I did and wanted to do.  He would take me every Saturday morning to piano lessons and if I were in a program for school he would be right there.

My grandfather supported everything good I did, and when I was often bad he was there to keep the wrath of my mother from killing me! :-) He was my HERO!!!  The older I got the closer my grandfather and I became, he saw the birth of both of my daughters and although he was very ill and unable to walk me down the aisle, was still here to see me get married.  It has been five long years since the day of his passing but the impact that he left on my heart and deep in my soul daily lives on.

My maternal grandmother is the maternal queen of my life that taught me so much about being a lady, a Christian and a mother.  Although my mother had been very present in my life, she worked and bowled more hours than I saw her in a day.  So my grandmother stepped in a very much showed me love and nurturing as a little girl.  She was there after school with a snack and dinner very close as well.  She would always take me with her to church and every summer, Christmas and anniversary or birthday celebration she would take me down south with her to her hometown in Savannah, Ga. in a little, beautiful town called Sunbury.  Each time I spent with her I loved it.  Even to this day she is a great grandma(girlfriend), someone I can take a road trip with, go shopping and definitely visiting one another's church.
My grandmother has definitely influenced my life by the unconditional love that she has shown.  She has taught me how to be an attentive mother and a nurturer.  I value every thing that she has shared with me and will always remember this.

Another person was my aunt Diane, my mother's older sister.  My aunt was always there for me when I looked for my mom at night as a little girl, my aunt would come in to the room and console me.  She was one of my very first babysitters.  My aunt is a very quiet woman, reserved and very much a professional woman.  She has influenced me by being my support as a child, nurturing my education with books and exposing me to a range of musical genres.  She has been and still is a peaceful spirit and she shows such dignity, even when she has every right to go completely volcano on others.  she really holds her own and she has shown me how to hold mine.

Next, there was Ms. Gunn was my kindergarten teacher and she was such a positive and nice teacher.  I always remember that I wanted to teach and wants to be like Ms. Gunn.  She was nurturing, kind, and always gave positive energy in the class.  At no point do I ever remember yelling or getting angry with any of the children in the class.  I went to a Christian private school and at the time we were in school, paddling was allowed and Ms. Gunn was not a disciplinary.   Now in my teaching career I continue to strive to be the type of teacher Ms. Gunn was.

Last but not least was Mr. Williams.  He was our bus driver, deacon, custodian and disciplinarian.  Mr. Williams a good man, funny and stern with love.  He showed us love, but taught us respect and character.  He was a man that took pride in the school where we learned and the church where we worshipped and where he was a deacon.  This type of instruction showed me how to take ownership and pride in the community I serve and those families of the community where I serve.  He also showed me how to be fair with everyone and respect all people, because we are all God's. 

Early care educator for over 12 years...

Daily coordinates and evaluates documentation and learning environments within the Family Child Care Homes. Responsibilities include assisting Day Care Home Coordinator in training new providers; planning and implementing education for children participating in the Early Head Start programs.
*Currently supervise 3-5 program in early care center.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problemsDaily coordinates and evaluates documentation and learning environments within the Family Child Care Homes. Responsibilities include assisting Day Care Home Coordinator in training new providers; planning and implementing education for children participating in the Early Head Start programs.
*Currently supervise 3-5 program in early care center.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems