Sharing Web Resources

 “Everything happens for a reason.”  After re-evaluating our web page choices, I decided to switch to the Zero-to-Three web page.  I know that my downfall is infant/toddler education, so I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone.  As luck would have it, yesterday, I received a request to put together a workshop specifically for infant and toddler teachers.  To me, this was too much of a coincidence not to push further, so after researching the web page, I believe that it has more to offer.  My preschool started with age 2; other than my own child, I have no experience teaching infants.  However, through my work with Early Head Start school, I have seen first-hand the impact that early childhood educators have on these young children.  I have learned a tremendous amount of information, requested various newsletters, and know that this is where I was meant to be.  The organizations web-page is http://www.zerotothree.org

As the name states, Zero to Three is a nonprofit, national organization that works to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.  They do this through research on behavior & development, maltreatment, early care & education, and public policy.  More than ever, I know that bringing together early childhood (birth through 3) and preschool is “right” for all children.  My preschool started such a venture by eliminating the barrier between toddlers and preschoolers.  It was extremely obvious to me that my preschool teachers worked together, without input to or from my toddler staff.  The stability and routines that we worked so hard to develop were being hindered within my own school.  My teachers were quite hesitant when I suggested bringing our curriculum together and working as one group, rather than 2 separate entities.  We made a deal; if it did not work in 6 months, we would resume our current curriculum, and I would take everyone out to dinner.  It took about 3 months for us to become 1 family; we worked together.  My little ones had the same rules as my big kids!  Families were involved.  We used the same books and topics, but obviously, we chose (and shared) developmentally appropriate activities.  Our toddlers and preschool children participated in our school talent show; it was a school event for the first time!  Now, although my teachers never admitted it, the decision to become a group brought a special feeling to our school… and no, I never said, “I told you so!”

Due to the impact of child homelessness on me personally and professionally, I watched the video, “Starting Life Without A Home,” produced by Zero to Three.  The first Congressional meeting held for the purpose of meeting the homeless needs of infants and toddlers was held on February 16, 2012 in Washington, D.C.  That, alone, demonstrates the prevalence of homelessness.  During the meeting, it was revealed that 1 in every 25 kids in the United States are homeless… 1 in 4 infants and toddlers are living in poverty.  This was startling.  Even after the research that I’ve done, I find it almost impossible to comprehend babies entering the world without a home.  We’ve discussed this as a group, but Congressman Geoff Davis, from Kentucky, stated it best, during the February meeting.  He said, “it all comes down to investing in a relationship.”  Our relationship with infants and toddlers can impact their lives forever.

In addition, I found lots of information on the importance of professionals and congress officials to invest in infants and toddlers.  With all of the hoop-la to get children ready for Kindergarten, officials and businesses need to understand that their involvement starts with infants and toddlers.  When I thought of such involvement, I connected it with preschool, the year before a child enters Kindergarten.  I’ve learned that is way too late for children; the investment must begin with infants and toddlers.  In reality, what is learned in the earliest years will impact the K-12 education system; the early years include birth through 3.  The earliest learning experiences, coupled with the impact of a child’s genes (of course), share a child’s brain architecture. 

Without a doubt, early experiences are an investment in our children’s and our nation’s future.  At-risk children need to be included in this investment.  Playing catch-up is not fair to the children or the economy, as it would be a huge expense.  The organization suggests using Title 1 funds for early childhood services, particularly where it all begins… for infants and toddlers.  They promote joint development, building a true birth through 3^rd grade curriculum, requiring joint professional development for early childhood and early elementary school educators; they would work together, as a group, in the best interest of these young children.  Curriculum would be aligned throughout the grades, offering support for English language learners or children with disabilities. 

I believe that I understand where infants and toddlers fit into the equation.  They hold a tremendous puzzle piece.  I am anxious to receive newsletters and additional information that I requested.  I have put infants and toddlers on the back burner rather than putting them in the forefront where they belong.  They are our youngest children, and they have a huge impact on the early childhood community.