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.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts, Part 1

There is a song that contains the words “I get by with a little help from my friends,” and in this case, it sums up my attempt to make an early childhood connection outside of the United States.  In pure desperation, I reached out to friends who I thought might be able to point me in the “right” direction.  Now, I am currently corresponding with 3 individuals, one in India, one in China, and one in the Cayman Islands. 

So far, I have communicated with my new friend from India, Sapna Clouhan.  The early childhood educator from the Cayman Islands is in Miami for a funeral (unfortunately, I could not meet her).  My contact from China is in the midst of a project, and although she wants to help, her correspondence will be limited.

Currently, Sapna and I are communicating through e-mail.  Her English, in her opinion, is not “very flowerly.”  I’m not quite sure what that means, but it’s an easy venture to understand her thoughts.  Sapna has run a private preschool in India for the last eight years.  I explained that our topic for the week was childhood poverty, and I questioned her specifically about school funding for those that cannot afford it.  Her school is not a government aided school.  I was interested to learn that her school partners with about 12 schools in the United Kingdom and Poland to exchange and discuss curriculums; they are hoping to share this program with Austria soon.  From the little I know, it would work in the United States, too!

First and foremost, Sapna told me (in both correspondences) that poverty is everywhere in India.  Her school is in Thane, which is close to India’s financial capital of Mumbai.  Sapna believes that child labor is one of the evils that her country is trying to fight; she sees it everywhere.  She feels children are fortunate if they enter a school or balwadi (playgroup) in India.  Many children in Thane attend schools without infrastructures or tables and chairs.  The government of India has begun midday  meal programs in some areas.

In addition, there are programs that pay children to attend school.  I questioned this, and Sapna explained that families feel that money spent on educating their girls is often wasted.  Once educated, they get married and the parents have wasted their money.

Sapna explained that there is a mobile crèche in her area for construction worker’s children.  This crèche offers young children basic education, food, and keeps the children until the parents leave the construction site.  The crèche is run by a non-government organization as well as aided by the builder.  The construction site is not safe for the children.

There is just so much to absorb from the conversations we have shared via the computer.  I get excited to see mail from her, and I eagerly await her next response.  What an amazing venue to learn from; why didn’t I think about it before?

Sharing Web Resources

The National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators ((http://www.naecte.org/) is the organization that I chose.  The title caught my interest; after all, I am an early childhood teacher.  I read the Fall 2011 and Winter 2012 journal.  The Fall 2011 journal was, for me, more informative.  The Winter journal dealt primarily with NAECT’s up-coming conference.  Unfortunately, it is too late for me to submit a proposal (boo-hoo!).  I was, however, interested in the new teacher research text titled, “Early Childhood Teacher Research” written by Kathryn Castle.  According to the journal, the book touches upon “the important issues every early childhood teacher should know, the uniqueness of early childhood teacher research, reasons for doing it, and hot to do it.”  There was a link to request a COMPLIMENTARY copy of the book, which I have done!  The book has arrived, and I’m excited to begin reading it.  I’ll keep you posted!  In addition, I am interested in a new Pre-K and Kindergarten curriculum text from Doris Frombert.  It is inclusive, and although I do not believe that one curriculum will work for all children, it seems fresh and innovating.  Definitely worth looking into further!  For me, finding two new early childhood resources made this assignment worthwhile.  On the flip side, I was surprised that there was at the limited scope of the organization’s newsletter.  Specific issues were not individually addressed, although there were specific happenings from various states.  For me, it wasn’t educational enough, and thus, although I may consider membership, the newsletter did not fulfill my needs.  I continued my search by listening to two separate webcasts from the World Forum Radio. 

Mr. Yora

This week, through the World Forum Radio, I listened to two very different podcasts (http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/current-work/world-forum-radio/).  The first, Episode 6, featured Meridas Eka Yora, the founder of an institution for Islamic education.  Although I read an article on the actual school, Fajar Hidayah, I was most enthralled when Yora spoke about the children orphaned after the 2004 earthquake, many of whom are now attending one of the boarding schools from this project.  At first, he hired psychologists to work with the orphans, but then, he realized that the best psychologist for the children was their teacher (demonstrates the impact that teachers have on children of all ages).  Yora felt that the educators need to be mother and father before they could successfully be a teacher.   His staff worked side-by-side with the children, with many of the older children taking on the roles of brothers and sisters.  He strived to bring a feeling of community and family to the children who have lost their families; in order to give the children a sense of family, their culture would have to be valued.  Some of the children, however, still cannot accept what happened (I don’t blame them) and are receiving special treatment; his wife has taken several children home with her.  Currently, there are over 6 schools, taking on a holistic perspective with their students.  Over 20,000 teachers have been trained throughout Indonesia, South East Asia, and Srilanka.  Free extended education is offered for poor families with children age 4 to 15 in the surrounding neighborhood of every school (poverty is being addressed).  Scholarships are offered for orphans and students wishing to attend higher education.  Free life skills’ training is available for orphans or poor families, in addition to free family counseling.  I’ve always wanted to visit abroad, and I would like nothing more than to have the opportunity to share with the children and their families who are currently attending Fajar Hidayah schools; what a remarkable experience this would be!

Barbara Jones (B.J.)

School building

Next, I listened to a radio podcast of a conversation with Barbara Jones, who opened Pine Grove Montessori School in Maine 25 years ago.  Her journey is as fascinating as the pictures of the actual school that I located.  She was definitely an alternative thinker (she said so herself), and Montessori was different; it caught her attention.  She found a boarded up building one day in Maine, although the owners were not looking to sell.  Several years later, the owners, who saved her contact information, reached out to her, and she used the building for her Montessori school.  She claimed that the building was in need of some TLC, but she was determined not to destroy its history.  Looking at the front of the building, I would think it was an inviting, quaint home with a porch (I really want a porch).  The inside pictures were quite astonishing for me, because I never would have expected the rooms to be so large and airy.  After listening to B.J. speak, I expected something out-of-the-box, but the rooms just far-surpassed what I had expected.  There’s probably more of a chance that I will visit Maine, rather than Indonesia, and if so, I would be honored to visit B.J.’s Pine Grover Montessori School (which is saying a lot because I’m not totally sold on Montessori). 

School's nature courtyard

Inside one classroom

I must mention that I have personally tried to contact both Meridas Eka Yora and Barbara Jones… still no response, but you never know…

Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

I feel like the Little Engine That Could.  I think I can. I think I can. I think I can… ok, I thought I could.  I am frustrated.  I have reached out to numerous individuals mentioned from the suggested web pages, as well as various suggestions from NAEYC.  Several e-mails have been returned as undeliverable, most have not been responded to (perhaps I ended up in their Spam), and one great prospect from China was just too involved right now.  I feel rejected and unloved!  No, not really, but when I go to NAEYC this year, I will certainly look for avenues of communication.  If I would have known about this one week earlier, I could have formed global contacts from the National Head Start Conference.  In addition, I actually located direct phone numbers of various preschools throughout the world.  My best prospect was from Australia, and although she was not willing to make the commitment, she was a wealth of information; I enjoyed learning from her, and I believe we will hook-up at NAEYC in Georgia this year.  So, here I sit, prepared to tackle option 2, although still checking for emails. 

However, looking for the good in a challenging situation, the World Forum webpage has made me aware of how narrow-minded my research has been. I have been extremely limited to the United States, without realizing how much information could be found by searching the world of early childhood… and by world, I mean world. In a few short days, my mind has been awakened to thoughts, challenges, and ideas due to researching outside of my comfort zone. So, if needed, this will be a good alternative.

The organization that I chose to research is the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators; I chose it because I was unaware of its existence; it seemed to be calling my name.  The name of the organization described a group that I wanted to learn more about; after all, although I am not in my own classroom, I still proudly consider myself an early childhood teacher.  The purpose of the organization is to discuss early childhood education and advocate for teacher education.  It seems to be a venue where networking is encouraged amongst early childhood teachers and research shared.  The organization sponsors various conferences (again, I was totally unaware of their conferences) in addition to sharing information on various national and international organizations, all involved, obviously, with young children.  This seems to be a venue that will enhance my growth as an educator and an advocate for children.  I look forward to getting more involved.

SO… although my engine didn’t quite make it up the hill that I initially expected, I have already learned a lot with my detour. In reality, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…

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MY SUPPORTS

Until recently, I relied strongly on other’s support or approval.  Support demonstrated approval, for me.  In order to leave my director’s position, pursue my dream (Creative Beginning Steps), and return to college, I relied on the support of my family, primarily my husband.  Without his support, I would still be in the classroom (which would have been fine), wondering if I could handle returning to school at my age.  Many of my family and friends (and acquaintances) had long lists of why-nots, and I knew that financially my dream would put a tremendous burden on my family.  However, my husband believed in me, and he promised to be behind me 110%; the extra 10% provided the support that I needed.  Without his support, my life would be very different today.  I would be in the classroom wondering many what-if’s.  Through this process, I learned to think independently, rather than rely solely on the support of others. 

The support I receive from my husband, son, and friends are emotional support.  Their support means the world to me.  After my mom passed away, I relied on their support in ways that I never imagined existed.  Their support gave me strength and continue to give me power to hold on to my mom’s memories. 

On a daily basis, my schedule is such that, without the support of my husband (he sounds pretty awesome, huh?), I would be a basket case.  My husband is retired, and yet, he works harder now than when he had his own business; how ironic!  He works constantly with me in our business, and he is a tremendous support around the house.  I barely have time to work on workshops, teach at the college, and finish my homework; there are not enough hours in the day to cook, clean, and wash.  Together, we support each other, and these chores get done. 

When we talk about practical supports, I guess that my computer supports me a lot.  It makes every aspect of my job a bit easier.  Being able to save information and do research from home is a huge support to me.  Although I love going to a library, I do not know if I would have the time to physically go there a zillion times a week.  I cannot imagine having to present my workshops without the use of a PowerPoint. 

My pool supports me.  Sounds strange, right?  It’s true, though.  When I get depressed or overwhelmed, I like nothing more than jumping in the pool with a specific raft and floating.  It makes everything wonderful again, and I return to the house ready to conquer the world.  Our pool is relatively new to our home, but I cannot remember a time when it was not here.

Supports are extremely important in my life, and with all of the changes that I’ve made recently, I depend on them, and yet, they give me the freedom to be me… and go after my dreams

My Connections to Play

     "It’s a happy talent to know how to play."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Life must be lived as play"

Plato

Play is everything that I remember about my childhood.  I remember jumping in the leaves, sliding down mountains of snow, and jumping rope.  I remember playing make-believe in my basement and becoming a Princess, a dancer, and a clown.  I remember playing Monopoly with my family around the dinner table.  I remember reading books with my parents ever night, sometimes the same story over and over.  My parents, my family, and my friends were a part of my childhood; they played with me. 

Barbie Dream House

I remember playing with Barbie and Ken dolls in their own Barbie Dream House.  I had a Barbie that was my size, and together, we made up stories about Barbie and Ken.  My mom would often write these stories in a special book; I played being an author.  My parents validated my play by giving my stories value.  I wish, with all of my heart, that I had that book today. 

When I wasn’t playing Barbie, I was making up stories about Mickey Mouse.  My favorite toy was a Mickey Mouse doll that I took everywhere with me (it would be worth a fortune today!).  Mickey, for me, was what a teddy bear is for children; he was my teddy.  I would make up stories about Mickey’s friends, too, and that’s probably why Disney World was such a huge part of my son’s childhood.  Today, my den is surrounded by Mickey Mouse items, and I still visit Disney World whenever the opportunity exists.  As I enter Disney, I feel like a child, and I’m definitely ready to play.

While I had an abundance of toys bought from a store, I definitely do not remember them.  With the exception of Barbie and some board games, I remember the boxes that “things” came in, and how I used a box to design a circus tent for my make-believe circus… and a box to make a car to drive to Disney, of course… and a box to create a kitchen, which was more fun than the toy kitchen I had in the room.  There were a zillion costumes in my basement, just waiting for a story or play to arise.  My favorite costume, of course, was Cinderella, and I wore the glass slippers all the time!  For me, reading was a form of play; books were my toys!  I loved to read, and I remember my parents reading with me all of the time.  I used to think the library was the best place to "play;" I remember going to the big library in downtown Philadelphia and spending an entire day there.  Books were the best present that I could receive, except an empty box!!!!

Play today is very different from what I remember.  Parents are afraid to let their children go outside to play; our doors were never locked, so I could go in and out to play with the neighborhood kids.  Children today play video games, where they need little imagination or creativity.  Today, the computer or television fill children’s weekends.  Parents are often too busy to play with their children; my parents always played with me.  My mom did not work, so she spent a lot of time playing with me (and my sister).  My mom and I pained in the living room, cooked in the kitchen, and used play dough on the basement floor.  We made cities out of blocks together and necklaces out of shells we collected on the beach.  Play was my life as a young child. 

As an adult, I can see reflections of my childhood play.  I guess my parents were strong enough to build its value into my existence, and of course, my husband is flexible enough to allow me to keep some child-like characteristics.  I still like to create, even if it’s for a workshop.  I love to paint with liquid water color, just like young children.  I love to design books that children can use in their classroom.  These activities, although work related, are play, for me.  They bring out my creativity and my imagination; they allow me to reflect on my childhood as see the world with the awe and wonder of a child.  I hope that we’ve rubbed some of these thoughts off on our son, Adam; playing as a big kid is pretty remarkable, too!

Relationship Reflection

Relationships are the core to our existence.  Without them, we would be alone.  I lost a special relationship in my life a little over a year and a half ago when my mom passed away  She was my best friend; we shared laughter and tears.  My dad passed away when my sister and I were quite young, and at that point, my mom became mother and father to us.  For the last 20 years of her life, my mom lived with me; she was like a mom to my husband, and her relationship with my son was powerful.  Now, as I think of the specific term “relationships,” I wonder if my mom understood how much we valued our relationship with her.  I wish that I would have said “thank you” more.  However, I remember the last time I saw her in Hospice, our eyes met, and she cried; then, she looked at me with so much love.  I’ll never forget that moment.  For me, it was important that I include this relationship first, because although she is not physically with me, our relationship is very much with me. 



Stan & I on a cruise in Mexico



My partner in life is my husband of 28 years, Stan.  Our relationship was sealed quite quickly, because he asked me to marry him on our first official date.  We had so much against us; he was older than me, he had older kids, I was just out of an abusive relationship, and the list goes on.  However, I remember that date as if it was yesterday; we knew it was “right.”  It was a once in a lifetime relationship from the start; I’ve never looked back.  Stan is my best friend; we totally trust and respect each other.  I really like him. 

Adam

My relationship with our son, Adam, is the both rewarding and challenging; I would do just about anything for this relationship.  It’s tough being a parent, even when they are all grown up.  We understand that our relationship will always be there, but I’m learning that I have to give him space; that does not mean giving up the relationship.  I love him unconditionally, and if possible, this love grows each day.



When I think of the friends in my life who I have relationships with, I understand that some are friends and some are acquaintances.  Both are important relationships.  For instance, my friend from high school, Robin, and I recently connected through Facebook; it’s as if we have been friends forever.  I know that she will always be there for me; distance and time just do not seem to matter anymore.   She always was a forever friend.

My friend, Chris, and I have been friends since I was 22 (that’s a long time ago!).  I met him while I was doing some public relations work in Las Vegas.   We were very different people, and yet, we trusted each other almost instantly.  Chris currently lives in Tennessee, and although I haven’t seen him in several years, I know that he will always be there for me, as I will for him.

Marta & I setting up NAEYC

There are other friends that I could mention, but I will end with my newest friend, Marta.  I met her about 2 years ago through the Palm Beach Literacy Coalition.  For whatever reason, we hooked up.  She is an amazing influence on my life both in and outside of my work.  We have become “forever” friends in a very short time.  She is the first person that I call (besides Stan or Adam) for just about everything; I know she will listen, be honest, and help.  I think our friendship is totally mutual, because I would do anything for her. 

Through the years, some relationships in my life have gone sour and some have simply vanished through the cracks.  Each relationship, in its own right, has helped to mold me into who I am today.  I guess that trust and friendship are important in my relationships; I need to know that I can totally count on this person.  Honesty and open-communication would, also, be a factor. 

As far as my work in the field of early childhood goes, several of the above mentioned relationships play a role.  My husband makes my workshops possible; his involvement allows me extra hours to do what I need to do.  He offers assurance and is my best critic.  Although he does not have an early childhood background, he has become somewhat of an expert; our conversations about the field are challenging and extend my own ideas.  In this same respect, my friend Marta is becoming more involved with early childhood; her background in special education makes her a wonderful sounding board for me.  I love attending conferences with her, whether we are presenting or not; we share ideas, learn together, and laugh a lot.   There are other relationships in my life that directly impact my work in the early childhood field. 

I understand that every relationship or partnership affects my work.  The people I am in contact with alter my life in some form.  These relationships shape my actions or reactions.  I may, or may not, change or grow as a result of each.  I just hope that I’m smart enough to know the difference.