~ Research Around the World~

I decided to explore The European Early Childhood Educators Research Association or

( EECHERA). There are several different groups that deal with early childhood. While reading and

exploring the different areas of the site I found out some interesting information that I plan to use in

my classroom. I also found great information under the special issue tab. The EECHERA also

provided educational research for anyone who wants to become members of their site I found this to

be great as well as useful. The brief overviews of each topics provided were amazing to read. I

enjoyed the support communication for non verbal children best of all!


References:

Mac Naughton, G, Rolfe, S.A, & Siraj-Blatchford, (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.) New York, NY: Mc Graw-Hill

www.eecera.org/

~RESEARCH that BENEFITS CHILDREN and FAMILIES~

I indeed think research that benefits children and families is awesome. I'm an educator and for some reason autism sticks out with me the most. I've began to research autism more and more each day. I think with the information I've researched I might possibly have an autism child in my classroom. The child's mother has never can to me or the principal stating that the child is or has not been diagnosed with the disorder. My research says it all. I don't want to over step my boundaries by telling the mom what I feel about her child. I would  like to share with you guys my input of what I've seen happened daily with the child I would love the suggestions from you all as well. This little girl comes in every morning with her a small bucket of toys, she sits in a corner by herself never joining the class until asked too, when she joins its only one minute tops and back to herself in a corner or at a table by herself, she screams for no reasons and makes sounds when playing with her toys, she will un-dress starting with her shoes first, she hits and throws things things at the other children for no reason. Each morning her mom drops her off and tell her to sit down never looking back to she if the child sits or not closing the door behind her and the child pats the door and scream to the top of her lungs mom never comes back until the end of day. I have yet to hear the child talk, she never eats or potty through out the entire day. I've tried to offer my help and concerns but the mom never says anything. I would love for the child to get the help she needs before it's too late.

A Concerned Teacher...  

*** MY TOPIC***

 The topic I chose to speak on is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the early childhood education field. I've been teaching early childhood for 3 years now and love it! I've taught children/students from ages 3-17 for 10 years or more. I've also seen, heard, and touched so many children's lives by the love, conversations, and lessons learned we've shared. To make my point sweet but quick I'm furthering my education by getting my masters in early childhood education. My goal is to find out why it's so hard for researchers to find a secure way to deal with autism.

  As an educator I've came to realize that autism in the classroom is something that's hard for teachers, parents, and the child with ASD. Most schools (private) won't except a child with ASD. Their number one reason for not doing so is because their teachers aren't equipped to deal with autism in the classroom.
 
   Public schools are legally bound to use an IEP to guide the education of a child with an ASD. IEP stands for individualized education plan.  In early childhood most feel the needs IEP's and testing is  too early foe 3 and 4 year old children. If these type of programs are in public schools why not have them in early childhood education it would outline therapy and educational programs that will be provided to help ensure a child's educational success. Therapies might include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral therapy. The IEP might also define the time your child will spend with a special education teacher.

 Topics~
* What is the best way to help a child with ASD learn?
* Why certain schools don't accept ASD children?
* Will schools continue to be difficult when dealing with ASD children?

~ MY SUPPORTS ~

 I am very thankful that my life is filled with support. When I decided to continue my education I was hesitant. I feel I was hesitant because I felt I was too old. All the long I needed support from the people I loved the most. Having their support really made my transition much easier.

In my daily life I get support from my parents, husband, son and Walden University instructors. Without their support I don't think I would have been able to go back to school. I can truly say Walden University has offered me much support by making my transition to school easier.

My instructors at at Walden have been very helpful and considerate whenever there is a problem. My family has been supportive by encouraging me to do my best and  allowing me the uninterrupted times I have needed to complete my work.

In conclusion, we all need a support in our lives because it makes your life much easier. Having a support system helps me to be a  better person. I couldn't imagine not having any support in my life than I would be very unhappy. 

~ MY CONNECTION to PLAY~

   The two quotes that summarized what play represented for me in childhood would be PLAY is our brains favorite way of learning by Diane Ackerman- Contemporary American author, and children need the freedom and time to play. Play is a necessity by Kay Redifield Jamison-Contemporary American professor of psychiatry. As a child I enjoyed playing board games such as connect flour checkers and tic-tac-toe. Playing these games has always relaxed me. I've always liked to swing and the slide made me feel free and also eased my mind. Playing on the three or with the three made me feel great.


                                                  


    My supportive family has always been there for me when play is involved by making sure I had enjoyable things to do at home. My parents and sisters would play with me as well. As a child I had a swing set in my back yard. Play was very important to my entire family. I've always been the type of child who loved to play on the slide, swings, and merry-go-round while at school.

                                               


     In today's world play has changed somewhat because people value play as much today as they did when I was younger. Play is filled with electronics and this allows children to have less physical exercise because of all the electronic items available now.

    In conclusion, play has always been important in my life. I've learned many things from play. Play has also helped me to relax. Play is a very important role in a child's life today.


                                                        

~ RELATIONSHIP REFLECTION~

I have a adorable, caring, loving, respectful and trustworthy relationship with my family. The people I consider a positive relationship with are my parents, hubby, my one and only son, my 3 sisters, brother, and my in-laws. The ways in which each of the relationships I have with them are indeed positive and I maintained each relationship by welcoming them in into my life and my entire world!!We adopt techniques of how we approach one another. I observe and listen to each and everyone of them. I don't judge I'm open to all my family members equally.

I've learned to be very caring, warm, and responsive in all relationships with each person in order to continue our partnership. My characteristics of a relationship with my family is respect, trust, support, honesty and accountability, shared responsibility, and just love one another. My experiences with relationships/partnership would work effective with early childhood professionals because of the skills and practices that would allow me to enhance the positive development of the children in our care.

~THREE CONSEQUENCES~

***Three consequences while making contacts with others; I had to search sites and listen to global podcast....


1. The effects of Changing Demographics and Diversity on Children, Families and the EC professionals ~ Impact on Schools- Children of immigrants have lower rates of preschool enrollment at younger ages.

2. The Harlem Children's Zone, The Baby College and the amazing number of people that graduate form this college. Awesome programs they offer for parents and expectant parents.

3.The quality or equity~ New information related to the early childhood field. The many things that are going on across the nation and other countries.


*** My goal is to continue the master's program and being the best educator I know how to be, I will continue researching, reading, and learning more about NAEYC.