57,000 children cut from Head Start due to sequestration

I ask all advocates to read the link below on the number of children cut from Head Start (57,000) from Head Start programs.

http://www.hhs.gov/secretary/about/blogs/head-start-numbers.html

The first question that come to mind is are we as a nation truly thinking about the children in preparing them for the 21st century for a global society?  Then, I reflect on the teachers who have further their education to ensure the children are given a culturally developmentally age appropriate high-quality education. 

After reading the article, reflect on this quote from John F. Kennedy "Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.  The human mind is our fundamental resource".

Developmentally Appropriate Practice -- Videos

As you are planning for the start of the school year and you want to ensure you are embedding "Developmentally Appropriate Practices" then check out these videos.

http://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?p=developmentally+Appropriate+Practice+videos

If you have other resources, please share because we must help each other to ensure our children/students are given the best high-quality education.  Have a great school year.

Observing 50th anniversary of March on Washington

 

Civil rights leaders will march on Washington, DC on Saturday, August 24 to observe the 50^th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous “I have a Dream” speech.  The Let Freedom Ring “commemoration and call to action” will be held on the National Mall in Washington, DC on August 28.  The program begins with an interfaith service from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on the National Mall, followed by the “Let Freedom Ring” ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

There are planned events from Wednesday, August 21 to Tuesday, August 27.  If you will be in the area here are some events you may list to attend.

1.        Wednesday, August 21:  Praise and Worship Service for 50^th Anniversary Celebration from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mt. Airy Baptist Church, 1100 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20002.

2.       Thursday, August 22:  Celebrating the Legacy of Women in Movement – Women in the Movement:  Past, Present and Future Intergenerational Roundtable from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the venue will be announced.

3.       Friday, August 23:  Redeem the Dream National Summit & Reception (http://www.nul.org) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at National Building Museum, 401 F. Street, NW, Washington, DC.

4.       Saturday, August 24:  50^th Anniversary March on Washington National Action to Realize the Dream March and Rally (http://www.nationalactionnetwork.org) for “Jobs, Justice & Freedom” from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC. 

5.       Sunday, August 25:  SCLC Worship Service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Howard University, Washington, DC, Convention Center.

6.       Monday, August 26:  Legacy and Leadership Gala, time to be announced, at Capital Hilton at 1001 16^th Street, NW, Washington, DC.  To register go to http://www.sclc.org.

7.       Tuesday, August 27:  9^th – 12^th Grade Educational Initiative, time to be announced and will be accessible via online streaming.  To register go to http://www.thekingcenter.org.

As we view all the events that have taken place in the States and around the world this is a great time for the commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of the March on Washington as issues then are still ones that need to be discussed today.  Even though this was a part of the Civil Rights Movement but it need to be said it is a “Human Rights Movement” for all in the States and issues that are happening through the world.  If you cannot attend, please engage in conversation and see how you can be active in advocating equal rights for all.

Back-to-School Advice for Parents of Young Children

 

The time is approaching for parents to not only get their child ready for the first day of school with new school clothes and school supplies but you as parents.  The question was posed what advice could be given for parents to prepare for that special day and throughout the school year.  After doing countless numbers of presentations, engaging in conversations with parents and teachers (neophyte and veterans) on mentally, physically and spiritually for the school year these are ideas to help.  Here are some helpful hints that you can use as is or change to fit you and your child.

1.       Talk with your child about the start of school and set goals for his or her to work toward such as being friendly to classmates, do ones best every day at school, say out aloud “I am going to have a good day” and so forth.

2.       Have the child go to bed at set time to get his/her body adjusted to timeframe when school starts.

3.       Let child get up and go through the routine so when school starts the child is ready to go to school and learn new experiences.

4.       It may be helpful to get the child’s clothes ready the night before so you will find yourself in a battle over what they want to wear.

5.       Eat breakfast!  Yes, breakfast assist the child and you in energizing the brain for learning.

6.       Set aside time to talk with your child how they day was and other topics to keep the lines of communication open each day.  

7.       Provide healthy snacks and find time for some physical activity.  Let’s move!

8.       Read or tell your child a story each night before going to bed.  It is important for children to enhance their vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

9.       Start “MY First Day of School” journal with your child that can be carried throughout the school year.  Memories are keepsakes forever!

Parents, as you walk your child to the bus stop or drop off at the school give them positive words to start the school day, hug and kiss because they need to know you LOVE them.  Then take a few minutes with your cup of coffee and tea before your start your busy day. 

Resources to Instruct "Introduction to Early Childhood Education"

It is time to review different resources that instructors can use for the course or similar one titled "Introduction to Early Childhood Education".  The textbook being used is Beginnings and Beyond (9th edition).  However, I look into supplemental resources to ensure the students have a solid foundation in the field of early childhood education (children 0 - 8 years). 

Here are other resources that will be posted on the syllabus and link for online access, if possible.

1.  NC Daycare Rules and Regulations (online in pdf),
2.  NC The Early Years (online in pdf),
3.  Learning Through the Eyes of a Child (online in pdf),
4.  Foundations (online in pdf), and
5.  NAEYC's Position Statement (online in pdf).

Please use the "comment" box to add other resources you have used or will use this semester.  Your shared resources will be appreciated.