Personal Research Journey

I decided to research poverty and its effects on child development.  During EDUC 6162: Issues and Trends in Early Childhood, I came across information that stated that the city which I work in has the highest poverty level within Harford County.  Ever since I came across this information, I have been interested in finding out more about the effects of poverty on child development.  I am curious to find strategies and resources to help children who are in poverty. 

This research process is a new adventure to me.  I have researched many topics and questions, but not to this extent.  The research chart has really help me understand the importance of terms I did not know previously.  I, also feel that writing the abbreviated literature reviews has provided me with experience that will help me later in my research journey. 

Reflection...

Retreived on August 18, 2012, from:

 http://images.psxextreme.com/wallpapers/ps3/perfect_refection_1316.jpg

Retreived on August 17, 2012, from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_g38WZZgGA

UNESCO: Early Childhood Care and Education

The purpose of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization supports health, nutrition, security, and learning programs in a holistic manner for young children.

Countries which participate with UNESCO believe learning begins at birth.  Countries are devoted to improving and expanding care and education for young children who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. 

UNESCO stresses the importance that early childhood programs should focus on the holistic development especially for young children who are disadvantaged. 

Sharing Resources

Global Fund for Children Resources has a list of award-winning books which teaches values and diversity to young children.  There are 23 books listed in alphabetical order with a description.  I have read some of the listed books to my students, as well as, my own children.  I am really excited to incorporate some of these wonderful selections into the curriculum. 

The Global Fund for Children Resources contains information which adds to my understanding the importance of teaching equity and excellence in early care and education.  The books listed on the resource page has many books that teach young children the importance of equity. 

I did not realize that the Global Fund for Children has so many outside links to other resources.  The National Association of Independent Schools is website which promotes equity, diversity, multiculturalism, and justice. 



http://www.nais.org/equity/index.cfm?Itemnumber=145868

https://www.globalfundforchildren.org/store/global-fund-for-children-resources/

Global Children's Initiative

In 2006, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University was founded "on the belief that the vitality and sustainability of any society depend on the extent to which it expands opportunities early in life for all children to achieve their full potential and engage in responsible and productive citizenship" (Center on the Developing Child, 2012).

The Global Children's Initiative has three essential objectives.
1. to reframe public discourse about the early childhood period
2. to support innovative, multidisciplinary research and demonstration projects
3. to build leadership capacity in child development research and policy

 Based on the three objects, the Global Children's Initiative builds activities in three realms. 
1. early childhood development
2. child mental health
3. children in crisis and conflict situation

Center on the Developing Child. (2012). Harvard University. Retrieved on July 28, 2012, from: http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/globalinitiative/

Sharing Web Resources

The specific sections that seemed relevant to my current professional development were the blog, success stories, and regional highlights.  These sections shared information about issues around the world, as well as, stories of hope and encouragement.  I particularly liked how you could select the country you wanted to know more about.

After reading a blog on The Global Fund for Children 2012 Summer Newsletter speaks about we need to take global action against child labor.  This opened my eyes to the severe hardships children go through.  It also made me realize that there is a lot to be done to protect the children around the world. 

The Global Fund for Children 2012 Summer Newsletter contains information that adds to my understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field.  Hilary Clinton, among many others support Global Fund for Children and their partners. 

From exploring this newsletter, I have gained new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field.  It takes devoted organizations and partnerships with many others with the support of economists, neuroscientists, and politicians to support early childhood. 

Poverty in China

• According to the Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre , about 15 to 31 urban individuals living in China are in poverty.  

• There are about 4.2 million children living in absolute poverty and another 8.7 million children living in disadvantaged conditions.

• Poverty is more prevalent in western China than eastern China.  Western China has a higher child mortality rate than the nation. 

http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/index.php?action=coutryo