I found this week’s assignment a little challenging but I
eventually made contact with two international professionals in the field of
early childhood. Many of the organisations’ websites bounced the mails and some
are still on a break from the Christmas term. However, I managed to make
contact with UNICEF –Findland and Eric
Atmore of South Africa (The National Early Childhood Development Alliance). I
also made contact with my classmate of the USA Jennifer Holley Harris who will
be able to provide me with lots of firsthand information on the early childhood
trends in the USA. My contacts were all done through emails.Eric has sent me a comprehensive paper on Early Childhood
Development in South Africa which I hope to share with you in my future blogs
and Anni Ritari of Findland has also sent me various links that will assist
with me information on the trends on issues in Finland.
For part two of the assignment I chose the website ‘Zero to
Three’. To be honest it is a bit personal why I chose this website. I have
three children and all three children’s development are so different. I am
still curious to learn more about the developmental stages in a child between
the ages zero to three. I become very defensive when persons try to compare my
children to each other in a negative way. I owe it to them to make sure that
they received the best care during the very early stages of their lives but I
believe my first daughter had it the worst because I knew so little about child
development and the persons who were supposed to know were just as ignorant. In
my country the authorities place a lot emphasis on what takes place between
three to six years and beyond but a part from offering free pre natal care to
mothers that is as far as it goes when it comes to this age group (Zero to
three). I believe if we just give this area a little more attention it will
dispel some of the myths and ensure that this area gets some more attention as
it deserves. For too long in Jamaica we have persons in day cares and private
places who know absolutely nothing about this age group. I also believe we owe
it to our children to know more about this developmental stage so that we can
provide the right care. Because ‘Zero to Three’ is an American Website I know
my classmates should be able to provide me with more support and information. I
am open and ready to welcome any suggestions that will assist me with finding
out more about early childhood development and the ways we can improve the lives
of our children.
Judy
I'm glad I'm not the only one who found this assignment a bit challenging. I look forward to reading your post and information from Zero to Three. I don't have any suggestion as of yet, but I find any I'm happy to share!
ReplyDeleteI understand your frustrations when other parents are comparing developmental levels with your children. Having four children of my own I have run into several scenarios such as this. I have also found that many parents observe other children and then wonder about their own. For example, a close friend of mine has twin daughter who are only 6 months behind my daughter. She is always commenting on how well my child speaks and how she does not understand why her girls are so behind. I always tell her not to compare, that children move at their own pace.
ReplyDeleteHi Judy,
ReplyDeleteYou have good sense of making contact with other people. I have received this blog post through my Walden email address. you sent to me even before I follow your blog. I was surprise the way you were making contact. I should learn the strategy.
I just got the response from my Australia contact couple 2 hours ago. Happy to share with you.
Thanks Liping, persitence pays off and I would appreciate any information from Australia
ReplyDeleteJudy
Judy,
ReplyDeleteWow that was impressive. I emailed a couple of people but I am still waiting to hear from them. I wish you luck with enriching your knowledge through "Zero to Three". I believe I used that website in a prior class and it contained a substantial amount of information. Just remember, all children develop at their own pace. No two children are the same so comparison shouldn't even be done. People still do anyway. Good luck with your correspondences.