Thursday, August 31, 2017

Professional Mental Health Services for Children

Over the past several years, young children not only spend more time using media devices, but more children are in tune with the political environment that we live in today.  Additionally, children are also tuned into the various terrorist attacks that have occurred in recent years.  If your family has been victim to terrorism, I encourage you to seek help for your family.  Be Smart!   Review this article, and tell me your thoughts.  
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/jul/18/terrorism-blamed-rise-children-seeking-mental-health-support

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Increasing Diversity, Increasing Educational Opportunities





https://www.auburn-reporter.com/news/increasing-diversity-in-teaching-is-the-aim-of-new-highline-program/

Creation of a Day Care Room/Nursing Room for Moms




This is a very dainty read.  Enjoy, Happy Reading!



https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/07/18/national/nagoya-assembly-creates-day-care-room-nursing-mom-among-ranks/#.WaeE2siGPIU

Deciding for Children, Parents or Government?


No one believes that children have a voice that shall be heard, more than me.  At a very early age, I learned that every voice from every child is important, and when adults are listening attentively, children's experiences can be pleasant.  When their voices are unheard, horrible things can happen to children.  What type of parent are you?  Who should decide if a child's voice is heard?  Parents should always fight for their children's voices, and the government should provide sound support for parents.  Never 'hush' a child's voice!
http://www.wnd.com/2017/07/who-decides-for-children-parents-or-government/

Children In High Poverty


The Great Recession affected many families in many ways.  The overall face of poverty has changed, for some reasons unknown.  It is important to note that regardless of the poverty level, children raised in the environments tend to have negative educational outcomes.  The time period covered is 1998-2010.  
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170717150859.htm

Young Children and Financial Pressures


Young children and their families are often already pressured by today's expenses:  
Child Care Monthly:  $13-1800 per month
Lease/Mortgage:  $10-2500 per month
Utilities:  $2-300 per month
Vehicles:  $8-900 per month
Cell Phones:  $2-300 per month
Gym Memberships:  $150-300 per month

While the fees represented here may differ from your household, there are many Americans that have identical expenses and some that may have more.  It is difficult for young children to conceptualize, or is it?  Take a look at this article.  Do you think differently after reading the article?  
http://nordic.businessinsider.com/young-children-financial-pressures-2017-7

Vacation Times are Almost Over, but Here are some Reasons to take the Kids Next Time

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/nation-now/2017/07/17/young-kids-vacation/483680001/

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Day Care Screen Time and Other Regulations

In my review of this article, it reminded me of the concerns that many North Carolina early childhood education professionals held when we were given ITERS, ECERS, and SACERS in the early 2000s.  One topic that really struck me was parental upset because of the state wanting to restrict screen time.  Children have so many opportunities for screen time, it should be limited as much as possible while they are in an educational environment.  There are also health implications that should be considered before granting extended screen time.  Computer vision syndrome is a medical condition that arises from excessive screen time.  It causes problems with eye focusing and could even threaten sight.  Not only medical issues could arise from extended time on screens but children's creativity is not easily visible as well.  If children are using technology screens at home and at school/daycare, the time should be combined by the parent/guardian.  If the usage time exceeds the amount of time set by the parents, the time needs to be adjusted to a reasonable time frame.  


Saturday, August 26, 2017

3 Factors to Consider When Looking for Daycare Facilities

3 Factors to Consider When Looking for Daycare Facilities

The Village to the Rescue

 If you've ever had to search for child care, you know how difficult it is to find a school that satisfies your family's needs.  While there are many ways for children to learn today, it is important for families to consider the nontraditional side of early education.  Using simple worksheets today fail to provide the skills needed, long term.  The year of 2004 was a year that marked the beginning of the concept that children learn through play (hands on).  This lovely article discusses a community's need to keep their child care program open, despite low enrollment.  Despite the wide spread views of learning through play, some early childhood communities have continued to use 'old school' methods with children where children are using rote memorization and worksheets to learn.  I encourage families and colleagues to consider the hands on approach to learning and watch the learning that takes place in doing so.

Happy Reading!


http://starlocalmedia.com/planocourier/it-takes-a-village-parents-ban-together-to-save-unique/article_5274c2ec-6a4a-11e7-864b-a3e892bf73de.html

Friday, August 25, 2017

Editorial: Narrowing the achievement gap

Editorial: Narrowing the achievement gap: Now that the Legislature has increased state aid to public schools in Kansas, districts must decide how the money will be spent. Gary Menke is the general director of fiscal services for Topeka USD 501, and he expects the district to “increase the at-risk spending.” All you have to do is take a look at the massive racial and economic achievement gaps in Kansas to realize that this is exactly what districts across the state should be doing.

The Creativity - Innovation of Children and their Parents


Looking for something different to share with your children?  Consider a little creative innovation.  

Have Fun!

http://glasscock.rice.edu/areas-study/creativity-innovation/creativity-children-parents

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Trampolines, Jump or Not Jump: Know the Risks




In just a few weeks, the Carolinas will have a burst of wind and temps are sure to settle down.  Young children may swarm our homes aimlessly, looking for something to do.  Just in the wake of things, your little one wants to head next door to play with their buddies.  Then, the unthinkable happens.  The neighbors run over to get you....

Your child has fallen from the trampoline.  Off to the ER you go.  The children may have seemed safe, but even with the best supervision and very safe structures, things happen.  

Review the material concerning trampolines, specifically.  Happy Viewing!

https://nortonchildrens.com/news/trampolines-kids-risks/

Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation


The children of fallen Patriots have been granted funding for the children who have lost their parents in the line of duty. 

http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/children-of-fallen-patriots-foundation-receives-5-million-grant

Beautiful Children's Day!



Such a beautiful way to honor children!!






http://www.domusweb.it/en/news/2017/07/15/children_s_day_in_china.html

Special Needs Children Take Boat Rides on Barnegat Bay

This is an amazing experience for children.  To see their faces light up- just speaks volumes!


http://www.news12.com/clip/13495660/special-needs-children-take-boat-rides-on-barnegat-bay


Musical Activities for young Children




Having activities to do with children is often difficult if the right moment isn't within reach.  Here is a suggestion, rhythm and instrument activities for the young.  Dance a Bit!







https://mymcpl.bibliocommons.com/search?custom_query=(contributor%3A(Connors,+Abigail+Flesch,+1957-)+AND+title%3A(101+rhythm+instrument+activities+for+young+children)+)&suppress=true&custom_edit=false&title=101+rhythm+instrument+activities+for+young+children

Monday, August 21, 2017

Co-Kids

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11891061

Enriched Environments minus Traditional Environment Additives makes for a great classroom experience for young children.  I have a great appreciation for the materials used in the classroom presented here.  

Educational Perspectives

https://www.dawn.com/news/1344303


Families are all unique in their own ways.  Educating young children and working within a framework to do so is also unique, depending upon where you are, specifically the country, state, county, or town.  When I began my career in ECE, I remember my fondness of asking teachers during their interviews, about their favorite theorist(s).  I envisioned a school full of theorists, each instructor mapping out their means of meeting the developmental goals for each age range.  I found great pleasure in 'NOT' becoming formatted to one train of thought.  My experiences would not allow me to place all children in the same bubble to reach the desired result.  Instead, placing a focus on each child individually and their learning styles, helped our school serve the local community in the most intimate way.  

This article is awesome in acknowledging the various schools of thought amongst educational theorists.  

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Should Parents Give Children Drugs to Survive Long-Haul Flights?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-07-13/should-parents-give-children-drugs-to-survive-long-haul-flights/8697636

Malala Highlights Education

http://www.unhcr.org/news/latest/2017/7/5965e7814/malala-highlights-education-needs-iraqs-displaced-children.html

Parent Involvement

http://theconversation.com/why-it-matters-to-transform-parent-involvement-from-early-childhood-to-primary-school-80144

SEED Government Funded Study Highlights

http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world/news/1161715/seed-government-funded-study-highlights-value-of-early-years-education-for-all

Autism Genes Drive Eye Gaze Abnormalities

https://medicine.wustl.edu/news/in-autism-genes-drive-eye-gaze-abnormalities/

Ongoing Stress can Affect the Brains of Children

http://lubbockonline.com/news/education/2017-07-12/how-severe-ongoing-stress-can-affect-child-s-brain

Kansas City Research Project

http://news.ku.edu/2017/07/12/ku-child-research-center-wins-75m-grants-promote-high-quality-early-education

Grewbox

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/day-care-kids-noida-grewbox-rihan-khan

Congrats, Guys! PHA


http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/Partnership-for-a-Healthier-America-Names-Learning-Care-Group-2017-Partner-of-the-Year-1002258854

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Crayons Coloring Books to Sick Children

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/07/10/autistic-teen-delivers-crayons-coloring-books-to-sick-children.html

Young Children and Literacy


http://theconversation.com/how-to-encourage-literacy-in-young-children-and-beyond-80459

Guard your Sandboxes!


https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/researchers-say-c-diff-may-be-present-in-communal-sandboxes-071017.html

Pilot.

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2017/07/alabama_pilot_program_seeks_be.html

Students Donating Their Time


http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/07/09/students-are-donating-their-time-through-childrens-discovery-museum/

How Fred Rogers Would Help An Eight-Year-Old Drag Queen

How Fred Rogers Would Help An Eight-Year-Old Drag Queen: There is overwhelming evidence that Fred Rogers repeatedly made a point of helping children affirm the sex into which they were born.

Childcare centres a growth investment area

Childcare centres a growth investment area: The rapidly changing early childhood education sector is bringing new opportunities.

First Nursery and At Car Home Unveiled


http://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world/news/1161693/first-nursery-at-care-home-unveiled

Daycare Centre for Public Launched


http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/daycare-centre-for-public-launched/article19246467.ece

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Love for Children


Love for Children https://odb.org/m4S/

Brain Stimulation

http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-07-05-brain-stimulation-may-help-children-learning-difficulties

Children who sleep less may age faster at a cellular level

Children who sleep less may age faster at a cellular level: The less sleep kids get, the shorter the telomeres that cap off their chromosomes are – a sign of ageing that has been linked to cancer and heart disease

Art Diminished

https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2017/07/the-diminishing-role-of-art-in-childrens-lives/532674/

Diminishing Role of Art in Children's Lives

https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2017/07/the-diminishing-role-of-art-in-childrens-lives/532674/

Window Guards: Safety

https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2017/07/05/safety-advocates-say-window-guards-are-essential-protect-children-from-falls/bN9YgWSIB9IMG4ae209JrJ/story.html

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Shedding Light on the 'Leadership Gap' in Early-Childhood Programs

Shedding Light on the 'Leadership Gap' in Early-Childhood Programs: A new website developed by the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership examines the varied qualifications for early-childhood program leaders in different states and in different settings.

Spankings, Don't Spank

Spanking, Don’t Spank.  Talk.
By:  Natonya Walton

Recently, I read an article that extended my knowledge of the process of discipline. As the topic grew interest over a few days, I asked my little ones what they thought about discipline and spankings.  Kensington (7) said, “Mommy, parents should always give their children a chance to do things the way that they want to see them done.  But if the kids don’t do it, then the parents should give them a spanking.  Lexington (9) said, “I don’t think that kids should ever get spankings.”  I asked, “What about if they refused to listen to their parents?”  Lexington said, “Then the parent should ask their children why they did not listen and help them figure out another way to get things done so they know why their kids aren’t listening.  Then, they would just need to help their kid a little bit, like you do sometimes.  Ansleigh (10) said, “If a child doesn’t listen after the parent tells them, then they need to talk with the kid and figure out why but if the talk doesn’t help, then the kid needs to receive a spanking.  In this article, I intend to share my personal story of receiving and extending spankings, the technical definition of the word discipline, recent studies related to spankings, and options that families could find helpful in using various forms of discipline. 
  
As a young child, I knew the things to do in order for my mother to be happy with me, but it felt like it took me such a long time to understand the things that she didn’t like,  Everything was trial and error.  Not knowing when to speak, not knowing how to say or not to say certain things, not knowing many things.  Both of my parents were very straightforward and extremely demanding.  In fact, their voices alone could cause me to nearly jump from my skin, straighten up, and fly right!  I believe that my only defiance against spankings was, not always having a clear understanding of why I was receiving each spanking. I do recall, however, my parents telling me that they ‘spanked me because they loved me.’  When my children were born, and an age that I deemed old enough to receive spankings (around the age 5 or 6).  I made sure that I spoke with them prior to a little pop on their bottom, and afterward.  Of course, there were tears…and not just tears from the children, but sometimes tears from me as well.  For me, spankings just did not work as a primary form of discipline.  We prefer talking things out, even if our voices were raised.  

The definition of discipline is, ‘to teach.’  I ran across an article that really expanded my definition of discipline.  According to Mitch Kruse, race car drivers are the most disciplined athletes in all sports. In fact, the track of discipline has four turns, and they are: teaching(I do, you watch), training(I do, you help), testing(you do, I help), and transforming(you do, I watch).’  Kruse states, “Each turn must be traveled or discipline does not make a full lap of conflict management.”  This insight has given me a greater definition of discipline.   

Parents have the greatest decisions to make when it comes to disciplining their children.  Spanking children is still a very controversial topic.  For more than 20 years, many child and human rights activists have campaigned and lobbied against corporal punishment.  On the other hand, many communities have religious groups, old school parents/grandparents, and even some educators that support corporal punishment.  The only real option is, respect your children enough to speak with them when things don’t go so well.  There are so many wonderful things that can happen when you communicate.  If you believe that your child should receive spankings, I urge you to follow the steps listed above and make an informed decisions regarding disciplining children.