Arizona's Support of Early Childhood Literacy, It Can Help End the Cycle of Poverty

http://tucson.com/opinion/local/linda-drake-supporting-early-childhood-literacy-can-help-end-the/article_15edcec3-4223-553a-a57d-fc036efd7953.html

Learn About Freshwater and Wetland Environments

http://www.srpressgazette.com/news/20180220/learn-about-area-freshwater-and-wetland-environments

Child's Right in the 21st Century

This article encases my beliefs brings life to my practices in early childhood education.  Allowing a child the opportunity to grow and develop naturally is important.  The freedom of learning through exploration not only supports growth in all of the developmental domains, but it allows for children to have more control over who they become from a young age. 
http://thenationonlineng.net/child-rights-21st-century-education-system/

Staten Island Children's Museum Exhibit Honoring Black History Month

http://www.ny1.com/nyc/staten-island/news/2018/02/18/staten-island-children-s-museum-exhibit-honoring-black-history-month-

ECE Plan in Omaha Area is Starting to Produce Results, Report Says

ECE services are offered around the country, but few states have a plan in place for the very young to participate in the education system before the age of three or four years.  The attached article is one of acknowledgment, and perhaps one that could serve as a blueprint for other states (of course with room for adjustments).  http://www.omaha.com/news/plus/early-childhood-education-plan-in-omaha-area-is-starting-to/article_7caf190d-8a81-5027-9828-04744f58ccd8.html

Schools Should be Cathedrals of Learning

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/next_gen_learning/2018/02/schools_should_be_cathedrals_of_learning.html

Daycare and Otitis Media in Young Children, A Critical Overview (Springer) Factors to Consider:

Children could undoubtedly face illnesses in ECE environments, but there are some factors that all families must consider before placement:  While the attached article does not directly address these factors, it is important that families know that children do not have to be prone to ear infections because of child care. 

1.  The younger the child, the lower the student/educator ratio (infants 3:1, toddlers 4:1)This number is different from the 'state approved' ratio.  Ask each facility 'their average ratio' in those classrooms. 
2.  Watch the actions of the educators and the process used for wiping noses, changing diapers, and cleaning throughout the day.  Ensure the educators use soap and water for both the child and the adult, for any type of contamination.  Bleach water or other disinfectants approved should be used throughout the day when materials are soiled and/or used.  Toys that children use for teething should be readily placed inside of a 'dirty' bucket, then washed in soapy water, soaked for at least two minutes inside of a sanitizer, and finally left to dry before being returned to the play area. 
3. Infant classrooms: babies should be getting fed on laps, with an adult who is bonding with the child.  Bottle propping can often force milk into the ear in a way that may cause ear infections.  Infant rooms with high student/educator ratios will find it very difficult to manage without bottle propping. 

These factors are simple, but missed by many ECE communities.  When considering placement into a program, parents of infants need to consider each and be unwilling to bargain. 

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/PL00021272

New Blood Test to Detect Autism in Children

For years, researchers have sought ways to detect some of the conditions and disorders that affect the health of children.  Autism is one of such research.  Attached is an article from the UK's Warwick University that discusses the finding of a test that may detect autism.  Take a look.  Please Like, RT/Share if you like!  

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/autism-children-blood-test-urine-warwick-university-science-health-news-latest-a8216511.html

Are we Poisoning our Children with Plastic?

When we feed our children, the last thing that we would want to do is poison our children.  When shopping for food and even dishes that we can serve food on, we must keep in mind the importance of the products that we use.  Studies testing poisons are considered unethical, as they relate to humans, and guarding both children and adults from such products is critical.  Take a look at the Guardian's recent post to gain a new viewpoint. Please Like, RT/Share if you like.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/feb/19/are-we-poisoning-our-children-with-plastic

Preschool Sets Children up for a Life of Learning

https://au.educationhq.com/news/46435/preschool-sets-children-up-for-a-life-of-learning/

Imperative Training Early Childcare Givers

http://www.businessdayonline.com/imperative-training-early-childcare-givers/

Early Childhood Education Infrastructure, Sacramento

http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/california-forum/article199994129.html

Oklahoma Hurt by Skewed Priorities

http://newsok.com/point-of-view-oklahoma-hurt-by-skewed-priorities/article/5583749

Two Views, Bipartisan Views that Affect both Early Education and the Criminal Justice System

http://www.mystatesman.com/news/opinion/two-views-return-real-criminal-justice-reform-like-1989/Rn2m09QYuqlgugIUHLDrEN/

The Natural Preschool: LPA Designs School Connecting Preschoolers with Nature

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/02/prweb15219085.htm

How to Bridge Minds with a Child to Stimulate Brain Development

When an adult is on the same play path with a young child, helping the child bridge concepts such as stacking blocks, connecting blocks, or rolling a ball over a towel, are brain stimulation activities that require full attention.  Take a look at these ideas that may help bridge minds. 
http://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/how-to-bridge-minds-with-a-child-to-stimulate-brain-development

Baby PISA Study to go Ahead in Autumn

ECE practice. 
https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/nursery-world/news/1163580/baby-pisa-study-to-go-ahead-in-autumn

Early Childhood Education in India and Why It's Important Everywhere

While ECE is not a new practice, finding ways to streamline or bring about universal practices is an agenda that most early educators desire to see.  India has been practicing a variety of philosophies within early education, and its impact can be seen below. 
https://www.ndtv.com/education/early-childhood-education-in-india-and-its-impact-1812769

Waldorf School Opportunity, St. Louis

http://jobs.waldorftoday.com/job/85269/seeking-grade-1-teacher-2018-19-at-the-waldorf-school-of-st-louis/

Tufenkian Preschool Staff Attends Early Childhood Stem Conference: Reggio Philosophy

A little background and information about the Reggio philosophy. 
http://asbarez.com/170420/tufenkian-pre-school-staff-attends-early-childhood-stem-conference/

Violence Affects One in Two Children on Earth

https://www.voanews.com/a/violence-affects-one-in-two-children-on-earth/4248722.html

No More Me too Teach Children to Prevent Sexual Abuse Before it Happens

The Me Too Movement has forever changed the way that we communicate with others.  Prevention of sexual abuse is important.  Take a moment to view this article.  What are you doing to help prevent sexual abuse? 
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/02/10/nomoremetoo-teach-children-prevent-sex-abuse-before-happens-edward-burr-column/1078807001/

Japan Day Care Uses Sensors to Prevent SIDS

Young children should be assessed regularly when they sleep while attending child care programs when they are very young.  This article highlights an ECE program in Japan, where they are using a sensor to 'assess' the children while they sleep to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). 
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2018/02/0f1653c3899b-japan-day-care-uses-sensors-to-prevent-sudden-infant-death-in-sleep.html

Clemson Board Approves $5M Budget Daycare Center Go Tigers!

Beautiful!
https://www.independentmail.com/story/news/2018/02/09/clemson-board-approves-5-m-budget-day-care-center/323492002/

Children's Diets

What are your children eating?  Children should have some help in choosing healthy options.  In helping children learn how to make healthy food choices, it is important to model the same behavior.  Take a moment to view the attached article related to children's nutritional health.

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/child-obesity-children-diet-food-drink-fizzy-sugar-junk-mental-health-education-support-care-a8202261.html

Keeping Focus on Children

Early childhood education is similar in all 50 states, but to date, there is not one universal education system serving all young children across the US.  One area that all states agree upon is the Need for early childhood education for All children.  Children from low-income and disadvantaged areas are not the only children that we should rally for, all families need the education advantage for their children.  Some states are strengthening their early education potential through the help of philanthropists and proper budgeting.  All states must keep their focus on young minds.  I look forward to a day when young children attend universal ECE programs, and children graduate high school with greater potential to serve their communities and the world.  What are you doing to help? 
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/editorials/keeping-focus-on-children/article_9d7ebdd7-1cf4-5e0e-91b3-80ddc639c2c0.html

Children as Young as 10 Years Old can Think About Self Harm, Doctors Say

As I viewed this article, I couldn't help but think about all the 10 year old children (including my own), that I have been so blessed to have a part of their lives.  Even recalling my life at ten years old, I remember being on, what felt like an emotional roller coaster but I do not have memories of wanting to self harm.  Surely, as time progresses and the more years that I parent, the more I see the need for open communication with my children.  I encourage families to bridge any gaps in communication and judgements, and place themselves in a position to support growth and development over the course of the lives of children. 
http://wgxa.tv/news/local/children-as-young-as-10-years-old-can-think-about-self-harm-doctors-say

Parental Conflict and Children's Mental Health

Young children can often become victims of parental conflict.  When children are in conflict, their expression of their experiences can be quite negative.  Exactly how do parents get help for their children and themselves?  The UK has a unique way of dealing with these situations.  Putting our heads together, other methods could be identified.  What do you think?  Take a moment to view, leave a comment or two.  Please Like, RT/Share if you Like!

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/08/parental-conflict-and-childrens-mental-health

Little Scribblers-Early Learning Delight!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5351513/Little-Scribblers-Early-Learning-Centre-features-gymnasium.html

Gauging how Children Grow, Learn, and Thrive

Parents make many different types of arrangements for their children's care and early education.  Researchers want to know more about how children in fair dependent upon the care they received early in life.  The truth is:  there's not a magical formula but there are some core components that should be present regardless of the choice a parent makes.  Take a moment to view.  Please Like, RT/Share if you like!

http://indianewengland.com/2018/02/gauging-children-grow-learn-thrive/

Why Can't Our Children Cope with Anger

What do you do when you realize that all of the arrangements that you made was actually your worst job according to someone else?  Did you get angry?  Anger management not only affects adults, but it affects children as well.  Teaching children to cope with anger is a difficult task, but should be well thought through beforehand so that children learn responsible ways to cope.  According to the article, "When children lack skills to cope with their frustration, they express it in unhealthy ways and, over time, their resentment could turn into a seething cauldron." 

Please Like, RT/Share if you like!

http://www.rediff.com/getahead/report/why-cant-our-children-cope-with-anger/20180207.htm

SESTA Will Help Protect Children Against Online Sex Trafficking

When children arrive home for school, and they begin their homework, most of the time, children also must use the internet to complete their homework.  It makes me sick to think that doing homework could have been a potentially dangerous scenario for my children and children everywhere!  Take a look at this article at some steps that have been put in place to help protect our children.  Please Like, RT/Share if you like!
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/06/opinions/sesta-child-sex-trafficking-stern/index.html

Free Books from the Doctor's Office

Over the years, I have been very grateful for the doctor's office that I chose for my children when they were very young.  I am elated to see another practice promoting reading!  Take a moment to view:  Please Like, RT/Share if you like!

http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/delaware/2018/02/03/doctors-office-free-books/1078679001/

EHN, Keeping Children Safe From Toxics

Ever wonder what causes children to develop certain illnesses? Toxic food is one of the ways that children may develop certain illnesses.  It is a great challenge to ensure that the food products that we buy are healthy and safe. Take a peek to learn about keeping your family's food safe.  Please Like, RT/Share if you like!  http://www.ehn.org/keeping-children-safe-from-toxics-2530542237.html

Persistent Severe Postnatal Depression Impacts Children's Development

"Postnatal depression which persists beyond six months after birth and is severe, increases the risk of children exhibiting behavioural problems, achieving lower GCSE mathematics grades at 16 years and having depression at 18 years of age."  

Please Like, RT/Share if you like.

http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2018-02-02-persistent-severe-postnatal-depression-impacts-children%E2%80%99s-development

Children in School but not Learning World Bank

Creating a means to measure the education received by children is important.   There is a clear difference between the education received by children in developed countries versus undeveloped countries.  Regardless of where a child is from (developed or undeveloped countries), children should be able to obtain a high-quality education that includes basic life skills and an interest in learning more.  Please take a look at this article and see how you could help children learn basic life skills.  Please Like, RT/Share if you like!
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/feb/02/hundreds-of-millions-of-children-in-school-but-not-learning-world-bank

Sweet Caroline, North Carolina Ranks 1st in Quality in Early Education

When families begin shopping for early education for their children, the lists of Haves and Haves Nots could determine where families enroll.  The state of North Carolina has led much of the high quality of care journey, but many children are still unable to attend high-quality programs because of state funding appropriations.  Many groups of children have been followed into their young adulthood and as a result, many positive lives, with fewer challenges have been well documented.  Shouldn't we offer high-quality care to every child?  Take a look at the attached article to see the findings and opinions when these issues were addressed recently.  Please take a moment to Like, RT/Share if you like! 
http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/article197942174.html

Using Caution with Alarming Numbers of Flu Deaths

My social media timelines have been flooded with many of my family and friends being sick with the flu. If you have not had the flu as of yet, you should be taking every precaution to protect yourselves.  Getting a flu shot, although it's late is still an option.  Medical professionals have argued that although it may not protect against the strain that exists, it may allow you to have lesser symptoms than if you didn't the injection.  Having a good understanding of 'how' to wash hands is also very important.  Take a moment to listen to a familiar tune to remind you to wash your hands properly.  Also, if you work in the school system, make it your duty to ensure the children wash thoroughly.  

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/local-day-care-uses-caution-with-alarming-number-of-flu-deaths/692333638

Early English Education Bolsters Speaking Ability

When children are able to learn more than one language, it broadens the learning of young children.  Some people in other countries also agree, but as you might imagine, other countries have differing opinions as well. 
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2018/02/181_243297.html

The Maine Biz: Rockland Toy Company no. 1 in Google Searches

How do you research your children's toys to learn more about the toys before your purchase?  I recommend looking for age-appropriate toys foremost, and then check with cpsc.gov for recalls and defective products. Just because the toy may be sold, perhaps band new, does not suggest that items are injury or harm-free.  Below is a link for one of the most widely searched toy manufacturer online.  Take a moment to view!  Please Like, RT/Share if you like!
http://www.mainebiz.biz/article/20180131/NEWS0101/180139987/rockland-toy-company-no-1-in-google-search-results

EurekAlert: Public Release

How children learn has been debated time and time again and many reports have been published regarding the process.  If you've ever wondered how learning happens, add this article to your report list.  Please Like, RT/Share if you like!
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-01/uom-rfe013018.php

Principal Shows Love for Students Through Carpentry: Reggio Philosophy

All of my close friends know of my strong love for the Reggio Philosophy of early education.  Applying philosophy and age appropriate practice for children is at the very heart of all education debate.  I encourage you to know more about what your children are being taught during the early years.  Fail to send your child into a program that emphasizes all of the children reaching the same goals at the same time.  My fight continues to educate adults about where they invest their dollars!  Please Like, RT/Share if you Like!
http://www.cathstan.org/Content/News/Schools/Article/St-Mary-of-the-Assumption-principal-shows-love-for-students-through-carpentry/2/21/8295

Second Hand Toys May be Dangerous and Pose Safety Risk for Children According to Study

Somehow, even toys that have been recalled sometimes end up in the toy bin at reputable second-hand shops. It is worth the time to research children's toys both if the purchase was made from a new or second-hand shop.  Often, toys are recalled only after they have been sold and something bad happens.  Take a peek and always exercise care when shopping for children's toys.  Please Like, RT/Share if you Like!
 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/second-hand-toys-toxic-plastic-dangerous-safety-risk-children-study-university-of-plymouth-a8181551.html

No Miracle Cures for Autism. It's a Gift!

All children come to us with their own abilities and characteristics.  There are many people that still believe that 'disabilities' are curses that fall upon children for unknown reasons.  When I read this article, it truly surprised me!  It may surprise you as well.  Please take a moment to view.  Also, please Like, RT/Share if you like. 
http://www.newsweek.com/parents-are-making-their-children-drink-bleach-cure-them-autism-793197