Over the years, my opinion of surveillance has evolved. About 15 years ago, a new early childhood community installed cameras that were accessible to parents attending that program. It sounded like a great idea at first, and later I believed that the surveillance was a 'legal matter,' waiting to happen. Just about 7 years ago, I operated a program that provided recorded surveillance, unavailable to families online. At both programs, I lost families to programs that had footage of their children available online. In more recent years, I operated two programs that provided online video surveillance to enrolled families. My primary concern was that there were areas in the classroom where the cameras were unable to view. My opinion is that those areas of the classroom could pose some threat to the children when they played in those areas. Additionally, educators could be subject to accusations while in those areas. Under my directorship, I demanded that educators refuse to spend time in areas that were not visible under surveillance. My decision to mandate such a rule was not accepted with open arms, instead, I received complaints from educators that were not comfortable with being under surveillance 'all day.' In the case of this program in Korea, laws were enacted when families could not prove that their children were abused. Families were witnessing their children being released from the program daily with bruises and behaving traumatized. In this case, the judge ruled that the cameras in use were constitutional, despite the school's belief that providing footage would be an infringement of the children's privacy. In most states in the US, if the cameras are installed, and recording, the footage should be made available to the state's child care law enforcement. Surveillance is not a licensing law in any of the 50 states. Take a look at this article. What do you think?
http://m.koreatimes.co.kr/phone/news/view.jsp?req_newsidx=241751
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Finland 2018 Changes to Taxation of Beer, Daycare, and More
As you may know, I research early childhood education news, laws, and issues throughout the US and abroad. This article I found to be very interesting, as it shows an alternative to the way that we manage our taxes here, in the US. The benefits provided to families with children are plentiful!
https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/what_changes_in_2018_taxes_beer_daycare_chargesand_more/10001013
https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/what_changes_in_2018_taxes_beer_daycare_chargesand_more/10001013
New Laws Tackle Daycare and Women's Health Issues in Nevada
While I commend the state of Nevada for acting on behalf of children by requiring expanded background checks on early educators, why did it take so long? And, as a parent or person who may have family members attending early childhood programs, did you know that many states only require their employees to pass a local and sometimes a state background check? Hence, if an educator had charges related to children or other legal issues, they'd have to tell you (do you believe that this is realistic). More states need to take the initiative and act, just as lawmakers in Nevada have. Take a look.
https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/nevada/new-nevada-laws-tackle-day-care-womens-health-issues/RWJF: Commission to Build a Healthier America
Identifying the needs of the children in our country is important. Acting upon those identified needs is critical! What are you doing to help build a healthier America? Every ounce of help is necessary. Take a peek.
https://www.rwjf.org/content/rwjf/en/library/research/2014/01/recommendations-from-the-rwjf-commission-to-build-a-healthier-am.htmlThe Autism School in Baton Rouge
Take a look at this inspirational story about a school in Baton Rouge. I've often pondered if opening a school 'specializing in a certain area of ability' versus inclusion is best for children that may have additional needs from traditional programs. This school in Baton Rouge has helped so many children and has given so many families hope. Take a peek.
http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/education/article_02ecaf3a-e026-11e7-9c0a-ff96e8ded770.htmlAsbestos in Children's Makeup
As though parents don't already have many worries about food and toys, a parent recently sent their child's make up kit to a local laboratory to be tested. I urge parents to proceed with caution when using products that are used on their children's faces as well as products that are eaten and drank. While there are some manufacturers that advertise authenticity and natural, read labels and be willing to hold manufacturers liable if they use ingredients that may cause illness, rash, or other serious consequences.
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