Your Personal Research Journey

Greeting fellow colleagues,

  I have chosen to focus my attention on play/learn experiences in classrooms settings. It has been a passion of mine to re introduce teachers and schools to play/learn experiences since this massive desk/assessment era has begun. I think our children are losing out on what we experienced as children; the ability to learn self-regulation, cooperation, and to just plain, have fun. 

It has been an interesting journey thus far, researching play/learn, because there are many organizations now dedicating themselves to reviving play in school settings. It is great to know that others, in more established positions, have the same desires as me.

It has been helpful constructing the research chart because I can appreciate the work that goes into a complete and reputable research article/journal. While I am far from being a professional, I can understand now what it takes to be a researcher.

Having said this, is there anything that anyone can suggest to help my journey into research produce effective results?

Reflection Blog

Post at least three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for your professional and personal development (any format, any length)

1.      I stepped outside my comfort zone and emailed Judith Wagner.

2.       I engaged in very lively and fruitful conversation with someone I would have never met had I not taken this course.

3.      I join OMEP-USA as a result of finding out how much they do for global EC advocacy and education.

Post one goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations

My goal is to be a global EC advocate.  I want for children all over the world to benefit from the love and passion I have for children and families.  It is important for us to extend our hand to others in order to accomplish global relationships.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

 I am mega excited that Judith answered me so quickly! If there are spelling errors,  these are direct quotes for Judith.  I hope you enjoy reading her comments:

What issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals are being discussed where you live and work?

I LIVE AND WORK IN LOS ANGELES.  THE STATE IS FACING HUGE BUDGET CUTS ACROSS THE BOARD, WITH EDUCATION (INCLUDING EC) TAKING BIG HITS.  FOR INSTANCE, FUNDING FOR STATE PRESCHOOL IS TO BE CUT DRAMATICALLY, BUT THE STATE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM IS EXPECTED TO SERVE THE SAME NUMBER OF CHILDREN.  AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL, CLASS SIZES ARE RISING AND TEACHERS ARE ON EDGE BECAUSE NO ONE SEEMS SAFE FROM THE PINK SLIP.  

What opportunities and/or requirements for professional development exist?

IT IS DIFFICULT TO REQUIRE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN A FINANCIAL CLIMATE LIKE THE ONE WE ARE EXPERIENCING.  HEAD START STILL HAS SOME PD MONEY FOR THE CURRENT YEAR, BUT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FOR NEXT YEAR AND BEYOND.  ACTUALLY, THOUGH, MANY PEOPLE FINISHING TEACHING CREDENTIALS ARE OPTING FOR JOBS IN HEAD START AND OTHER PRESCHOOLS.  THE TIMING IS GOOD FOR THEM BECAUSE HEAD START HAS RECENTLY INSTITUTED REQUIREMENTS FOR A BA —JUST WHEN HEAD START TEACHERS CAN NOT AFFORD TO TAKE THE CLASSES AND PEOPLE FINISHING TEACHING CREDENTIALS HAVE THE DEGREE AND CREDENTIAL IN HAND BUT NO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL JOBS.

What are some of your professional goals?

MY PROFESSIONAL GOAL IS TO END MY CAREER JUST AS ENTHUSIASTIC AND PRODUCTIVE AS I WAS WHEN I BEGAN IT.  I ALSO WANT TO FIND MORE AND BETTER WAYS OF ENGAGING CHILDREN, PARENTS, COLLEGE STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONAL IN COMMITTED WORK FOR THE WORLD’S CHILDREN — IN WHATEVER FORM THAT SHOULD TAKE FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL AT ANY GIVEN POINT IN HIS/HER LIFE

What are some of your professional hopes, dreams, and challenges

PERSONALLY, I AM TRYING TO BALANCE THE DEMANDS OF TENURED FACULTY TO DO RESEARCH AND PUBLISH WITH THE DEMANDS OF MY POSITION AS PRESIDENT OF OMEP-USA.  

Sharing Web Resources

 

This week’s blog was a little difficult, because OMEP-USA has not yet undated their site.  I did, however, find something interesting.  When I clicked on the  for children’s rights, I was pleasantly surprised to see a list of rights the UN and OMEP-USA  feels every child should have. I was also able to find joint statements from OMEP-USNC, ACEI on the rights of children and adolescents.

The rights of children directly correspond to accessibility because every child has a right to a help positive start. And with access to healthcare and quality childcare, children will have the opportunity be all they can be.