When I Think of Child Development

Children are all different and uniquely beautiful, they are now growing into the individual they are on the inside, just give them the opportunity to know, understand, and be involved and the child will bloom with their true colours in the garden.

Testing for Intelligence?

    If we are looking at a child holistically, we have to keep in mind every area of a child’s development; it is not only the mind of the child that is important though the mind plays a vital part in the other areas of development of a child. These areas of development would include cognition, physical, social. Under these developmental areas they are subdivided into specific focuses such as, brain development, motor skills, language, thought processes, self-image, being able to get along with other peers. These and more are all vital in the assessment of a child, reason being is that everything about that child is taken in to consideration; such as the environment they live in, the family dynamics, which play vital roles in the development of a child. Depending on the progress of development being made within a child, would therefore reflect upon the environment in which the child lives.

In Barbados, my home country, the assessment of school aged children is done on the basis or deportment, getting along with others, caring of property such as desks and chairs, though the assessment is usually based on Mathematics, Grammar, Composition, Science, Art, Religious Education, Physical Education. Despite all these factors are taken into consideration from 6 till 11, at the age of 11 in order to go Secondary school (High School), an exam is done which only encompasses English, Mathematics, and Composition, which does not give a representation of a child’s ability altogether. This exam assesses a particular ability of the child, and does not assess the child as a whole which at times works to the child’s disadvantage.

Though testing a child on what they learn mostly from a book, is not a bad thing, it cannot be the only way of assessment. As stated above in Barbados though those may be the formal way of a assessing a child, a teacher would usually take observations of the child and relate it back to the parent, since the a child may be excelling in school work, that same child may be falling short in their social skills.

Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

Poverty

    As a child growing up the process is difficult enough without other complications, which would be called stressors, to make it a little more challenging. Poverty at some level is very prevalent in most societies, and children are under stress though they may not know at such a young age. Poverty can be a combination of nowhere to live, no money or just enough to get the necessities, little food to each etc. Children living in poverty are dearly affected because they may not be getting what is needed to excel at school, develop physically, their hygiene may not be the best which can affect their social activities. I have seen children who are greatly affected by poverty, it causes them not to have school uniforms, attendance at school was low, and learning was not always their priority but more so to gain attention through giving trouble. Most of these children would end up not completing school or would barely get through school with little education. Then on the rare occasion some children see the need to get out of poverty and try to make the best out of their situation, and make the best out of school. The children who did not finish school may end up doing drugs, stealing, or violence, while the children who pushed pass their stressor would seek to find a job and further educate themselves while working. Though a child’s environment affects their decisions as they grow up, some responsibility is still on them for the decisions they make.

Guyana is a country within the Caribbean region; it is one of the biggest if not the biggest Caribbean country and it has great sources such as gold, bauxite, timber and sugar. Within Guyana the stressors that affect children are poor health, poverty, and the economic status of the country.  These three stressors that I have identified are a result of the economic status of the country, thereby resulting in lack of jobs for the majority of the population, and because of the poverty that arises, health care is not necessarily first priority for the majority of the population encountering poverty. The ways they have been trying to improve Guyana, is by providing opportunities to open new jobs for their unemployed population. In doing so this would improve the money flow within the economy, thereby improving the economic status somewhat. It can be said that each stressor is caused by another, not in all cases but in most, therefore when one is improved there should be a ripple effect. 

Child Development & Public Health

Malnutrition is defined as the lack of proper nutrition, which is usually caused by not having sufficient to eat or not having enough of the right foods to provide the necessary nutrients. The reason this topic is significant to me is because in today’s society everyone is either trying to lose weight or just aiming to live a healthier life. In the midst of our goals and aims, there are children out there who are not receiving enough food to allow them to live a healthy life. Also with in our schools, the children do not seem to be very appreciative of the blessing that they have called food. Majority of children do not eat a lot of food, I myself as a child did not like food, but to imagine all the food that is discarded on a daily basis meanwhile children in countries like Haiti are suffering because of the lack of nutrition.

In Haiti, where suffering seems to be an ongoing unfortunate way of life, malnutrition is very prevalent throughout the country. The following is recorded in Haiti:

·         One in 10 children die before the age of 5

·         Malnutrition is the leading cause of death among children

·         One third of 1 year olds show signs of severe growth retardation

·         40% of all 5 year olds have stunted growth and brain development

·         Malnutrition contributes to 60% of all deaths in children

A society losing their children so rapidly is a hindrance on the country’s future. The children are meant to grow up to be great citizens of a nation; instead these children in Haiti do not have the nutrition readily available in order to have normal brain development, thereby being able to provide for the country’s needs.

In today’s society children in my country, Barbados, have a privilege to food. In government nursery and primary schools, lunch is provided for a cost of $1 per week. Despite these privileges, some children do not have an appreciation or knowledge of the importance of having a balance diet. To my lack knowledge I have learnt that some Barbados children suffer from malnutrition and according to the studies this can lead to ADHD. Therefore in my future interactions with children and their parents, it would be important to emphasize the urgency of providing the child with a balance diet so they can make good use to the education provided to them. Also to encourage healthy nutrition during the prenatal stages, since this too affects the child in the long run.

  

Childbirth in Your Life and Around the World

I don't have a personal experience of birth, and I know few details of my own birth. So I am just going to relate to the pregnancy and birth of a close friend's daughter, though I was not there for the birth itself. When my friend first became pregnant I was in disbelief and happy at the same time, reason for my disbelief is because i didn't expect her and her husband to have a child just yet. It was wonderful to see the baby growing inside her, though I am not aware of all the events that took place during that period, I do know I was elated to feel the baby kick. The process of pregnancy is a sacrificial one, what a mother has to do just to be sure they have a healthy baby, such as taking iron tablets which me friend hated. On the 24th July 2007, the day my friend's baby was born, I was sure to there the evening just to see the baby and her, after their 24 hour labour process.

The country I've chosen is Haiti. Giving birth in Haiti can be an extra life or death situation more so than in other countries. The reason for this is because of the level of poverty that exists in the country, and because of the poverty very few can afford to receive the care needed during the pregnancy and thereby the care while in labour. This situation causes the women to have to give birth at home, with untrained midwives, and the use of  home remedies, which aren't always bad, but without the necessary medical attention needed some of these mothers die after giving birth. Poverty and devastation has caused upon Haiti, yet they somehow still have great hope.

The main difference between the two is the medical care received or lack there of, the access of medical care is free in Barbados, while in Haiti they have to pay though they have nothing to pay with. Therefore that's the reason for the lack of medical attention given to most expecting mothers. Since in Haiti giving birth may lead to the death of the mothers, this will indeed affect the development in more ways than one. There will be no breast feeding, no natural mother to interact with while growing up which can have devastating effects as the child grows up.

A Note of Thanks and Support

Hi everyone, this is the blog I would have created if anyone wants to leave a note on my blog.

However to everyone, it has been an interesting first course in this program, I hope that everyone would have been successful in this first step, and will continue to be throughout their specific program.

Examining Code of Ethics

The three code of ethics that I think mostly related to me are listed below. 

I-1.1   To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay

           informed through continuing education and training.

I-3A.1   To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and cooperation with co-workers.

I-4.1     To provide the community with high-quality early childhood care and education programs and services.

These three ideals are important because in order attain my aim, which is to be the major influence in the child’s life and thereby in the community, education being provided must be up to date and current. Also the delivery methods of the education must be known by those who would be providing the care, therefore training is necessary. Being familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood and education would be vital in providing the community with high-quality care and education and in doing so would help bring about the social change needed within the community. As I would have co-workers via employees, trust must be attained in order to be willing to allow them to provide child care. In gaining trust, confidentiality and their cooperation, the work environment would be in such a way that it assists in providing the children with high-quality care and education. Children usually sense tension and therefore such is unwanted within the early childhood environment. 

Additional Resources

In addition to the resources given this week, which can be found at the bottom right hand corner of my blog, these are a few other I found interesting.

Book: "Time to play in early childhood education" by T. Bruce

The definition and signs of  child abuse
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/inform/trainingandconsultancy/consultancy/helpandadvice/definitions_and_signs_of_child_abuse_pdf_wdf65412.pdf

Early Experiences Matter
http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/early-development/

Words of Inspiration & Motivation

“When early childhood professionals resolvedifferences about best practices with parents in ways that discount diversity and impose the dominant culture, they tread on issues of equity andsocial justice. In my experience, professionals who have conflicts with parents often end all discussion by quoting policy, standards, regulations, or research. Not only is that way of cutting off communication a form of institutionalized oppression, but it harms children and their families.” – Janet Gonzalez-Mena

The moment I decided to follow instead 

of lead, I discovered the joys of becoming 

part of a small child’s world.

—Janet Gonzalez-Mena

"Every time you give a parent a sense of success or of empowerment, you're offering it to the baby indirectly. Because every time a parent looks at that baby and says 'Oh, you're so wonderful,' that baby just bursts with feeling good about themselves."
- T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

"Parents don't make mistakes because they don't care, but because they care so deeply." - T. Berry Brazelton 

"We as professionals of an early childhood field have an opportunity to shape a child's life for the better, that's what makes me passionate." - Sandy Escobedo

"It's not all about you, you have to take your ego out of it and think what is best for this child." - Renatta Cooper


Children need models more than they                                            
need critics.
—Joseph Joubert,

French essayis

The question is not whether we can 

afford to invest in every child; it is whether 

we can afford not to.

—Marian Wright Edelman,

U.S. children’s rights activist

My Personal Childhood Web

Those five people would include:

·         Thelma

·         Arthur

·         Francois

·         Margaret

·         Alexandra

Thelma is my mother; she is kind, loving and a genuine person. She has nurtured me from the time I was in her womb; she has gone out of her way to provide the best she could for me to succeed in life. Despite how I may complain, she still continues to support and love me, and as a mother she still sees the need to be there for me a support. She has influenced my life to become educated and to be the best I can be.

Arthur is my father, we have an understanding, he makes me smile, he cares for others more than himself, he tries his best to provide for his family as well as he could. Usually girls are fond of their daddy, and I am no except to the rule, when I call he answers, when I need a ride he comes, if I need money and he has it he gives it and with very little fuss he does it. Knowing that I’m his number one princess makes me feel special.

Francois is my dearly beloved brother, we too have an understanding. He too cares, loves and probably wouldn't replace me with any other sister. We have each other’s back, even when someone else doesn't understand be sure that we understand, may not agree. He’s has showed me that I should just be me, and not to worry about what others might think. He just being my brother makes me feel special.

Margaret and Alexandra are both my aunts, they have been the only two aunts that live in Barbados with me, with whom I’m relatively close to. They have played a vital part in raising me; they would be the homes I go to when my parents have to go out otherwise. The ones to spoil me when necessary, always fun to be around. It’s the little things they instilled, like how to chew gum, mouth closed always. I cherish their purpose in my life, even now I as grow they still continue to play a role in my life and have an effect.

Family is my life, all those that know me know this. There are always there supporting, they may want a 

certain way of life for you, but despite mistakes, fall, get back up, my family will be there no matter what. 

That is how we live as a family, tell you the truth in love.  

All for the Children

A quote about children and their importance, according Matthew 19:14 "Jesus said, Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Children are important, and they too can make a social change.

The title of the book is "Joseph and His Coloured Coat". I love this story because as a child Joseph had dreams, and from young he was a leader despite his social interactions with his brothers he continued to stand on what he believed in. Joseph believed in God and the plans and purpose for His life. Each child has to have something to believe in, and must be able to believe in themselves and have self worth. Joseph was showed immense love from his father, and from that love he would have found self worth. Though everything didn't go as he thought it should as he grew up, he had a foundation to stand on. Children need a good foundation at the beginning of their lives, this may make or break a child. At the end of the story Joseph was able to make wise choices which benefited the society in which he lived in.

sMiLe :)

Just the Beginning

This is where it all starts for my journey, achieving my masters in Early Childhood Education, specialising in administration, management and leadership. Fortunately as a course requirement you have the opportunity of taking this journey with me via this blog. I can assure you that this will be a journey impossible to forget.

 sMiLe :)