Sharing Web Resources- Zero to Three

As I have been looking through the Zero to Three website, I have found the entire section under "Behavior & Development" to be the most useful tool to my work at this time. It is user-friendly and has numerous links of information that I have already used in finding informaiton about sleep habits for young infants.

I have not yet come across anything that is personally controversial. The organization I work for often uses much of the inforamtion from Zero to Three as a resource guide. Because I have not used this website before this course, I wanted to have a better grasp on it for my organization's standing. This also may influence my thoughts on the website not being controversial. However, one section provides details on child abuse and maltreatment, which often gets opinions stirring when looking into the policies and preventative efforts involved.

The website also offers a section on public policy where it provides information on recent policies at both state and federal levels. There are many resources and tools for policymakers and advocates as well as any other professionals inquiring about the early childhood field. One of the statements made by the ZERO TO THREE Policy Center is that the organization "promotes good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences for all infants and toddlers, with special emphasis on those who are the most vulnerable and in need." It is a resource for economists, scientists, and politicians to gain information and support the early childhood field.

One resource provided in the website is about issues and trends about physical helath of infants and toddlers. In reading the article "Good Nutrition Feeds Healthy Development and a Healthy Future" (link is attached below) I gained insight about the WIC and CACFP programs which support healthy nutrition. This trend toward nutrition programs is making great advancements in the healthy development of children starting prenatally.

http://main.zerotothree.org/site/DocServer/Nutrition.pdf?docID=9081

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

In my efforts to reach out to other professionals in the early childhood field, I have failed to receive positive responses to making connections. As the alternative to this project, I have listened to the podcast by Maysoun Chehab. She is the Regional Early Childhood Care and Development Program Coordinator at the Arab Resource Collective (ARC). During her podcast, she discussed the effects war had on families and the reactions to children’s social and emotional development along with the supports offered to parents. She made a note that stuck with me when she described how when parents themselves do not have support, they then cannot support their children. Her organization worked to support the parents and provided training in coping techniques and strategies in helping themselves which affected their confidence in helping their children.

The struggles a parent goes through during war can be difficult especially when a child is involved. Having positive support networks can greatly influence the parent’s ability to cope. This in turn enables the parent to be better emotionally capable to care for their child as well. This can be seen when looking into poverty situations as well.

In India, many programs have been implemented over the past few decades to improve the economy and have had a positive effect according to the Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre. India has the second highest population and is home to the majority of poor people in South Asia. There are three main types of anti-poverty programs in India: rural employment creation and infrastructure development programs; self-employment; and food subsidy programs. One area mentioned that still requires improvements are the differences in gender equality despite efforts of civil society and government. Girls continue to have limited life chances in health and education beginning at birth.

Whether poverty begins from war or from increased population and rural living conditions, positive support networks from either private or government programs can make a big impact on a family’s well-being.

 

 

References

http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/current-work/world-forum-radio/

http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/index.php?action=countryo

Zero to Three

http://www.zerotothree.org/

The Zero to Three organization focuses on providing information and trainings to educators, parents, and policymakers in efforts to support and promote healthy growth and development in infants and toddlers. The website offers various information regarding behavior challenges,
maltreatment, care and education, and public policy topics. Each topics offers support and further resources and areas to learn more information.

One issue that caught my attention was under the maltreatment section titled "Building Resilience: The Power to Cope with Adversity". This article offered tips and strategies to use on various levels in effort to help children and families build resilience in facing difficult situations and life changing events. The article provides ways that promote resilience at the level of the individual child, the family, caregiving, and community levels. One point that struck out with me is the note of using a child and family's strengths to help build their resilience and to overcome adversity. I use this tool in my work and it is amazing when I point out strengths with the family and the surprised reaction the family gives because they had never considered particular things as a strength. Once the family feels that they have strengths, I have seen their attitude shift and change positively so they may better focus on coping with adversity and face difficult situations.

Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

This week I reached out to other professionals in the early childhood field. From a list given in the Issues and Trends course, I chose to contact a professional from Ireland as well as Spain. I chose these countries simply based on personal interest. In my email to both individuals, I gave a brief description of who I am and why I was contacting them. While I have not yet received further communication from these professionals, I am hopeful that I will connect with them soon.

I also chose to subscribe to the e-newsletter with the Zero to Three organization. I have heard that the organiztion has some of the most recent research and is also a great resource of information. In the past I have read some articles published by through the organization and I am eager to learn more about what they can offer me as a professional. I have copied the link to the Zero to Three organization for everyone to take a quick look yourselves.

http://www.zerotothree.org/