A Note of Thanks to my Colleagues

Thank you to all my colleagues for your support and encouragement as we embark on this journey together.  Your kind words and support as well as the knowledge you have shared with me has been a blessing.  I look forward to learning more about each of you as we move on to the next phase of this journey.  As I look back to when I began this class, I have come along way.  From my first post, "Struggling with Blogging" to where I am  now.  I have enjoyed reading and posting to you all!  Good luck as you complete this class and move to the next!

Significant Ethical Codes and Ideals

Ideal1-1.9

 - To advocate for and ensure that all children including those with special needs have access to the support services needed to be successful.

Children are unique and we need to be committed and supportive of each child  so that they all can be successful.  Some children may need more support than others, and it is our job to recognize that need and help them  in every way possible.

Principles P-1.1

 - Above all, we shall not harm children.  We shall not participate in practices that are emotionally damaging, physically harmful, disrespectful, degrading, exploitative, or intimidating to children.  This principle has precedence over all others in this Code.

- Doing any kind of act in any way that is harmful to a child is something that I am very passionate about.  We are trusted to care for many children each and every day.  Children are all different and no one should harm any child in any way.  We need to show our children love and affection and be encouragers in all ways.

Professional and Interpersonal Behavior #2

- We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whom we work.

- Developing a good relationship with our families is important so that we can strive to meet any and all needs.  Relationships are also important so that parents and children will see that we do what we do for them.

Professional Development and Preparation #2

- We shall continually be aware of issues challenging the field of early childhood special education and advocate for changes in laws, regulations, and policies leading to improved outcomes and services for young children with disabilities and their families.

- It is important to stay abreast of new ideas and issues as well as how things in early childhood development are changing.  Advocating for changes in laws and policies that we are passionate about is also very important.  It is all about improving in the areas where services for our children are involved.

A Wealth of Information: Books, Articles, Websites and more

WEBSITES

National Association for the Education of Young Children
http://www.naeyc.org/

The Division of Early Childhood
http://www.dec-sped.org

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
http://www.zerotothree.org

WESTED
http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm

Harvard Education Letter
http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85

FPG Child Development Institute
http://fpg.unc.edu

Administration for Children and Families Headstart's National Research Conference
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/

Children's Defense Fund
http://childrensdefense.org

National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress

Raising Readers
http://www.raisingreaders.org/parents_and_families/books/current_books_collection/
This website has books that you can read that are categorized by age.


Books

The Essential 55 By: Ron Clark

Articles

NAEYC - National Association for the Education of Young Children

http://www.naeyc.org

National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families

http://www.zerotothree.org

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

Some evidence suggests that early childhood professionals may not be adequately prepared to serve young children with disabilities enrolled in inclusive programs. A growing body of empirical evidence suggests that professional development on any topic is more likely to be effective when it is (a) content specific and focused on well-defined professional practices rather than general issues; (b) aligned with intervention or instructional goals, learning standards, and the curriculum materials used in practice; and (c) intensive, sustained over time, and designed to give feedback and guidance through methods such as coaching, consultation, or facilitated group collaboration.          – Pamela Winton

“We as professionals in the early childhood field have an opportunity to shape a child’s life for the better.”    – Sandy Escobido

“I think my passion comes from wanting to make a difference.” – Raymond Hernandez, MS Ed  

“The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child; it is whether we can afford not to.”                  - Marian Wright Edelman

“When Jesus Christ asked little children to come to him, he didn't say only rich children, or White children, or children with two-parent families, or children who didn't have a mental or physical handicap. He said, 'Let all children come unto me.'”

                - Marian Wright Edelman