A Special Thank You!

I would really like to thank Cynthia for her positive support and encouragement as we have shared a course together. She has opened me up to the ideas of Reggio Emilia, shared the importance of child observation, and inspired me to self-reflect more often. She has also shared many of her beautiful and meaningful classroom experiences which I will remember and learn from. Her wise spirit has transcended from the computer screen so much that I know, without having met her in person, that she would always be there to support my efforts in this amazing field! Thank you Cynthia!

Examining Codes of Ethics

Course Resource Section #3

A great text that I have come across in my early childhood studies has been Infant and Toddler Development and Responsive Program Planning, by Donna Wittmer and Sandra Petersen. This book does an excellent job explaining the relationship-based approach to teaching and child care. It has deeply helped me to understand the way that emotional attachments affect the development of a child. This book also guides a teacher into developing successful relationships with parents.

The Zero to Three organization has developed a series of 12 podcasts titled Little Kids, Big Question. It covers topics such as sleep, emotional development, crying, healthy habits, and more! The experts interviewed in this series really help you learn how to put research into practice. To download the podcasts visit the website: http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/funded-projects/parenting-resources/podcast/

We all experience times in our lives when we are in need of inspiration. I like to get inspired by the moving and wise quotes of Maria Montessori. Her vision of early childhood education is still revolutionary to me. I am currently spending much of my time blending her methods in with present day technology and age appropriate practices. To get my fix, I visit http://www.dailymontessori.com/maria-montessori-quotes/.  I also use this website for Montessori quotes to put into my monthly newsletters to parents.

Course Resource Section #2

As early childhood professionals, we must all verse ourselves on the rights of children. By knowing and understanding their rights, we can better advocate for their well-being. Visit UNICEF’s website http://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf to learn more!

Course Resource Section #1

Early childhood professionals can do more that just report abuse or neglect when we believe it is occurring; we can help to prevent it! Learn the facts of child abuse and how it can be prevented or reported by visiting: http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf. This website will lead you to NAEYC’s article “Where We Stand on Child Abuse Prevention” (2009).