my first blog ever

     Every child deals with some type of stress throughout his or her life.  One stress I can remember from my childhood was when my parents separated and thought about divorcing.  My parents barely fought in front of my siblings and me, so it was a shock when they sat us down and told us this news.  I didn't understand how this could be happening.  I was scared of what would happen to us kids if they did get divorced. Who would we live with? What would become of our "happy" family?     Because we were young children, my parents thought it would be best if we would talk to a counselor, by ourselves and together as a family.  And that's what we did. However, not only was I able to talk to a professional about what I was feeling, my parents were extra supportive during this difficult time, which lasted for a little more than a year.  I can't remember how much and if either of these things helped me back then, but I know it did affect...

                                                                      Immunizations Prior to 2010, as an adult, I got immunizations because I was working in a school and it was required for me to get certain ones (i.e. MMR, Tdap, etc.). I never thought about getting the flu shot because who wants to be given small dose of the flu in the first place, right? However, in December of 2010 when my nephew was born, my sister, in the most loving way possible, let our family know that if we wanted to be around her newborn son we needed to get the flu shot.  Of course, I wanted to see my one and only nephew, so I got the shot even though I, like most people, do not like any type of shots or needles. Yes, my arm becomes a little sore but that is the worst side effect that has ever come from getting immunizations. ...

      I do not have any children of my own, however I know plenty of friends and family members who do.  After talking to many of them after they had their baby, I realized what I would want to do if I ever have the chance of giving birth. I imagine I would mostly likely have my baby in a hospital just like all the other women I know.  I believe in getting an epidural as long as it will not harm the baby in any way and having a natural birth. I am not opposed to having a C-section either.     In addition, prior to giving birth, it would be difficult for me to give up certain favorite foods and drinks of mine, especially sushi and wine.  I understand that some women have sushi and wine occasionally while pregnant and it didn't effect the baby.  However, I wouldn't want to chance anything going wrong if I can. Hopefully one day, I will be able to experience having a child.  Until then, I will have to keep on enjoying being a "Tante" (au...

The following are three ideals from National Association for the Education of Young Children and/or The Division for Early Childhood's code of ethics that are meaningful to me:      1.) To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities and potential of each child (NAEYC, 2005).       As a human being, I would hope that everyone would treat me with respect and kindness, no matter my gender, race, ethnicity, etc.  As an educator, I try to reciprocate this feeling for every child whether in my direct care or not. Every child should be treated as the special individual he or she is. Plus, a  child has something unique to offer, which everyone can learn from.  When educators allow a child to be who he or she is, I believe, a child can fully develop into a well-rounded adult.     2.) To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with and without disabilities ...

Position Statements and Influential Practices Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children From Birth Through Age 8 Where We Stand on Child Abuse Prevention Where We Stand on School Readiness Where We Stand on Responding to Linguistic and Cultural Diversity Early Childhood Curriculum, Assessments, and Program Evaluation: Building an Effective, Accountable System in Programs for Children Birth Through Age 8 Early Childhood Inclusion: A Summary Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families Evidence-based Practice Empowers Early Childhood Professionals and Families Knowledge-to-Action Guides Global Support for Children's Rights and Well-Being Fact Sheet: A Summary of the Rights Under the Convention on the Rights of the Child World Forum Foundation World Organization of Early Childhood Education Association for Early Education International Selected Early Childhood Organizations Na...

"We know that teachers are the key to good child care - and as long as teachers are undervalued, American children, too, will keep getting less than they deserve." -Marcy Whitebook "Do it well, finish it properly, and move on." -Eunice Kennedy Shriver "If you don't have an idea that materializes and changes a person's life, then what have you got? You have talk, research, telephone calls, meetings, but you don't have a change in the community." -Eunice Kennedy Shriver "It was the most joyful experience where I felt everything in me was being called on to teach and also it was very rewarding. It made me feel whole and creative, so it became my lifelong work in early childhood education and the passion to make sure all children were taught in environments and ways that were truly nurturing their ability to grow and develop to their fullest potential." -Louise Derman-Sparks "What a unique opportunity we ha...

      I have been fortunate to be surrounded by numerous people who have supported and cared for me throughout my life. They have truly made me feel special and loved.       First and foremost, the most influential people in my life are my parents.  My parents have always been there for me and loved me unconditionally.  They have instilled in me a kindness and respect for others and a love for cooking, which I'm most appreciative for.      Some of my fondest memories with my parents are when they would take my sister, brother and me on vacations during the summer, especially on camping trips.  I remember when we first started camping, we had a pop-up trailer that was yellow on the outside and avocado green on the inside. Then we "graduated" to tent camping in Lake Tahoe, where we would have to "hide" our food and sweet smelling items so that the bears wouldn't get them. We would go fishing, bike riding, and roast marshmall...