my first blog ever

While exploring Children's Defense Fund, I found an article written in August discussing what happens to children who get expelled or suspended from childcare centers. At first, I thought how preschools or centers could do that to young children and their families. Then, I realized that over the years, there have been many children who have been "expelled" from the school I worked at because of various behavioral challenges which were affecting other children in the classroom. For instance, one child would run throughout the class hitting, kicking or pulling hair of any child within his reach. He would take a paintbrush and put paint on another child if the teachers could not get to him quick enough. He would cry and scream, non-stop throughout the day until his mom came to pick him up. After several months of parents complaining and concerns, the parents were given a choice to either find a "companion" for him or they would have to find another program becaus...

CARE was founded in the United States in 1945 when it sent food parcels to Europe.   Originally standing for Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe, CARE has since changed to mean Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere. This organization works in over 90 countries through 950 poverty-fighting development and humanitarian aid programs. It is one of the leading humanitarian organizations fighting poverty and their vision states, "CARE seeks a world of hope, tolerance, and social justice, where poverty has been overcome and people live in dignity and security" (CARE, n.d.).  In order to end poverty, CARE believes that women and girls need to gain empowerment through education and economic opportunity or choice.  By equipping a woman with this knowledge, she can be a catalyst for positive change in her community.  The organization goes on to state that “poverty is not always caused by a lack of economic resources; it is often the result of...

     With the recent shooting at a country bar, during college night, relatively close to where I live and a staff development on active shooter and emergency preparedness I participated in last week, I thought would research school shootings and how prepared school are in case they ever have to encounter such a horrific event. I happened to come across the article,  School Shootings Spark Everyday Worries: Children and Parents Call for Safe Schools and Neighborhoods (2018), on the Children's Defense Fund website.  It stated that many children and their parents are worried that there will be such an attack at the school in which they attend. Fear of a school shooting is consistent across racial, ethnic and income groups, suggesting a recent wave of school shootings has cemented mass violence as an everyday concern among a broad cross-section of America’s children (Children's Defense Fund, 2018). The article also discussed that Black and Hispanic children do not ...

Save the Children is a non-profit organization that helps and supports children in the United States and around the world.  Their programs focus on health, education, protection and disaster relief. The organization is "dedicated to ensuring every child has the best chance for success."    Within the United States, Save the Children provides educational programs for children living in impoverish rural America by helping them get ready for kindergarten. These programs give children the "opportunity to learn and grow early on." In addition, the organization helps in emergencies by preparing, protecting and helping children cope with these disasters. Throughout 120 countries, Save the Children has various programs that "focus on health, education, protection and disaster relief." These global programs provide health programs that "save children's lives and ensure they grow up healthy."  Plus, their programs help children dev...

  Within my environment, there are many factors that provide support in my life. I cannot imagine where I would be without my family, friends, co-workers/career or even the chance to go back to school to get my master's degree, amongst other things.  The various people in my life support me by giving me encouragement to get through the hard days and being there for me through the happy or sad days.  My colleagues and professors reassure me that I am not alone on my journey to finish my master's program.  The children and their families, in my class, make me feel like I chose the right career path, by creating positive and long-lasting relationships with me. Plus, my career allows me to live a comfortable lifestyle.      If I did not have one or more of these support systems, I would find it difficult to be the person I am today.  I can't imagine having to go through life feeling alone, maybe unaccepted or not having the funds to live...

Essential play items for when I was younger: I have many fond memories of playing as child. One such time was when my siblings, cousins and I would pretend to be students and teacher.  We would make up an attendance list, "homework" and tests.  We each would take turns being the teacher and come up with our own set of rules. I also remember being able to play outside, especially playing kickball with the kids in the neighborhood. On the front lawn, there were two trees, a rosebush and a large rock, which all served as the bases. We would play for hours, until it was time to go in for dinner. Our parents supported our play by allowing us to play.  They did not interrupt or interfere with our play unless it was necessary.  They allowed us to have fun. Times have definitely changed since I was a child.  I feel when I was younger, children were able to play outside more often and without adult supervision. Nowadays, children do n...

        The most important relationships I have are the ones with my family. I am close to not only my immediate family (my mom, dad, sister and brother), but also to my extended family. We do many things together, whether it's going on a family vacation  or getting together for no particular reason. My family has supported me in everything I do and I can't imagine what my life would be without them.        My family isn't the only positive relationship I have in my life.  I, also, have great relationships with many of my coworkers. Several of them I can talk to, not only about situations happening at work but also about personal things.  We always have a fun time when we're together.      Lastly, I have two friend who mean a lot to me.  Between us, there's over 30 years of friendship.  Even though our friendship may not always be the best it could be, I know they will always be there for...