Early Childhood Resources

EDU 6005 Week 5 Resources:

• Administration for Children and Families Headstart’s National Research Conference
• http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/opre/hsrc/
• Center for Child Care Workforce
• http://www.ccw.org/
• Children’s Defense Fund
• http://www.childrensdefense.org/
• Council for Exceptional Children
• http://www.cec.sped.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
• The Division for Early Childhood
• http://www.dec-sped.org/
• The Erikson Institute
• http://www.erikson.edu/
• FPG Child Development Institute
• http://www.fpg.unc.edu/main/about.cfm
• Harvard Education Letter
• http://www.hepg.org/hel/topic/85
• HighScope
• http://www.highscope.org/
• Institute for Women’s Policy Research
• http://www.iwpr.org/index.cfm
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• http://www.naeyc.org/
• National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
• http://www.ncrece.org/wordpress/
• National Child Care Association
• http://www.nccanet.org/
• National Institute for Early Education Research
• http://nieer.org/
• Pre[K]Now
• http://www.preknow.org/
• Voices for America’s Children
• http://www.voices.org/
• WESTED
• http://www.wested.org/cs/we/print/docs/we/home.htm
• Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
• http://www.zerotothree.org/

Additional Early Childhood Resources:

• The Brazelton Institute
• http://www.brazelton-institute.com/
• Children's Literacy Initiative
• http://cliontheweb.org/
• Council for Professional Recognition
• http://www.cdacouncil.org/
• National Education Association
• http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm
• Pennsylvania Child Care Association
• http://pacca.org/
• Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality
• http://www.pakeys.org/pages/get.aspx?page=home

Quotes

Quotes from Early Childhood Education pioneers:

"Attachment to a baby is a long-term process, not a single, magical moment. The opportunity for bonding at birth may be compared to falling in love—staying in love takes longer and demands more work." 
~ T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.

"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, Ph.D.

Quotes about Inspiration & Motivation:

"No pessimist has ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit."
~ Helen Keller

"It isn’t success after all, is it, if it isn’t an expression of your deepest energies? "
~ Marilyn French (author)

My current web of family and friends

My husband Justin

My Mom & daughter

My Princess Julianna

My cat Lily

My cat Indigo



My cat Riley

My cat Emme

Our puppy Strawberry

My childhood web

My childhood was pleasant as an only child to a divorcee.  We were best friends and continue to be so to this day.  Above is a picture of my mother, Jeanne holding my daughter on Mother's Day.  We do everything together and speak on the phone at least 3-5 times per day.   Since my parents separated when I was 1 1/2 years old, and divorced by the time I was three it was always just my mother and I.  She raised me on a teacher's income, and we struggled.  I never wanted for anything, she inspired my love of education and children.

The other important figure in my life as a young child was my paternal grandfather.  My father was never really a big part of my childhood, however his father and I were very close.  My grandfather died shortly after my 19th birthday.  Although he had cancer throughout his body, he drove from Florida to attend my high school graduation.  That was the type of man he was.  My only regret, is that my husband and daughter will have never had the chance to meet him.  My husband reminds me of him because of his compassion, and love.

I had close friends and family that were a strong web for me as well.  In addition, I grew up with animals which always helped me get through my days.

Week 3 already

I can't believe I am getting ready to begin my third week of class.  I feel that I have definitely chosen the right University.  It's wonderful to be in class with a group of people that are passionate about the Early Childhood field.

Quotes about the field that I love!

Early Childhood education and the development of young children inspire me to work tirelessly to encourage better understanding of the importance of the field that I love.

Below you will find some of my favorite quotes about education, and the education of young children:

• "Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."- Maria Montessori
• "Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand."- Chinese proverb
• "To know how to suggest is the great art of teaching. To attain it we must be able to guess what will interest; we must learn to read the childish soul as we might a piece of music. Then, by simply changing the key, we keep up the attraction and vary the song."
  -Henri Frédéric Amiel 

Family Picture

My husband and I

Julianna

Julianna is my heart and soul.  My daughter was born in March 2009, nine weeks early weighing just 2 lbs. 12 oz, and measuring a mere 14 in. long.  She is quite a character!  Despite her early arrival, she has no lasting effects, besides being petite. I guess having a mother that is involved in Early Childhood Education played some role in that, too.  She loves to draw, paint, read, sing, dance, count, give hugs, and talking! Attached you will see some of her pictures...

Early Childhood Education

I have been in the field of ECE for over 14 years.  Each day has its challenges, and its successes.  Although, many times I am challenged by the lack of appreciation for the field as a whole, my heart knows the importance of what I do.

In addition to being in the field of ECE professionally; I am in the field personally.  I have a daughter that will be 3 in March.  What a joy she is! 

New endeavor

I am looking forward to beginning my coursework for my Master's degree.  I think that it will benefit my life both personally and professionally.