Foundations of Early Childhood

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) publishes The European Early Childhood Education Research Journal (EECERJ) is one of the most prestigious early childhood journals in the world featuring peer reviewed, scholarly articles based on research which is interested in research which has application. “EECERJ aims to provide a forum for the publication of original research in early childhood education in Europe. With this as its principal focus, it should be emphasised that its definition of education embraces care and that its approach is multidisciplinary, embracing all related fields including psychology, sociology, child health and social work”   (European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA):, 2012) . One topic I found interest was the emphasis on children’s outdoor play. In the most read column there were several research studies concerning the benefit of play and children’s healthy development and learning. There are articles...

The increased focus on early learning standards has resulted in a decline in the amount of time preschoolers’ engage in physical activity. A recent study indicates physical activity in the form of exercise increases preschoolers’ cognitive function. The study examined the impact of acute exercise on preschoolers’ cognitive function. Preschoolers engage in physical activities such as, planned movement programs, recess, physical and center-based activities throughout the day (Palmer, 2013). During the study preschoolers participated in planned movement programs that were part of the curriculum. They were provided opportunities to exercise while developing movement patterns that promote motor skill development. For thirty minutes the preschoolers engaged in a variety of  Activities targeting various motor skills such as, hopping from target to target, throwing, dribbling a ball, were found to enhance executive function more than running, jumping in place, or crawling (Palmer, 201...

`           I have chosen to research poverty’s influence in infant’s stress/anxiety. Stress, both maternal and after birth effects infants development. While stress is a normal occurrence in our daily lives toxic stress during infancy has long-term effects. The child can become hypervigilant or emotionally flat, the results of over production of stress hormones  (Berger, 2012) . There are multiple causes of stress/anxiety in infants one in particular is poverty. I am interested in learning more about how poverty affects the infant prenatal and after birth. I have located several resources on poverty’s impact on both maternal and infant stress. I have a tendency to get absorbed in reading once I find something of interest, so I must focus and stay on task. Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

During the past 7 weeks I have gleaned a vast amount of information from the websites, newsletters, podcasts, and colleagues’ posts about issues affecting the well-being of children here and internationally.   Many of the barriers faced by families in the U.S. are shared by those in the international community. Access, availability, and cost are major issues experienced by both communities.   The issue of inequity for girls, children suffering from poverty, and children in conflict and crisis are the consequences I found to be of particular interest. Eradicating the issues will serve to better the lives of all children. One area of improvement is that of the early childhood profession as a creditable medium of learning for young children. The profession is still viewed as one that anyone can step into and do. Even with increased requirements for education, there is usually is not an increase in pay.

As I have not received any correspondence, I visited the UNESCO website. A goal I have is to learn how to best support young children’s learning and development. The UNESCO website contained a variety of topics dedicated to the support of children’s learning and development. The development of the Dakar Framework for Action provides for equal access for all children. Participating countries commit to improving and expanding early childhood care and education especially for the most disadvantaged. One insight I gleaned was the fact that some governments developed policies for the poor, and if resources are limited they reduce state support for the privileged and redirect funds to the poor. The aim of the government is to ensure equitable provisions for different populations, but where there is universal provision for a certain age group while the overall enrollment in other age groups is low, this can result in inequity   (UNESCO, Access and equity, n.d.) . Another insight w...

Sharing Web Resources Links on the Global Fund for Children (GFC) web site led to information about the organizations mission, their grantees, blog, and media links, as well as their impact on solving equity issues for the world’s children. Another link Featured News, is dedicated to the Global Fund’s partnership with Financial Times (FT) MBA Challenge. The MBA Challenge is a program consisting of nine teams of business school students working with charities to develop plans for spending the grant money allocated by the GFC. Additional links to geographical regions of the world where and the Global Fund’s investments in the futures of young children. The Fall 2013 edition of the newsletter contained a link to the recently released “Grassroots Manifesto” which outlines the organization’s approach to excelling in in efforts of change. A story focusing on girl’s rights to education drew my attention. Saanya Ali, a high school senior holds a fund raiser every year in honor of the Musl...

 The podcast I listened to was another in the Beyond School Books series. This podcast focuses on education in emergencies. World Teacher Day is October 5 th . This day honors teachers working to build a sustainable future with children who are changing their communities and the world around them. Mariam Khalique, a teacher form Pakistan, explains the importance of education for women in Pakistan. In Pakistan education improves the lives of girls and young women. Working women with good literacy skills earn 95 cents more than women with weak literacy skills. Ms. Kahlique had problems attaining an education. Her immediate family supported her decision, but there were other members of the family who were against her. In the Pashtun society, Ms. Kahlique’s home, it is not proper for women to come out of the house, but the women take the risk because they know how important an education is. Another issue is the lack of proper training for teachers. Teachers lack the resources to do the...