Public Health Topic's that Impact Children's Development

Breastfeeding is a public health topic that I chose to write about. I heard it reduces the risk of having cancer and it reduces the risk of SIDS. I also heard that breastfeeding helps pregnant women shed weight off faster after birth. This information is meaningful to be because babies need help with the developing of their immune system and organs. Their mother's milk gives them the best protective immunological factors, which are difficult to include in a formula.

Previous research in the European Journal of Cancer has shown a link between breastfeeding and decreased risk of childhood leukemia; however, a new study reveals that long-term breastfeeding may decrease the risk of leukemia and lymphoma even more than breastfeeding for just a few months ?(European “, 2001).

A new study by researchers in New Zealand reveals that premature babies breastfed or fed expressed breast milk in a bottle have higher IQs by the time they are 7 or 8 years old than preemie babies who do not receive breast milk (Horwood, 2000). Although, the researchers did try to account for mother's education and family income - other factors that can affect a child's IQ - they admit this study cannot conclusively determine that breast milk alone helped boost the IQ scores (Horwood, 2000).

Studies in Australia show that children who are exclusively breastfed for at least the first four months of life have a substantial reduction in the risk of developing asthma by age 6. Dr. Oddy noted that asthma is the leading cause of hospitalization in American and Australian children, and the prevalence of asthma is increasing in both countries (PRNewswire, 2011).

The information that I have learned from breastfeeding has helped me understand the differences between breastfed babies and formula fed babies. Breastfeeding is the best way to make sure that your child is getting the proper amount of nutrients for their bodies to grow, and prevent diseases. This information will help support my young parents who are experiencing childbirth for the first time. For instance, I can give them a variety of resource that will show them how they can prepare for childbirth. I can also, use this additional information to help me become more of an advocate for my children and their families by sharing the new information I have gain from this class.

References:

Dr. L.J. Horwood, L. J. (2000, December). Breast milk Boosts IQ in Premature Babies. [Blog message]. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_preemie_iq.html

PRNewswire. (2011, April 26). New Findings on Asthma and Breastfeeding. [Blog message]. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_latest_asma.html

European Journal of Cancer. (2001, January). Prolonged Breastfeeding May Protect Against Childhood Leukemia. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from http://www.breastfeeding.com/all_about/all_about_leukemia.html

Childbirth Experience

Taking part in my sister’s first birthing experience was amazing. My niece was born on October 18, 2004. I was excited and anxious for the birth of my niece because my sister had to have a Cesarean section. It was my sister’s first child, so she was very nervous. The doctor insured my sister that everything will be okay. The procedure didn’t take long at all like a normal birthing experience, which can take up to hours. I can remember the doctor cutting my sister and pulling my niece out of her stomach. After taking my niece out of my sister, they took her to this weighing machine and cleaned her up. Once my niece was clean, they let my sister, and I see her. She looked so beautiful and precious. I chose this example because it was my first birthing experience. I believe birthing a child is one of the most beautiful experiences that God has given women. Childirth has some impact on child development, because during prenatal development a woman can have complication that can harm the baby’s growth. Complications are not unusual in child birth, and it can hinder the developmental growth.

I chose to read about childbirth in Africa. I’ve learned that African countries have some of the worst maternal mortality rates in the world. They lack hospitals, train medical personnel, road access and transportation. Most women in Africa die in childbirth, because of the lack of resources. Nine times out of ten they deliver their babies at home with the help of local women, because there aren’t enough medically trained midwives, especially in rural areas of Africa. I'ved learned that childbirth in Africa verse childbirth, in America is totally different. My experience with the birth of my niece has showed me that women need a medical facility and train medical personnel in order to handle any medical complication. As a result, the impact of the birthing experience on development has taught me that, without the proper resources for childbirth, women can die.

Thank you!

My experience with this online course went great, with the help of my instructor Dr. Kien, and my colleagues. I would like to thank Dr. Kien for supporting me with my discussion post and my reflection papers throughout this course. You helped me grow as a professional in the early childhood field. The recourses you gave us helped out a lot, and the homework assignments helped broaden my thinking skills. Thank you!

To my colleagues, I just want to say thank you for letting me get to know you. You guys were endearing individuals, who gave me vital information that broaden my thinking. I have grown so much in my professional and personal development during this course, and it is all because of my colleagues and my instructor. I wish you all the best out of life, and I hope you all achieve the goals you’re seeking after.

Thank you again!!!!!

NAEYC and DEC codes of ethics that are meaningful to me in my professional life......

DEC Code of Ethics

Professional and Interpersonal Behavior

1. We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child.

I appreciate working with young children who come from low-income families because they have made me aware of their varying learning abilities. All children work and learn at their own pace. So, as a teacher I had to learn different teaching methods to accommodate each child.

2. We shall demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in all our professional activities in order to inspire the trust and confidence of the children and families and of those with whom we work.

To acquire my parents trust, I have added an open-door policy, so my parents will feel welcome to visit their child. I want my parents to be able to trust me with their children and confide in me if needed. I make time the families of my children during my lunch break, so they can call or talk about any concerns or issues they may have with the classroom set up.

Responsive Family Centered Practices

1. We shall demonstrate our respect and appreciation for all families’ beliefs, values, customs, languages, and cultures, relative to their nurturance and support of their children towards achieving meaningful and relevant priorities and outcomes families’ desire for themselves and their children.

To respect and appreciate my parents’ culture, I ask my parents to make me aware of anything they would like to do or for me to add to my classroom environment to make them feel more comfortable. For instance, pictures, books, and multicultural materials. I want to respect everybody’s beliefs, values, customs, languages, and cultures. I also ask my parents to let me know what their child can or cannot eat because of religious beliefs or what they can or cannot participate in because of their beliefs, values, or customs.

NAEYC Code of Ethics

Ethical Responsibilities to Children

I-1.2 To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.

My school participates in the NAEYC training every year, so we can stay current on the latest information pertaining to early childhood care. My school also looks for new ideas to improve our teaching quality, so we can better educate our children and ourselves.

I-1.3 To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child.

I feel so strongly about this statement that I had to put it down again. I appreciate working with young children who come from low-income families because they have made me aware of their varying learning abilities. All children work and learn at their own pace. So, as a teacher I had to learn different teaching methods to accommodate each child.

Ethical Responsibilities to Families

I-2.2 To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.

To create a partnership with my children family members, I invite them to join us on field trips, parties, and other school functions. I want my families to feel welcome when they come into my room. That’s why I have an open-door policy for all my parents. I also send letters home to my parents every week to inform them on any activities we are doing for the following week.

References:

NAEYC. (2005, April). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved August 11, 2011, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf.


The Division for Early Childhood. (2000, August). Code of ethics. Retrieved August 11, 2011, fromhttp://www.dec-sped.org/.

Extra Course Resources

Beverlie Manson’s Fairies: A Collection of the Seasons by Beverlie Manson

·         Contains color illustrations that depict the activities of fairies in each of the four seasons, and includes brief introductions to individual fairies, plants, animals, and insects.

Banks, J.A., & Banks, C.A.M. (Eds). (1995). Handbook of research on multicultural education. New York: Macmillan.

·         Contains information on multicultural education goals and dimensions.

ECRP. Early Childhood Research & Practice. (1999). The first open-access, peer-reviewed, bilingual Internet journal in early care and education. Retrieved July 29, 2011, from http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/

·         Contains vital information on development, care, and education of young children in a variety of journals written by scholars and practitioners around the world.

Words of Inspiration and Motivation

“Developmentally appropriate practices are ways of teaching that vary for or adapt to the age and experience of the individual learner.” –Susan Bredekamp

“child-initiated activity is all that’s important and that teacher-directed instruction or any form of teacher-directed activity is not appropriate.” - Susan Bredekamp.

We can’t ignore the “opportunity to learn” differences between children. –Sam Meisels

  

"The highest stake of all is our ability to help children realize their full potential."
  ~~Sam Meisels

“It’s not all about you, you go to take your ego out of it and think about what’s best for the child.” –Renatta M. Cooper

Personal Childhood Web

My Mother

My mother, Shirley, is an amazing woman with a big heart. She has a smile that will light up a room. I guess that’s where I get my smile from. My mother is the one who raised and nurtured me. She is a strong woman who is dedicated to her children and family. She was very protective when it came to her children. When I was young she would never let me go anywhere unless I was with a family member. She has always been there for me throughout my life to support me and encourage me to do my best. For instance, as child I was afraid of the dark and my mother would let me sleep with her until I feel asleep, so I wouldn’t be scared. My mother is my heart and I would do anything for her. She has always made me feel special by: listening to me, caring for me, kissing me good night, and always telling me that she loves me. By my mother being a single parent, she has taught me how to be: a loving person, independent person, strong person, and a caring person.

My Grandmother

Florence is her name and mule is what they call her. My grandmother is a faithful woman who cares a lot about her family. She is the one who introduced me to Christ, thank you for that granny. My grandmother is the rock of the family. She keeps everyone together and on the same page. I don’t know what I would do without her. When I was thinking about leaving college and coming back home to go to school, she was the one, who told me to stay in Memphis. That was the best advice my granny could have ever given me. I was once a sheltered child with very little imagination and now because of her I am adventurous, daring, and outgoing with a bigger outlook on life. Because of my grandmother, I am wise, spiritual, caring, and spontaneous. My granny has always been there for me and because of that I will always be here for her.

My Uncle

My uncle Frankie is the man. I love this man with my whole heart. My uncle is the reason why I chose education for my profession. He is the assistant principle at Buckhorn High school. My uncle is like an m & m, hard shell on the outside but soft in the inside. He was always hard on me, when it came to me getting an education. Back then I never knew why, but now I do. He only wanted the best for me and getting an education was the key to my success. I have always looked up to my uncle. My uncle taught me how to work hard for what I want because nothing in this world is free. Because of my uncle, I am dedicated, determined, and motivated to become the best person I can be in this world.

My God Father

Pastor Keith Norman, my dad, my friend, my pastor, and my mentor. My God Father is full of wisdom, faith, love, determination, and charisma. He is the man that keeps me on my toes. He is always checking up on me to make sure that I am doing right. He tries to keep me out of trouble. He is always there for me when I need him no matter what. He is very big on education and because of him I am working on my master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I love my dad because me makes me feel like I am one of his own and he never makes me feel like I am just his god daughter. Because of him, I am more responsible, independent, wiser, and my faith is stronger in Christ.