At this point in my professional development I am training faculty, observing and coaching my wonderful team of teachers. I am always looking for tools that will be useful in growing and supporting my faculty. I really liked "Little Kids, Big Questions" a parenting podcast series. While it is not teacher specific the series has a lot of great information and touches on topics that parents may come to us for advice on. I also found the public policy links to be interesting.

There was not anything I would say that I felt was controversial. I did find new ways to view things however. I have not had much in the way of experience concerning home visits. I found the link to Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood home visiting technical assistance very interesting. I also liked the educational supports provided for families, friends and neighbors who care for children. I think it helps such caregivers view their assistance as vital and allows them to be professionals in their care.

The website contain links to journal articles written by early childhood experts but also by scientist, economist and other contributors who are interested in the success of the ECE field. It is obvious that quality programs and the results they bring are attracting the interest of other vocations who are willing to invest in our future.

            There are so many ways to see this site. One can find the latest trends and information on early behavior and development, statistics on abuse and neglect, latest policies and many training opportunities.

I was finally able to connect with a foreign colleague through a former employee of mine, Holly, who had a friend who resided in Italy.Holly's friend was able to obtain for me the email of a Preschool teacher Kirsten Scriven who teaches in Rome. Kirsten's school is not directly affected by poverty. The area in which she works and resides is relatively tranquil. Her school is a private Catholic school which caters to a community that is primarily elite and well to do.These families prioritize a Catholic and bilingual upbringing for their children. Like the United States, Italy does not provide much in the way of public childcare. Although there are obviously those who face poverty in the surrounding areas it is not something that is readily discussed in her community other than in charity events and such situations. That being said Italy is facing an economic crunch. Kirsten tells me this is even felt by the well to do families of her school who have been eschewing enrollment in Kindergarten and upper grades of the school in favor of free public primary education. Italy seems to be similar to our own nation in terms of discussion about Universal preschool and such opportunities. This who teach in Italy however seem to fare better salary wise. The average preschool teacher in Rome earns about $42,000.00, basically equal to Administration pay here.

Zero to Three

I choose to follow the organization Zero to Three.
http://www.zerotothree.org/

The organization was founded to share insight with parents and care providers on the best practice of nurturing early childhood development. The mission of the organization is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start to life.

One item that caught my eye was an article on a survey on state child welfare agencies in 2013. The study highlighted the lack of alignment with state practices to infant toddler development goals. Most of teh policies and programs were geared to older children and did not meet the unique needs of the young infant and toddler. The survey shows that states have quite a way to go still.

I also was able to find an online zero to three issue from 2007 devoted to the subject of cultural diversity.There was a wonderful article on learning to 'walk the talk" and really bring cultural inclusion into the classroom.

Making Contact

     For this course we are required to make contact with two early childhood professionals in other countries. I attempted to contact several of the emails listed on the Global Alliance website however I received error messages on each stating it was rejected by the server. I may have to do the alternate assignment however I am first attempting to contact my friends in other areas of the world to see if they can provide me with a good contact. Just playing the waiting game as of now. I hope I can achieve a connection as it would be interesting to speak to someone in another nation.

     I looked briefly at the various websites for my childhood education focus and have chosen to concentrate on the Zero to Three site. I have chosen this site as prior to becoming a Director my main area of expertise was with the Infant and Toddler age group. Children of that age hold a special place in my heart and I feel that health development during the first three years of life is so important. It is at this time that children really set the foundation for the person they will become.