A Child's Advocate: April 2011

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Code of Ethics

Looking through the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and DEC's (Division of Early Childhood) code of ethics, there were three that stuck out to me personally and professionally. These three are as follows,

From the DEC-
"We shall demonstrate in our behavior and language respect and appreciation for the unique value and human potential of each child."
What I find great about this ideal is that they used the words human potential and reminded us all that simple yet powerful fact that is the right of all human beings.

From the NAEYC-
"To support co-workers in meeting their professional needs and in their professional development."
This is great because we all have room to grow and recreate ourselves, and we all need a little help getting there.

"To promote knowledge and understanding of young children and their needs. To work toward greater societal acknowledgment of children's rights and greater social acceptance of responsibility for the well-being of all children."
I appreciate the goal here. To heighten society's awareness of the issues that involve children. But to also make society aware of the huge part they can play.

Friday, April 1, 2011

A Collection of Resources

The NAEYC's website gave some helpful insight in their article "Where we stand on child abuse prevention."
http://www.naeyc.org/

The ACEI is a global organization dedicated to the well being and education of young children and their families all over the world.
http://acei.org/

Some fellow coworkers of mine from the Attorney General's Office have always offered precise insight and helpful tips. I know they are a group of people I could always turn to if I had questions regarding early childhood.
Children's Justice Task Force Staff-

Tracey Tabet
CJA Grant Coordinator
CJC Program Administrator

Laura Seklemian
CJC Training & Development Coordinator

Gerri Sheffield
Lead Legal/Board Secretary &
Membership Coordinator

A website that I enjoy trying to follow and try new tips in young children education is
http://www.child.com/

The world of psychology is forever amazing me and a website and magazine that provides helpful articles is
http://www.psychologytoday.com/

Personal Childhood Web

Terry- A neighbour of mine when I was a teenager. She was like a big sister in a way and treated me like my age instead of like a small child. I could confide in her and she helped me through a sticky situation when I was in high school. She taught me that although things seemed bad at the time and like there was no possible way out, that all things end eventually. That thought has helped me through some tough times in my life.
Chris- My brother. Chris joined the service when I was young, but when I'd visit him he never ceased to congratulate a grade or a new step in my life. He is someone who gives appreciation and shows admiration to everyone. He is intense to learn more about you and to help you feel better about yourself along the way. He carries my favorite trait which is sometimes hard to find- common sense. I hope I have gathered at least a handful of his knowledge and kindness along the way. His open heart and courage to do good is a constant reminder to me that there is more to people than meets the eye.
Kathy- A friend of my mother's, she was and still is someone who tells it like it is. She would never hide anything about the truth to me and she was comical in telling it. If I had a question, Kathy had a straightforward answer. Still to this day Kathy will not hesitate to give meaningful opinions and life lessons to me. I don't call her enough, but I do think of her constantly especially when life throws me a curve ball and I make some kind of joke out of it!
Louise- A friend of my mother's, she was someone I could tell things to that I was afraid to tell my mom. She would comfort me and let me know I was normal and tried to figure out ways to help me in any situation. She stayed calm and optimistic and I always admired those traits about her that I wish I could have found at home. Louise has definitely taught me to stay true to myself and not try to change to meet another's needs. She's also taught me positivity lasts longer and doesn't create as many wrinkles.
Melanie- She was a childhood friend who had a stable family life and was very intelligent. She helped me study and she helped me see past what other's thought to find out what I thought. Melanie is someone who I assume went on to become some kind of life changing scientist. She showed me dedication, and for a young child to see a peer unafraid of committment to something left a lasting impression.