A Note of Thanks & Support

During the past weeks we have forged a collaborative learning community, shared information and insights with each other, and supported each other. I am so grateful for this opportunity to develop with each and every one of you!  As I prepare to move throughout this educational journey, I am amazed at how my colleagues have supported me through their support and guidance.  I hope I in turn have supported you all.  I sincere wish is for all of us to successfully continue on our professional paths with passion, confidence and inspiration.  Thank you all!

Personal Post Alert

Hi fellow professionals!

I am enjoying week 7 from...... the Bahamas.  :-)  My husband decided to take our family (including our 3 year old daughter and 11 year old son) on our 7 year anniversary vacation.  Next week we will be in Disney World, hence the early posting on the discussion board and blog this week and next. So I wish you all warm sunny thoughts.

3 ideals contained in the DEC codes of ethics that are meaningful in their significance to my professional life.

DEC (Division for Early Childhood)

Code of Ethics:

http://www.dec-sped.org/About_DEC/Position_Statements_and_Concept_Papers/Ethics

Professional and Interpersonal Behavior: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.

 Professional Collaboration:

2. We shall honor and respect the rights, knowledge, and skills of the multidisciplinary colleagues
with whom we work recognizing their unique contributions to children, families, and the field of
early childhood special education.

Responsive Family Centered Practices

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


4. We shall empower families with information and resources so that they are informed consumers
of services for their children.

These four ideals from the Division for Early Childhood spoke to me as I explored this position statement.  The first one on professional behavior discusses honesty and integrity.  These concepts are so important in the work place, especially when working with children.  The second ideal is about professional collaboration.  Collaboration is so important, we can learn so much from other professionals.  Respecting others opinions and ideas in this field leads to productive collaboration that benefits all children.  The third and fourth ideals deal with families within our care.  We have an ethic responsibility to guide families/parents, inform them, educate them, and empower them in the care and decisions of their childrens lives.  I strive to empower my families on all subjects from behavior management, to navigating IEP's, to recalled childrens products on the market.  As professionals, as teachers, it is our responsibility to take our wealth of knowledge and share it with the community in benefit of all children. 

Additional Resources for Early Childhood Studies!

I was exploring resources on the web and came across:

Jul19 2010

ED Launches Early Learning Initiative Web Page

The U.S. Department of Education has announced a new web page devoted to early learning. According to the announcement, the web page is designed to include information about:

 key programs, funding opportunities, resources and publications, technical assistance, and interagency work.

early learning in the Administration’s proposal for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

investments in early learning across Departments.

The page includes presentation materials, a webinar, blog posts, and public comments from our Listening and Learning about Early Learning tour.  

The link to this new webpage is:

http://www.ed.gov/early-learning