The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) has many usable components to its website. I feel one of the most important is their "About DEC" tab. Under this tab numerous resources can be found for early childhood educators, policy makers and researchers. The resources found here are the DEC Position Statements, Concept Papers and Recommended Practices. I felt the Position Statement titled "Responsiveness to Family Cultures, Values and Languages was a valuable resource for educators. This paper defined culture and values. It discussed the importance of individualized services and that responsiveness "grows from relationships that have a mutual respect and appreciation for individual culture, values and language" (DEC, 2002). I think it is important for early childhood educators to value and respect the parents, families and children in their classrooms. That being said another area that affects children and families is poverty. Continuing to value that family regardless of their economic situation is vital to relationship building that must take place to create the best environment for each child.
Once a person becomes a member of the DEC they can join a special interest group. The special interest groups form to discuss topics such as research, professional development, Children's Action Netwrok (CAN) and early intervention.
The DEC has also appointed work groups to work on a strategic plan for 2009-2012. Each work group has a goal to focus on. One goal states "to advance governmental policies that promote evidenced based practices for infants, young children and families" (DEC, 2010). I think the DEC would need evidence from research to show early intervention works for young children, economists to show that early intervention saves money in the long run for services provided for children with special needs and the politicians as a voice writing policy that continues to fund research and fund early childhood initiatives.
I feel that as I grow as a professional in the early childhood field I find their is an abundance of advocacy work that needs to be done. Our voices will need to be constantly heard to continue the funding for our field. Research will need to continue to show the needs of children as well as the results of quality early childhood for all children, economists will need to continue to show the "return on investment" and that early intervention and early care and education for all children is cost effective and politicians will need to continue to push for policies and funding that help the children and their families of our nation.
Reference
The Division of Early Childhood http://www.dec-sped.org/About_DEC
Thanks Amy, and like you I feel there is so much work to be done to help and encourage our children. However, it seems that DEC has many plans in place to make certain that initiatives are followed through.
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteI agree that as we learn and grow more in our profession the need to advocate presents itself more and more. I remember in our first class the Professionals on the video we viewed talked about advocacy. I thought then, "that's not for me" but I've grown to now believe it's for everybody. Reading the various websites and newsletters can help any and everybody find where there talent to advocate may be.
I have learn so much about the field of early childhood so far, it just amazing. Coming into the program I thought I new a lot about this profession. I am finding that I don't know the half of what goes on in the early childhood field. As I told Stephanie about her blog this is a very helpful website and everyone will be able to find great information as it related to the early childhood field. Great Blog Amy!!
ReplyDeleteTonetta