SHARING WEB RESOURCES

The information from the article “Mobilizing Science to Revitalize Early Childhood Policy” is relevant to my current professional development.  In the article “President Barack Obama has called fro a greater investment in the healthy development of the nation’s youngest children” (Shonkoff, 2009).  This seems to be so relevant because the article discusses limiting funding and finding away to allocate funds appropriately.  The article also urges us to think about the facts that have already been proven through research.  There are benefits to early childhood development.  “Documented benefits include higher rates of high-school graduation and increased adult incomes, as well as lower rates of special education referral, welfare dependence, and incarceration” (Shonkoff, 2009).

An article on that NACCRRA website entitled “The Current Economy’s Impact on Child Care.”   The article discusses how the current economy has affected child care.  It states that “the most recent data shows that over 14.5 million Americans are out of work” (NACCRRA, 2011).  Whenever employment rates are low parents are forced to rely on subsidy to provide care for their children while they either seek employment, return to school or “they are taking their children out of organized child care and making due with whatever arrangement they can find” (NACCRRA, 2011).

VERY INSIGHTFUL – “Some  metro-east business leaders believe and support the adage that children are the future and teaching them well – and early – will help lead the away toward economic recovery” (Buss, 2011).   We concur that children really are our future but education is key in determining how successful that future will be.

References

Buss, W. (2011).  Local business leaders say early learning program are key to economic recovery.  Retrieved March 26, 2011 from http://www.bnd.com/2011/03/25/1644174/early-learning-key-to-business.html

NACCRRA (2011).  The current economy’s impact on child care.  Retrieved March 26, 2011 from http://www.naccrra.org/policy/economy/

Shonkoff, J. P. (2009). Mobilizing science to revitalize early childhood policy. Issues in Science & Technology, 26(1), 79–85. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the ProQuest Central database. 

N ACCRRA (National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies)

The web link for the organization is http://www.naccrra.org/.  NACCRRA’s vision is: “A nation that supports the development and learning of all children” (NACCRRA, 2011).  The mission of the organization is: “To promote national policies and partnerships to advance the development and learning of all children and to provide vision, leadership, and support to community Child Care Resource & Referral” (NACCRRA, 2011).

CURRENT/ISSUE:

The House of Representatives approved legislations (H.R.1) to cut federal programs by over $60 billion for current fiscal year which means that child care funding will be cut.  NACCRRA is urging parents to contact their local Senator and vote ‘NO.’

SHARING:

There was nothing on the website or newsletter this week that related to the topic on this week.  However, what I found to be interested was  NACCRRA conducted a study in which they ranked states, including the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense on 10 regulations and 5 oversight benchmarks.  This information was based on State Licensing Regulations.  The results: average score was 83 out of 150 points – the equivalent of an F.  Where does your state rank?  Go to http://www.naccrra.org/publications/naccrra-publications/we-can-do-better-2009-update and click on to the link Child Care Center Combined Scores for Oversight and Regulations – Alphabetical listing of states.

Resources

Naccrra, 2011.  Public policy.  Retrieved March 13, 2011 from http://capwiz.com/naccrra/issues/alert/?alertid=22381536

Naccrra, 2011. We can do better:2009 update. Naccrra ranking of state child care center regulation and oversight. Retrieved  March 13, 2011 from http://www.naccrra.org/publications/naccrra-publications/we-can-do-better-2009-update

EXPANDING RESOURCES

My choice to use the NACCRRA - National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies website to explore.  The website was very inviting, user-friendly and overall seemed to have information that would peak my entrance in regards to Public Policy and Advocacy.

I also signed up to receive weekly newsletters to include: "Capital Connection: (A weekly newsletter of the latest legislative action happening in Congress); State Connection: (A weekly newsletter, soon to begin, summarizing pending legislation affecting child care in the states); and Parent Central Newsletter (a monthly newsletter of helpful resources for parents and news that parents can use in promoting healthy child development)" (National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, 2011).

Resources
National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (2011).  Retrieved March 5, 2011 from http://capwiz.com/naccrra/mlm/signup/ 

Expanding Professional Contacts

When viewing the assignment to establish professional contacts immediately I was excited about the possiblity of learning about issues and trends in early childhood outside of the United States.  However, contacting the professionals was not very easy.  I chose to contact professionals through the list provided from The Global Alliance of NAEYC.  I have attempted to establish communication with four different professionals of those four three e-mail addresses came back as errors.  Successful communication has been established with Ms. Bessie Rios her email address is child_ceccd@yahoo.com.  I am awaiting response from one or two others.