Research that Benefits Children and Families

If I could do research that would impact families without the limitations of reality I would research only of the most deadly cancers for children, neuroblastoma.   In my research I would want to make extreme advances towards curing this cancer.  The impact of this for families would be huge.  The cancer usually presents itself in the late stage 4.  I would research ways to provide early detection so that current treatments would be more successful.  For families this would increase their child's chance of survival.  I can only imagine that families would be more hopeful with research information like this.

Resource:
http://solvingkidscancer.org/learn/facts

My Personal Research Journey

I have chosen equity in early childhood education as my research topic.  I chose this because as and early childhood administrator I have families from many different cultures and I would like to know how to better meet their needs and how I can guide my teachers in creating learning environments that are equitable.  Thus far in my research I seem to be finding a lot of helpful resources.  There are so many aspects that go into creating a equitable environment thus I for see that I may have trouble organizing my research.  Since I have chosen a topic that I feel will be beneficial to me currently in my career , I am looking forward to completing the research simulation not matter the bumps I may face along the way!

Professional Hopes and Goals

My hope for families of diverse cultures and backgrounds is that when they join our educational system that they feel welcome, and that their needs be met.  I want those of different cultures to be able to express their cultures in our classrooms for other children to learn from them. I want these families to feel like they are no different from anyone else. My professional goal is to continue to educate teachers and other individuals about diversity and creating equity in the classrooms. As this course comes to an end I want to thank my colleagues for sharing their experiences and knowledge with me. This has been one of the best courses I have taken here at Walden. Good Luck to you all in your future endeavors.

Welcoming Families Around The World

The family enrolling in my center would be from Singapore.
To prepare for this family I would research some cultures and traditions of the people from Singapore. I would also makes sure the classroom reflects cultural diversity by placing diverse pictures, and books around the room. I would also look at our menu options in order to be prepared to offer the family a list of options that we can provide for their child.  I would inform the staff that we are having a family from Singapore joining the center, and prepare that child's teacher by sharing the information I would found about Singaporeans culture.  I would also ensure the classroom looks welcoming by making sure the colors around the room are bright.  By being proactive and preparing for this family I hope that the family will see that we value them as part of our center.  Also that we respect their culture and their beliefs enough to make changes in the menu and other areas to accommodate to their needs.  For the center and staff  I would hope that being prepared for a family shows the pride we take in the profession and how we want to meet the needs of children and families.

Personal Side of bias, prejudice, and oppresion

In my personal life I have experienced biases or prejudices. When I was in high school we had new coaches come to our school. One day I was in the hallway and the coach who was an African American female and told me it was good that i was on the cheerleading team, because I was the only black girl on the team. The statement really upset me because in someway she meant to be a good statement but for me it was why shouldn't I be on the team. Though I did not like the comment I continued to cheer on the team, and members of the team became my best friends. In this situation the coach could have taken the time to get to know me better personally and see that I was not the type of person who felt uncomfortable on the team but actually liked to be in a diverse crowd.

Microaggression

I can remember observing an occasion that classifies as a microaggression.  I witnessed a director speaking with a parent who was fluent in spanish and spoke very little English. The parent was speaking little a mix of English and Spanish, the director was saying I do not understand with clear frustration.  The parent had a look of defeat and confusion with trying to explain. The parent walked away from the conversation.  As I watched this situation I felt bad for the parent because she clearly felt degraded for not being able to speak English as well.  The director had power over her in this situation. This is a clear example of bias and discrimination. The director feels that because this is America the parent should be fluent in English.  Discrimination is very evident in our everyday life.

Perspective on Culture and Diversity

After asking several individuals in my life what is their definition of culture and diversity I learned that every one has their own opinion for each of these words.  I also learned that many people really do not know exactly how to separate the two.  One of my friends said that culture is traditions, beliefs and vales passed down generation to generation. Which is some of what we have been learning in this class.    Others see diversity just as differences among individuals, which is true but really their culture is what makes them different.  This assignment really helped me see how unaware others are of what culture and diversity are.  Though people have a general idea, when asked it makes you look at the things you see in your life as cultural or not.  My awareness for determining differences in others as well as knowing what part of my culture that I feel should be carried on to the next generation.