Sharing Web Resources

 As I continue to explore the website and/or the e-newsletter this week, i answered these questions:

• What specific section(s) or information seemed particularly relevant to your current professional development? All of the information on this website is relevant to my profession. However, NBCDI envisions a society that ensures a successful future for all children. This is the main focus of the entire website and ever news are and resource post reflects that. In particular this week, the posting in the news section caught my attention on NBCDI President and CEO, Dr. Felicia DeHaney, attending the 2013 Clinton Global Initiative America (CGI America) meeting in Chicago, IL on June 13-14, 2013.
  This event was hosted by President Bill Clinton, Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Clinton Foundation Board Member Chelsea Clinton. The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), an initiative of the Clinton Foundation, convenes global leaders to create and implement innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. Established in June 2011 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative America (CGI America) addresses economic recovery in the United States. CGI America brings together leaders in business, government, and civil society to generate and implement commitments to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, and support workforce development in the United States. Since its first meeting, CGI America participants have made more than 200 financial and action commitments valued at $13.4 billion when fully funded and implemented.
• Which ideas/statements/resources, either on the website or in an e-newsletter, did you find controversial or made you think about an issue in new ways?Strengthening Family and Community Engagement: Directly engaging and addressing the needs of diverse families and communities is central to the success and growth of high-quality early learning centers.
  Leveraging Digital Media and Technology: The intentional use of developmentally-appropriate digital media and technology offers meaningful ways for families and educators to enhance the learning experiences of young children.
  Supporting Early Childhood Educators: Effective teachers are essential components of high-quality early childhood programs. Providing current and future early childhood education  professionals with training that emphasizes high standards and continues professional development will lead to improved educational outcomes for children.
  Developing Innovative Financial Strategies and Partnerships: New financial tools and innovative partnerships can help bridge funding gaps, bolster current ECE funding streams, and support the development of high-quality early learning opportunities.
  The mission of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) is to turn ideas into action. With her colleagues, Dr. DeHaney will play a key role in prioritizing early childhood education and developing actionable solutions to improve the scope and quality of care offered to our youngest Americans.
  I completely agree with this method and have no controversy and it did me a new idea on the areas in the early childhood that could make a difference. 
• What information does the website or the e-newsletter contain that adds to your understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field? The website or the newsletter did not offer much information regarding this subject. However, they did offer these suggestions.Establish high-quality educational and developmentally appropriate preschool and early childhood programs and supports to which African American males have full access to.These programs should have small teacher-to-child ratios, an age-appropriate curriculum that is integrated across subjects, well-trained teachers in child development, and mechanisms for engaging parents or guardians. 
• What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain from exploring the website or e-newsletter? I listened to a podcast and during the podcast, the panelists discuss how the recent economic downturn has dramatically changed the face of poverty, and districts that were previously vibrant are now dealing with unemployment, underemployment, and more transient families.
  In the discussion, Dr. DeHaney talks about how schools need to be prepared to deal with children from all economic backgrounds. She says, "The context in which families come to us is very important. We have to be ready for these children, and we have to work with our schools as partners beyond our traditional means of engagement."  I took great interest in this podcast. It was very engaging.