What
specific section(s) or information seemed particularly relevant to your
current professional development?
There is a Public Policy tab that is available on the website that provides research-based resources for federal and state policymakers and advocates on the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers. One resource in particular is called Closing the Opportunity Gap for Babies and Families which you are able to download, it provides a comprehensive road map for the Administration and Congress to ensure families are supported in giving all babies the same chance to thrive and succeed.
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?
One resource that made me take a closer look into it was the Military Family Projects section. ZERO TO THREE has developed resources and materials especially for professionals serving military and Veteran families, as well as products parents may use as they navigate the many transitions that are a part of military-connected life. This was intriguing to me because my husband is in the Navy and that is what brought us to San Diego, CA. Not only do I know many military families but San Diego region is also home to the largest military community in the world with numerous units of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard calling this home for over the past 100 years (MilitaryPress). With so many military in the community that I teach in, I have had the opportunity to work every year with military families. Until now I was unaware of this resource and will be using it often along with letting the families I work with know that it is available.
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?
As discussed in the first response the public policy tab is a wonderful resource for early childhood professionals and it engages policymakers and economists by providing public policy solutions and investments for the health and development of very young children and their families. Another resource that stood out to me I found via the ZERO TO THREE e-newsletter. It is a series of podcasts called Little Kids, Big Questions that translates the research of early childhood development into parenting practices that families can have access to. There are many different topics that are covered and one of the ones that I listened to was called Creating Healthy Connections: Nurturing Brain Development From Birth to Three Featuring Alison Gopnik, Ph.D. This podcast was very interesting, it discussed brain development in the early years and how to support brain development.
What
other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field
did you gain from exploring the website or e-newsletter?
I decided to go to the Find it Fast dropdown bar that allows you to quickly access any of the topics listed. Since one of the topics this week dealt with the science of brain development, I selected brain development as my topic. I went through the resources that were available but spent the most time on the Baby Brain Map from BrainWonders. This is an interactive learning opportunity to see how different areas of the brain are working. You are able to click on a "hotspot" of the brain to reveal questions to find out how a baby's brain develops during this period of brain growth. You'll also learn what you can do to enrich a very young child's development.
Jill,
ReplyDeleteI liked the way you handled each of the questions extensively; so much insights from a website. There is nothing as encouraging when you know that you are not the only one in a particular situation. It is good that you found some resources and materials for professionals serving military and Veteran families. I am sure your level of confidence has increased, now that you know where to turn to for guide on military families.
Great job! I enjoyed reading your post.
Jill,
ReplyDeleteI chose Zero to Three as well and this is a great resource. There are so many facts and insight that is noteworthy and educational in your post. I find that reading my colleagues post is great because there are research finding that I am not aware of and is interesting when I review what I read. It also encourages me to continue to search for more letters. Thanks for the information!!
Kim