The nations of the Caribbean are an eclectic set: including small islands as well as quite substantial continent-bound countries;
countries independent for over 40 years, some still dependents of the colonial states; middle-high level incomes to the poorest state in the Western hemisphere; some with rates of violence among the highest in the world, and others fairly idyllic with crime almost non-existent.
The Caribbean presents a unique case with respect to research on child rights and child rights issues. It has been found that the legacy of slavery may help to explain the social and cultural traditions that have hindered acceptance of the child
rights revolution. The widespread use and subsequent acceptance of physical punishment as a suitable form of disciplining
and punishing children, and even to some extent adults, is undoubtedly a legacy of slavery. It has also been suggested that the emphasis on criminal sanctions as a means of solving social problems rather than more passive alternatives such as conflict resolution or mediation evident in much of the new legislation concerning the protection of children, may also reflect the continued influence of values associated with the period when the institution of slavery was central to Caribbean societies.The legacy of the colonial period has proven to be a barrier to the child rights revolution.
Physical Violence
The use of corporal punishment as a form of discipline is common in the Caribbean region and is used to discipline children from very young ages.There is widespread support for the use of corporal punishment by parents in the Caribbean although severe forms of punishment leading to injury are generally not condoned. Similarly, surveys of children’s views report that the majority of children themselves believe that physical punishment is a valid and necessary form of
discipline.
Sexual Violence
In the vast majority of reported cases of sexual abuse, the victims are girls.There is a general belief in the Caribbean that girls in single parent households are most at risk and that the perpetrator is most often the stepfather or mother’s boyfriend.The under reporting of sexual abuse is reported to be partially due to the condoning of the abusive sexual relationship by other household members due to financial dependence on the perpetrator. Even in cases where the perpetrator is reported, the legal procedures can prevent prosecution. For example, children need to be able to give credible evidence and the defense lawyers
are often so intimidating that the child becomes upset and confused and the evidence is declared not credible.
A matter of concern in the Caribbean is the limited provision of services relating to family rehabilitation. A focus only on the victim leads to the child’s life being disrupted and the perpetrator often being left to victimize other children.
Efforts to address violence against children require better coordination, reporting
procedures and management. This includes a specific and documented budget focused on the plight of the children. Greater participation of children in addressing the issues must be observed. In addition, further studies must be commissioned to unearth and understand the extent of the problem before policies can be formulated to adequately and efficiently address the issues.
Reference
UNICEF(2006)VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION: A REGIONAL ASSESSMENT Retrieved on March 27, from http://www.unicef.org/lac/Caribe_web(1).pdf
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Violence against Caribbean children
Violence Against Children In The Caribbean Region
The nations of the Caribbean are an eclectic set: including small islands as well as quite substantial continent-bound countries;
countries independent for over 40 years, some still dependents of the colonial states; middle-high level incomes to the poorest state in the Western hemisphere; some with rates of violence among the highest in the world, and others fairly idyllic with crime almost non-existent.
The Caribbean presents a unique case with respect to research on child rights and child rights issues. It has been found that the legacy of slavery may help to explain the social and cultural traditions that have hindered acceptance of the child
rights revolution. The widespread use and subsequent acceptance of physical punishment as a suitable form of disciplining
and punishing children, and even to some extent adults, is undoubtedly a legacy of slavery. It has also been suggested that the emphasis on criminal sanctions as a means of solving social problems rather than more passive alternatives such as conflict resolution or mediation evident in much of the new legislation concerning the protection of children, may also reflect the continued influence of values associated with the period when the institution of slavery was central to Caribbean societies.The legacy of the colonial period has proven to be a barrier to the child rights revolution.
Physical Violence
The use of corporal punishment as a form of discipline is common in the Caribbean region and is used to discipline children from very young ages.There is widespread support for the use of corporal punishment by parents in the Caribbean although severe forms of punishment leading to injury are generally not condoned. Similarly, surveys of children’s views report that the majority of children themselves believe that physical punishment is a valid and necessary form of
discipline.
Sexual Violence
In the vast majority of reported cases of sexual abuse, the victims are girls.There is a general belief in the Caribbean that girls in single parent households are most at risk and that the perpetrator is most often the stepfather or mother’s boyfriend.The under reporting of sexual abuse is reported to be partially due to the condoning of the abusive sexual relationship by other household members due to financial dependence on the perpetrator. Even in cases where the perpetrator is reported, the legal procedures can prevent prosecution. For example, children need to be able to give credible evidence and the defense lawyers
are often so intimidating that the child becomes upset and confused and the evidence is declared not credible.
A matter of concern in the Caribbean is the limited provision of services relating to family rehabilitation. A focus only on the victim leads to the child’s life being disrupted and the perpetrator often being left to victimize other children.
Efforts to address violence against children require better coordination, reporting
procedures and management. This includes a specific and documented budget focused on the plight of the children. Greater participation of children in addressing the issues must be observed. In addition, further studies must be commissioned to unearth and understand the extent of the problem before policies can be formulated to adequately and efficiently address the issues.
Reference
UNICEF(2006)VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION: A REGIONAL ASSESSMENT Retrieved on March 27, from http://www.unicef.org/lac/Caribe_web(1).pdf
The nations of the Caribbean are an eclectic set: including small islands as well as quite substantial continent-bound countries;
countries independent for over 40 years, some still dependents of the colonial states; middle-high level incomes to the poorest state in the Western hemisphere; some with rates of violence among the highest in the world, and others fairly idyllic with crime almost non-existent.
The Caribbean presents a unique case with respect to research on child rights and child rights issues. It has been found that the legacy of slavery may help to explain the social and cultural traditions that have hindered acceptance of the child
rights revolution. The widespread use and subsequent acceptance of physical punishment as a suitable form of disciplining
and punishing children, and even to some extent adults, is undoubtedly a legacy of slavery. It has also been suggested that the emphasis on criminal sanctions as a means of solving social problems rather than more passive alternatives such as conflict resolution or mediation evident in much of the new legislation concerning the protection of children, may also reflect the continued influence of values associated with the period when the institution of slavery was central to Caribbean societies.The legacy of the colonial period has proven to be a barrier to the child rights revolution.
Physical Violence
The use of corporal punishment as a form of discipline is common in the Caribbean region and is used to discipline children from very young ages.There is widespread support for the use of corporal punishment by parents in the Caribbean although severe forms of punishment leading to injury are generally not condoned. Similarly, surveys of children’s views report that the majority of children themselves believe that physical punishment is a valid and necessary form of
discipline.
Sexual Violence
In the vast majority of reported cases of sexual abuse, the victims are girls.There is a general belief in the Caribbean that girls in single parent households are most at risk and that the perpetrator is most often the stepfather or mother’s boyfriend.The under reporting of sexual abuse is reported to be partially due to the condoning of the abusive sexual relationship by other household members due to financial dependence on the perpetrator. Even in cases where the perpetrator is reported, the legal procedures can prevent prosecution. For example, children need to be able to give credible evidence and the defense lawyers
are often so intimidating that the child becomes upset and confused and the evidence is declared not credible.
A matter of concern in the Caribbean is the limited provision of services relating to family rehabilitation. A focus only on the victim leads to the child’s life being disrupted and the perpetrator often being left to victimize other children.
Efforts to address violence against children require better coordination, reporting
procedures and management. This includes a specific and documented budget focused on the plight of the children. Greater participation of children in addressing the issues must be observed. In addition, further studies must be commissioned to unearth and understand the extent of the problem before policies can be formulated to adequately and efficiently address the issues.
Reference
UNICEF(2006)VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION: A REGIONAL ASSESSMENT Retrieved on March 27, from http://www.unicef.org/lac/Caribe_web(1).pdf
A survivor's story
The Resilience of Kristine.
Kristine is the fictitious name I have given to child who lived in my neighborhood when I was growing up. She endured severe violence as a child.Kristine was the only child of her mother that I knew of. Her mother was a trader so she would travel to various countries very often to buy goods and return to sell them. Kristine was left in the care of an uncle and his two teenage daughters. They treated Kristine most unkind. She was just about seven years old and was forced to clean the house and wash the clothes. Whenever she refused she was beaten mercilessly by her two cousins. I remember sometimes they beat her all the way up the road if she decided to run away. They would starve her and tell her all sorts of abusive words. When Kristine was about twelve her two cousins plotted with a younger cousin from their mother's family to rape Kristine. Then, they told all the children on the street what had happened to Kristine. She was terribly embarrassed. Most of the other children laughed at Kristine but I remember feeling sympathy for her.
The adults in the neighborhood tried to get help for Kristine but the welfare kept sending her back. When she was old enough she left that home and for many years I did not see her. Her cousins said that she had gone in search of her mother. Several years later Kristine returned. She said that she was living in Barbados. She had met someone special who was taking good care of her. She was back in school and had a bright outlook for the future. Most importantly she had met God and was back to let her cousins know that she had forgiven them. I am not sure what process she went through to get her where she was, but I was happy to see her happy and looking healthy and successful. I was truly amazed at her resilience.
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Thursday, 14 March 2013
IMMUNIZATION 
I choose this public health issue because I know how important it is to the safe development and survival of young children and adults. I also chose this topic because I am proud of the success story on immunization we have in Guyana. Immunization has been made mandatory in Guyana. Since this law came into being almost all babies born in the country are vaccinated. The stats below released by the Ministry of Health tell the story.
Percent of children 19-35 months old receiving vaccinations for:
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (4+ doses DTP, DT, or DTaP): 84%
Polio (3+ doses): 93%
Measles (MMR) (1+ doses): 90%
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (primary series +booster dose): 55%
Hepatitis B (Hep B) (3+ doses): 92%
Chickenpox (1+ Varicella doses): 90%
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) (4+doses): 80%
This year immunization week is being held from April 20-27 under the theme "Immunization the power to protect". Immunizations have helped children stay healthy for more than 50 years. They are safe and they work. In fact, serious side effects are no more common than those from other types of medication.
Vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%! Yet many parents still question their safety because of misinformation they’ve received. That’s why it’s important to turn to a reliable and trusted source. including your child's doctor, for information.
The information that I have learnt will impact my future work in positive ways because there would be many healthy happy children in the years to come. As an early childhood advocate, I will continue to support mandatory immunization in my country so that our success story will continue in the generations to come.
I choose this public health issue because I know how important it is to the safe development and survival of young children and adults. I also chose this topic because I am proud of the success story on immunization we have in Guyana. Immunization has been made mandatory in Guyana. Since this law came into being almost all babies born in the country are vaccinated. The stats below released by the Ministry of Health tell the story.
Percent of children 19-35 months old receiving vaccinations for:
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (4+ doses DTP, DT, or DTaP): 84%
Polio (3+ doses): 93%
Measles (MMR) (1+ doses): 90%
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (primary series +booster dose): 55%
Hepatitis B (Hep B) (3+ doses): 92%
Chickenpox (1+ Varicella doses): 90%
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) (4+doses): 80%
This year immunization week is being held from April 20-27 under the theme "Immunization the power to protect". Immunizations have helped children stay healthy for more than 50 years. They are safe and they work. In fact, serious side effects are no more common than those from other types of medication.
Vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%! Yet many parents still question their safety because of misinformation they’ve received. That’s why it’s important to turn to a reliable and trusted source. including your child's doctor, for information.
The information that I have learnt will impact my future work in positive ways because there would be many healthy happy children in the years to come. As an early childhood advocate, I will continue to support mandatory immunization in my country so that our success story will continue in the generations to come.
Saturday, 9 March 2013
I have not yet had the experience of giving birth, but I have seen many videos and supported my brother and his wife when they brought my nephew into the world.I vividly remember the excitement as we awaited his arrival in to the world. I have heard mothers describe the process as a bitter/sweet experience. Bitter because of the pain felt when the baby moves through the birth canal. The experience becomes 'sweet' when their new babies are placed in their arms.
The birthing process is a very delicate sensitive period. It is also very critical to later development. Doctors and mid-wives take special care to avoid complications which may include brain damage due to a lack of oxygen, hearing impairments and the transferal of diseases such as Syphilis and AIDS.
Unfortunately,in my country Guyana, many of the women that live in the hinterland(forested/mountainous)regions do not have access to hospitals and in rear cases no access to any maternity health facility.It is therefore no surprise that most of these women have home deliveries. There is usually an experienced mid-wife, not necessarily trained, who performs the deliveries.Sometimes if the delivery is extremely complicated they would fly the patient out to the closest hospital.However, sometimes because the expecting mothers are not able to access prenatal care the complications are unknown until delivery. This puts both mother and child at great risk.
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
A NOTE OF THANKS
It has been a wonderful journey collaborating with my colleagues of group two for this course. The insights and perspectives that you shared through the discussion board and your blogs have helped to make this course more interesting and edifying. I have learnt much about: advocacy, professionalism, the needs of young children and the importance of providing support for the families of young children. I will always remember Renetta Cooper's advice to us professional advocates "Be a voice for the voiceless" and also that this whole process is not about us ,but about what is best for the child. I am looking forward to starting my new course.Hope it would be as interesting as this. I also look forward to greater collaboration as we continue through this program.
It has been a wonderful journey collaborating with my colleagues of group two for this course. The insights and perspectives that you shared through the discussion board and your blogs have helped to make this course more interesting and edifying. I have learnt much about: advocacy, professionalism, the needs of young children and the importance of providing support for the families of young children. I will always remember Renetta Cooper's advice to us professional advocates "Be a voice for the voiceless" and also that this whole process is not about us ,but about what is best for the child. I am looking forward to starting my new course.Hope it would be as interesting as this. I also look forward to greater collaboration as we continue through this program.
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Making It Personal
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN (NAEYC) the CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT AND COMMITMENT.
Any profession is governed by codes of ethical behavior and professionals are encouraged to follow the rules and remain committed to standards set and to the profession. The ethical guidelines and ideals outlined by the NAEYC that I found interesting are:
1.1—To be familiar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed
through continuing education and training.
It is necessary for all child care professionals to stay up to date with the current trends in EC so that they can make the type of decisions that will positively impact children and their families . Continuous professional development will ensure that this is a reality.
I-1.3—To recognize and respect the unique qualities, abilities, and potential of each child
I chose this ideal because I believe that we must recognize each child as a unique individual. This is a concept that is key and it can influence the way we plan and cater for the needs of our children. Gardener promotes this through the Multiple Intelligence Theory.His theory encourages us all to focus on the uniqueness of every child.
- Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect.
- Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family.
- Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle.
These core values are interesting, because to me they stand out among the others. I strongly believe that childhood is extremely important to the individual . The experiences that one has in childhood can greatly affect the person that on becomes. It is therefore necessary that we as educators work towards making the early experiences rewarding for all children. We should acknowledge the role of the family in this entire process. The child needs the support of the family to make the experience richer. The family is the main of the child. Today for many children that support is missing. We are seeing the repercussions of in our society
today because of the ineffective support of family systems that is being offered to the young ones. We need to ensure that this key support system is strengthened in order for children to be given the opportunity to develop to their full potential.
Division of Early Childhood (DEC) Code of Ethics
RESPONSIVE FAMILY CENTERED PRACTICES
Ensure that families receive individualized, meaningful, and relevant services responsive to their beliefs, values, customs, languages, and culture. We are committed to enhancing the quality of children’s and families’ lives by promoting family well-being and participation in typical life activities. The early childhood special education professional will demonstrate respect for all families, taking into consideration and acknowledging diverse family structures, culture, language, values, and customs. Finally, families will be given equal voice in all decision making relative to their children. The following practice guidelines provide a framework for enhancing children’s and families’ quality of lives.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PREPARATION
Professional development is viewed and valued as an ongoing process guided by high standards and competencies for professional performance and practice.
Professionals acquire the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work with a variety of young children with
disabilities and their families within natural and inclusive environments promoting children’s overall growth,
development and learning, and enhancing family quality of life. Finally, professionals continually should seek
and interpret evidence based information for planning and implementing individually appropriate learning
environments linked to ongoing assessment and collaboration with parents and professional team members.
I chose these ethical codes from the DEC code of ethics , because I firmly believe that every effort must be made to have families of our students involved in the process. Some parents may need support in order for them to give the kind of support that their children require. This may range from financial to emotional support.
I also believe that to have maximum output in terms of providing quality care for young children staff must
be have the requisite knowledge, therefore continuous staff development is necessary.
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| Let's Work Together to make their future bright |
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Resources are important to the professional
COURSE RESOURCES
- NAEYC. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/dap
- NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on child abuse prevention. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ChildAbuseStand.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on school readiness. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Readiness.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009). Where we stand on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/diversity.pdf
- NAEYC. (2003). Early childhood curriculum, assessment, and program evaluation: Building an effective, accountable system in programs for children birth through age 8.Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/pscape.pdf
- NAEYC. (2009, April). Early childhood inclusion: A summary. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_ECSummary_A.pdf
- Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2010). Infant-toddler policy agenda. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_pub_infanttodller
- FPG Child Development Institute. (2006, September). Evidence-based practice empowers early childhood professionals and families. (FPG Snapshot, No. 33). Retrie
- Article: UNICEF (n.d.). Fact sheet: A summary of the rights under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved May 26, 2010, fromhttp://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Rights_overview.pdf
- Websites:
- World Forum Foundation
http://worldforumfoundation.org/wf/wp/about-us
This link connects you to the mission statement of this organization. Make sure to watch the media segment on this webpage - World Organization for Early Childhood Education
http://www.omep-usnc.org/
Read about OMEP's mission. - Association for Childhood Education International
http://acei.org/
Click on "Mission/Vision" and "Guiding Principles and Beliefs" and read these statements.Retrieved May 26, 2010, from http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~snapshots/snap33.pdf
- World Forum Foundation
- Turnbull, A., Zuna, N., Hong, J. Y., Hu, X., Kyzar, K., Obremski, S., et al. (2010). Knowledge-to-action guides. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42(3), 42-53.
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- The Division for Early Childhood
- Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
- WESTED
- Harvard Education Letter
- FPG Child Development Institute
- Administration for Children and Families Headstart's National Research Conference
- HighScope
- Children's Defense Fund
- Center for Child Care Workforce
- Council for Exceptional Children
- Institute for Women's Policy Research
- National Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
- National Child Care Association
- National Institute for Early Education Research
- Pre[K]Now
- Voices for America's Children
- The Erikson Institute
Selected Professional Journals Available in the Walden LibraryTip: Use the A-to-Z e-journal list to search for specific journal titles. (Go to "How Do I...?", select "Tips for Specific Formats and Resources," and then "e-journals" to find this search interface.)- YC Young Children
- Childhood
- Journal of Child & Family Studies
- Child Study Journal
- Multicultural Education
- Early Childhood Education Journal
- Journal of Early Childhood Research
- International Journal of Early Childhood
- Early Childhood Research Quarterly
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Studies
- Maternal & Child Health Journal
- International Journal of Early Years Education.
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