Sharing Web Resources

I am studying the website for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The more I explore their site the more intrigued I am about all they have to offer. The NAEYC website has so much valuable information and each day I explore I learn something new. I am definitely gaining ways to help me grow professionally.
This website contains a lot of information of how economists, neuroscientists and politicians support the early childhood field. I found a lot of articles, press releases and books on the views of economists and why they support the field. I read an article from an NAEYC online author William Gilliam titled, “What are the economic benefits of investing in the early years”? The article explained the economic benefits of investing in young children. Gilliam’s (2011) three economic reasons for making investments are that it is valuable from a social justice perspective, a citizen-building perspective, and it is valuable from an altruistic perspective. He also stated three non economic values for investing in young children and early childhood programs. There are economic values for children, parents and individuals who work in large early care and education enterprise.
 
The NAEYC website is a great website with current information about issues and trends in the early childhood field. The only insight I gained is to consistently explore their website on a daily basis to stay current. 

The NAEYC has a section on their website titled Professional Development. When I noticed this tab, I browsed through it entirely. I was interested in this section because I do want to develop professionally. This section provides information for individuals who want to start a new career working with children or for early childhood professionals who want to improve their knowledge, skills and practices. From this section, I found out that the NAEYC offers training, online learning programs, training DVD’s for self study or group instruction and an Annual Conference and workshops. Before exploring their site, I only knew about their Annual Conference; I did not know they offered training or workshops. Most of their programs also offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for those who need documentation.  Most of their training's are offered online; however, they do offer face to face training at their Headquarters in Washington D.C.

From April 14-20, the NAEYC will be celebrating The Week of the Young Child. The purpose of this week is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. I also discovered that our very own school Walden University (The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership) is the proud sponsor of this program!! The theme for the 2013 Week of the Young Child is Early Years are Learning Years. I was interested in finding out more about this topic. This allowed me to think about refocusing my attention to the true needs of children especially in my community. The NAEYC shared different ideas for how individuals and communities can celebrate the Week of the Young Child. Reading this topic has sparked a new interest in me and I have already been brainstorming ideas of how I can support the Week of the Young Child in my job, church and community.

References

Gilliam, W. (December, 2011). What are the economic benefits of investing in the early years? Retrieved 

         from http://www.naeyc.org/content/event/pre-k-debates/highlights