Professional Hopes and Goals

One I hope I have for working with children and families from diverse backgrounds is that I always come across to them as respectful and trustworthy and am able to create and maintain meaningful relationships with the children and families I work with.

One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field in regards to diversity, equity and social justice is that professional development is provided in these areas to all staff that will work with students and their families. This professional development should provide training regarding what exactly diversity is and also how it may impact student and family participation. It should also encourage staff members to research their students' backgrounds and cultures.

Finally, I would like to thank all of my classmates. It has been very enjoyable reading everyone's blogs and posts and going through this journey of self-discovery and knowledge with others. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me as well.

Candice

Welcoming families from around the world

As an early childhood professional it is important that you learn not only about your students but your student's families. For this exercise I chose to learn more about Burma.

Ways I would prepare myself to be more culturally responsive:
1. Research the country and its customs. Check out sources online or at the local library
2. Meet with the family and ask about their goals for their child and learn more about their family culture and how that may impact their child's adjustment to school.
3. Find others in the community from the same background and ask them for more information that could be helpful when working with the family.  Put the family in touch with others in the community if they would like so that they may have more support.
4. Share the information I have learned about the country and family with others at my childcare agency.
5. Use the information I have learned to make the child feel more comfortable at school, provide culturally responsive toys/dolls and if possible incorporate some of the child's natural language into the classroom day.
6. Teach the other children in the class how to say hello in the child's native language to make the child feel more welcome.
7. All communications with the family would be in the family's preferred language and if needed an interpreter would be used.

By learning more about the child, family and their culture and country of origin I would hope that it would allow me to be more culturally responsive and allow for the start of a positive relationship with the family.  I would also hope that it would allow the child to feel comfortable in this new environment.  By knowing about the child and family's culture I would hope that I would respect their wishes and values and show them that I care about what is important to them and their child.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice and Oppression

• About three years ago I decided to buy a house by myself.  I was surprised by the number of people who questioned my ability to buy a house as a single woman, without a man to help.  It was even more shocking how many people couldn't believe that I bought a single family house with a yard and assumed I must have landscapers to do the yard work.  At my closing, when I walked in and sat down the selling lawyer even said "do you want to wait for your husband to get here?" I was very offended that people believed that because I was a woman I couldn't buy a house, let alone a single family house without the assistance of a man. This diminished some of the excitement and pride I had in my independence and even made me question the fact that I was still single. 
• I think that society needs to realize that times have changed and many women complete college, have careers and want to own property without needing others assistance. If people can start to see all genders as equal I feel that there will be more women that will feel like they can do things like buy a house even though they are single. I have to say that every time I get out my  lawnmower or my tool set, I get a small smile across my face that I am doing this all by myself and that this is something to be proud of not ashamed by!

Awareness of Microaggressions

This past week was Parent Teacher Conferences at school. In my classroom, I have four assistants who are very active with my students and also with material creation.  I was waiting for a 3 o'clock conference with one of my students parents, who was Hispanic. She was over an hour late arriving to the conference.  When I was waiting one of my assistants, who is also Hispanic, said "those latinos run on a different clock then everyone else." I think she was referring to the fact that the parent was from Mexico, while she was from Spain. I mentioned to her that I knew she was coming from DC and the traffic was probably bad coming up from the south.  When the parent arrived she did mention that it took her an hour what would normally take her 25 minutes.  It was interesting to me that she felt comfortable making this racial microaggression because she was of a similar background, but then differentiated that it was "those latinos" that are always late. My other assistants also laughed in agreement, which I found interesting as well.  Looking back, I wish I said more regarding how that could be considered insulting but because I was of a different racial background I felt almost like it was inappropriate to comment because I would be an "outsider" commenting on "their ways".  

After watching Dr. Sue's video it was very interesting to me how often and common microaggressions are. It also became evident that because they are not conscious they can be extremely hurtful. After studying this topic this week, I feel it has made me more aware of how these prejudices exist in society and can impact others around you. Even if it is made by someone of a similar culture, the fact that a group of people is being labeled or identified by any one particular trait (positive or negative) is a gross overstatement that can do a lot of damage to any individual social identity.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

I asked three people in my life their definitions of culture and diversity, below are their responses.

• Sue is a friend of mine from college. She is of Asian decent and is a 8th grade math teacher. She responded: 
• Culture: is a way of life that you grow up learning based on your backdrops, location and those around you
• Diversity: is the meshing of different cultures.

• Meg is a friend of mine from grade school. She is Caucasian and is a speech and language pathologist. She responded:
• Culture: customs, beliefs, language and traditions passed down through generations that reflect heritage
• Diversity: differences in culture that make people unique and establish us as individuals. 
• Larry is a friend of mine from college. He is of African-American decent is a computer programmer. He responded:
• Culture: the behavioral or characteristic nature of how a group acts
• Diversity: made up of different or a variety of elements/backgrounds/items etc. 

All of the answers above included some characteristics of what we have learned is the definition of culture and diversity.  For example, Sue included that culture includes how you were raised, Meg included that it is passed down through generations and that it also includes beliefs, language and traditions and Larry included that it has a group component.  They all included that diversity has something to do with differences (whether it be of cultures or backgrounds). In the different definitions of cultures, they mainly focused on the surface culture. Meg did touch a bit on deep culture including language and beliefs in her definition.  However, they didn't include things like showing emotion, gender roles, health care, values or even the role of children as a part of the definition of culture. Meg also touched on the fact that diversity is not just a difference or a meshing of differences but it is also what makes people unique and establishes us as individuals. 

After looking at my friends definitions of diversity and culture it demonstrated to me how different each individual's views, perceptions and beliefs are.  In fact, it was a perfect example to me of culture and diversity.  It also intrigued me to want to start more conversations regarding these topics with my friends not just my colleagues to be able to get a better understanding of how everyone's personal beliefs can impact their views of others.

My Family Culture

If a major disaster forced me and my family to move to another country with a different culture and I was only allowed to take three items with me that reminded me of my family culture I would bring: a photo album, a teddy bear and a cookbook.
 I would want to bring a photo album to visually represent my upbringing and to have pictures of all of the people that were part of my family that may no longer be with me.

 I am adopted and the only item I have, besides my name, from before my adoption was a teddy bear that I have kept very near and dear to my heart since then.  He was a childhood friend when needed and even though I am an adult now, he still reminds me of the tough but also the good times of my childhood.

I would also bring a cookbook, well actually it is a notebook with various recipes passed down from my grandmother to my mother to me. My grandmother passed away when I was 10 but one memory I hold on to was her amazing baking.  Because it is one of the only artifacts I have from my grandmother it is very important to me. 

If I had to keep only one of the three items I would keep the teddy bear.  He is the only object that has been a consistent part of my life for all of the life stages and truly represents a part of who I am. 

When doing this exercise it made me remember when I left the USA to study abroad and I had to limit what I packed with me to just 3 suitcases.  Obviously I needed clothes but I also wanted to make sure I had some reminders of other things that were important to me including pictures and other reminders of home.  Even though I wasn't staying forever I was reminded often of things that I was used to that we had in America that they did not have in Ireland. My parents sent me a few a care packages, mostly filled with food items that they did not have, but it just reminded me of my American culture.  

My Supports

• I am lucky to have many supports in my daily environment including my family, my friends, my colleagues and my dogs.  Without these supports I definitely would not be where I am today. 
•  My parents have always been a constant and strong support throughout my life. Although they live about 400 miles away I know they are always there for me if I need anything. Without them I wouldn't have been able to purchase my first house, go to college or even have the confidence to move away.  My life wouldn't be the same without their presence.  
• My friends give me constant moral and emotional support guiding me through tough situations and instances that have come up in my life. I am lucky to have many good lifetime friends still present in my life.Without them I would have a difficult time handling many of lifes challenges.
•   My colleagues provide support to me daily in the school environment. I wouldn't be able to do my job effectively without them nor would I have been able to come up with many of the ideas that I incorporate into my daily plans. 
•  My 2 dogs provide a constant emotional support. They are always there for me and are always happy to see me even when I am not happy.  They give me routine and schedule which I need in my life. Without them I would feel very lost and lonely. 
• Environmental supports are also important.  Money, technology (cell phones and internet) and my car are all supports that without them I would be lost and unable to access the above people who give me the support I need in other ways
• I have an upcoming challenge of a surgery for my foot.  I live alone and am very independent and it scares me when thinking of this surgery that I am going to become dependent on everyone around me for the simplest of daily tasks.  This frightens me and makes me worried that I am going to need others to be dependable and there for me.  I am going to need physical help to get through my daily routines including mowing my lawn, going grocery shopping, cooking and laundry. I am going to need monetary support as I will not be able to work for 6-8 weeks. I will need emotional support as I am going to be going through dealing with an increased dependence on others and I am not going to be able to do the things I enjoy.
• My parents are going to take time off from work to come down and help me and without their support I wouldn't be able to have this surgery.  They will be able to provide for me in all of the ways listed above and without them I do not know what I would do.  Some of my friends have already offered to help by taking me grocery shopping and helping with my dogs and lawn and they will always be there for emotional support. My colleagues will be supporting me by covering me at work. If these supports were not in place already I would of had to put off the surgery causing me more pain.

My Connections to Play

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”
― Plato

 "Play fosters belonging and encourages cooperation."
 Stuart Brown, MD Contemporary American Psychiatrist

This is where "gue" used to be for our manhunt games.  Spent many days playing on the swingset.

This is the type of fort we built in the backyard. Made of simple logs and trees but a great place to share our deepest dreams.

We played many games with a ball like this.  Some of our best memories were backyard kickball and softball.  We really learned how to take turns and celebrate other's victories.

Some of my favorite memories of my childhood were playing with the neighborhood friends outside.  I used to love to play manhunt, kickball, the sandbox and play in the fort we made in our backyard. I was an only child and the time I spent with the other "little girls in the neighborhood" was like time spent with sisters.  I view one of those girls as my sister to this day, I was maid of honor in her wedding and the godmother to her child and I really value that relationship that was created during the many outdoor play activities we engaged in as a young child. It is very true that you can discover the inner being of someone else when you are engaged in play with them, that is when their true self comes out.  I think that is how I truly fostered some of the best relationships that I have in my life to this day.  Our parents would tell us to go out and play until the street lights came on. We lived in a very safe neighborhood that was shaped like a horseshoe so there was very little traffic. Our parents would check out the window every once in a while to see how we were doing outside.  It was very nice to be able to have the freedom to engage and explore with other kids.

Play is very different nowadays. I think it is much more difficult in the society we live in to allow your children to go outside and play "until the streetlights come on" with minimal supervision.  It is unfortunate that safety is no longer assumed.  I think that this is one of the major things that impacts the ability for children to play. I also feel that parents in todays society need to work a lot more to be able to keep up with the increasing cost of living, which limits the amount of available time they have to play with their children or supervise their outside play. There are many demands on parents including work demands, parental demands, and societal demands. Many times their work days do not end when they walk in the door so it easier to allow their children a few hours of "screen time" (tv, internet, video games) so they can complete a work assignment or clean the house then it is to encourage them to play or read together. I wish for today's children that they can have time that is safe and supervised to engage in the kinds of play I got to as a child.  If I become a parent, that will be a priority of my childrens upbringing.  I think it is very important that children are given time to explore each other and their surroundings. If it weren't for the time I was given to play I wouldn't have many of the social skills or friends that I have now.  I wouldn't be able to handle the daily disappointments of life as easily without having the experiences of being picked last for the manhunt team or kickball team, or getting the last out in the softball game and losing it for your team. I feel the time I got to play in my childhood has shaped me into the adult I am today.  I feel it is important even as an adult to prioritize time for "play" and relaxation. I like to live my life as Theodore Roosevelt said "When you play, play hard; when you work, don't play at all.”

Relationship Reflection

•  "Human relationships, and the effects of relationships on relationships, are the building blocks of healthy development" (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000, p. 4).
• Explain why relationships/partnerships are important to you (If you would like, upload a photo or photos of people* who are important to you)
• Relationships are important to me because they teach me more about myself and motivate me to be a better person.  They allow you to see outside of your own little world and see the impact that you have on others.  They also help to give you the support you may need to pursue goals and conquer dreams. Creating good relationships with others is essential for both personal and professional success in life. 
• Identify several people with whom you currently have positive relationships and/or partnerships
• I have positive relationships with my mom and dad and my best friend Jen. 
• Describe the ways in which each relationship is positive and factors that contributed to developing and maintaining each relationship
• My parents and I support each other. We touch base regularly over the phone since they live out of state and we make it a priority to see each other as often as possible. My parents always help me when I have had a problem and are always there as a steady and strong support. They also always encourage me to do my best and succeed in all new adventures.
• My best friend Jen and I have been friends since diapers. Even though I have lived 400 miles away from her she has always made it a priority to come and see me and visit.  We support each other when needed and know that the we will be there for each other in good times and bad. Jen is able to make me laugh and also to be there if I cry. 
• Describe insights regarding challenges to developing and maintaining relationships that you have learned from your experience over time
• Maintaining a relationship requires work on both parties accounts. It requires not only an effort but sometimes an effort that goes above and beyond.  For me many of my positive relationships are long distance so it can also require a time and travel commitment.  Honesty and respect both have to be a 2-way street when it comes to maintaining a relationship. 
• What do you see as special characteristics of these relationships that make some, if any, partnerships?
• I see the fact that all positive components go both ways. One party is not taking while the other is giving. A partnership comes into account when you each are mutually benefiting from each other and giving the same amount to the relationship. 
• How might your experiences with relationships/partnerships, including your ability to be an active, reflective contributor, impact your work as an effective early childhood professional?
• All education requires a large amount of collaboration but in early childhood education you are not only collaborating with other staff members you are also working with families so it is important that you are able to form positive relationships with others and understand the working components of a positive relationship. Having and maintaining other relationships will only strengthen and shape those skills to be stronger when working with other professionals and families.