As you know, I originally contacted UNICEF, and to this day I haven't received a reply. I continue to log on various websites in search of information that may help me in my quest for knowledge about the issues and trends in the early childhood field.
UNICEF newsletter on "the situation of children", January 2011., under the health section discussed publich health and expeditures being at its lowest point in a ten year period in 2010. The investment budget for 2011 prescribed by the Finance Law, has prioritized certain activities over others in an effort to meet basic health centres that serve the majority of health seeking population. This section is relevant to my current profession of early childhood because health issues affect the development of the growning child. Poor health also affects cognitive development.
This week I read an article on UNICEF that dealth with food insecurity. There was a shift from moderate to severe insecurity. This is important because Maslow dwescribes one ofour basic and essential needs as being foo. In the article supporting neuroscientist, Copple and Bredkamp studied issues on developmentally appropriate practice and the NAEYC explore components of creating an active, stimulating learning environment which is belied to strengthen neurological networks. The article concluded with "mirror neurons", which affect the young child's moods, emotions, and empathy.
Yesterday, my oldest daughter came home upset, because she found out that one of her high school students was homeless. She was looking for the child because of state mandated test issues. Poverty, health, nutrition, and shelter are issues that our children deal with on a daily basis in some cases, but the problems are rarely brought to the surface. This young lady would also be a product of food insecurity and homelessness, right in our own school district and community.
