The Impact of Poverty

Poverty is a challenge that is well-known and affects families and communities on numerous levels. According to Hanson and Lynch (2013) "although many families manage to overcome adverse circumstances, living in poverty unleashes a set of factors and events that pose great risk to the well-being and development of children and their families"(p.130). Duncan, Magnuson, Boyce, and Shonkoff (2011) noted that "poverty constrains parents' ability to provide rich learning opportunities for their children and often parents choose among lower-quality child care, which we know can compromise the relationships children need for healthy development" (p. 1).

I would like to investigate the effects poverty has on families within the school community. I would also like to explore ways in which the school community assists families living in poverty. Programs have been put into place and show positive results, however, the poverty cycle continues and students are still entering school unprepared. How can we change this ongoing situation in order to enhance lives of our nations youngest?

                                                                       References

 

developingchild.Harvard.edu/index.php/download

 

Hanson, M.J. & Lynch, E.W. (2013). Understanding Families: Approaches to Diversity, Disability,

     and Risk. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.









Dilemmas and Responsiblities

Studying and comparing the early care and education system in the United States to the variety of public systems in France, Denmark, Mexico, and Canada to the variety of public system approaches implemented in the United States, I found many of our goals and purposes the same though practices may be different. All countries value educational opportunities for all and see them as an equalizing force and all countries believe in early education for all children.  Then why do we have so many problems with our early childhood programs, educational progress, parental involvement, school health and nutrition? Is it the parents who are lagging in preparing children for school, not valuing education, setting proper examples and routines at home, or is it the schools responsibility for taking care of parental jobs? 

Census Bureau. 2010. The Impact of Rising Poverty in the Nation's Young Families and their
     Children.
Education in Mexico: School the whole family. The Economist. (2011). Retrieved from
     http://www.economist.com
Jameel, A. (2011). Briefcase. Poverty Action Lab. Getting Parents Involved. Retrieved from
     http://www.povertyactionlab.org
McKenna, M. Williams, D., (1998). The challenge facing parent councils in Canada. (Report
     No.6V.74 p.378-82). Retrieved from http://www.thefreelibrary.com
Raven, B., (2009). Parental involvement including ethnic minority parents in Denmark 2009. A
     European Synopsis. Country Report Denmark. Retrieved from
http://www.involved-migrants-improve-ols.eu/fileadmin/userupload/Country_Reports/Denmark.pdf
University of Michigan. Poverty and Education: USA vs. World. Retrieved from:
     http://sitemaker.umich.edu/salas.356/usa_vs._world.

Dissemination Thread

Below is the link for my dissemination piece. This piece is meant to promote social change and positive outcomes for young children and families.

Dissemination Piece

Nature-Based Play

Hatchey and Butler (2009), explored a plethora of evidence indicating that contact with nature is as important to children as good nutrition and adequate sleep, therefore, educators need to address children's access to nature. The need to explore and learn through nature is particularly important in urban areas, where children have few opportunities to interact with nature. Academic, social, and health-related domains support children's development through nature-based curriculum. The National Research Council states, "Because plants are especially easy to grow and care for, students at every grade level should be involved with gardening projects, using outside space, window boxes, or potted plants." What are schools in your urban setting doing to incorporate nature in learning?

URL: http://www.naeyc.org/yc/pastissues/2009/November

Second Post

Today's Headline News, "Extreme Poverty Now at Record Levels"
The effects resulting from this situation will be detrimental for our nations already at risk families on numerous levels. How can we rectify this situation at the local level by examining what is working on the local levels globally?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2302997/U-S-sees-highest-poverty-spike-1960s-leaving-50-million-Americans-poor-government-cuts-billions-spending.html

First Post

My prior graduate school experience reinforced my appreciation for the field of education. I cherish the active learning opportunities with interdisciplinary students motivated by the curiosity and love of learning. Upon completion of my doctorate degree I look forward to once again becoming part of a university community in which to grow as an educator while ensuring that future teachers have all the appropriate knowledge possible in order to individualize and succeed in the classroom.