By following the outside links provided on the National Black Child Development Institute website, I was able to find an informative article, A Framework That Works: How PreK-3rd Can Be A Smart Strategy for Black Kids, Families, and Communities. The framework provided includes 6 areas considered to be critical to the positive growth and developmental well-being of Black children. These areas of focus are, "Effective and aligned instruction across consecutive years, positive relationships between children and teachers, strong family and community engagement, high-importance placed on social-emotional development, access to full-day high-quality PreK and Kindergarten, and successful, supportive and seamless transitions."
This week I explored the area of NBCDI's website related to child health. Identifying that health issues are extremely complex and wide-ranging, the organization is focusing on financial health for Spring and Summer of 2013. The wealth gap between White and Black people has almost doubled during the recession. The results are staggering as the average household wealth or net worth of Whites is currently $110.729, versus only $4,995 for Blacks, according the the NBCDI's website. The article provides many recommendations for working towards financial security, ranging from talking to children about money to suggestions for free physical activities for the summer - which aim to improve health concerns, a heavy financial burden for many families.
The National Black Child Development Institute's mission ties in well with our study of equity, or inequity, in early childhood education and care. The NBCDI is focused on generating positive developmental growth for children who are either living in poverty or facing racial discrimination, or both. While many of us will certainly advocate for equity in education and care, organizations such as this remind us that the battle is challenging and complex. I feel that advocacy groups would benefit from joining forces and collaborating in efforts to bring equity to the field. Many groups seem to share similar goals, but the disconnect in planning and organization leads to groups working in isolation. I feel that we must come together to effectively address policies creating numerous obstacles and barriers stemming from inequity.
Parker, You have so much great information on here about your resource. There are so many issues that are based on child's health. I strongly believe that the health of a child effects their ability to learn and grow as an individual. Its amazing to me how much these policies and organizations can give out information to advocates and professionals like us to keep us informed on education and issues around it. I believe you have a very strong resource! You seem like you have learned a lot! I have gained a lot of insight by just reading your blog! - Brittany
ReplyDeleteYour comment about advocacy groups collaborating in efforts to bring equity to the field is very thought provoking. In striving for a more cohesive and equal environment for our children we must look at ways we can model this by uniting in our own efforts.
ReplyDeleteGreat information. My favorite is how the website breakdown Obama's commitment to early childhood State of the Union address in their rebuttal. It is written in layman's term and the parents and visitors can definitely understand the mission.
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