Early Childhood Policy by Stephanie Affinito https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4 Describe your chosen resource to the appropriate shelf and link directly to the site using the attachment bar. How might this policy impact our practice as educators? en-us 2018-04-20 17:16:38 UTC 2025-10-17 00:38:44 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Lightdecrease.png Riley Sheridan-Home Visiting riley_sheridan https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367276065 This might affect our practice as educators because it could become more common and accepted to visit children at their homes! This article shared research about how home visiting leads to fewer children in social welfare, mental health, and juvenile corrections systems!]]> 2019-06-12 22:06:38 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367276065 Allie Tedeschi - Poverty on Infants allie_tedesch https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367622718 This is important because students coming into school in low economic areas already start with a disadvantage. With this study, it shows poverty effects their brain growth and that is concerning. ]]> 2019-06-14 15:25:16 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367622718 Rebecca Buchwald-Early Head Start https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367785717 This is important because it ensures that all at- risk infants and toddlers enter school ready to learn and succeed. This article highlights that there are many young children, living in poverty and presents many obstacles towards a successful education. The Early Head Start Program not only allows young children to succeed in school, but through supporting the development of these children, they will be able to succeed more in life. ]]> 2019-06-16 17:13:05 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367785717 Julia Kronick- Federal Poverty and Family Support Policy Tracker https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367954791 This link is important and helpful as it provides information on a variety of policies that are set up to support families that are living in poverty. As many of our students live in poverty, it's important to know what policies various people have access to, how the policies will help them, how long the policies are available for, and so on. Being educated on these policies is crucial to working successfully in the school setting. ]]> 2019-06-17 16:42:51 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367954791 Akina Ngu- Good Nutrition Feeds Healthy Development angu2 https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367982504 This link is important because it's a good source of information to pass onto families who are facing hunger and malnutrition. Many students come to school and go home hungry which affects thiner ability to learn. As teachers, we can direct families to two of many federal nutrition programs- WIC and CACFP, to ensure that students' cognitive, social and emotional health aren't affected.]]> 2019-06-17 20:08:40 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367982504 Lisa Mason- Child Welfare, Securing a Bright Future: Maltreated Infants and Toddlers lcmason369 https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367986172 The first few years of a child's life are critical when it comes to brain development. It is imperative that infants and toddlers have strong connections with caregivers. Secure relationships for young children are indicative of later academic success and mental health. Unfortunately, infants and toddlers make up 27% of children who are abused and/or neglected. In the foster care system, 31% of children are infants or toddlers. This link suggests multiple policy recommendations to remediate some of the affects of maltreatment and abuse (e.g. comprehensive medical and mental health services, expedited permanency for children in foster care, specialized training for those working with maltreated children). By providing maltreated infants and toddlers with the physical and mental supports they need, they will be set up for later success. ]]> 2019-06-17 20:39:58 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/367986172 Madison Cascio - Paid Family Leave madisoncascio1 https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368015045 Paid family leave is, what I believe, an essential right for parents. As mentioned on the website linked below, the first few months of a child's life is critical in helping them to establish a relationship with their parents and with the world around them. This link is extremely important for parents, as it provides them with numerous articles, info-graphics, and statistics that illuminate the importance of paid leave and information on policies and legislation in effect.
The statistics on babies and mothers' health alone is eye-opening. "Studies show that paid leave yields higher rates and longer periods of breastfeeding, which reduces the rates of childhood infections." Paid family leave is a basic right for a parent. Not only does it allow for allow for significant bonding, but it greatly impacts the child's development. ]]> 2019-06-18 00:55:57 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368015045 Kayla Campana-Early Intervention Policy kcampana1 https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368023844 Early intervention is key to supporting infants and toddlers who may not develop in the same manner as their peers, including if they have a disability or developmental delay. This article discusses the importance of policymakers authorizing funding for early intervention programs, apart of Part C of IDEA. Part C of IDEA is the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, which is a funded federal grant that provides states with programs to support children from birth through 2 years old with or at risk of developing delays or special needs. This impacts our practice as educators because it provides us with the means to screen and intervene at an early age, optimizing students' learning before they fall too far behind their peers. Early identification of children who are in need of supports, in addition to funding for the implementation of early intervention programs, are valuable methods of effectively supporting children proactively, leading to greater success in school. ]]> 2019-06-18 02:15:30 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368023844 Screenings: Early Identification kgalm https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368165057 This article shared the research behind early intervention and it also addressed recommendations for policies that should be put in place. Completing screenings early on in a child's life allows children to receive the services and supports they might need to help them with their development. The earlier on the child can receive services the better. This policy impacts our practice as educators because if a child is not receiving services or support for their developmental issues or delays, then the child is going to start to fall behind. It is our job as educators to meet our students needs, but we can not meet their needs if they have not been screened to first identify their problem. ]]> 2019-06-18 17:53:05 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368165057 Nadia Rahman - Early Intervention Policy nadia_khan312 https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368183609 This article talks about the importance of early intervention. From birth to age 3 is very important because this is where children are learning the most. The article states that early identification and proper intervention can help students with delays catch up to peers by kindergarten. The article further discusses how not enough children are being identified for early intervention even though the state will cover costs for low income families.]]> 2019-06-18 20:04:22 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368183609 Devon Schwartz- The Next Generation of Fathers dschwartz11 https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368185942 Babies experience rapid growth in development across several domains from the ages of birth to three. Having both parents spend time with their babies is critical to development. Often, however, many parents, including fathers, are not getting to spend enough time with their babies because of factors such as working to make ends meat. Many fathers have expressed interest in being in the picture, but aren't afforded the opportunities to do so. The U.S government needs to consider policy that allows both parents to spend time with their children during this critical period of development. Furthermore, action needs to be taken to financially support parents (e.g., paid leave). Fathers have sometimes been perceived as not being in the picture, but perhaps this could be due to financial pressure. In my opinion, parents need to have time to settle into their new life, collaborate with one another without consequence, and provide time with their children fear from financial punishment. New fathers are up to the task, and should be given chances to be in the picture without causing a financial burden to the family.]]> 2019-06-18 20:22:37 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368185942 Think Babies demarcov347 https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368221252 Vinny DeMarco-ZERO to Three- Think Baby
In the video “Think Babies” they promote giving the care necessary to support the young mind. During the ages from zero to three the research shows that this is the period in which the brain grows the most. This campaign calls for support during these years for children by providing affordable, quality health care, paid family leave, home visiting. Support for healthy emotional development, health and nutrition services, and early head start programs. These are important steps that we need to take to ensure that these early years are the most productive for the toddlers. The campaign argues that this is the time for the foundation to develop and with the support it will lead to a better future for all. 

The ZERO to Three campaign relates to the learning we have been doing so far this semester. We know that during the first years of a child they develop at a rapid speed. By giving families the chance to cater to the child, they will see great results when the child starts school. This is an ongoing issue for elementary students that they are entering school with not enough support at an early age. Students are starting school with emotional issues as well as not being as prepared as students whose family had the luxury of taking these steps to prepare their child.



]]> 2019-06-19 02:01:15 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368221252 Brooke Van Wie- Family Engagement https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368375297 Families have the greatest impact on their child’s development. They are the first “teacher” in the child’s life. This article shares information about how families can get more involved and engaged in their child’s development. The website provides a parenting resource to help guide the parents in what they should be doing to only benefit their child. There are tips on how to have a safe environment and providing a healthy life style. As an educator, if you see a family in crisis, you could use this site as a first step in helping and supporting the family during the crisis. This site is a good resource for teachers to use as a guide for families that need some support in certain areas. ]]> 2019-06-19 20:48:22 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368375297 Jessica LaPorte - Discover the Missing Year and Prepare Your Baby for Success in School laportejl https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368386535 Many parents do not realize that children's brains grow and develop the most before age three. This article shares the importance of parental involvement and interaction from an early age. "The Missing Year" refers to the misconception that a child's development of feelings, emotions, and understandings about the world do not develop until they are a year old. However, many families do not understand the growth and development that occurs in the first year of life. ZERO TO THREE suggests several policies to help all families seize this year of growth. Policies such as national paid family leave, access to child development specialists, home visits after birth and throughout early childhood, and early head start would provide support to families and educate them about this vital year of development. With these policies in place, parents can make sure that they are making the biggest impact possible on their child's future success in school. As educators, this article challenges us to provide the support and developmental understandings that parents need to help their children achieve in early childhood. It also challenges us to acknowledge the experiences that our students bring into our classroom from their parent's involvement early in life.]]> 2019-06-19 22:43:10 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368386535 Bridget Humphrey - The Importance of Vaccinations bhumphre12 https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368388524 According to the infographic on this article, a lack of vaccination for children under 4 can be deadly during influenza season. Flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu-associated deaths by 65% among healthy children. I personally believe vaccinating your child is one of the most important things you can do for them when they are so young and their immune systems are vulnerable to preventable diseases. What surprised me that there are three states out of 50 in the US that require vaccinations for enrollment in preschool and day care. A vaccination policy would impact our practice as educators by stressing the importance to children about basic health tips: wash your hands often, use a tissue to wipe your nose instead of your hand, and using hand sanitizer and wet wipes. Young parents may not know the benefits of receiving vaccines or where to receive them, so this infographic may prove useful for young children.]]> 2019-06-19 23:02:59 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368388524 Florencia Lopez - Strategies to Promote Early Childhood Social and Emotional Development https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368408434 The website Zero to Three has many useful resources for families and educators. I enjoyed reading this article in particular because it addresses the importance social and emotional development in early childhood. In order for children to learn, they need to be socially and emotionally stable. However, many times as educators we encounter students who struggle socially and emotionally. This article begins by defining social and emotional development as well as all the areas that are influenced by it (biology, relationships and environment). The article continues to explain how mental health problems begin to develop in early childhood and how it can affect a child’s social and emotional development. Furthermore, the article provided parents as well as educators with ways in which we can enhance and promote emotional and social development.  ]]> 2019-06-20 02:00:46 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368408434 Samantha Scott- The Child Care for Working Families: A Big Step for Quality Infant-Toddler Child Care https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368668651 This article focuses The Child Care for Working Families Act, which provides Child Care assistance to working families, with an emphasis on infants and toddlers. This bill would benefit both families and child care workers, and would further extend to providing high-quality, inclusive care for young children with disabilities as well. Lastly, this bill would provide state funding, which would in turn provide young children with the developmental support they need, and would help solve the gaps in the infant-toddler age group. Goodson (2009) emphasizes the importance of early literacy skills, and this resource is vital to providing working families with an opportunity to present young children with early literacy instruction. ]]> 2019-06-21 17:02:11 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368668651 Nicole Carey: Early Intervention Policy ncarey21 https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368760875 When we identify children who are in need of early intervention, and we provide them with the appropriate supports we can help eliminate long term effects on development (). This goes along with the article Early Beginnings in that it discusses the fact that children who develop more skills in their preschool years generally perform better in the primary grades. This is very evident in the classroom, many of my students who I have provided supports for have a history of difficulties with social-emotional development. ]]> 2019-06-22 21:40:38 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368760875 Jillian Burns- Paid Leave is a Must for Hard Working Families jillian_burns https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368774425 Paid leave for working families is a must. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) came about over 20 years and has been used by millions of people. This act allows employees to take off for medical reasons or to take care of their newborn child without their job being in jeopardy and while getting paid. The problem with this act is that it only covers 42% of the population. The other 58% are not getting paid to take a leave of absence for these same reasons. Studies show that the first few months of a baby’s life are the most important so for people who can’t afford to take off work are missing out on these crucial moments in their child’s life. 26 years after the FMLA was created, policymakers are now starting to show interest in creating a national paid leave program. The Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act was introduced earlier this year and provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave for illnesses, births, and injuries of themselves or a family member. The new paid leave program must incorporate these elements that the Family Act includes. This policy will impact our practice as educators by allowing us to get the paid leave we deserve.It is time for Americans to get the support that we've been waiting for and continue what the nation started in 1993- paid leave for everyone. ]]> 2019-06-23 03:54:00 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368774425 Michelle Nagle- The Daddy Factor mnagle5 https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368803654 Children who have involved fathers experience lasting positive effects. Fathers who are involved with their child early caregiving develop secure attachments which continue throughout their lives into adulthood. These children with secure attachments to their fathers do better academically, they are more social, more confident, and better liked by peers throughout their early childhood. Studies show that fathers tend to ask their children more questions, which lead to enhanced communication skills. The enhanced communication skills are correlated with higher IQ's and academic achievement. The more time fathers spend playing and communicating the higher their reading and math scores are at ages 10 and 11. Goodson (2009) also stated the importance of early education and its later effects on student achievement. Fathers being involved in their children's lives can be viewed as a form of early education which impacts their children throughout their education years and beyond. ]]> 2019-06-23 14:00:37 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368803654 Michaela Durrant - Five Things That Matter, No Matter What durrant_michaela https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368811522 This article discusses five key elements needed in order for children to grow as learners, both academically and socially. Similar to our readings, the article discusses the importance of children having the opportunity for early education. Another element discussed is that children living in poverty cannot grow in the same ways as those who do not. It goes on to explain that if children are not given equal access to resources, they cannot grow as learners. Lastly, the idea of building strong and meaningful relationships is important for children because it gives them trust and confidence in their surroundings, allowing them to take part in the process of learning.]]> 2019-06-23 15:47:36 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/368811522 Kristen O'Connor- Are Time-Outs Helpful or Harmful to Young Children? https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/391097720 Children are always learning how to regulate their emotions from the moment they are born. Parents today may often be wondering what the best practices are as a parent, just as teachers are reevaluating themselves to determine their best educational practices, in order to best help children be able to self- regulate and self-soothe when necessary. For decades, parents have utilized the "time out" in order to have a child sit out of whatever activity they were doing that caused a meltdown, to think of their actions or words, then return to play when appropriate. Now, research is showing that children, especially around age two, cannot properly process a timeout, instead viewing it as a strain on their relationship with their parent. Instead of time outs, Zero to Three recommends a "Time in" in which the parent will physically comfort their child, rather than create a space in which the child feels ashamed. At times, children's emotions are so sky high that physical touch will only send them into further uproar. In these situations, parents are advised to lead the child to a safe, comforting space to take a break. The parent will still be present and encouraging the child to calm down. I enjoyed reading this article because it reminded me greatly of the practices we use in the school that I work in, when a child is having a melt down. They are encouraged to "take a break" and return when they are calm to have a problem solving discussion. If started young, these "Time In" and "Take a Break" ideas could really be beneficial to a child's emotional health as well as aligned to the practices of the child's school. ]]> 2019-09-29 23:14:09 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/391097720 Kelly O'Hara - Poverty's Effect on Infants and Toddlers Infographic kelohara009 https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/634501963 As a part of my professional development I participated in a Teaching Poverty workshop that opened my eyes that is summed up pretty well in this infographic. It focuses on how poverty affects the mind of a young child. It affects their self-regulation, memory, and emotional control. In the workshop, these were all discussed in depth. Every person choosing to enter the education field should make themselves aware of this policy and learn how they can be better for the people in this situation. This resource is a great starting point.

Rita Pierson is another great resource on this topic! She has a ton of videos on youtube that are just great!

]]> 2020-06-20 17:19:33 UTC https://padlet.com/stephanieaffini/6o50488znrw4/wish/634501963