Hello Early Childhood and Pediatric Community

Posted on by ECEZero2Three

Welcome to my child health and development internet site. If you found yourself here, feel free to share your thoughts, wisdom and resources on working with young children and families. I will try to keep this site up to date on current issues as they relate to child development; pediatrics; health, safety and nutrition; feeding; special needs, and working with families. I will also use this site to post resources (including information from my ECE courses) for the families and/or early childhood education professionals & students. Thank you !

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ECE 146 Spring 2012 Syllabus

Posted on by ECEZero2Three

This Spring I am teaching ECE 146–The Child with Special Needs.

I will post class related items here:

ECE 146-Spring 2012

The_Path_To_Inclusion_English 2011

ADA_Brochure_English

Path_to_Inclusion_Spanish_2011

ADA  Brochure_Spanish

CA CDE IFSPs and IEPs

TalkingWhenConcerned2007 (Map to Inclusive Childcare) pdf.

Adapting_ECE Curriculum Lecture ppt.

EXTRA RESOURCES….

California Inclusion and Behavior Consultation (CIBC) Network

For More Information…These are additional resources not included in your syllabus

Inclusion Works– CDE Publication

* SPIN’s Resource Guide– Guide to Services and Supports for Children with Special Needs

Spin_Resource_Guide

Spin_Resource_Guide_Spanish

* Wonderful explanation of understanding an audiogram,  and  hearing loss in children or adults

Audiograms

*  Important Information on Bullying and Children with Special Needs

walk-a-mile-in-their-shoes

* Circle of Inclusion Chapters

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

*  Children with Challenging Behavior (L. Brault)

ChallengingBehavior_2005

Nutrition and Feeding: We are what we eat…

Posted on by ECEZero2Three

tennis nutrition

Nutrition is vital to good health, and good health is vital to learning and development.

This post is dedicated to providing information on nutrition and feeding both for all young children and children with special needs. I have recently done several work shops related to nutrition and feeding.  I have attached two presentations, each with further links to resources I have found helpful in my journey to understand nutrition and feeding as it relates to child development. I have also included additional links to help you on your journey.

NutritionWorkshop: Chilldren with Special Needs

Feeding Frenzy: A Transdisciplinary Approach to Feeding Issues

Nutrition and Children with Special Needs (Washington State Health Dept.)

Infant Nutrition and Health Resource List (Food and Nutrition Information Center)

kaytoomey Steps to Eating

Ellyn Satter’s  webinars  on  Raising Children with Special Needs to be Competent Eaters by Ellyn Satter, Pamela Estes and Ines Anchondo can be found at:  http://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org

Why I’m Here…

Posted on by ECEZero2Three

I guess you could say I came into the world of child development through the “back door.”

I started out my career in nursing with working in emergency, fulfilled with the opportunity to work both “in the air” as a helicopter flight nurse, and “at sea” as a cruise ship nurse.  Working for CalSTAR,  I entered the world of pediatrics, and focused my career in that direction. I  had the opportunity to teach pediatrics to both nursing and paramedic students.

Then came the world of parenthood, with the birth of my daughter Chelsea now 20, followed by my identical twin sons Cameron and Matthew.  My twin pregnancy was complicated by Twin-to-Twin Transfusion syndrome, and my twins were born at 32 weeks gestation.  My life took a “new path” as we realized that Cameron had cerebral palsy, and was visually impaired. I had entered the world of disability and special needs. I had to look at child development in a whole new light, and build new hopes, dreams and values as they related to me, my children, my family and my community.  The most important of which were inclusion and belonging.

Ten years ago, I had the opportunity to join the world of early intervention, when I accepted the position of Coordinator for the Early Start Program. I jumped at the chance to go back to school and earn my MA and credential in Early Childhood Special Education. I currently work as an Infant/Toddler Teacher,  providing service coordination and infant development services to families with a child 0-3 who has a developmental delay(s) or disability.  I am fortunate to spend most of my time doing home visits, providing encouragement, coaching, strategies, and hope to families and caregivers.

Instructing in the ECE Dept. at Cabrillo brought me back to the world of adult learning, and the diverse student population that the field of child development attracts. As I teach, I learn, and want to know more and more. I have just completed a Infant-Parent Mental Health Postgraduate Certification Program fellowship, where I have had the opportunity to take this quest for knowledge to a new level.  How we support families to love and understand their unique child is critical, and we in early childhood education and pediatrics have an important role to advocate for children and families in our community, state, nation, and the world!

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Dana’s Curriculum Vitae

Child Health and Development…In the News

Posted on by ECEZero2Three

Check out the PBS Series “This Emotional Life”

Here is the segment on ATTACHMENT READ MORE

Early Experience Found Critical for Language Development

ScienceDaily (June 17, 2011) — We know that poor social and physical environments can harm young children’s cognitive and behavioral development, and that development often improves in better environments. Now a new study of children living in institutions has found that intervening early can help young children develop language… READ MORE  

Preschoolers’ Language Development Is Partly Tied To Their Classmates’ Language Skills

ScienceDaily (May 18, 2009) — Young children learn how to speak and understand language from the words parents speak at home and teachers speak in preschool. A new longitudinal study has found that their preschool classmates also play a part…READ MORE

Home Learning Experiences Boost Low-Income Kids’ School Readiness

ScienceDaily (June 17, 2011) — Home learning experiences that are consistently supportive in the early years may boost low-income children’s readiness for school. READ MORE

Prolonged Breastfeeding May Be Linked to Fewer Behavior Problems

ScienceDaily (May 11, 2011) — Breastfeeding for four months or more is associated with fewer behavioural problems in children at age 5, an Oxford University study suggests.READ MORE

Growth, Hormonal Profiles Differ Between Breastfed, Formula-Fed Infants: Early Nutrition Has a Long-Term Metabolic Impact

ScienceDaily (May 2, 2011) — Nutrition during the first days or weeks of life may have long-term consequences on health, potentially via a phenomenon known as the metabolic programming effect READ MORE

Identifying Toddlers at Risk for Autism

ScienceDaily (June 5, 2011) — Parents and health care providers can’t always tell whether toddlers display signs of autism syndrome disorder (ASD), but new research from the University of Utah shows that a significant portion of at-risk children between 14-24 months can be identified through systematic screening by autism experts and providers working together…READ MORE

Parent Like a Cave Man??

New research suggests that our early hunter-gatherer ancestors raised happier, more compassionate kids—thanks to natural birth, extended breastfeeding, and co-sleeping. Should modern parents follow suit? READ MORE

 

Infant/Toddler Curriculum

Posted on by ECEZero2Three

This fall I am excited to be teaching ECE 139C Toddler [10-36 month] Curriculum Course

Here is my syllabus to REVIEW: ECE_139C_Curriculum_with_Toddlers pdf.

** Indicates REQUIRED READING for course

In preparing for this class I will be infusing and integrating the philosophies, guidelines and foundations of:

  • Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families

Zero to Three

  • California’s Infant/Toddler Learning & Development Foundations and Program Guidelines

Infant Toddler Learning & Development Foundations                                     

Infant Toddler Learning & Development Program Guidelines

  • PITC (WestEd Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers)

Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers

Discoveries of Infancy pdf.

  • High/Scope (Course Text– Tender Care and Early Learning: Supporting Infants and Toddlers in Child Care Setting by Jacalyn Post and Mary Hohmann)

High/Scope Educational Research Foundation

High/Scope® Infant and Toddler Key Experiences pdf.

  • CSEFEL Center for Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (Infant/Toddler)

CSEFEL Infant/Toddler                                                                          

  • RIE [Resources for Infant Educarers]

Educaring

RIE Philosophy pdf.

  • Montessori

Living Montessori Now (Infant/Toddler)

***************************************************

TEXT and Required Reading: Tender Care and Early Learning: Supporting Infants and Toddlers in Child Care Settings by Jacalyn Post & Mary Hohmann (High/Scope) **

Emergent Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers (NAEYC) **

Self Regulation (NAEYC) **

The Uniqueness of Infancy Demands a Responsive Approach to Care (NAEYC) **

ECE 139C Observation_Assignment docx.

*****************************************************

Books I have found very useful in planning this course:

  • Infants, Toddlers, and Caregivers–A Curriculum of Respectful, Responsive Care and Education (8th Ed. ) by Janet Gonzalez-Mena, and Dianne Widmeyer Eyer
  • Endless Opportunities for Infant and Toddler Curriculum: A Relationship-Based Approach by Sandra H. Petersen and Donna S. Wittmer
  • Infants and Toddlers: Curriculum and Teaching by Terri Jo Swim and Linda Watso
  • Being with Babies: Understanding and Responding to the Infants in Your Care by Beverly Kovach and Denise Da Ros-Voseles
  • Learning to Read the World: Language and Literacy in the First Three Years, Edited by Sharon E. Rosenkoetter & Joanne Knapp-Philo
  • Bambini: The Italian Approach to Infant/Toddler Care, Edited by Lella Gandini & Caroline Pope Edwards

Others I found to be helpful resources:

  • Working in the Reggio Way: A Beginner’s Guide for American Teachers by J. Wurm
  • Your Self-Confident Baby by Magda Gerber and A. Johnson
  • Babies in the Rain: Promoting Play, Exploration, and Discovery with Infants and Toddlers by J. Johnson
  • Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers by A Dombro, L. Coker. & D.T. Dodge
  • Simple Steps: Developmental Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year Olds by Karen Miller
  • Toddlers Together: The Complete Planning Guide for a Toddler Curriculum by C. Catlin
  • Complete Learning Spaces Book for Infants and Toddlers by R. Isbell and C. Isbell
  • Complete Resource Book for Infants/ Book for Toddlers and Twos by P. Schiller
  • Beautiful Beginnings: A Developmental Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers by H. Raikes and J.M. Whitmer
  • The Comprehensive Infant Curriculum by K. Albrecht & L. Miller
  • Educating and Caring for Very Young Children: The Infant/Toddler Curriculum by D. Bergen, R.Reid, and L. Torelli
  • Infancy: Infant, Family & Society by A. Fogel

Resources on Infant/Toddler Development, Curriculum and “Educaring” (click to open page or download pdf.)

DEVELOPMENT: The following are Zero to Three handouts on the developmental stages of infancy:

0-3 Month Handout

3-6 Month Handout

6-9 Month Handout

9-12 Month Handout

12-15 Month Handout

15-18 Month Handout

24-30 Month Handout

18-24 Month Handout

24-30 Month Handout

30-36 Month Handout

The National Infant & Toddler Child Care Initiative @ ZERO TO THREE (NITCCI) is a project of the Office of Child Care. NITCCI works collaboratively with Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) administrators and other partners to advance system initiatives to improve the quality and supply of infant/toddler child care.

Infant/Toddler–Development, Screening and Assessment (NCCIC)

Relationships-The Heart of Development and Learning (NCCIC)

Infant/Toddler Curriculum & Individualization (NCCIC)

Infant:Toddler Early Learning Guidelines (NCCIC)

Program for Infant Toddler Caregiver (PITC).  See their site for more information and training materieals

The Science and Psychology of Infant-Toddler Care (PITC/ Zero to Three)

Temperament (PITC)

Think of Child–Understanding Behavior (PITC)

What do I do? Guidance and Discipline (PITC)

Preparing to Get in Tune–Responsive Caregiving (PITC)

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Infant Toddler Resources (NAEYC)

Visible Empathy of Infants and Toddlers (NAEYC)

Easing the Separation Process for Infants, Toddlers and Families (NAEYC)

What to Do for a Fussy Baby– A Problem-solving Approach (NAEYC)

Beyond Twinkle, Twinkle- Using Music with Infants & Toddlers (NAEYC)

Extending the Dance: Relationship-Based Approaches to Infant/Toddler Care and Education (University of Nebraska/NAEYC)

Supporting Breastfeeding In Your Program (NAEYC)

Early Childhood Research and Practice (ECRP):

Relationship Building: Infants, Toddlers, and 2-Year-Olds (ECRP)

Appreciating Diversity through Children\’s Stories and Language Development (ECRP)

Wondering with Children: The Importance of Observation in Early Education (ECRP)

Beginning the Journey: The Project Approach with Toddlers (ECRP)

Others:

Social and Emotional Development

The 3 A’s of Child Care (Delmar)

Play and Exploration for Infants and Toddlers (Saskatchewan Ministry of Education)

INFANT/TODDLER ENVIRONMENT RATING SCALE – Revised Edition (ITERS-R)

TPITOS (The Pyramid Infant Toddler Observation Scale

Understanding Families of Twins and Multiples— Health and Developmental Perspectives

Posted on by ECEZero2Three

My Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellowship is completed. My Special Project was on “Understanding Families of Multiples–Health and Developmental Perspectives.” Below is my Presentation and Resource Guide (pdf), with lots of great information, resources and links for early childhood and/or pediatric professionals.

Twins and Multiples Project Presentation

Twins_and_Multiples_RESOURCE GUIDE for Professionals

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Sensory Processing…How our senses affect development, learning, and behavior

Posted on by ECEZero2Three

Sensory Processing (also known as Sensory Integration) refers to how our nervous system receives messages from our senses and turns them into an “appropriate” motor and behavior response. Developing our understanding of both sensory integration and the development of mutual and self regulation is an important part of providing responsive and individualized care to young children. To read more, click on development of self and mutual regulation.

“Every child has a unique way of taking in and responding to information from the senses, creating a unique profile of preferences and tolerances. Every child must also cope with a unique environment, composed of all the adults and children, places and things, sights, sounds, smells, textures, flavors, routines, transitions, and interruptions that make up daily life” (Williamson and Anzalone).

Self regulation is something all of us develop throughout life, it is understanding what each of us needs to maintain a calm and alert state, and is a core foundation for learning and relationships. When children have challenges with developing self-regulation, it could be due to environmental stressors and/or the child’s unique differences and/or temperament. All individuals differ in their ability to take in, organize, and respond to sensations in the world around them. These differences can greatly impact how a child is able to manage feelings, attention, or impulses. These are examples of behaviors that indicate challenges with self-regulation, and/or sensory processing:

  • Trouble maintaining attention or focus, making it difficult to finish activities
  • Ongoing and significant impulsivity
  • Hyperactivity at home and in other environments
  • Lots of trouble with change and transitions
  • Hypersensitivity to light, sound, touch, or movement
  • Hyposensitivity (lower than average) to light, sound, touch, or movement
  • Trouble maintaining or establishing a consistent sleeping or feeding routine
  • Trouble managing strong emotions; may hit, punch, or bite
  • Frequent trouble waiting; quickly becomes agitated or frustrated when asked to do something

What is Sensory Processing Disorder from SPDfoundation.net

Sensory Processing Checklist from Sensory Processing Disorder.com

sensory-checklist pdf. from Milestones

The purpose of these sensory processing disorder checklist is to help parents and professionals who interact with children become educated about particular signs of sensory processing dysfunction. It is not to be used as the absolute diagnostic criteria for labeling children with sensory processing disorder. But rather, as an educational tool and checklist for your own knowledge. Professionals, usually OTs (Occupational Therapists, with special training on Sensory Processing Disorders) who can diagnose this disorder have their own tools in addition to checklists to observe and test for sensory integration dysfunction.

Click here to read an Introduction to Sensory Processing Concepts.

READINGS (for my ECE 146 students)

Article on Self Regulation-The Second Core Strength by Bruce Perry

Two part Article on Sensory Processing in Young Children by Terryre Witte (Quality Child Care Collaborative)

Sensory Handout_English_Part 1 pdf.

Sensory Handout English Part 2 pdf.

SensoryHandout_Spanish_Part_1 pdf.

SensoryHandout_ Spanish Part 2 pdf.

Click here for a more indepth link to “An Introduction to Identification & Intervention for Children with Sensory Processing Difficulties”

For more information on Self-Regulation and issues related to early childhood, check out the following informative website:

Developing Brains

Child Nutrition in the World Today…What we need to know?

Posted on by ECEZero2Three


Yesterday in Santa Cruz, US Congressman Sam Farr and CA Assemblyman Bill Monning spoke with UCSF Pediatric Endocrinologist Robert Listig, about the current nutritional crisis and it’s impact on our children and our world.

Santa Cruz Sentinel Article –”Monning pushes tax…”

Sugar the Bitter Truth (You Tube)

Article on Childhood Obesity