More Information on the Children's Defense Fund

More Information on the Children’s Defense Fund

This week I’ve enjoyed searching deeper into the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) website (www.childrensdefense.org) to find more information related to professional development, and current issues and trends in early childhood education.  I hope what I found is helpful to each of you as well!

Information for Professional Development:

When searching on the website, one section that I found to be particularly beneficial to professional development was the tab entitled “Research Library.”  I thought this was helpful because it lists several categories to choose from and completes a website search with articles and information about the chosen topic.  You can also complete a search within the research library for more specific researching.  I thought this portion of the website was so important for professional development because it is an organized tool that allows you to research current issues and topics related to early childhood education.  It is essential for teachers to be knowledgeable about current trends in the field in order to best serve the students and families in their class.  This is a great resource for doing so!

Research Library of CDF Link:

http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/

Controversial Ideas/Statements/Resources:

While searching on the website, it becomes very important that religion and morality is of significant value to the CDF.  This was a controversial idea that came across on the website, as religion can cause many heated debates between religious groups.  I believe that religion and morality is great for children to learn, but with the large number of religious denominations and varying beliefs, it can be difficult to incorporate religion and simultaneously keep the peace.  Though I think there are good intentions in the incorporation of religion, I do understand that this is a controversial issue that is discussed in several locations on the website.  I did, however, enjoy the different types of religions that were incorporated on the CDF website, rather then focusing on one sole religion.  I think this is a clear demonstration of their efforts to include varying religious beliefs.

Information Relating to Economists, Neuroscientists, and Politicians in EC:

When searching the website related to the issues discussed in week 4 (influences of economists, neuroscientists, and politicians,) I came across grant information on the CDF website.  There are several business partners that the CDF has who provide grant money to support their organization.  From my research, this appears to be a positive relationship between the CDF and economists, as there were several corporations who assist the organization with the funding necessary for the CDF to support children in need.

There was also a portion of the website entitled “Multimedia and News” that provided the latest news of the issues and trends related to economists, neuroscientists, and politicians and early childhood education.  Again, it is important for early childhood professionals to familiarize themselves with this news in order to better serve their students and families.

New Insights to Issues and Trends in ED from the Website:

While digging deeper into what the CDF website had to offer, I was happy to discover a few new insights.  The website provided valuable information on current issues and trends in early childhood education in their “Policy Priorities” link of the website.  In this link, the CDF listed many various issues that early childhood professionals are faced with, then listed the plan of action to address this issue within the CDF.  These issues stretched from health, to poverty, to early childhood care and education, and more.  The website listed issues such as an increase in childhood poverty, children who are uninsured medically, enrollment for all children in preschool programs, and more.  I loved this portion of the website, as it demonstrated the CDF’s knowledge of current issues that early childhood professionals are faced with, and continued to list why the particular issue was important and what must be done to eliminate the issue.  This was very motivational for me to do my part in doing what I can to help to eliminate the many issues present in early childhood programs.

The Link for Policy Priorities:

http://www.childrensdefense.org/policy-priorities/

Even within the CDF website there is a wealth of information available to early childhood professionals.  We are blessed to live and teach at a time when we have the internet full of wonderful resources that help us further develop as professionals and positively impact the way we teach young children and assist their families.  I hope you all find this information as helpful as I did!