Final Blog Assignment

As a result of learning about the international early childhood field for my professional and personal development, through some of the websites I was able to know the areas where there are programs and campaigns on-going or schedule for the poor and needy; I was also able to know the policies being implemented and how it affects children and their families in order to know whether to embrace it or speak against it until it is changed or amended.  It was also able to gain access to the use of Research Library where I could check for publications by topic, type, start and end dates.  I was also introduced to a book on poverty by my instructor, Dr. Joyce Myers.  The book, she said, is titled, “A Framework for Understanding Poverty”, by Dr. Ruby Payne.  According to Dr. Myers, Dr. Payne, in her writing specializes in helping educators understand poverty and its many dimension.  From the book, I understand there are some key points to remember about poverty; like, “poverty occurs in all races and in all countries; Generational poverty and situational poverty are different; Schools and businesses operate from middle-class norms and use the hidden rules of the middle class; To move from poverty to middle class or middle class to wealth, and individual must give up relationships for achievement (at least for some period of time); Two things that help one move out of poverty are education and relationships;” etc.

One successful attempt for the field relating to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations is the body of knowledge amassed in science and practice by Psychology to address economic stress in families and prevent mental health problems, maltreatment and intimate partner violence in children. In order to tactfully effect this, participation of psychologists is encouraged in schools educational efforts and community forums like PTA meetings or YMCAs (APA).

Reference

American Psychological Association (APA).  “What the economic downturn means for children, youth, and families”.  Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/economy.aspx