Poverty (Lack of money vs. Lack of Knowledge)

Poverty  "Money vs Information"





I'm not sure which is worst, A lack of money or a lack of information?   From birth to the age of 4 my parents knew to provide food, shelter, clothes and love but they forgot about education.  

I started kindergarten with no Pre-K training. I slipped through kindergarten. Failed the 1st grade and after having two teachers take me under their wing I was able to catch up and love school.

 I didn't realize until the 4th of 5th grade that I was part of the "working poor" class. My parents understood the importance of getting the resources to make sure that I had my shots, food and shelter but for what ever reason  a Head Start on education was not of importance.

My passion for  early childhood education strives from these experiences. As a child its hard to understand why your peers understand certain academic concepts and you don't . I will forever be grateful for the teachers that  took extra time with me and didn't give up.

 I now know it is worst to have a lack of information than money.  Even with a lack of money if you have information  you can get the resources you need with that information.

As an early childhood professional, my main goal other than to take care of the children that's in my care is to make sure the families have the information to get the resources that need.

The Effects of Poverty & Education in Jamaica

The effects of poverty on education in Jamaica is shockingly similar to the effects in the United States. "The Gleaner" a Jamaican newspaper company states, "Poverty is the enemy of education because it limits access to education and the experience of the education process". 
Poverty reduces the children's food intake and over all appearance.   As a result of malnutrition children are restless, unable to pay attention in class and often disruptive. These children are withdrawn and embarrassed of their clothes and end up with low self-esteem from being teased by their peers.
Eventually many of theses children give up on school and engage in the illegal activities around them. The Gleaner stresses the importance of child advocacy, good teachers and providing resources for the children in Jamaica and all over the world.

 
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101022/letters/letters3.html

Child Development and Public Heath (SIDS)

SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a scary thought for any one that cares for infants.  It's a dreadful thought to go to wake a sleeping baby only to find that they are dead. The causes of SIDS range from the infants sleeping environment, sleeping position, undiagnosed health issues, over heating and accidents. I choose this topic because as both a mother and infant teacher I'm interested in learning more information about this phenomenon.
  My center has adopted a new policy which states that while infants are sleeping there has to be a person physically watching the babies as they sleep. Removing blankets and toys from the crib area along with placing a sleeping baby on their back are the biggest ways to reduce SIDS.  Since the early 1990's the  international "Back to Rest" campaign has caused SIDS to drop by 50% in most countries (Berger, 2012).  Currently the SIDS rate is much lower in Canada and Japan than in the United States  but higher in New Zealand and there is no explainable reason (Berger, 2012).  The biggest concern among pediatricians is that the SIDS rate is beginning to plateau in most countries
(Pediatrics, 2011).  Research shows that breast feeding, use of pacifiers, and receiving early and regular prenatal care reduce the risk of SIDS but further scientific investigation is under way to determine other causes of SIDS(Pediatrics, 2011).


PEDIATRICS Vol.128 No.5 November 1,2011 pp.e1341-el361 (doi)10.1542/peds.2011-2285

Child Birth in Japan

 In Japan its believed that the pain that the women goes through during labor will help prepare them for their role in motherhood as a result painkillers are not used by most Japanese women during child birth.  Child birth takes place in the hospital but fathers are not allowed to be in the room if they don't take the prenatal classes. The hospital stay after child birth is longer in Japan. Mothers stay at least five days for a vaginal birth and 10 days or more for a cesarean delivery. Once the mother and child leaves the hospital they stay at the mother's parents for a month or longer. Culture tradition states that women stay in bed with their baby for 21 days. "What a great way to make sure that the baby and mom bond"!

Personal Birthing Experience

In  hopes are mentally preparation for the birth of my son, I asked my mother about my birth. My mother's story only added to the anxiety that I had felt about giving birth. I was born 2 months early because of my mother's high blood pressure. I weighed 2lbs and 4oz and remained in the hospital for 3 months. While I was thrilled to be considered part  of the "80's miracle babies, I was also determined to make sure that I did everything in my power to make sure my son was healthy and I had more positive birthing experience. I participated in  Lamaze and parenting  classes, ate healthy, stayed active and  also watched my best friend  give birth to her daughter 2 months before my expected due-date. On May 21, 2008  at 4:15 am, I gave birth to a healthy boy that weighed 8lb 12 oz. and 21 inches.  I had a natural birth at a hospital and was able to leave with my son 24 hours after giving birth. I chose to give these examples of my mother's birth a long with the birth of my son because while they both took place at a hospital, they were completely different. If my mom didn't go to the hospital to have me I may not have made it, however with necessary people around I could have used another alternative such as a mid wife and had a home birth. My thoughts of birth and its impact on child development is if you put as much care, patience, and love as you did while you were carrying the baby and delivering it then your baby will  grow and development into a healthy child.