ECE blogs of note

I'm not sure if I've mentioned the Teacher Tom blog before.  It is, by far, one of my favorites.  He encompasses so much of what I want to say in regards to educating young children. . .yet he does it SO much better!   His blog is a must and currently, he's written about the best of the best in the ECE blogisphere.  Check it out and you will not be disappointed.

It's been awhile. .. .

It has been awhile since I've posted.  Things have been hectic and crazy busy, but it's no excuse!  Since my last post, I've found some wonderful resources (through FACEBOOK!) that I would like to collect here.

The Parent Resource Center of Taylor County
Yes, this is a shameless plug for my employeer!   However, we've got a GREAT links page with lots of wonderful parenting and home visiting resources.  Take time to check it out--you will find some unique sites there. :-)

The Teacher Tom Blog
By far, this is my FAVORITE ECE blog out there.  I will likely start making this be part of the required reading in my Rassmussen classroom's!

BBFT Resources
This, I will admit, is a shameless plug to an earlier post where I've shared resources that I really enjoy.  I wrote a lot more when I was actually in the ECE classroom versus now, when I'm on the administrative and higher ed. side of things. 

BBFT Consulting
Shameless plug for my school consulting firm.  :-)

Social/Emotional Resources
Exactly what it sounds like!

Let the Children Play
A wonderful blog which focuses on the importance of PLAY (a passion of mine)

Books of interest

Currently, I am reading (and rereading) two books of interest in my current Walden class.  The first, Tinkering Toward Utopia, is written by David Tyack and Larry Cuban.  This particular book examines the history of education reform, politics role in the reform process, the "grammar of schooling," and why some reforms don't stick.  I'm currently on my second reading of the book and I look forward to discussing it more with my classmates.  The second book, Experience and Education, was written by John Dewey.   I am in the process of my first reading of this text and I am enjoying it.  I find John Dewey's contribution to education interesting and this book was written in response to how some of his prior work was being interpreted.

What I have found most intersting between the two books are the concepts about what "real school" looks like.  This was something that I definitely struggled with as a preschool teacher.  I was given a certain idea about about was a "real" preschool classroom should look like and how the day should run.  Yet, that preconceived notion did not work for my students.  It felt strange to break the mold and do something innovative in my classroom, yet, it was exactly what they needed.   Do you do anything in your classroom that is innovative?  What does "real" school look like to you?

Speaking engagements and Developmental Milestones.

Life has definitely gotten busy over the past few months in regards to my roles with  Head Start and Early Head Start, in addition to teaching at NTC.  I have been in the interview process for an instructor position at another college and still continue to try and push ahead with my doctoral program.  Personally, I'm going through some changes, including a recent engagement.    I'll be honest, it has been hard to balance everything this summer!

With the new school year fast approaching, I wanted to make you all aware of some upcoming trainings I'll be doing either through NTC or various conferences in Wisconsin.  I also wanted to post some links to pages that pertain to developmental milestones.  I hope your first day of class goes well (or if you've been in class all summer, it continues to go well)!  Remember that play is a child's work and don't forget to:

Keep playing,

Rachael

2010 Speaking Engagements

• September 25, 2010--Literacy with Preschoolers
• October 5, 2010--Autism #1
• October 12, 2010--Autism #2
• October 14, 2010--NTC ECE book club
• November 2, 2010--Autism #3
• November 9, 2010--Autism #4
• March 17, 2010--Facing the Challenge (Challenging Behavior Training)  

Developmental Milestones

Understanding typical development is an important skill to have in the Early Childhood field.   Here are a few great resources to support you in understanding what typical development looks like.  Remember that all children develope at different rates, however. :-)

Your Child
CDC
Baby Center
The Whole Child

When Parents & Teachers Disagree About What Is Developmentally Appropriate

When Parents & Teachers Disagree About What Is Developmentally Appropriate

We did it!

We did it! My agency was notified earlier this month that we've received Early Head Start funding! We will be providing services to pregnant women and children under the age of three. This is an exciting time for my employer and I am proud to be a part of the excitement. I am including some resources below that pertain to Early Head Start, IDEA part C, Resources for pregnant women, and Infant/Toddler Mental Health. Enjoy!

Early Head Start
EHS NRC
Early Head Start Benefits for Children and Families
Special Quest B-5

Idea Part C
Nectac
Wrights Law
Special Education in Plain Language
Wisconsin B-3

Infant/Toddler Mental Health
Zero to Three
WAIMH

Resources for Pregnant Women
Accessing Women's Health Care
Postpartum Depression
Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation
Center for Women's Mental Health


Early Childhood Screening
Children's Health Alliance of Wisconsin
WI Child Find

Did I miss something? If so, leave me a comment and let me know!

Keep Playing,

Rachael

Autism Talks

This has certainly been an exciting year for me on the Adjunct teaching front. I have been picking up more continuing education classes for NTC and I am very excited to be doing a three-part Autism series in the Spring. It will be offered at the Medford, Antigo, and Wausau campuses. I will be covering a number of topics during these talks such as what are Autism Spectrum Disorders, common forms of Autism Treatment, how to seek a diagnosis or make a referral, supporting children on the Autism Spectrum in your classroom, and much more. It should be a fun and educational three days.

Speaking of In-home therapy, I ran into a family that I used to work with this evening. What a treat! It's always to run into families and get updates about how the children I used to support are doing. In this case, the child is doing very well, receiving minimal services. I had a pretty significant weight loss since I worked with that particular family, so I was pretty surprised that the mom recognized me.

This week I am including some resources that are specific to Autism Spectrum Disorders, advocacy, and treatment. I hope you find them helpful and interesting. Have a great weekend!

Keep playing,

Rachael :-)

Autism Society of Wisconsin
Autism Society of America
M-Chat
Polyxo.com
The Gray Center
The Play Project
Floor Time
Natural Environment Teaching
National Institute for Mental Health
Making Visuals
Tony Attwood
Wisconsin Children's Long-Term Support Waiver
Wisconsin Autism Insurance
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Autism Advocacy