Getting Ready—Expanding Horizons and Expanding Resources

Part I

Expanding Horizons

The best way to begin a course is to start by examining new resources. This week I had the opportunity to begin to increase my range of knowledge and skills base in early childhood development. I started doing so by exploring the World Forum Foundation (worldforumfoundation.org). It is always good to understand the mission of an organization. The World Forum Foundation began with its vision in 1998 to support children, impact the lives of children and their families positively, and to share information around the world on the best services for children and families. Their vision definitely corresponds with their mission which states:

The mission of the World Forum Foundation is to promote an on-going global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings (worldforumfoundation.org).

In addition to exploring and analyzing the World Forum Foundation, I had the opportunity to listen to one of their podcasts at http://www.podcastchart.com/podcasts/the-global-leadership-summit-podcast. I was so please to see the variety of podcasts presentations. I selected The Global Leadership Summit because my work in this program and in my work as an early childhood professional is centered on me as a leader promoting positive change in our diverse society.

Part II

Expanding Resources

To expand my early childhood website resource bank, I had the opportunity to select one website from United States –based  and outside the United States and e-newsletters and web resources. I selected National Black Child Development Institute hhtp://nbcdi.org/ (Newsletter:http://nbcdi.org/support/sign-up-for-nbcdi-newsletters/). I was selected this website because I currently serve children and families were the population is predominately African American. Having a resource such as the National Black Child Development Institute is a great resource for me. Their initiatives include: policy, early care and education, health, family engagement, literacy, and child welfare. Their mission and vision is very impressive:

MISSION

For more than 40 years, the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) has been at the forefront of engaging leaders, policymakers, professionals, and parents around critical and timely issues that directly impact Black children and their families. We are a trusted partner in delivering culturally relevant resources that respond to the unique strengths and needs of Black children around issues including early childhood education, health, child welfare, literacy, and family engagement. With the support of our Affiliate network in communities across the country, we are committed to our mission “to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and their families through education and advocacy.” (hhtp://nbcdi.org/).

VISION

NBCDI envisions a society that ensures a successful future for all children (hhtp://nbcdi.org/).

References

World Forum Foundation. "A foundation whose mission is to promote

an on-going global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings." http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/about.php

World Forum Foundation Radio. Includes links to podcasts of

conversations with early childhood professionals.
http://www.podcastchart.com/podcasts/world-forum-radio/episodes/world-forum-radio-george-forman

National Black Child Development Institute

http://nbcdi.org/
(Newsletter: http://nbcdi.org/support/sign-up-for-nbcdi-newsletters/ )