On the mind..

After taking the ideology inventory, I learned that I fell under "critical youth development". I figured I would fall somewhere under the positive youth development, but it also makes sense to me that I would be considered critical under the ideology horoscopes. I personally believe that you are- literally- the most critically important part of this world. They are the future of where we are now, and what they know, learn, become, believe and create are the critical points of the years to come. Whether it is the youth now or youth in ten years from now, we as YDEV workers must support them in what they do- let them figure out their ways and selves but also instill roots that don't leave them.  I feel that youth should know that they are responsible for themselves and what their outcome will be. Kind of like, you give what you get. YDEV workers shouldn't tell youth that they need to do XYZ but more so support them because youth lead is the most important in th...

I attended the NAEYC Conference in Washington, D.C. a few weeks ago. NAEYC stands for the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It was an opportunity I won from my workplace after I entered my essay in a contest. I feel like I often say "this changed my life!" but I can honestly say, these 5 days were nothing short of amazing and truly did, change my mind set in many ways- about education, about children, about classrooms, about my ability to travel, about myself, and my independence (big city, little girl...I mastered it!) I attended almost ten workshops, where I learned topics from integrating students, inspiring your staff and organization and management of classrooms. I attended one workshop about trauma- and how trauma can affect youth in many, many ways. There are so many forms of trauma- physical, mental, emotional, abuse, etc. The presenter talked about when you are an educator or working with youth, and not knowing initially that a child ...

This event was at my work- Dr. Day Care Pawtucket Concord. We had fall family night, which is our version of lights on after school for an early learning childcare center. This event took place on 10/26. When I first got to this center, family participation was little to none. We had, unfortunately a very small turnout. Out of 100 children in my school there were only four to show up. (This is two more than last year! Yay!) The point of this evening is to be an open house, invite parents in to see their children art work hanging, do a fun craft or hands on activity in each room, see the staff and have some refreshments after school and work hours. I could post signs and flyers and send out email blasts all day long, and it is at times pulling teeth  to get families to stay for an event. This is near and dear to my heart, and one of my goals to grow in this center. Here is to hoping next year grows even more- as my staff and the children are always ex...

Social Injustices- I am often embarrassed to say, of my 26 years of life I have not faced many unfair situations or injustices whether it has to do with race, sexism, income/poverty levels etc. When I say I have been embarrassed, it is because in my recent years, especially within the last year, I have heard so many others or witnessed others around me that have gone through injustices and I have not much personal background to relate to them, or offer words of help and or encouragement to these people. I would even call myself naive to many social injustices. Where I was raised my entire life, and still live to this day, where I worked for many years (Smithfield, RI) and even attended college (besides at RIC- CCRI; Lincoln, RI and Keene State; Keene, NH) there were not many situations where I experienced racial injustices. With that, comes a lack of economical injustices. As a white female I also have in immense amount of "privilege" which I suppose can contribute to my l...

Lights on After School at Kids Klub Bernon was an afterschool event held on 10/25/18.  Kids Klub is a non profit 501C-3 organization that services North Smithfield, North Providence, Pawtucket and Woonsocket elementary schools in before and after school care. Kids Klub also provides care during summer camps and school vacations. They service children from 5 years to 12 years old. They offer a really great space for learning and have a great curriculum that they follow, with various themes and lessons. On this night, the program (one of many connected to KK in Woonsocket) followed the "lights on after school" event where the program welcomes kids and families in to have a safe, birght, happy place to partake in after school care hours and activities. At this night, they had a "mask contest" where parents, kids and staff could vote for their favorite mask . They made halloween themed trail mix spooky hands and the parents were also able to spend this time doi...

There are a few points in Restler's article that stood out to me as part of care. She states, "the work of keeping kids in mind, remaining attuned to their needs and perceptions even when they're not present.." (pg 5) This was meaningful to me in the way of caring for youth, because it is so beyond important to remember that these kids have lives out side of your youth setting (group home, care group, school, programs, etc.) that make up more time of their lives than that short time you are with them. You have to keep in mind what they might have just gotten off the bus from, what happened before dinner last night, or what just happens in their minds day to day. They are humans first, not just robotic students or clients. The teacher that that uses her haircut and sense of style as part of mending that gap between adult vs. youth is just a prime example of keeping their needs in mind and staying "attuned" to it. She knows she is a safe haven, maybe even a h...