So I did some research on what hummingbirds symbolize and this brought me to tears:
In Native American culture, a hummingbird symbolizes timless joy and the Nectar of Life. It's a symbol for accomplishing that which seems impossible and will teach you how to find the miracle of joyful living from your own life circumstances.
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Monday, February 23, 2009
Hummingbirds
So, over the past 4 days I have seen hummingbirds. They have been flying in my line of sight and just staying there, looking at me as I look at them. Some may think I'm just being stupid, but today one landed on the hood of my car while I was parked bawling my eyes out over the children I work for. It landed on my hood with the most beautiful deep pink chest. It didn't hover, but sat on my hood perched atop my windshield whiper squarter.
Friday, February 20, 2009
DDD/AzEIP Cutbacks
Well, it is "official" that the state of Arizona is terminating all early intervention services. Which means, I am without a job in an economy that is already struggling to provide jobs for other US citizens.
I have been asked if I am upset about being unemployed. Don't get me wrong, I am, but my heart weeps and my eyes flood with tears for the children who deserve the best chance to thrive. Numerous studies show that human beings grow the most, mentally and physically, in the first three years of life. A child is born, small and helpless. By the time that child is three, they typically are walking, talking, running, jumping, using the potty, coloring, etc etc etc. That is what typically developing children accomplish in the first few years of life. Children who are delayed, do not reach these developmental milestones at the age appropriate times, on their own. Many families become overwhelmed with dealing with their child's special needs. If a child is given a chance, early on, they have a better chance at thriving later in life. People know education is crucial to a person's development, mentally, physically and socially. What some people do not realize is education starts at birth. A child grows more in the first three years of life than throughout a lifetime.
The services that are being cut are those services dedicated to helping these developmentally delayed children, between the ages of birth and three, reach as many milestones as possible before entering the school system. By eliminating these services these children will be tossed into the system at 5, when they may only be mentally at the age of 2 due to not receiving the help needed early on. These children will struggle throughout life, they will need to be "retaught" all they learned from the time they were born and the day they entered school. There is only so much a teacher can teach a student. Even these teachers in the school system are being terminated due to budget cuts. Special Education classes are being cut, when these children need more QUALIFIED teachers to help them become the best they can be. A few years ago, a law was passed entitled the No Child Left Behind Act. Within this act it states that students with disabilities/delays have a right to an education. This is a great act, but it does not guarantee children not of school age a chance to become a typical child. These children will be in fact, left behind. Without services EARLY on, there is a slim chance these children will be able to get the education they deserve. They will be helped while in the school, but without early intervention services, these children will not be where they should be when entering the school system. Meaning they will be even more mental years between them and other students their actual age. The rich will be able to provide services for their special needs children, while the working class will be stuck with no support for their child. Leaving their child even farther behind.
I am ashamed to be an American right now, and even more ashamed to be an Arizona Native. I cannot even believe the state would take away such a crucial services from children who don't even have a voice to express themselves. These children HAD a chance to become something, now they only have a chance to be stuck in the system and hope they come across a teacher who truly cares and will go above and beyond what is expected to ensure that student has the best chance in life.
To those teachers out there, stick with it. You are molding the teachers of tomorrow. Helping a student become the best they can be is the best gift you could ever give. Without good teachers, this world would be even sadder than it is now.
I have been asked if I am upset about being unemployed. Don't get me wrong, I am, but my heart weeps and my eyes flood with tears for the children who deserve the best chance to thrive. Numerous studies show that human beings grow the most, mentally and physically, in the first three years of life. A child is born, small and helpless. By the time that child is three, they typically are walking, talking, running, jumping, using the potty, coloring, etc etc etc. That is what typically developing children accomplish in the first few years of life. Children who are delayed, do not reach these developmental milestones at the age appropriate times, on their own. Many families become overwhelmed with dealing with their child's special needs. If a child is given a chance, early on, they have a better chance at thriving later in life. People know education is crucial to a person's development, mentally, physically and socially. What some people do not realize is education starts at birth. A child grows more in the first three years of life than throughout a lifetime.
The services that are being cut are those services dedicated to helping these developmentally delayed children, between the ages of birth and three, reach as many milestones as possible before entering the school system. By eliminating these services these children will be tossed into the system at 5, when they may only be mentally at the age of 2 due to not receiving the help needed early on. These children will struggle throughout life, they will need to be "retaught" all they learned from the time they were born and the day they entered school. There is only so much a teacher can teach a student. Even these teachers in the school system are being terminated due to budget cuts. Special Education classes are being cut, when these children need more QUALIFIED teachers to help them become the best they can be. A few years ago, a law was passed entitled the No Child Left Behind Act. Within this act it states that students with disabilities/delays have a right to an education. This is a great act, but it does not guarantee children not of school age a chance to become a typical child. These children will be in fact, left behind. Without services EARLY on, there is a slim chance these children will be able to get the education they deserve. They will be helped while in the school, but without early intervention services, these children will not be where they should be when entering the school system. Meaning they will be even more mental years between them and other students their actual age. The rich will be able to provide services for their special needs children, while the working class will be stuck with no support for their child. Leaving their child even farther behind.
I am ashamed to be an American right now, and even more ashamed to be an Arizona Native. I cannot even believe the state would take away such a crucial services from children who don't even have a voice to express themselves. These children HAD a chance to become something, now they only have a chance to be stuck in the system and hope they come across a teacher who truly cares and will go above and beyond what is expected to ensure that student has the best chance in life.
To those teachers out there, stick with it. You are molding the teachers of tomorrow. Helping a student become the best they can be is the best gift you could ever give. Without good teachers, this world would be even sadder than it is now.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Don't children deserve to have a teacher?
Some may know about all the budget cuts that are going on right now in terms of education. For those who do not know, the state of Arizona as well as many others across our beautiful nation, are cutting crucial jobs. Without teachers, GOOD teachers, where would this country be? Many people support Obama, some do not. Without [good] teachers, where do you think our current President would be? Where would any of us be. If it was not for teachers, I would not be able to read or write. Without teachers we would not have much. In the state of Arizona, special needs programs have been cut. Children are losing their services they so desperately need and are suppose to be entitled to according to the IDEA Act. Instead, these children are being denied assistance leaving them and their families to receive less educational assistance and in terms denying these children their right to an education.
Some people may ask why I am worried about this. I have only one true concern and that is this: how can the government deny a child the right to a proper education? With the cutbacks, over populated schools are losing teachers, meaning classrooms are going to be over sized which will lead to students being lost in the shuffle. The Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) cut hundreds of jobs over the past week meaning numerous of the children I work for no longer have a Support Coordinator. I received an email explaining to me that x amount of the families I work for do not have a support coordinator anymore due to cutbacks and they will try to place someone with them as soon as possible. DDD was already stretched too thin, and they wonder why that job has such a high turn around rate. I understand there needs to be cutbacks, but at what cost?
Taken from an online article:
Next year, state support for all-day kindergarten could be ended because some right-wing GOP lawmakers think it's a waste of money. K-12 funding statewide was cut $133 million in this round. The next hit probably will be even bigger. If your children are being taught in small classes, if their school has a library, a librarian, arts programs, counseling or other "extras," beware. If their school already lacks these, don't expect to see them added. In terms or our state's future, the only education and enrichment the Legislature seems to believe our children need is practice saying, "Would you like fries with that?
Yes, I am currently getting my Master's in Elementary Education/Special Education. I currently work for a company that is contracted through DDD. With all these cut backs, I may not have a job for much longer or may have a salary cutback which means my bills will not be paid. I am not worried about finding a teaching position, because I know I will teach when I am able to, and I will apply for jobs until someone realizes how dedicated I am to helping special needs children. Some have asked me why I am continuing my education with all the teaching cutbacks. My reason is simple; children need to be taught and I will teach them. I may not get the pay I am entitled to when I start, but it will be worth it to be able to help educate tomorrows leaders.
To the economy and legislators, please take the time to realize the importance of education. Without this you would not be where you are today. Don't your children, grandchildren etc. deserve the same chance?
Some people may ask why I am worried about this. I have only one true concern and that is this: how can the government deny a child the right to a proper education? With the cutbacks, over populated schools are losing teachers, meaning classrooms are going to be over sized which will lead to students being lost in the shuffle. The Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) cut hundreds of jobs over the past week meaning numerous of the children I work for no longer have a Support Coordinator. I received an email explaining to me that x amount of the families I work for do not have a support coordinator anymore due to cutbacks and they will try to place someone with them as soon as possible. DDD was already stretched too thin, and they wonder why that job has such a high turn around rate. I understand there needs to be cutbacks, but at what cost?
Taken from an online article:
Next year, state support for all-day kindergarten could be ended because some right-wing GOP lawmakers think it's a waste of money. K-12 funding statewide was cut $133 million in this round. The next hit probably will be even bigger. If your children are being taught in small classes, if their school has a library, a librarian, arts programs, counseling or other "extras," beware. If their school already lacks these, don't expect to see them added. In terms or our state's future, the only education and enrichment the Legislature seems to believe our children need is practice saying, "Would you like fries with that?
Yes, I am currently getting my Master's in Elementary Education/Special Education. I currently work for a company that is contracted through DDD. With all these cut backs, I may not have a job for much longer or may have a salary cutback which means my bills will not be paid. I am not worried about finding a teaching position, because I know I will teach when I am able to, and I will apply for jobs until someone realizes how dedicated I am to helping special needs children. Some have asked me why I am continuing my education with all the teaching cutbacks. My reason is simple; children need to be taught and I will teach them. I may not get the pay I am entitled to when I start, but it will be worth it to be able to help educate tomorrows leaders.
To the economy and legislators, please take the time to realize the importance of education. Without this you would not be where you are today. Don't your children, grandchildren etc. deserve the same chance?
Monday, February 9, 2009
School Update
Well, I will be "out of school" for two weeks, but I am hoping that is not the case. I am still waiting for my PRAXIS I Writing test scores. I missed the score by one point last time, so I had to retake it. I need that score to continue with my classes, and it has not arrived yet. This really puts a damper in my progress because I was already needing to double up on a few courses to make sure I start student teaching in January 2010.
It is a little nerve racking and I am starting to freak out, again. This better all work out for the amount of money I am paying.
It is a little nerve racking and I am starting to freak out, again. This better all work out for the amount of money I am paying.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Children are one third of our population and all of our future. ~Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health, 1981
As the years roll on and I continue to work with children with special needs, I get asked the following question more and more: "Do you even want to have kids after seeing what you have seen?" My response: "It makes me want to have a child today, tomorrow and the next day."
Lately that could not be farther from the truth. I guess you could say my biological clock is ticking, but for me it is easily said than done. As some of you may know, I cannot have children naturally. I have known this since I was 16. It really didn't set it until I met Brent. I was 19 when I met him and we fell in love. I was terrified to tell him about my "issue" and didn't want to scare him off. If I told him too soon, I feared he would run for thinking I was too serious in the relationship too early. If I waited to tell him late in the relationship would I upset him for waiting too long or would it again scare him away. Well, I told him early on, explaining to him that children are important to me and when the time is right, I want to do whatever it takes to have a child. Though he might have been scared, it all worked out. We have since had numerous conversations about this "issue" and agreed we would have children no matter what it takes.
About a year ago I went to a fertility doctor to talk about my choices, if there were any. It has been 9 years since I was told I could not have children, and I had never really asked why or what my options were. After talking to the doctor, it was concluded that with medication, I should be able to conceive. I was SHOCKED and excited! When we decide to start trying, I will start up on the medication. They will give us 3 month of trying and if I am not pregnant within in that time, they will up the dose for 3 more months. If at that time I am still not pregnant, we will talk about other options. This news was almost bitter sweet. For nine years I had my heart set on adoption a child or multiple children. I am not saying that we wont do that, but I want to try to experience the joys of having my own child. I still want to adopt, and if we do have our own, biological, child, we will then adopt when the time is right.
You might be wondering why I am writing about this now... Well last night I was at work and the younger sibling of the child I was working with was very ill. This child's mother was at the store while the father was bathing the other children. The sick child woke up screaming and just in so much pain with a fever of 103. I went into this child's room and the child reached up for me and said "Miss Kristen, hold me." My heart about broke in two!! I sat with this child throughout my hours in the home, rocking, rubbing the child's back and simply talking with the child. Some may have been irritated with the noise and not being able to do anything but comfort, and it brought me to tears, but not because I was sad. I was brought to tears because it made me realize, once more, how much I want children. I want to care for them when they are sick, when they are happy, when they are "bad" and everything in between. I cannot wait to experience this and I know Brent will be an awesome father. Whenever we are around children, they are so drawn to him. I know our future children will be the same way.
I cannot wait to expand our family. I know it will all happen in due time and when that time is appropriate!
Lately that could not be farther from the truth. I guess you could say my biological clock is ticking, but for me it is easily said than done. As some of you may know, I cannot have children naturally. I have known this since I was 16. It really didn't set it until I met Brent. I was 19 when I met him and we fell in love. I was terrified to tell him about my "issue" and didn't want to scare him off. If I told him too soon, I feared he would run for thinking I was too serious in the relationship too early. If I waited to tell him late in the relationship would I upset him for waiting too long or would it again scare him away. Well, I told him early on, explaining to him that children are important to me and when the time is right, I want to do whatever it takes to have a child. Though he might have been scared, it all worked out. We have since had numerous conversations about this "issue" and agreed we would have children no matter what it takes.
About a year ago I went to a fertility doctor to talk about my choices, if there were any. It has been 9 years since I was told I could not have children, and I had never really asked why or what my options were. After talking to the doctor, it was concluded that with medication, I should be able to conceive. I was SHOCKED and excited! When we decide to start trying, I will start up on the medication. They will give us 3 month of trying and if I am not pregnant within in that time, they will up the dose for 3 more months. If at that time I am still not pregnant, we will talk about other options. This news was almost bitter sweet. For nine years I had my heart set on adoption a child or multiple children. I am not saying that we wont do that, but I want to try to experience the joys of having my own child. I still want to adopt, and if we do have our own, biological, child, we will then adopt when the time is right.
You might be wondering why I am writing about this now... Well last night I was at work and the younger sibling of the child I was working with was very ill. This child's mother was at the store while the father was bathing the other children. The sick child woke up screaming and just in so much pain with a fever of 103. I went into this child's room and the child reached up for me and said "Miss Kristen, hold me." My heart about broke in two!! I sat with this child throughout my hours in the home, rocking, rubbing the child's back and simply talking with the child. Some may have been irritated with the noise and not being able to do anything but comfort, and it brought me to tears, but not because I was sad. I was brought to tears because it made me realize, once more, how much I want children. I want to care for them when they are sick, when they are happy, when they are "bad" and everything in between. I cannot wait to experience this and I know Brent will be an awesome father. Whenever we are around children, they are so drawn to him. I know our future children will be the same way.
I cannot wait to expand our family. I know it will all happen in due time and when that time is appropriate!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
