ZERO TO THREE focuses on informing, training, and supporting professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers. Their mission is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers.
Website: http://www.zerotothree.org/
ZERO TO THREE sends out a newsletter on the 1st of every month. There are always various topics discussed but there are a few issues that are consistent. For instance the Baby Brain Map is always promoted as well as information about fun activities for children under age 3 (Fun for the Under 3 Set) and ZERO TO THREE Resource Links.
During the previous course, I had decided to study some of the policies that were presented on the website. I signed up to receive information but now that I think back, I don’t remember receiving any information on any of the topics…I may have to check my spam J On the website under Public Policy there were links to Infant-Toddler Policy Issues, Federal Policy as well as State & Community Policy. What is unique is that there is also a link to webinars and conference calls, I have yet to participate in any but the option to participate is actually neat in my opinion.
I think the newsletter does offer additional information regarding changing demographics and diversity in every issue, it also relates to current events that are going on. For instance there was information about the effects of natural disasters during the times of the Haiti Earthquake, Tsunami in Japan and recent Hurricanes. For the month of September the issue focused on the effects of young children witnessing the airplane hitting the Twin Towers over and over again due to the anniversary of 9/11; many children do not understand this is in the past and will think the terrorism is happening again and again.
In the issue/trend that caught my eye was the article, Healthy Eating Strategies for Young Children. It is apparent that times have changed and we are now understanding the importance of teaching healthy habits at an extremely early age. The website explains that the handout suggests 8 ways that parents can help their baby or toddler develop healthy eating habits in the first three years. I think this is so important now days with childhood obesity at an all time high; we must work together to teach our children how important it is to treat their bodies.
Tasha, great post and it is great to meet you. I hope that I can learn from my classmates in this class as I am not professionally in the early childhood education field. Thanks for the website. I think I am going to sign up for that newsletter.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Tasha! From time to time, I will remind my daughter (who has three children) about the quick processed foods she buys. Seems there is a connection between the fast paced lifestyle and unhealthy eating. Another factor is that it can be very expensive to eat healthy ( shopping at whole food stores). But some parents don't realize that they pay out just as much when they purchase foods loaded with starch and sugars that keep children hungry to the point where all the food is gone after 2-3 days. I believe that with a little education, planning and preparation, families who desire to change can provide healthier choices. And we the adults have to do the same as children model what they see us do.
ReplyDeleteTasha,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I love the Zero to Three website. It is so full of helpful information. I agree that childhood obesity is at an all time high...its shocking. I read somewhere that September is Childhood Obesity Awareness month- which was interesting. Maybe throughout the month parents and caregivers will become more aware of this issue and adopt ways to prevent it among children in their paths.