Sharing Web Resources II

The organization that I have been learning more about is called the International Child Resource Institute - http://www.icrichild.org/ . ICRI operates and/or oversees six child care centers in the San Francisco Bay Area. The centers provide study and learning exchange opportunities for educators from around the world. As I explored one of the centers websites more, I found that the organization believes in learning through play and provides an environment where play is encouraged. I found this interesting because it is something we were discussing in this week’s posts. As I looked into the organization further I read about Hearts Leap Childcare Program. At Hearts Leap they utilize discovery-based emergent curriculum.  Emergent curriculum is about children constructing or directing their own learning process. In order to provide an environment that supports this type of learning, childcare teachers need to be dedicated to observing the children, learning with them and researching. Teachers in this environment need to be well educated and trained, qualities that most early childhood programs can’t afford to pay for when hiring staff.

As I explored the website a bit more I looked at the board of directors to see who is supporting this organization and I found a diverse group of people from former Ambassadors, engineers, lawyers and educators. After reading this week’s learning resources and reading about the board of directors and the staff I realized that it is beneficial for children and families to have the support of not only educators but economists, neuroscientist and politicians as well. A long as the team as a whole is dedicated to the wellbeing of the children and focus on each individual child’s needs rather than monetary gains, everyone can benefit.