Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Faith Based Interest Forum and Conference Sessions

    Posted 01-04-2020 05:08 PM
    Hello!! I am interested in finding those who are members of the faith based interest forum and those who would like to see some sessions at NAEYC's annual conference on faith based topics.  In the efforts of diversity and inclusion, I feel that those of us in a faith based program are being underserved and under represented at the national level and I would like to change that.  I am considering a proposal for the fall conference but was wanting input from those who represent these types of programs.  What would you like to see?  Topics, networking opportuinities, session length, etc.  
    Thanks so much! I look forward to working with you all!!

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    Heidi Friedel
    Grass Lake MI
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  • 2.  RE: Faith Based Interest Forum and Conference Sessions

    Posted 01-05-2020 02:13 PM
    This would great but unfortunately I can never afford to attend as my finances would not allow it as I live in Colorado.  I wish they would have a conference out this way.  Maybe one day.

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    Jennifer Skinner
    Teacher
    Waterstone Preschool
    Littleton CO
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  • 3.  RE: Faith Based Interest Forum and Conference Sessions

    Posted 01-06-2020 10:17 AM
    Heidi,

    I think this would be a very valuable contribution. I am not a member of the faith-based interest forum or of a faith-based organization, but as someone who attended a Catholic elementary and high-school I have seen the role that these organizations play in providing services for the most marginalized people. Given the current immigration climate, I would love to see research on the work that these organizations have traditionally done to integrate new immigrants into society. I also know that public health efforts often try to partner with faith-based organizations in order to reach underserved communities, so that would be an interesting layer or topic to cover.

    Wishing you the best in your submission,

    Alexia

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    Alexia Raynal
    Research Associate
    Center for Children and Technology at Education Development Center
    New York NY
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  • 4.  RE: Faith Based Interest Forum and Conference Sessions

    Posted 01-06-2020 12:52 PM
    I also would be very interested to see this opportunity. Unfortunately, most faith-based curriculums are ​outdated and do not use current research and/or developmentally appropriate material. I think a networking group where best practices can be discussed and shared would be a wonderful addition.

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    Christina Roseli
    ECLS
    El Dorado County Library
    Placerville CA
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  • 5.  RE: Faith Based Interest Forum and Conference Sessions

    Posted 01-06-2020 03:42 PM
    Christina,
     I am currently the A Principal over a Catholic preschool and we do use developmentally appropriate practices. Our curriculum is up to date. We follow the guidelines of NAEYC. I belong to a Co-op of Directors from other faith based preschools that do exactly the same. We must be careful when making statements that are broad and generalized in that aspect.
    Thanks

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    Sarah Harris
    Children''s Learning Center
    Plano TX
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  • 6.  RE: Faith Based Interest Forum and Conference Sessions

    Posted 01-06-2020 03:58 PM
    ​@Sarah 
    That is wonderful to hear and that's what I would assume from the members here on this page. Those of us that are NAEYC members are invested in what is best for the children in our care.
    I did not intend to imply faith-based preschools do not follow developmentally practice but the faith-based curriculums​ that are available to use are not always up to par. It would be nice to see a more robust offering of ways to link faith-based learning into curriculum.

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    Christina Roseli
    ECLS
    El Dorado County Library
    Placerville CA
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