Class will start at the top of the hour! Please turn the volume up on your computer speakers to access the audio feature of this seminar. WELCOME TO CE101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education Unit 8 WELCOME TO CE101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education Unit 8

Audio Check I am aware that many of you are new to online learning and to using computers, so before we get started… lets conduct a quick audio check. If you can’t hear me, please confirm that the volume on your speakers are on and if you have external speakers confirm that they are plugged in. If you can’t hear me, please try logging out and back in. This often fixes the problem. If this does not work – please call Tech Support at

Advocacy and Critical Issues In this unit, you will review advocacy efforts on behalf of children and their families for the specific purpose of protecting children from abuse and neglect. You will read about how child abuse can be recognized and prevented. You will also discuss your responsibilities for keeping children protected as an Early Childhood Care Professional, and how to report child abuse in your state.

Learning Outcomes After completing this unit, you should be able to: Explain how to recognize signs of child abuse and neglect. Explain how to act as an advocate for children and their families.

We have a BIG job! The work of a childcare professional is never done! There is so much more to caring for children than what most people do each day. There are too many of children in our cities, state, and country that are: homeless, hungry, unhealthy, abused and or neglected. Children are unable to defend themselves, so we must act on their behalf. Do you agree?

Please share! What does the term advocacy mean? Children need advocates to speak for them and their families on many issues, can you list a few? Public policy makers at the local, state, and national level need to hear from those who speak out for those that cannot. Do you agree? Professional childcare providers and teachers are advocates for children. They dedicate themselves to providing a better future for our children.

Your Thoughts! What is your thought on the following statement? Professional childcare providers and teachers are advocates for children. They dedicate themselves to providing a better future for our children. Jump in!

Last Question What personal qualities do you feel you possess that would make you a successful advocate for children and their families?

Weekly Reminders Browse Web Resource Post to Discussion Threads Attend seminar or complete seminar option 2 Complete Graded Review Begin working on the Unit 9 Project Complete Missing Assignments

References Follari, L. M., (2007). Foundations and Best Practices in Early Childhood Education. Prentice Hall. Please include a reference page at the end of your Power Point or paper for unit 9’s project. Thank you!

Thank you! Thank you for joining me! It has been a pleasure share with you again this evening! If you need anything… me!

References Follari, L. (2010). Foundations and best practices in early childhood education: History, theories, and approaches to learning. Boston: Pearson. Jupiter Images Corporation, (2010). Clipart.com. Retrieved May 10, 2010 from