The National Black Child Development Institute (http://nbcdi.org/) was born during the late 1960’s, during a time when people began to rally together to create social change. Incorporated in 1970, NBCDI began work to improve the life of the black child (History, 2102, para. 1). The mission, “to improve and advance the love of black children and their families through education and advocacy”, has remained foremost, as the institute focuses on early childhood education, secondary and elementary education, health and child welfare (NBCDI History, 2012, para. 2). NBCDI, provides direct services to education professionals, families, and specialist including social workers and other professionals (History, 2012, para. 3-4). There are core programs which the institute focuses on that accomplishes their vision and promotes nationwide attention: Love to Read, The Parent Empowerment Program, African American Parents Project, SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids, Entering the College Zone, and the National Affiliate Network (NBCDI History, 2012, para. 5).
This week we focused on changing demographics and diversity and in Dr. Graces’ interview she mentioned that curriculums may need to be adjusted to address the chaining demographics (Laureate Education, 2011). NBCDI has also begun to address this issue by developing a Cultural Competency Improvement Tool (CCIT) (Home, 2012). This tool can be used to review the cultural competence in health and nutrition curriculums used for all aged children. Why is this relevant? The changes in population include increases in Latino, African American, and Native American children and families which have reached epidemic rates for childhood obesity (NBCDI, 2012). As educators prepare for increased diversity, we must not forget cultural components such as nutrition, food, and nutritional habits that will affect children and families.
Link to Cultural Competence Improvement Tool:
Resources
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). The effects of changing demographics and diversity on children, families, and the early childhood field [Audio]. Issues and Trends in the Early Childhood Field. Baltimore, MD: Author
National Black Child Development Institute. (2012). About: history. Retrieved July 6, 2012 from http://nbcdi.org/about/history/
Great info on the NBCDI. This is one more organization that is concerned with obesity. As someone who is trying to learn better eating habits, I am careful about also teaching these to my children now. The NIEER recently posted this article on obesity, early childhood, and the military. Interesting thoughts to add to the mix!
ReplyDeletehttp://preschoolmatters.org/2012/06/29/early-education-stands-at-attention/
Thank you for posting about NBCID. Interesting to realize also more about one of cultural components, which is also very important to support early childhood development connected to diversity. Also great to read their history, how the organization started and found the supports.
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I am extremely interested in the childhood obesity epidemic. I am very passionate concerning exercise and healthy eating habits. Unfortunately it is often less expensive to buy "junk" food to feed your family then it is to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. As a single mom I have struggled with this on a continual basis. When the economy is tough and you do not have a lot of money to spare after rent and utilities, sometimes one has to make the less healthy choice. And believe me, many parents do not want to make the less healthy choice. It is often a painful deision.
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