Impacts on Early Emotional Development EDUC 6358: week 7

Region:

I chose to explore the area East Asia & Pacific. I chose this region because I know very little about this region expect that China takes education very serious.

Challenges: 

One challenge is the air pollution and birth defects in China. “There is no single cause for birth defects. The causes of birth defects are many, including:

• Inadequate nutrition, such as lack of folic acid and maternal obesity,
• Infectious diseases such as syphilis and rubella,
• Environmental factors,
• Genetic factors”

(Alonzo, 2013). 

If they are able to reduce the air pollution, they believe they can help reduce heart “congenital” defects that is associated with syphilis. 

In addition, another challenge is not actually knowing if there is a link to air pollution and birth defects.

Effect on Children’s wellbeing & development:

• Birth defects can effect a child’s development because of the lack of nutritions they are receiving. In addition, any infectious diseases that the baby catches either through the mother or after birth. The child’s development progress is slowed down because they are not receiving enough calcium, vitamins, protein to help “feed” the brain. Their bodies become weak.
• I believe that the air pollution can do harm to a mother and the unborn child because if the mother is not able to breathe, then less oxygen is available for the baby. Therefore, can cause brain damage either down the line or as the child is developing in the mother’s womb. 

Insights:

• As a early childhood educator, I have learned to try to understand families and any situations that they are experiencing. In this case, I would want to work with the parent to understand if there were any complications during the pregnancy. In addition, I would want to work with the parent in trying to help their child. How can I elevate some stress for the parents to know I am on their side

Reference

Alonzo, F. (2013). Air pollution and birth defects. VOA. UNICEF: Media Center. China. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.cn/en/index.phpm=content&c=index&a=show&catid=51&id=3731