Ktantanim Balev

Young Children YC- https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc Journal of Child & Family Studies- https://link.springer.com/journal/10826 Multicultural Education- http://www.caddogap.com/ Early Childhood Education Journal- http://www.springerlink.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ Journal of Early Childhood Research- https://journals.sagepub.com/loi/ecr International Journal of Early Childhood- https://www.springer.com/journal/13158 Early Childhood Research Quarterly- https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/early-childhood-research-quarterly Developmental Psychology- https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/dev/ Maternal & Child Health Journal- https://www.springer.com/journal/10995 International Journal of Early Years Education- https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ciey20

Exchange Every Day- https://www.childcareexchange.com/faqs/exchange-every-day/ The Early Childhood’s Leaders Magazine- https://www.childcareexchange.com/ Greenspan, S. I. & Wieder, S. (1998). The Child With Special Needs, Encouraging Intellectual and Emotional Growth. A Meryloyd Lawrence Book: Da Capo Press. Greenspan, S. I. & Wieder, S (2009) Engaging Autism, Using the Floortime Approach to Help Children Relate, Communicate, and Think. A Meryloyd Lawrence Book: Da Capo Press.

National Association of the Education of Young Children- https://www.naeyc.org/ Division for Early Childhood - https://www.dec-sped.org/ Zero to Three, National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families- https://www.zerotothree.org/ WESTED- https://www.wested.org/ Harvard Education Letter- https://www.hepg.org/hel-home/topics/prek-3rd FPG Child Development Institute- https://fpg.unc.edu/ Administration for Children and Families Headstart’s National Research Conference- https://www.acf.hhs.gov/opre/hsrc High Scope- https://highscope.org/ Children Defense Fund- https://www.childrensdefense.org/ Center for Child Care Workforce- http://www.ccw.org/ Center for Exceptional Children- https://www.cec.sped.org/ Institute for Woman’s Policy Research- https://iwpr.org/ National Child Care Association- https://www.nccanet.org National Institute for Early Education research- http://nieer.org/ Pre(K) Now- https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/archived-projects/pre-k-...

My lifelong work, the passion to make sure all children are taught in environment and ways that truly nurtured their ability to grow and to develop to their fullest ability , Louise Derman Sparks, (n.d)

Never help a child with a task with he feels he can succeed , Maria Montessori (n.d) The greatest sign of success for a teacher Is to be able to say the children are now working as if I did not exist , Maria Montessori (n.d)

All children have within them the potential to be great kids. It’s our job to create a great world where this potential can flourish , Stanley Greenspan (2007)

Pirhiya was my third to fifth grade elementary school teacher. Her love for teaching was inspiring. I used to feel that there was no other place she wanted to be other than with us, her students. She always reassured us that she would be available to support us at all times. About six years ago, we had an intimate class reunion, and the organizer surprised us and invited her as well. I will never forget the moment we met. I was surprised and thrilled at the same time. The reunion brought back so many good memories and a sense of pride. I was excited to share my accomplishments in my professional life with her.

Orly, Ruth and I at my 4th birthday party Orly was my first friend. Our houses were located side by side and our friendship flourished when we were four years old. We went to preschool, kindergarten and elementary school together. We always supported each other, went to the same after school activities, and used to play together all the time. Orly taught me the value of friendship, loyalty, and the knowledge that we can connect and support each other even if we live across the ocean from each other. We have a lifelong friendship that has lasted almost five decades. She is my sister at heart. Orly is the example I give my children and my students when I teach the value and power of a meaningful friendship.

My Grandmother Sol and I at my engagement celebration Grandmother Sol taught me a passion for reading. She was a nurturing person with a great sense of humor. Every time she came for a visit, she used to tell me how much she loves me and what I mean to her. I loved her storytelling times, the most. She used to read to us in Spanish and act out the story in a dramatic and amusing manner. I remember myself as a child, asking for one more story time after time. Till this day, when I found myself engaged in storytelling I feel the impact she had on me.

Ruth and I Ruth taught me how to become a big sister, how to care for her and practice being responsible to others. Having only two years difference, we used to play and bike together. Our special bonding time was especially during the night when we used to read to each other and share our secrets. We remained close and continue to support each other. Knowing that she will always be there for me, no matter what means the world to me.

My father and I My parents, sister and I I had warm relationships with my parents. They instilled in me a sense of responsibility, respect, and the value of education. My parents taught me the importance of setting goals and fulfilling my dreams. From my mother, I learned about the power of family and nurturing relationships. My father was a life learner, modeling my sisters and me the value and impact of this path. I feel that those goals setting defines me, and support my life journey. Having such a great role model growing up had set the foundation of the wife, mother and professional educator I am today.

The five people that nurtured me and had a great impact on me while I was growing up were my parents, my sister, my grandmother, my childhood close friend, and my elementary school teacher. I believe that my support system nurtured me and provided me unconditional love, raised my self-esteem and led me to accomplish my dreams and aspirations. I was fortunate to have role models that guided me, instilled important values that define the person I became today.

“Tully And Me”, Shaw, K.,(2019).  An inspiring book that introduces a genuine friendship between a turtle and his turtle friend with special needs. Coping, adapting and overcoming challenges in a truly exciting manner. The story models diversity in a heartening manner and is illustrated with breathtaking illustrations. I highly recommend this book for every early childhood classroom.

One quote that inspires me and that was part of my Parent’s handbook. Is "All a child needs is one adult to believe in him"(Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach). As early years set the foundation for a child’s life, I believe that professional educators in the field of Early Childhood Education should encourage inclusion, stimulate and accommodate a learning environment that will provide a path for success for children with special needs. " All a child need is one adult to believe in him" (Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach). 

When I was four years old, I decided that when I grow up, I am going to become a teacher. It took a while, but, I am a big believer in chasing my dreams! My name is Ilana Albert and I am a professional educator in the field of Early Childhood Education. I have a bachelor’s degree in Child Development, and I'm currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have eighteen years of experience in early childhood settings, working as a director and headteacher in different settings. My passion is working with children with special needs. I believe that all children need to have equal opportunities in their lives. That was the focus of my goals and mission in my professional work. One aspect of my leadership was to plan and create a developmentally appropriate learning environment that will support all children between the ages of two-five years old. My first “Ktantanin” (Little ones, In Hebrew) preschool was established in California in 2001 and operated ...