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Hi there: This week, our reading focuses on prenatal
development, particularly problems relating to low birth-weight infants. It includes information
on the role of experience on brain development. It looks at risks to social, emotional, cognitive,
language, and sensory development. Our reading also covers the principles of curriculum for
and inclusion of young infants, birth to 9 months, mobile infants, 8 to 18 months, and
toddlers, 16 to 36 months who are developing typically and those at risk and those who
have identified disabilities. As I read the chapter, I was drawn to the
mortality rate table 7.1 on page 156. The Neonatal column refers to infants in the first
4 weeks of life. And decided to do a little more research on the topic. I was wondering
why the numbers seem so lopsided. The Office of Minority Health states that:
African Americans have 2.3 times the infant mortality rate as non-Hispanic whites. They
are almost four times as likely to die as infants due to complications related to low
birth weight as compared to non-Hispanic white infants.
• African Americans had twice the sudden infant death syndrome mortality rate as non-Hispanic
whites, in 2009. • African American mothers were 2.3 times
more likely than non-Hispanic white mothers to begin prenatal care in the 3rd trimester,
or not receive prenatal care at all. The Office of Minority Health believe the
numbers are high in these populations primarily because of premature and low-birth weight
babies. Because a woman's preconception diet, weight, lifestyle habits and other factors
are known to affect the health of her pregnancy, and because half of all pregnancies are unplanned,
they try to educate men and women across the country —talking to them about healthy eating
habits, exercise, prenatal care, stress reduction, being at a healthy weight and staying away
from drugs and alcohol."
As you read our chapter this week, pay special attention to the practical ideas toward the
end of our chapter -- ways to working with children who have special needs. One thing
I have noticed over the years is that many ideas that focus on working with children
with special needs are also really appropriate for children without learning or developmental
challenges. I'm not referring to adaptive equipment, of course, but many of the techniques
are really best practices for all infants and toddlers.
OK -- Just a reminder that your developmental essay is due at the end of this week and you
need to pay special attention to the rubric before submitting your paper.
Have a great week!