Final thoughts

You have come to the end of my blog now and I hope you have learnt some new and interesting things about child poverty in New Zealand. I know I have. It is good to see that non-government agencies are releasing reports that relect was on how to end child poverty as well as yearly update on how New Zealand is doing with child poverty. These reports keeps the government on their toes and ensure that they are doing the best for kiwi children. Also stated in the blog is how important the early years are for a childrens learning and development. This is a key message that early childhood teachers need to be aware of and early detection of child poverty can ensure the child has the best start to life.  I leave you now with a quote from Mother Teresa

“The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty -- it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There's a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God” (Goodreads, n.d.).

References
Goodreads. (n.d.). Quotes About Poverty. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/poverty

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What pedagogical implications does poverty have on early childhood education?

Early childhood education is affected by society in many ways as shown in this Te Whāriki model that is based on Bronfenbrenner ecological theory. As shown in the picture, what happens in the outer layers will ultimately affect each and every child. The outer layers need to provide a safe and nurturing environment so each child is able to reach their full potential.

Poverty is affecting our children's ability to reach their full potential.

“Neuroscientists said many children growing up in very poor families with low social status experience unhealthy levels of stress hormones, which impair their neural development. That effect is on top of any damage caused by inadequate nutrition and exposure to environmental toxins” (Cookson, 2008).

Early childhood teachers need to be aware of the damage poverty can cause on a child brain development. These issues that are cause by poverty such as lack of healthy foods, exposure to cold damp houses and a settle lifestyle can cause havoc to the brains architecture. “By the age of 3, a baby’s brain has reached almost 90 percent of its adult size” (Child welfare information gateway, 2009). Therefore the first years of a child life are very significant, as mentioned in "The first 1000 days" report. The earlier someone intervenes in a child life that is affected by poverty, the more likely the child will be able to reach their full potential and have a great start to life.

Early childhood teachers have a unique opportunity to observe children within their care and ensure that they are meeting their developmental milestone. If children are struggling to meet their milestone, there may be many reasons for this,but one of these reasons could be caused by child poverty. Qualified early childhood teachers need to acknowledge child poverty as a social issue, that is affecting children’s learning and development. Early childhood teachers also need to  know what is going on at home to be able to assist family living in child poverty, therefore good collaboration skills with parents and whānau are essential. When a child has been identified as living with effects of poverty, teachers could direct assistances from outside agencies such as Salvation Army, or Child Poverty Action Groups.

In low socio-economic communities equity funding is given from the government to licensed early childhood education services (Ministry of Education, n.d.). The purpose of this funding is to reduce educational gaps within different socio-economic communities,and to improve participation within early childhood education as well as support early childhood centres with their educational achievement (Ministry of Education, n.d.). This funding is one way to allow children living in poverty to attend early childhood centres and reap the benefits through their learning and development. However, educating parents and whānau on ways to improve their child's learning such as supplying correct food, bedding, and medical care needs to be discussed.

Te Whāriki (1996) States that “Policies, procedures, and supervision should ensure that children are kept safe and feel secure within a safe environment, where symptoms of danger or abuse are promptly recognised. (Ministry Of Education, 1996, p. 46). Te Whāriki (1996) acknowledges all children have the right to have a warm safe environment to learn and develop. Qualified early childhood teachers have a professional obligation to look after a child that is in their care, and to ensure that child has support at home and community.

Poverty will always affect early childhood as long as it is an issues in New Zealand. Therefore early childhood teachers near to be aware of the signs of poverty and what to do when a child needs help. Poverty will affect a child development therefore early detection is the key to help children’s learning and development.

References

1,000 DAYS (n.d.). Why 1,000 days. Retrieved from http://www.thousanddays.org/about/

Child welfare information gateway. (2009). Understanding the effects of maltreatment on brain development. Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/issue_briefs/brain_development/how.cfm

Cookson, C. (2008). Rachel's Democracy & Health News 947. Retrieved from
ProQuest Central database.

Ministry of Education. (n.d.). ECE equity funding - questions and answers. Retrieved from http://www.lead.ece.govt.nz/ManagementInformation/Funding/EquityFunding/ECEEquityFundingQuestionsAndAnswers.aspx

Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki. He Whāriki mātaturanga mō ngā mōkopuna o Aotearoa/ Early childhood curriculum. Wellington: Learning Media.

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What is the government doing about putting an end to poverty?

The present government – National -  realised a green paper for Vulnerable Children in July 2011. This paper became the preliminary report of the white paper, (final copy) for Vulnerable Children. Social Development Minister Paula Bennett,  then released this white paper for Vulnerable Children on the 11th October 2012. Paula Bennett states "this white paper is bigger than politics; it is bigger than any one individual. It is not only for this generation of New Zealand children, but also for their children and their grandchildren" (PRESSWIRE, 2012). It is good to see that the government has taken the time look at the children in New Zealand and make a sustainable plan to help these vulnerable children, as well as future children.

On "The Nation" (a television programme), it  pointed out the green paper acknowledges that 163,000 children were at significant risk and the white paper however focused on only 20,000 to 30,000 children. "The Nation" interviewed Paula Bennett and asks “what happened to the other 130,000 children” (FRONTPAGELTD, 2012, a). Paula Bennett acknowledges they “are going to target those 20,000 to 30,000 children who they see at most risk” (FRONTPAGELTD, 2012, a). It is sad to know that the green paper had so many children they wanted to help but the white paper is only there for 20,000 to 30,000 children. I understand that Paula Bennett has a big job on her hands to help the valuable children in New Zealand. It’s a shame she cannot have a white paper to ensure all children will be helped… but it’s a start isn’t it.!!! I think that even though it a small amount, it will help a lot of children. Therefore children living in extreme poverty within New Zealand are begining to get the help they so urgently need.

The white paper for venerable children has come under criticism from other parties such as the Labour spokesperson for Social Development and Children,
Jacinda Ardern. She acknowledges that the white paper is a start, but states there is a massive missed opportunity for the government to help all children living in poverty (FRONTPAGELTD, 2012, b). She believes the focus on the 20,000 to 30,000 children is far too narrow. Jacinda Ardern wants the 270,000 children living in poverty to be included into this white paper (FRONTPAGELTD, 2012, b). This would be a wonderful thing if Labour could force the government to make this achievable. I know that things take time but  if we create a stronger base for the white paper to work with,  then later on I am sure that this paper will be benefit more children.

The Green Party has a bill called “take the step to help end child poverty” (Turei, n.d.). Metiria Turei acknologes “take the Step campaign is our (green party’s) Bill to ease poverty amongst our poorest kids” (Turei, n.d.). This bill is designed to give more money to those families who need it most. This bill states how the Green Party wants to help end child poverty in New Zealand. It is good to see the green party has a bill that they are bringing to parliament to help improve poverty.

All three parties have a view on how poverty should be improved within New Zealand. They are all aware of the well-being of children and understand that there needs to be big changes to create a better future for children. Each party needs to work with the government  on producing a long term  plan that will continuously  improve the well-being of children within New Zealand. Government also need to acknowledge and support  outside government agencies and discuss their solutions to child poverty, such as The Child Commissioner Report. By using all this information and educating New Zealand's  society, child poverty will then  begin to decrease because the government and outside government agencies are working together to help children in poverty.

References

FRONTPAGELTD. (2012, Oct 13, a). Paula Bennett on the White Paper part 1: The Nation, Oct 13, 2012 [video file].  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOupTtwbsx0

FRONTPAGELTD. (2012, Oct 13, b). Jacinda Ardern's response to Paula Bennett's White Paper: The Nation, Oct 13, 2012 [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZbpXdX8JV4

PRESSWIRE. (2012). White Paper for Vulnerable Children released. Retrieved from ProQuest Central Database.

Turei, M. (n.d.) Take the step to help end child poverty. Retrieved from http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/take-the-step-factsheet-green-party-2012.pdf

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One News bulletin discusses the Child Commission Report

This bulletin from One News discusses the Child Commission Report (Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group, 2012). I have found this bulletin very interesting because it discussed a lot about poverty I did not consider.

I was very surprised when I found out that child poverty cost tax payers six to eight billion a year. Where is all this money going to? An Independent researcher John Pearce “estimated what child poverty costs the country each year in four key areas: poor education and its impact on productivity ($2.2 billion), health ($3-$4.5 billion), crime ($2.2 billion) and social welfare ($1.4 billion)” (Scoop Independence News, 2012). This works out to be 8.8 – 10.3 billion a year.

There needs to be change towards the way New Zealand deals with child poverty. I believe  the Children Commission Report (Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group, 2012) have given 78 recommendations on what needs to be put in place to help improve child poverty (NZCity, 2012) .  It is good to see that in this One News bulletin, some schools are already doing their best to help children living in poverty by supplying breakfast and fruit for hungry students. One of the Children Commission Report recommendations is to set up a three billion dollar a year scheme to provide meals for around 15000 children. This will ensure children living in poverty are getting adequate food, so that they can pay attention while they are learning.  Children who have not had breakfast “have more difficulty concentrating, display behavioural problems, are less alert and are often lethargic” (Halton food for thought, n.d.) at school.

One News bulletin also stated that “child welfare experts says New Zealand tolerates far too many children living in poverty and wants the government to do more” (Royal Wakefield, 2012). They want the government to start up the universal child payment scheme for children up to six year old starting at 150 dollars and gradually reducing it. John Key stated in the One News bulletin that he is ruling out the universal child payment scheme because he believes that New Zealand has a “targeted system through working through families” (Royal Wakefield, 2012).  Obviously the Prime minister and the Child Commission Report has different views on what should be used to help out families in this situation.

A recommendation is for the government to rebalance the family tax credit. This is targeted to “help large families or families with young children” (Royal Wakefield, 2012).  This will be helpfully to ensure families have the right amount of support and raise their families.Budget advise is recommended so families can direct this money correctly to children's needs.  Another recommendation is for all rental houses to have warrant of fitness to ensure that family are living in dry, clean homes. This will ensure that families are living in safe warm environments that are healthy for their children.

The Children Commission, Russell Wills,  wants a Children’s Act created in law, that will set targets for combatting child poverty. By creating this act, the Child Commission believes there will be  much more accountability from the government and government agencies (Royal Wakefield, 2012). I believe that this Child Commission Report (Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group, 2012) has been an eye opener for the government and these recommendations will allow them to work towards eliminating child poverty.

On the 13th of February the Salvation Army realised a State of the Nation annual report titled ‘She'll be Right’. This title is implying that a making do and getting by attitude that exists around social policy and human need (Salvationarmynzft, 2013). This report “reveals little has changed in rates of child poverty over the past year, while the number of recorded offences for various forms of violence towards children has increased” (News, 2013). This has labour and green urging the National government to take action to tackle child poverty. This video is the salvation army discussing the ‘She'll be Right’ State of the Nation annual report.

References

Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group. (2012).
Solutions to Child Poverty in New Zealand. Retrieved from
http://www.occ.org.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/9857/FINAL_Issues_and_Options_Paper.pdf

Halton food for thought. (n.d.). http://schools.hcdsb.org/olvm/Healthy%20Schools/Halton%20Food%20for%20Thought%20Brochure.pdf

News. (2013). Labour, Greens urge child poverty action. Retrieved from http://news.msn.co.nz/nationalnews/8609363/labour-greens-urge-child-poverty-action
NZCity. (2012). Report calls for universal child payment. Retrieved from http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=158493

Royal Wakefield. (2012, Aug 28,). 2012-08-28 - One News - NZ'S child poverty rates 'not good enough' [video file].  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvbwmx1bUkE

Salvationarmynzft. (2013, Feb 17,). State Of The Nation 2013 Summary | The Salvation Army NZFT [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHmm9tNsWtU

Scoop Independence News. (2012). Annual cost of child poverty up to $8.8 billion. Retrieved from http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1209/S00043/annual-cost-of-child-poverty-up-to-88-billion.htm

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What is poverty doing to our young children

As stated in my last post, according to Child Poverty Action Group (“[CPAG], 2012”) one in five children live in poverty, in New Zealand. How is this able to be measured? Paula Bennett Minister of Social Development states "there is no official measure of poverty in New Zealand…” (“APNZ, 2012”). Without a clear government definition of what poverty is, then how are we able to know who lives in poverty and who does not? Labour spokeswoman Jacinda Ardern states that “child poverty would not be resolved if the Government would not acknowledge the scale of the problem” (“APNZ, 2012”). It is clear that there needs to be an official way to measure poverty in New Zealand.

The Children’s Commissioner (“n.d.”) states poverty in New Zealand as “households with incomes below the 60 percent median income poverty line, after taking housing costs into account”.  The children social health monitor New Zealand (“[TcshmNZ] n.d.”) acknowledges “children aged 0–17 years are living in households with incomes below the 60% income poverty threshold”. These two statements of poverty are very similar and it is very interesting that these organisations can come up with a definition but the government does not have an official measure of what poverty is in this country.

What is poverty doing to our young children? Poverty can have a negative effect on our young children, which is a shame because they are our future and we are meant to look our future.  According to (“[TcshmNZ] n.d.”) some of these negative outcomes are “low birth weight, infant mortality, poorer mental health and cognitive development, and hospital admissions from a variety of causes”. Poverty is clearly not allowing a child to get the best start in life. He mana tō ia Tamaiti (“n.d.”) states that “… poverty can have serious and permanent effects on a child as it influences their physical, emotional and social development”. These effects are extreme and we all need to step up and take action to ensure these children do not continue to live in poverty.

So what is needed so that a child can have a brighter future? “The 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday offer a unique window of opportunity to shape healthier and more prosperous futures” (“1,000 DAYS, n.d.”). This will not save all the problems of poverty but it can help to ensure that children will have a good start to life. The government therefore needs to put more resources into these first 1000 days to ensure every child gets a good start.  Good antenatal care, support networks to all at risk families, education on budgeting and diet are all needed to support families. “Evidence shows that the right nutrition during the 1,000 day window can save more than one million lives each year” (“1,000 DAYS, n.d.”). This shows that a lot of effort needs to be put into expectant mothers and young children to ensure children have the best opportunity in life.

References

1,000 DAYS (n.d.). Why 1,000 days. Retrieved from http://www.thousanddays.org/about/

APNZ (2012, August 16). Measuring poverty line not a priority - Bennett. The New Zealand herald.
Retrived from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10827418

Children’s Commissioner (n.d.). Child poverty in New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.occ.org.nz/home/childpoverty/about_child_poverty

Child Poverty Action Group, (2012). Bare your soles for child poverty. Retrieved from http://www.cpag.org.nz/news/rally-at-parliament-wed-12th-dec/

He mana tō ia Tamaiti (n.d.). Child poverty. Retrieved from http://www.everychildcounts.org.nz/resources/child-poverty/

The children social health monitor New Zealand (n.d.). Child poverty and living standards. Retrieved from http://www.nzchildren.co.nz/child_poverty.php

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Child Poverty introduction

Welcome to my blog

Child poverty is a social issue here in New Zealand as well as around the world. "Many people find it difficult to believe that there is child poverty in New Zealand and are amazed to learn we have one of the higher levels in the developed world" ("He mana tō ia Tamaiti, n.d."). Recent New Zealand statistics have indicated that one in five children live in poverty ("Child Poverty Action Group [CPAG], 2012"). Poverty can be due to the changing family situations such as job loss or redundancy, illness and costly medical treatment and relationship breakdown.

I believe a lot of people know about child poverty overseas because of charities standing on the side of the street corner or on the television asking for donations. It is easy to ignore child poverty when we think it is not happening in our own back yard (New Zealand). I must admit I did it the other day I was asked to donate for UNICEF but shook my head and carried on with my day not really thinking too much about it. Looking back on it now it's not hard to donate a couple of dollars. I donate that much to the parking meter when I'm in town. This example just shows how easy it is for us to ignore child poverty.

I am interested in finding out how child poverty affects children's growth and learning and development. Poverty is "where people's basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter are not being met" ("BusinessDictionary.com", n.d.). This is a very broad definition but gives an idea of what poverty is. With each new post I plan to have a greater understanding of what poverty is and how it is affecting children on a daily basis.

Throughout this blog I will be looking at child poverty more in depth by using a wide range of perspectives. I will be drawing on information from databases and websites to learn more about poverty.  I will be looking at the effects child poverty has on early childhood and the pedagogical implications for practice in the early childhood setting. I will also be looking at what the government is doing about child poverty.

References

BusinessDictionary.com (n.d.). Poverty. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/poverty.html

Child Poverty Action Group, (2012). Bare your soles for child poverty. Retrieved from http://www.cpag.org.nz/news/rally-at-parliament-wed-12th-dec/

He mana tō ia Tamaiti (n.d.). Child poverty. Retrieved from http://www.everychildcounts.org.nz/resources/child-poverty/

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