Urban Harbors Institute, UMass Boston的动态

Impact of Natural Resource Management on Early Childhood Development Effective natural resource management is vital for shaping the surroundings for children's growth and development. Access to clean water, fresh air, hygiene, and nutritious food are elemental to the health and cognitive development of children. Beyond immediate health implications, natural resource management also influences the social and economic determinants that affect early childhood development. When communities have reliable access to natural resources, they can invest more in education, healthcare, and nutrition for their children. This stability particularly provides the security and support needed for proper emotional and cognitive development. Conversely, when natural resources are well managed, it creates supporting conditions that can positively impact a child's mental and emotional well-being. On the other hand, communities that practice sustainable resource management can provide better educational facilities, fostering environments where children can learn, play, and grow safely. In this way, effective natural resource management not only preserves the environment but also supports the holistic development of children, ensuring they have the best possible start in life. #cognitivedevelopment #ECD #earlychildhooddevelopment #SDG #naturalresources #socialinclusion

"Many programs strive to develop environmental literacy, which can broadly be defined as understanding and caring about environmental issues and having the skills needed to work toward solving them. But how do teachers start molding preschoolers into model environmental citizens?" https://lnkd.in/g86582xK

The collaboration between the Center for Healthy Communities and Stokes Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences will offer opportunities for high school students to examine environmental hazards and their impacts on the health of Gulf Coast residents. #ReadySouthGo #marinescience #environmentalscience #southalabama #STEMM

Voice of Impact Series: Stephen A. Monjah—Lighting the Path to Education Today, we share the inspiring story of Stephen A. Monjah, a dedicated primary school teacher and caretaker at Shepherd's Farm, an orphanage serving vulnerable children. For years, Stephen struggled with one heartbreaking reality: the children he cared for could not study after dark. Once the sun set, the orphanage would be plunged into darkness, and their dreams of a brighter future felt just out of reach. Everything changed when Stephen brought Eco-Energy’s solar kit to Shepherd's Farm. "The light has been a blessing beyond words," Stephen says. Now, the children have the opportunity to study at night, prepare for school, and work on their assignments without interruption. This simple access to clean, reliable light has sparked hope in their lives, giving them the tools to excel in their education and pursue their dreams. Stephen, too, feels a renewed sense of purpose. As both a teacher and caregiver, he has witnessed firsthand the transformation: “Before the light, the nights were wasted. Now, these children are learning, growing, and believing in a future they can build for themselves.” The impact goes beyond education—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and opportunity to children who deserve a chance to thrive. Stay tuned for more incredible stories in our Voice of Impact Series, where solar energy continues to empower lives and illuminate possibilities. #VoiceOfImpact #EcoEnergyLiberia #EducationThroughLight #BrightFutures

?? Natureness Appraisal ?? Struggling to assess the level of nature integration in your practice? Whether you're evaluating an existing nature-based program or considering a shift towards nature-focused practices, finding the right guide is crucial. I have recently discovered an invaluable resource equipped with standardized tools to enhance the quality of nature-based approaches. Written by Patti Ensel Bailie, Rachel A. Larimore, and Arianna E. Pikus "Evaluating Natureness: Measuring the Quality of Nature-Based Classrooms in Pre-K through 3rd Grade." is a groundbreaking resource tailored for early education professionals, researchers, and policymakers who want to ensure excellence in nature-based learning environments. Link to material here: https://lnkd.in/e9z3dHwZ The Nature-Based Education Rating Scales (NABERS) for Pre-K and K–3 provide a comprehensive framework to assess the quality of education settings. This toolkit is a go-to for gathering essential information and elevating program quality which can be adapted to reflect your facilitation milieu. Here’s what it covers: Program goals and curriculum practices Staffing standards Environmental considerations Community partnerships Family engagement Establishing a robust means to evaluate program nature integration is not just pivotal for validating the field—it's crucial for enhancing the human experience at its core. By systematically assessing how nature is integrated into programs, we not only ensure educational excellence but also amplify the broader benefits to human development and well-being. Thank you for joining us in pioneering this essential endeavor towards a future where nature-based modalities enrich lives profoundly. Please feel very encouraged to share a trusted resource of your own ?? #NatureIntegration #HumanExperience #Natureness #NatureBasedEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #OutdoorLearning #EducationInNature #ExpressiveEcoArt #AppliedEcoPsychology ??

Harcum College has partnered with the CCEDC - Chester County Economic Development Council on a program that will train residents for high-quality jobs in vital industries across the greater Philadelphia region.

I suggest you a scientific course in urban studies??You can learn online and get certification?? #Urbanstudies is a #multidisciplinary field that examines the #complexities of urban environments, focusing on #criticalissues such as #urbanization, social inequality, #sustainability, and #infrastructuredevelopment. This course delves into the challenges faced by cities today, including housing shortages, #transportation inefficiencies, environmental degradation, and the impact of #globalization on urban life. Students will engage with theoretical frameworks and practical case studies, equipping them with the analytical tools necessary to address pressing urban problems. By fostering a deep understanding of the interplay between social, economic, and political factors in urban settings, this course prepares #participants to contribute effectively to the development of sustainable and equitable #urbanpolicies. Join us to explore the dynamic landscape of urban studies and become a part of the solution to the critical issues facing our cities.

The COVID calamity should have taught us a couple of things. One of them is the nasty influence of the normalized schooling system on our children. School should be a reflection of responsible parents' choices. Instead, it tries to enact some official policy with a narrative attached to almost anything. Where are the critical thinking abilities we like to attribute to our scholarly education? I argue that schooling almost everywhere is a machine to create normalized cogs. Individuality runs counter to that aim. But it's a nice narrative that can be used to do what cannot be openly said. Responsible parents should consider homeschooling. https://lnkd.in/dq6bpjA8

As a new term begins, let us be mindful. In the aftermath of natural disasters like fires or displacement due to the loss of homes, college students need immediate and compassionate support. Professors and department chairs can take the following practical steps: Focus on People, Not Deadlines: Shift priorities from deadlines and outcomes to the well-being of students. Emphasize understanding and flexibility over rigid requirements. 1) Flexibility: Offer extensions on deadlines, alternative assignments, and recorded lectures to help students navigate their disrupted lives. 2) Provide Resources: Share information about campus and community support services, such as housing assistance, food pantries, mental health counseling, and emergency grants. 3) Be compassionate: Check in with students regularly. A simple email or one-on-one meeting can go a long way in showing you care. 4) Offer Safe Spaces: Ensure students know they can approach you/specific others for help. Departments can host drop-in sessions or community circles for peer support. 5) Collaborate: Work with campus offices to identify affected students and advocate for targeted assistance. 6) Promote Connection: Suggest peer groups or buddy systems where students can share experiences and build resilience together. 7) Model Self-Care: Encourage students to prioritize their well-being and demonstrate empathy by respecting your own boundaries while supporting them. By prioritizing people over policies, educators can create a culture of care and compassion that helps students feel seen, valued, and supported through their most challenging times. #community #resilience #loss #healing #processing #support #collegestudents #highereducation #professors #adjuncts #staff #students

Hey #sustainability #professionals! We need more businesses to talk to people about #green opportunities in work! You don't need to prepare a lot and can get support to do so, support the growth of one of the fastest growing careers by helping shape people's aspirations before they leave school! Lots of dates to choose from (and maybe you'll be in the same session as me)