When I Reflect About My Collegial, Professional Learning Community

Being a part of a professional learning community has contributed to my professional growth and accomplishments by creating an environment for me that allowed me learn and develop along with others who share the same passion for educating young children as I do.  It has also allowed me opportunities to share in the experiences of my colleagues and learn new things that have provided me with valuable insight into various aspects of the early childhood field.  I've had the chance to learn more about changes and challenge that occurring in the early childhood field by collaborative efforts of my professional learning community and their dedication and commitment to becoming better advocates of early education.

It has also been a rewarding experience being able to relate to others who understand how important early education is and how important our roles as educators and advocates are to ensuring that young children are given a fair opportunity to grow and learn in a healthy, creative environment that will have a lasting impact on them.
One goal I hope to accomplish is to expand my knowledge of the different types of special needs presented by my colleagues, as well as, other special needs that affect the lives of young children and families daily.  I also want to increase my knowledge of the current services that are available to these families and what additional services are needed.

My Hypothetical Family Situation

I am a married woman about to adopt a child with my husband of six years. Quincy is a five year old little boy and has been diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome. The Mayo Clinic defines shaken baby syndrome is a serious brain injury resulting from forcefully shaking an infant or toddler (Mayo Clinic). As a result of this brain injury, Quincy has cerebral palsy , frequent seizures and developmental delays. He has had several surgeries and numerous procedures to correct the damages to his brain. He also takes several different medications, receives speech and language therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

My husband and I both have very good jobs, and I am currently enrolled in graduate school. Quincy came to us as a foster child at five months old, and although we have tried to adopt him before, the parental rights of the biological mother prevented us from doing so.

My husband and I both speak English as our first language. We have a have large family, but no one that can help with child care needs on an ongoing basis. Quincy attends a child development center during the day, and we are in the process of hiring a caregiver to transport him from school and address his personal needs for a few hours in the afternoon until we arrive home.

Health services will benefit Quincy now and in the future due to the extensive procedures, medications, and therapies he requires. Also, early learning and development is needed to help him grow and learn since is currently at a nine month old developmental level. We also need supportive services to help us learn to help him and to be able to understand as much as possible about his diagnosis, treatments and other ongoing care.

http://www.mayoclinic.com

Have I given a complete picture of my family, or are there details missing that I should include in order to complete the assignment successfully? If so, what are your suggestions?

Are there any specific websites I should be reviewing with regard to learning about quality services and programs for my child and family in this hypothetical family situation?