Time well spent

Over the course of the past year and a half, I have gained so much knowledge from my peers, colleagues and instructors.  I have learned about perseverance, strength, and discipline.  I now understand the importance of being an advocate and an advocate for social change.

I believe that we can change the future for our children through continuous understanding and fortitude.  We must remember that we should provide an equitable (not equal) experience for the children that we serve.

I believe I have learned more about my passion for working with young children.  I have gained more experience with this program than I ever anticipated. I have been able to utilize what I have learned in my coursework at Walden University in my position as a center director.

I have gathered a better understanding of my abilities as a leader, and an innovator in which I hope to inspire others to become early childhood educators as well.  I also hope that I can inspire my daughter to overcome any challenges that she may face.

I plan on starting my Doctorate in education at Walden University.  I look forward to working with colleagues and gaining additional knowledge to make the future a better place.

Thank you to everyone, colleagues, peers, family, staff and instructors for inspiring me to become the best mother, student and leader that I can be.  I hope that I will interact with many of you for years to come.  Good Luck and I hope to meet you at graduation in January!

Roles/Jobs in the International Early Childhood Community

International organizations surrounding early childhood education are vitally important for young children around the world. I have researched the following organizations, and looked into the job opportunities that they have available at this time.

 

            United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

According to their website, "UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty" (UNESCO, n.d.).

            Job opportunities at UNESCO are divided into five categories, professional, young professional, general service, consultant and intern.  I personally looked at the job opportunities in the New York area.  In this specific area, there were over 160 job opportunities within the International Civil Service Commission.   UNESCO redirected me to this site. I chose three that I wanted to research.

            Human Resource Officer: Advanced degree in business administration, education, or social sciences.  At least five years experience in progressive human resource responsibilities is required.

            The other two positions are in Paris, France.  They consist of the following:
            Finance and Administrative Officer: This job requires a minimum of an advanced degree in business, finance or human resources.  In addition, seven years of experience is required to apply for this position.
            Ethics advisor: Requires a degree in law, business or social sciences.  In addition, the expectation is to have at least 10 years of experience to bring to the job.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF):

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has five main functions in the international community.  They focus on “child development and survival, basic education and gender equality, children and HIV/AIDS, child protection, and policy advocacy and partnerships” (UNICEF, 2012).   I chose this organization because I remember collecting money for them as a young child.  I never quite understood the meaning behind the money boxes until I grew older.  The organization provides so many necessary things for the international community.  I looked at the following jobs in the organization:

            Education Specialist (Youth Development) - In Malawi: This job requires an advanced degree in education, at least eight years experience working with young children.  It is preferable for the candidate speak fluent English and another UN language (UNICEF, 2012).

            Early Childhood Development Specialist- In Nairobi, Kenya: Requires an advanced degree in education and a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and minimum of eight years experience.

           I chose this organization because of its work for so many different focus areas.  All of these areas are important to young children and their families around the world.

FHI 360 (formerly Family Health International and Academy for Educational Development):

 

These two organizations combined in “2011 to form FHI360”.  The organization works “towards a world in which all individuals and communities have the opportunity to reach their highest potential.  Furthermore, they are dedicated to improving lives through locally driven solutions for human development” (FHI360, 2013). 

The organization has over 113 job opportunities.  I chose a few of the eleven education job opportunities at this time:

            Technical Advisor- Doha, Qatar: Requires a master’s degree in education or educational psychology and at least 15 years of experience

            Research Associate II: GEAR Up- United States: Requires at least a master’s degree plus five to eight years of experience in education.

           I chose this organization because it was one that I was unfamiliar.  I feel that the resources and advocacy the agency is so important in the lives of young children. There is a strong need for these types of agencies in the international community.

References:

FHI 360. (2013). About us.  Retrieved from http://www.fhi360.org/about-us.

International Civil Service Commission.  (n.d.).  New York job opportunities.  Retrieved from https://jobs.unicsc.org/

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/

 

 

 

 

Jobs/Roles in the Early Childhood Community: National/Federal Level

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Federal/National Level

            There are many federal/national organizations that are specific to early childhood education.  Of the many that I am interested in, I chose the following to research more in depth:

            National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC):

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has a mission that states, “to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources” (NAEYC, n.d.). 

            All positions are in Washington, D.C., which is the headquarters of the agency is located. 

            Senior Meeting Planner: Requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5-7 years of experience in planning

            Records Coordinator: This job requires a minimum of one year clerical experience

            System Integrity Assistant: Requires a minimum of an Associates degree as well as clerical experience

In my opinion, and experience, NAEYC is the “standard” for early childhood programming.  It was the first organization to be specifically geared towards early care and education.  With the background of the national organization, many states and local municipalities have formed chapters to integrate NAEYC standards.

Children’s Defense Fund:

The mission of the Children’s Defense Fund is, “to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities” (Children’s Defense Fund, 2012). 

I chose to research the available jobs at the national headquarters in Washington, D.C.

            Scheduler: Office of the President: This job requires the ability to work in an organized environment, in addition to having a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree

            Executive Assistant:  Requires a Bachelor’s degree and minimum of five years experience.  This position would assist the Chief Operating Officer.

I chose this organization because its origins began during the civil rights movement (Children’s Defense Fund, 2012).   I believe that its history is intriguing and so important because it supports children from all socio-economic backgrounds.

Zero to Three:

According to their website, the mission of Zero to Three, “is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life” (Zerotothree.org, 2012) and their work supports this mission.  Currently, there are only three jobs listed under the employment opportunity section of the website.  Two of the jobs are located at the Zero to Three National Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and the third is located in Los Angeles, California. 

            Chief Business/Development Officer: Requires an advanced degree in business and knowledge in early childhood education

            Development Manager: Proposals and Grants: Requires at least a Bachelor’s degree in applicable field

            Senior Policy Analyst: Master’s degree or equivalent in early childhood, business, or associated field

The reason why I chose this organization was because of its involvement with young children and their families.  I believe that there is a significant link for families to be the child’s first teacher.  While this organization works on trainings, a large portion of the work is done with public policies.  There is a strong need for non-profit agencies to support policies that relate to young children and their families. 

References:

Children’s Defense Fund.   (2012).  Our history.  Retrieved from http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH04/ats/careers/searchResults.jsp?org=CHILDRENSDEFENSE&cws=1

National Association for the Education of Young Children.  (n.d.).  NAEYC mission statement.  Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/about/mission.

Zero to Three.  (2012).  Our Mission.  Retrieved from http://zerotothree.org/.

           

           

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: State and Local Levels

 
                                                                               Blog Assignment

 

Many local and state organizations relate to early childhood education in Pennsylvania.  While it is difficult to narrow my preference to just three, I have chosen the following to share for this week's blog assignment.

The Capital Area Early Childhood Training Institute (CAECTI) is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  The focus of this institute is to provide training opportunities for early childhood educators.  In addition, they offer technical assistance for Child Development Associate Certification.  There are four main goals relating to the institute.  These goals include “developing and delivering  professional development opportunities, disseminate information, serve as advocates of high-quality programming, and serve a primary contact for Early Childhood Mental Health referrals, and technical assistance” (Capital Area Early Childhood Training Institute, 2005).

Job Opportunities for this particular organization could possibly include mentoring for early childhood practioners, management opportunities as well as teaching opportunities.  After reviewing the current staff that works there, it shows that all staff must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, while many have completed their graduate degrees in fields that relate to early childhood. 

            The Lancaster Area Association for the Education of Young Children (LAAEYC) is a branch of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  The local branch consists of officers and a board with early childhood professionals.  The job opportunities for this organization will vary depending on programs and funding.  Furthermore, each year, the Lancaster Association holds a six-hour conference on all types of topics;     this may be another opportunity for me to teach adults about early childhood education. 

            Lastly, Pennsylvania reorganized and combined their certification and licensing programs and changed its name to the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).    This new office coordinates the Department of Public Welfare and Department of Education.          Job opportunities for me within this organization would be licensing and instruction for practioners. 

            Pennsylvania has implemented many new ideas, and these organizations help to distinguish and challenge early childhood practioners.  Most of the major organizations relating to early childhood expect appropriate knowledge as it relates to early childhood education. Within all of these organizations, Bachelor’s degrees are requested to start the process of teaching and implementing many new techniques relating to early childhood professionals.

References

Lancaster Area Association for the Education of Young Children.  (2006). Retrieved from http://laaeyc.org/index.html

Office of Child Development and Early Learning.  (2013). Early childhood programs.  Retrieved from http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/dpworganization/officeofchilddevelopmentandearlylearning/index.htm

Pennsylvania State University.  Capital Area Early Childhood Education Training Institute.  (2005). Retrieved from http://ecti.hbg.psu.edu/aboutus/index.htm

 

My Wordle

Thank you!

Thank you everyone for spending time reading my posts and thoughts throughout this course.  I have taken a lot of the information and processed my skills personally and professionally.  I have enjoyed reading other colleagues' posts about their experiences.  I believe that I will continue to analyze my practices and work diligently towards effective collaboration and communication.  Again, thank you and I hope to see many of you in future courses!

Adjourning

This week we read about five stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning.  After considering the adjourning phase of several of the groups in which I have been involved, the hardest good-byes were the ones that everyone worked as a team, and a large value on trust and respect occurred.

High-performing groups are difficult to leave, because there is typically a mutual respect for outcomes that do not obviously occur in under-performing groups.  I believe that when I adjourn from the group of colleagues that I have formed here at Walden, I will be sad.  I think that we have gained a mutual respect for one another.  I believe that it is because we have not meet each other in person, and we write about our thoughts, and share our feelings.  We have formed, and stormed in building a camaraderie with our peers.

I believe that the adjourning stage is essential to teamwork because it allows for some closure and in certain cases, a promise for continued support.  This support is essential in the building of long-term friendships and peer relations.  I am anxious to finish my Master's degree here at Walden, but will miss the communication and support that I receive from my colleagues in my classes.

Reference:

Abudi, G. (2010).  The five stages of team development: A case study.  Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

Conflict Resolution

Being a Director of an early learning facility is not easy.  The many hours that you put in outside of the ones that you get paid for are tremendous.  In Pennsylvania, there is a quality initiative that encourages high quality programming, and high quality staff.  While my program has worked it's way up through the ranks, we recently attained the highest rating for quality.  However, one of the things that the program looks for is teacher longevity.  This year, we had a lot of turnover of staff.  Due to my personality, I typically look at it being my fault.  However, there were various reasons for this turnover.

Not all turnover is bad.  About six months ago, I walked in on a staff person talking negatively about me to other staff.  She was upset about my decision to move children around the center to accommodate staff breaks.  When I walked into the room, she was ranting and raving about me, and my decisions.  My first reactions were shock, then sadness, then anger.  I asked to speak with her privately, and invited my supervisor to sit in on the conversation.  The staff person refused to talk while my supervisor was there.  She said that she felt that my supervisor and I had "too close" of a relationship.  This staff person ended up walking out of her position that day.

I believe that some of the strategies that I would use would be to initially remain calm.  Not everyone is going to like me, and I them.  While some staff may not always agree with my decisions, I am ultimately the one that is responsible for the running of the program.  By remaining calm, it will enable me to listen to what they are saying.  Additionally, I believe that I will start repeating what they are saying back to them, to ensure that I have a clearer picture.  This will eliminate any misunderstandings and show the staff that I am actively listening.

Like I said, turnover isn't always bad.  At times, it can be very beneficial for the progress of the program.  Such was the case with this staff person.  I was able to find someone much more qualified, and receptive to my suggestions, and guidance.

My role as a communicator

Through the three questionnaires that we were asked to take this week, I have learned a few things about myself.  First, I test as a people oriented person, which I knew was the case but was still interesting to see that it turned out that way.  Secondly, I was a little disturbed to find out that my husband's assessment me of my verbal aggression was significant.  I never realized that my attitude or demeanor towards him could make him feel bad.  Obviously, that was never my intention. 

I have three big goals to work on over the course of the next few weeks.  My three goals are to take time to listen to all points being made regardless of my agreement.  Next, I will make notes on the conversation and others' viewpoints so that I can effectively reflect on what they were stating.  Lastly, I will work on my comfort level when speaking in public.  I have anxiety even though I know that I am knowledgeable about many different things.  I look forward to working on these goals over the next few weeks to see if I can change the effectiveness of my communication.

Cultural Diversity and Communication

Looking around my local community, interacting with my colleagues, and evaluating diversity within the aspects of this assignment has been beneficial.  I have always felt that I had a good understanding of culture, what it is, what it means, and how to best support it.  However, with this assignment I have come to realize that I do interact differently depending on the context of the interaction.

Since I am a Center Director, I must treat my staff differently from the parents that I serve.  I treat both of them differently than my supervisors and my family.  The differences aren't based necessarily on varying beliefs, but my culture has determined that each must be separated to be a professional.  Over the course of the last week, I have had a few personal challenges.  Last Saturday, I had to take my mother to the Emergency Room for trouble breathing.  They found multiple blood clots in both of her lungs, and she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for the week.  During that time I became a strict advocate for her care.  Being an only child growing up to a single parent has allowed me to become independent.  However, this week I felt helpless and challenged.

While in the hospital, I spoke to family members that live far away.  Over the years, we have not been extremely close, but we all came together during this trying time.  I understand that some of my peers have this relationship all of the time, but this was a big step in my family.  I have developed a greater understanding and respect for those individuals that have familial support.

Nonverbal cues in television

The show that I watched without sound was King of Queens.  This was an old show from the late 1990s - early 2000s.  The show is listed as a comedy, so the expectation was that the dialogue would be funny.

The show had three main people living in a what looked like a nice house.  There was an older gentleman played by Jerry Stiller, and a younger couple.  The young man played by Kevin James was husky, and worked in a shipping company.  The young woman played by Leah Remini was dressed well and worked in an office. 

While watching the sitcom I noticed that James' character was often seen eating large amounts of food.  His wife was shopping for new outfits.  They seemed to be in love.  They showed the couple kissing and hugging each other.  The young man showed irritation with the older gentleman.

When I rewatched the episode, I noticed that many of my thoughts were correct.  Many times throughout the episode Kevin James is picked on because of his size.  He and his wife are in love but tease each other over the other's faults.  Kevin James is picked on for his weight, and Leah Remini is picked on for her shopping habits.  Jerry Stiller's character just adds some comedic relief to the show.

It was interesting to observe the show without sound, and see the effects that non-verbal communication plays in everyday life as well as on television.

Competent Communication

While there are many individuals that communicate for a living, I have seen a few in my lifetime that have motivated me.  One of the most intriguing and competent people that I've ever seen is Vice President Joe Biden.  I had the opportunity to see Vice President Biden at the YWCA National Conference in Washington, D.C. this past May.  While he spoke of many things, he eloquently spoke and motivated the room of people.

It may be hard for people to believe, but Vice President Biden used to stutter.  He was harassed by peers and his teachers while growing up.  He practiced diligently to overcome this challenge, and has become a lawyer, a Senator and the Vice President of the United States.  One of the best things about Biden was that he was funny, and rational.  His address to the women at the National Conference was interesting, informative and influential.

I would like to be able to communicate as clearly and eloquently as he does.  He may be nervous before he speaks, but he does not show that when he is speaking passionately about his views.
You can see the video on C-SPAN.  Regardless of your political beliefs, Joe Biden is who I belief to be a competent communicator.



References:

C-SPAN (Executive Producer). (2012). Vice President Biden on Violence Against Women Act [Webcast].  Retrieved from http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/305843-1.

National Public Radio (Executive Producer). (2008). Joe Biden:From Stuttering to Power [Webcast].  Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93914952.