Time Well Spent

 Through this program I learned that I have a lot to offer young children and families. I feel with the help of my Capstone project I now have so many reliable web resources, and organizations that work toward the well-being of all children. Therefore, with these resources, and organization I can continue to help others with just about any issue that may arise when working with young children, and their families. I also learned a lot more about myself through learning about my biases and the biases of others. I learned that I may think I am treating a family or child with respect through the way I was raised to show respect to others, but I have to remember that everyone’s upbringing is different. Therefore, as an early childhood professional I now know that I have to learn more about a family and their child before I can think that the child is being disrespectful when he/she say something or do something that I may think is inappropriate. I also learned how important positive feedback can be from our instructors and colleagues. I believe when you get feedback, and take it in a positive way you grow so much more on a professional, and personal level. Last but not least I also learned that even though our colleagues are online colleagues they become a part of an online family that is always there when you need them.

 

My most important long-term goal is to help others grow. Over these last few years I have had so many people stand behind me in giving me the confidence, and moral support I needed in knowing that I could accomplish my Master’s degree. Therefore my goal is to encourage, and strengthen those I know, and do not know to be strong and know that they too have someone standing behind them cheering them on in whatever they are trying to accomplish.

 

In pursuing my Master’s degree in Early Childhood I really have to thank Walden University for being there for me 100%. I cannot even explain how wonderful my experience was from the start to the finish. Moreover, I cannot believe WE MADE IT! So, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Everyone for the positive interaction, your thoughtful words on the discussion boards, and weekly blogs. And remember  

WE DID THIS TOGETHER!  

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The three international organizations that appealed to me were the; The Ounce, Academy for Educational Development, and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC). The first organization, The ounce organization has been around since 1982. http://www.theounce.org the ounce stated that “The Ounce of Prevention Fund has persistently pursued a single goal: that all American children—particularly those born into poverty—have quality early childhood experiences in the crucial first. And their goal is to improve the life chances for low-income children through our programs, advocacy, training, and research” (the ounce, n.d.).  Therefore, I was drawn to this organization because helping low income families receive quality child care is very important to me. I believe in order for young children to develop successfully they need an early start in life through early childhood programs that provide quality early child care for all children, in all communities. Also the ounce had a job opening that interest me and it was a Substitute Lead Teacher. My choice for choosing the substitute lead teacher position was that I feel it would be a good idea to get to know how things worked while taking my time in getting familiar with the school’s curriculum, and the overall environment. The job education and experiences requirement were; “Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development (CD), or related field with a minimum of 27 credits in ECE or CD, and two years’ experience in relevant early childhood group setting required. Head Start: Type 04 Education Certificate (in 3-5 age classrooms) or currently enrolled in a 04 Certification Program. The required skills and abilities were; to have of and ability to implement early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for age group 3-5 and be able to remain abreast of developments in the child development field. Knowledge of and ability to implement Head Start Performance Standards and state and local licensing requirements. Demonstrated leadership abilities and ability to implement reflective supervision. Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member. Ability to communicate and work with diverse families and professionals. Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low-income community. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials. Intermediate knowledge of computer applications, word-processing software in a Windows environment and ability to learn and master other computer technology /software as needed. Ability to communicate and respond in a manner that consistently demonstrates respect and concern” (the ounce, n.d.).

My second international organization was the Academy for Educational Development. http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm The organization stated that they believe — based on more than four decades of experience — that the key to improving lives is in generating, sharing and applying knowledge. FHI 360 programs combine evidence with on-the-ground experience to deliver maximum efficiency and impact. We work to empower individuals, families and communities to tackle their own challenges. The organization believes in mutual respect for diversity and cultural differences, and their mission is to improve lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development” (Academy for Educational Development, 2011). Therefore, I chose this organization because I felt a connection with their mission on improving lasting lives for families. Not just seeing how they can help families, and communities now, but continuing to work together through empowering families to work toward the good of helping themselves. For this reason I felt the job I would like to have with this organization would be a, Student and Family Engagement (SAFE) Officer. The education and requirements for this job was to have a “Bachelor’s Degree and some experience and proven commitment to working in a school or youth development environment, in particular with urban public schools and urban youth. Awareness of culturally competent practices. Ability to work effectively with school-aged youth, families, and communities from a wide range of cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. Comfort both in working alone and collaboratively, with strong relationship building skills. A self-starter, who can also manage and coordinate many projects at one time. Interest in and commitment to nurturing and developing youth, especially around their social, emotional, and academic development. Proven skills in coordinating and implementing family engagement events and school wide celebrations. Highly effective written and oral communication skills. Expertise with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Prezi, and other productivity and communication tools. Familiarity with available student support services. Fluency in written and spoken English. DOE fingerprinting and background clearances will be a requirement” (Academy for Educational Development, 2011).

My third and final organization was, The Division for Early Childhood http://www.dec-sped.org/  The organization states that the “organization was started in 1973 by a group of volunteers who cared deeply about the development of young children with special needs. DEC is one of 17 divisions of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the largest professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) mission is to promote policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. DEC is an international membership organization for those who work with or on behalf of young children (0-8) with disabilities and other special needs and their families” (The Division for Early Childhood, n.d.). In reading through the information on the Division for Early Childhood website I found it most interesting how they are a part of the largest professional organizations that is dedicated to helping young children reach their full potential. Whether it is a child with special needs or a child that has other certain abilities, the organization is there for the overall well-being of the individual child. Moreover, I also feel that there are some young children that are gifted and talent need help in developing certain areas of their abilities as well. However, when searching for jobs the site explained that the “DEC does not screen or implicitly endorse any of the institutions or organizations posting open position on its career center. However the one job that did interest me was a, Early Childhood Researcher. The Requirements: Requires experience with quantitative and qualitative data analysis, instrument design, data collection, early childhood development, and early childhood programs. Must have substantive expertise in a field such as education, public health, special education, early childhood development, or human services. Outstanding writing, speaking, and project management skills and the ability to work collaboratively are required. Prefer experience and background in issues related to prekindergarten quality and outcomes, dual language learners, special education, assessment of young children, use of technology to support learning, and early STEM. Being bilingual in Spanish is a plus. The education requirement is a Ph.D. in education, early childhood education, child development, developmental psychology or related field” (The Division for Early Childhood, n.d.).

 

Reference

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm

Division for Early Childhood (DEC) (n.d,)  http://www.dec-sped.org/

The Ounce. (n.d.). http://www.theounce.org