Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

Three Things Learned Throughout The Course:

As an early childhood educator the common goal is to work together with parents, and the community to fight for high-quality, and issues/challenges that affect children and families living in socioeconomic areas. The things that I have learned throughout this course is when looking at issues and trends in early childhood education be sure to consider the intended and unintended consequences when working with children and families in low economic areas. I have  also learned the different leadership and strategies to consider when leading the community and others in early childhood education and last of all there are a variety of different organizations that provide training, workshops, conferences, internships, and membership that will assist you in your journey in early childhood education.

One Long Term Goal:

Is to help families to understand the importance of parent involvement across the board and open my own center, so that I can give back to the community by having a program that will help young mothers with clothes, furniture, and skills that would prepare them in the work field if they choose to work in early childhood education.

Farewell:

I would like to thank Dr. Teri for taking the time out to answer my emails and concerns that I had throughout the course.  You were very prompt and also gave great input throughout the course. I thank you for being a voice for positive and social change in early childhood education.

I would also like to thank my colleagues for the comments and suggestions on my Blog, and Discussion Board on my Capstone project.  As we all continue our journey may we all remember the reason why we chose early childhood education to help make a positive change that affects early childhood education?  Remember there is a greater need and awareness of the issues that affect children and families. I challenge each and every one of you to keep that light shinning and the passion that drove you to making a difference.

Jobs/Role in the ECE Community: Internationally

Jobs/Role in the ECE Community: Internationally

 

The three international organization or communities of practice I chose are Save the Children, International Step by Step Association, and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Save the Children:

Is an international non-profit organization that fights for the rights for children in the U.S and around the world by creating lasting changes in the lives of children in need. Save the Children provide, “quality education and preschool programs, books, supplies, educational toys and emergency health and nutrition programs that save children's lives and ensure they grow up healthy” (www.savethechildren.org). This organization appeals to me because in the United States we take a lot for granite and in other countries they hope, pray, and fight for equal rights for woman, men, and especially children. As advocate for children this organization is fighting for the same cause which is to improve the quality of early childhood by making sure all children have access especially low-income families.

Job/Career opportunities:

Job that interests me is education advisor. “The Education Advisor will be expected to lead on sectoral assessment, programme design and master-budgeting, coordination (including the Cluster), and support fundraising, recruitment and procurement liaising and linking with other sectors as appropriate. In most circumstances, the post-holder will be expected to mentor and/or capacity build existing country programme staff (www.savethechildren.org).

Education:

• “At least 3 years work experience in Education sector in both development and humanitarian contexts.
• Education to MSc/MA level in a relevant subject or equivalent field experience
• Excellent communication skills
• Language skills in Arabic or Kurdish
• Experience or knowledge of working and living in the Middle East” (savtheachildren.org).

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF):

United Nations Children’s Fund was established in 1946. (UNICEF) is the, “world largest advocate for children” (www.unicef.org). United Nations Children’s Fund mission statement is:

·         “Defend, promote and protect children's rights;

·         Mobilize political will and material resources to help countries form appropriate policies and deliver services for children and families;
Ensure special protection for the world's most disadvantaged children;

·         Promote the equal rights of girls and women and support their full participation in the development of their communities” (www.unicef.org).

Job Opportunities:

They are several positions that are available but at this time none in the field I am in.

Education:

·         Most jobs require advanced university degree in education, social science, and field relevant to the position.

·         At least 8 years experience progressive professional work experience at national and international levels in fields relevant to education or related field, preferably in an international development environment.

International Step By Step Association:

“The International Step by Step Association (ISSA) is a membership organization that connects professionals and organizations working in the field of early childhood development and education. ISSA promotes equal access to quality education and care for all children, especially in the early years of their lives” (www.issa.nl/). This organization appeals to me because working in early childhood education I believe there should be equality of early childhood education and care for all children no matter regardless of their economic status, race, and cultural background. ISSA support a wide range of programs. “ISSA focuses on nurturing the network’s capacity, knowledge and experience, thus strengthening ISSA as a growing learning community.”(www.ISSA.nl).

Job Opportunities:

Currently at this time there are no job opportunities however International Step By Step individuals can join the organization and become a member and intern.

 

Reference:

International Step By Step Association. (n.d). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from

          http://www.issa.nl/index.html

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from     

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIp14E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/OfficialSite.htm

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (n.d). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from 

http://www.unicef.org/

 

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

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

The three organizations I have chosen Education of Young Childhood, National Head Start Association, and Florida Early Learning Coalition because of each one of these organization mission statement for the safety and well-being of children and uplifting the families.

The National Education for Young Children is one of the largest organizations that provide high-quality care working on the behalf of all young children that relates to education, development, and resources. NAEYC provides a wide rang of resources available to parents, teachers, and children (http://www.naeyc.org/).

Job Opportunities: No jobs at this time but criteria for majority of the jobs.

·         B. A in early childhood education

·         2 years experience

·         Poses good communication skills

·         Knowledge of NAEYC’s accreditation system is a plus.

Second, national organization I chose to look at National Head Start Association (NHSA0. NHSA’s mission statement is to inspire and support Head Start organization as a leader in early childhood development and education. National Head Start Association plays a vital role in educating children and helping families to become self-sufficient by providing children with high-quality care from infant to five years of age. The organization is committed to partnering and collaborating with families and the community living socioeconomic areas. The National Head Start Association offers resources to parents, teachers, and advocates for Head Start (http://www.nhsa.org/).

Job Opportunities: A couple of jobs offered, Data Analyst, Technology Association, and

Policy, Data and Research Fellowship none of these jobs that I am interested in. except the

 Director of Head Start

·         B. A. in Early Childhood Education

·         40 hours, CDA, and Directors Credentials

·         First Aide/CPR

·         Knowledge about Head Start Association

·         Minimum of 2 years experience as an director of early childhood setting

Last of all, State of Florida Early Learning Coalition

Working for the state of Pensacola Florida, as a childcare provider coach working hand-in hand with childcare provider, teachers, and childcare center to coach the staff on skills and techniques to improve or enhance their Center each state call it something different and now childcare facilities are being graded and held to a standard like high quality programs like Head start, and La Petite Academy making it a way for the state and parents to hold their providers accountable (http://www.elcescambia.org/Employment.aspx)

 

Skills or Education:

·         B.A. in Early Childhood Education

·         Great Communication Skills (Public Speaking)

·         Computer Skills (Windows Eight)

·         Understanding of Childcare regulations and challenges providers face.

 

I would also like to teach at a Community College/University:

I would truly like to work at a smaller community college or university.  Working as an instructor in an early childhood program I would need:

 

·         M. A in Early Childhood Education

·         Computer skills,

·         Public speaking and interaction skills.

·         Familiar with Florida Rules and Regulation

·         Experience teaching at least 1 year

 

Reference:

Early Learning Coalition

http://www.elcescambia.org/Employment.aspx

National Education for Young Children

http://www.naeyc.org/

 

 National Head Start Association

http://www.nhsa.org/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Exploring Roles in ECE Community: Local, and State Levels

 

Being in Early Childhood Education is the greatest reword anyone could ever have because it is a chance to make a difference in young children lives by targeting the “The Whole Child”. It has been proven, “By age 4, for instance, the cortex begins operating at adult activity levels. By 4, a child's brain is more than twice as active as an adult's. The brain continues to consume glucose at this feverish pitch through age 10 and then slows down until age 16, when it levels off at adult values. The child's brain burns much more glucose than an adult's brain, Chugani said, because it must maintain trillions of connections between neurons, more than twice as many as are ultimately retained” (Nadai, 1993). So by that fact a child’s brain can soak up information like a sponge.

Doing my research on the different organizations the three organizations that I chose was NAEYC, Zero to Three, and ECEA:

The first organization (NAEYC) National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) founded in 1926 which have led the way for helping early childhood organization provide high-quality care. (NAEYC) have at least 80,000 thousand members, “from more than 300 Affiliates and more than 120 countries, including teachers, administrators, parents, educators, and policy members” (naeyc.org). (NAEYC) is committed to bringing high-quality early care and education to all young children.

At this time there are no jobs that I am interested in but I did see some information on internship which would be a great opportunity to do because being in early childhood education major my goal is soon to have my own early childhood preschool. Where I can apply everything I have learned from Head Start, school, and organizations like (NAEYC) which is one of the best foundations for helping me to provide high-quality care. In order to be considered for internship you have to submit:

·         Letter of interest,

·         Describe your educational background

·         Experience in (ECHE)

·         What you hope to gain from internship at (NAEYC).

The second organization I chose Zero to Three founded in (1977) is a nonprofit organization. That provides early childhood programs, parents, educators, and policy makers, “The knowledge and know-how to nurture early development” (zerothree.org). Mission statement of Zero to Three is making sure all babies, and toddlers have strong start in their early life.

Job Opportunities:

·         None at this time

·         Have internship opportunities (None at this time),Submit Cover Letter & Resume

Education:

·         B.A. in (ECE) or B.A. to A.A in Birth to Three

·         Experience working with (0-3)

·         CPR/ First Aide

The final organization I chose to review is local child care resource and referral agency in the state of Florida- Early Learning Coalition which is attached to referral program for childcare. Early Learning Coalition was started in 2000. This agency was started to meet the needs of working families by helping families with childcare and school readiness programs like VPK. Early Learning Coalition works with families, early childhood programs, and community organizations to provide families with the information and resources they need to choose a high quality early childhood program. Local child care referral programs provide financial support for eligible families for child care. These programs are great resources that help struggling families with paying either all or portion of their fees in childcare centers.

Job Opportunities: Early Learning Coalition

·         At this time there are no positions available

(Some position would be I am interested in Childcare inspector, VPK trainer or Director/Assistant Director)

Education:

·         B.A. Early Childhood Education or A.A. degree in Early childhood Education

·         40 hours

·         Director’s Credentials and CDA

·         CPR/First Aide

·         1 year experience in Early Childhood Education

 For more information on the local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for my area, please refer to www.elcescambia.org.

 

Resources

Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County

          www.elcescambia.org

Kids Brain Power - The Riggs Institute. Retrieved from

www.riggsinst.org/BrainPower.aspx

NAEYC Accreditation. Retrieved from

www.naeyc.org

ZERO TO THREE: Homepage. Retrieved from

zerotothree.org

Greeting's from Denice

Hello future educators. My name is Denice Johnson and I am a Lead Teacher at Head Start. These few years in Early Childhood Education have been really good to me. I am the first in my family and generation to receive a degree in education. My life long goal is to continue gaining more and more knowledge in education and one day to own my own Early Childhood Preschool. I look forward to reading and posting to each and every one of your post.


Have a great semester. Denice

Time Well Spent: A Professional and Personal Journey

When I first started Walden University I didn’t know what to expect but I knew in order to be in this diverse field I must continue my education and learn more and how to apply what I have learned in my profession as an early childhood educator. In this field I learned that it takes the community, parents, educators, professions, and other professionals work together in order to come up with the best resources, educational tools, health, and materials to help children and families to becoming self sufficient and school readiness. Throughout this journey I also have learned in order to deal with bias issues you have to look within and deal with any issues that you may have and try not to let your views and the way you think and feel rub off on the children. Children minds are like a sponge they are absorbing everything that is being said, taught and absorbed all around them. As I continue my personal journey I will do my best to try to create an atmosphere that is bias free, warm, welcoming, and educational.  One of my long term goals is to become an educational specialist for Head start.

I would like to thank everyone for their great input and experiences that you have shared throughout this journey. I only have one message remember why you chose this s field and apply it daily even though sometimes it seems like we are not making a difference in children and families lives. In the end the best reward is seeing the children grow up and become whatever they want. Encourage their dreams never say never.

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

                                                                              

The three jobs I chose International Step by Step Association (ISSA), Save The Children, and United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

International Step by Step Association (ISSA):

 “Promotes equal access to quality education and care for all children, especially in the early years of their lives” (International Step By Step Association, n.d.). Like the organization Association for Childhood Education International support quality education for all children and believe that all children should have access to high quality early education regardless of their family socio-economic status"

Job Opportunities:

 Could not find jobs but they offer.

• “Professional development and capacity-building
• Information-sharing and networking
• Technical support in design and implementation of ECD programs
• International advocacy
• Participation in joint projects
• Publications
• Annual conferences and other events (International Step by Step Association, 2012).”

Save The Children:

 “Is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves (Save the Children, 2011)” This one appeals to me because with any early childhood programs purpose is the protection and safety of all children.

Job Opportunities:

Currently numerous job openings as a Emergency responder

Education:

Standard deployments include individuals with functional expertise in Operations, Logistics, Media, Proposal & Grants, Human Resources, Finance, Communications, Security, Technical Programmer, Education and Monitoring and Evaluation. This field is interesting and very exciting to do if I didn’t have young children I would love to help in other countries making a difference in young children’s lives.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF):

“UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. They believe that nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress” UNICEF promote girls education, and make sure children are immunized against common childhood disease. They also work to prevent HIV and AIDS among young people”

Job Opportunities: currently no vacancies

Education:

·         Master’s Degree in a field relevant to the work of UNICEF or equivalent professional experience.

·          Experience: Relevant professional work experience, some of which has been obtained in a developing country, at least five years for mid-career and two to three years for an entry-level position.

·          Language: Proficiency in English and in another UN working language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish). Knowledge of the local language of a duty station where the position is based is an asset.

Resources:

International Step By Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/