Time Well Spent

I would like to start by thanking each of you for all of your support and insights throughout this program.  Walden has helped me perfect my professional goals by extending my knowledge of the field, putting a plan into action to execute me goals, and simply encouraging me. As we complete our program I must say that we are equipped to inspire, influence, and impact a diverse and changing world around us. One thing that I learn while in the program is healthy development depends on the quality and reliability of a young child’s relationships with the important people in his or her life, both within and outside the family. I will take this information as I continue to work both inside and outside the classroom. I have also learned to proofread, proofread, and proofread. I also learned the importance of effective communication. Communication in the workplace is indispensable and happens every day; each person is competent of communicating and although we do it, it doesn't mean that we are being effective communicators.

One long term goal for me is to become a professor.

I leave you with a quote from Jerome Fleishman, “Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world know nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement - and we will make the goal.”  

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

This week one international COP that caught my attention was UNICEF. I love the fact that the organization feels strongly on acting now on child preventable deaths. I have heard several community leaders say “just do it”, “don’t wait on other people, follow what’s in your heart”. This is so true because many of us sit around with great visions that could empower our children and communities; however we sit and wait for the right moment when the right moment is now! These challenges that we have chosen are not going to improve until someone is bold enough to stand up and make a change. UNICEF has a range of areas they focus on. I feel that they all are important. This group works to ensure that children are being offered quality education, HIV/AIDS awareness, child protection, and many more heavy topics in the early childhood field.

I like The United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) because they lead the global Education for All movement, and promotes a holistic and inclusive vision of lifelong learning that includes early childhood care and education, primary, secondary and higher education, youth and adult skills, adult literacy, gender parity and quality education (Tang, 2011). I also like this organization because we both focus on providing education to children in poverty. Their mission is building peace, eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the[1]sciences, culture, communication and information.

I really like save the children, like UNICEF they focus on a variety of issues effecting children. They work in five different parts of the world, one being Africa. Like UNESCO, we share a common ground for education, believing that education is the road that children follow to reach their full potential in life. Last year the organization was able to over 9 million children in an effort to expand their education.

I would like to work for Save the Children working as an early childhood coordinator. I would be responsible for recruiting families, develop program activities, and conduct child screenings.  I would need Strong organizational skills, be able to travel, and be knowledgeable about prenatal and early childhood development.

References

Tang,Q. (2011).UNESCO and EDUCATION “Everyone has the right to education”. Retrieved from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002127/212715e.pdf

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

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6226565/k.BFEA/Working_at_Save_the_Children.htm

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

This week as I offered advice to my colleagues, I found myself drawn to some of the organizations that I recommended to them. Although it is my intent to positively impact improvised children who are unable to receive a pre-k education. That can be challenging because those living in poverty tend to lack health, as well as involvement in their children’s education. One COP that grasped my attention is the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, the organization advocates the involvement of families in children’s education through activities, providing resources, and serving as a visible representative. I also like NCPIE because they have a long list of partnerships.  Another program is The Healthy Schools Program, which partners with an organization by the name of Alliance for a Healthier Generation would be great because they actually have programs that come into your school to bring knowledge about health. This would be great because it gives families and students an opportunity to eat better and understand the importance of living a healthy life.  The last organization that I was drawn to this week is CARE, which is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. This organization serves families living in poverty by offering economic opportunity and influencing policy decisions at all levels.

I currently work in a career that interest me, which is a kindergarten teacher. Kindergarten teachers must be able to operations technical devices such as IPods, Elmos, overhead projectors, and computers. They must also be able to teach students independently and in groups, modifying instruction techniques to meet the needs of all students.  It is also our job to monitor and evaluate student’s academic performance and behavior. The minimum requirement for a kindergarten teacher is to have a bachelor’s degree and successfully pass Praxis II exam.  One job that I hope to do one day is that of an Early Childhood Professor. A professor must be able to create and implement a curriculum that meets college and department criteria; as well as lead research that will advance knowledge in their field.  In order to teach at a two year college I would need to have my masters as well as teaching experience. If I chose to teach at a four year college or university I need to have a doctoral degree.

References

http://www.ncpie.org/AboutNCPIE/StateParentInformationResourceCentersDisabilities.cfm

https://schools.healthiergeneration.org/

http://www.care.org/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community

When I begin my school for under privilege preschool children, I would like to partner with many organizations that my school currently works with or that I currently work with. One organization that I currently work with is the B Natural Academy of Music and Arts. I like this organization because I know the people working there hold children at the forefront. It would be beneficial for the students because it gives them an opportunity to do something that they normally wouldn’t be able to do. Music and arts requires memorization. Children improve their overall memory when trying to remember steps and/or notes. Research has found that learning music facilitates learning other subjects and enhances skills that children inevitably use in other areas. Another community of practice that appealed to me is, united way. We focus on some of the same things, which are education, income stability, and health. They also offer a mentor program for African American and Latino boys. This organization also works towards ending homelessness. My last community of practice I would choose is social services; they provide vouchers for parents, so their children are able to receive child care. The organization also offers EBT, Medicare, and emergency utility assistance.

Two job opportunities that interest me are instructional coordinator for pre-k and early childhood professor. A program administrator is the individual responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating an early care and education program. I would need to get a certification or licensure in school administration. I would also need a master’s degree and five years of teaching experience. Professors develop a curriculum for their course and ensure that it meets college and department standards and conduct research and experiments to advance knowledge in their field.  In order to teach at a two year college I would need to have my masters as well as teaching experience. If I chose to teach at a four year college or university I need to have a doctoral degree.

www.unitedwaygso.org

www.bnaturalacademy.com

http://www.co.guilford.nc.us/government/socservices/