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/

 

Reflection

I would like to thank all of my collegues for your insights throughtout this course. I have gained a lot of helpful information through our blogs. I hope that we all take this information that we have gained thus far and use it in both our professional and personal lives. I look foward to working with you in the upcoming classes.

Working as a team

I would say that it is harder to leave a group that has a great performance because you feel like you are a part of something great.

Adjourning from my colleagues will be a bittersweet moment because I have gained so much valuable information while working with them, It will be a good moment in time because we have reached yet another goal and can continue moving forward, impacting our community, students, and everyone else around us.

recent conflicts

I recently had a problem with a grandparent. She was upset because her grandson did not receive a cupcake during a birthday party that we had. The children were told at the beginning of the day that they had to have a good day in order to participate in the party. The boy along with three other students was not given cupcakes due to their behavior that day. The grandmother called upset about what happen so I ask her what she suggest happen. She suggested that I tell his mother or put him in time. I explained to her that I had talked to his mother everyday through our behavior chart which has to be signed each night and the center does not allow us to place children in time out. In this situation it was important for me to stay claim and keep an open mind. The grandmother’s tone completely changed when I ask her for suggestions.  

communication test

These tests have opened my eye to how people around me perceive me. I was somewhat shocked by some of the results. The verbal aggressiveness test score was a little shocking, I did not expect to score that high. My score was 62 which is moderate. I would like to see that score be a little lower. According to the test I maintain a good balance between respect and consideration for others viewpoint.  I do agree that I try to argue fairly by simply pointing out facts of a position rather than the person holding that position. According to my brother’s test scores I fall under significant, scoring a 77. This is not surprising to me because he always feels that I am being mean to him. I feel that I am stern with him; he is at an age where he feels that most of the people around him are always nagging. I cannot agree with the test scores because it says that people that fall under significant often cross the line from “argumentativeness”, which attacks a person’s position or statements, and verbal aggression, which involves personal attacks and can be hurtful to the listener.

communicating with different groups

I do find myself communicating differently with other cultures. I am very open and try to be mindful of both my verbal and non verbal communication. i am more willing to accommodate them with things in there language. I believe I do this because they have a special place in my heart. I know it has to be somewhat scary and upsetting to have people around you who cant understand you or even try to help you.