Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

 

At least three deeply felt learnings from this program

 

1)     I learned that I have a very deep passion for the early childhood field.

2)     I have learned that as an educator, I possess the leadership skills to make a

 positive difference in the lives of children and their families.

3)     As an educator I have learned that even though I have various biases, I have to

 work to get rid of them if I want to me a good role model for my students.

 

At least one long-term goal that I have as an educator

One long term goal that I would like to reach is to get my Master Degree and pursue my PhD.  Long term goals may take weeks, months, or even years to reach.  I realize the in order to reach them I will have to stay focused and motivated.

 

A farewell message to your Instructor and colleagues (consider uploading a video or audio podcast)

It has been a pleasure to have worked with and learn from my instructors and colleagues throughout my educational journey.  I wish each of you much success in your educational journey. 

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

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

“UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.   This organization is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behavior towards children. UNICEF insists that the survival, protection and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress.  UNICEF also mobilizes political will and material resources to help countries, particularly developing countries, ensure a "first call for children" and to build their capacity to form appropriate policies and deliver services for children and their families.  UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children - victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation and those with disabilities.  UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care} UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care” (http://www.unicef.org).  I chose this organization because it is known all around the world for advocating for the rights of all children. 

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

AED's mission is to make a positive difference in people's lives by working in partnership to create and implement innovative solutions to critical social and economic problems.   AED works in all the major areas of human development, with a focus on improving education, health, and economic opportunities for the least advantaged in the United States and developing countries throughout the world.  AED aims to strengthen the enabling environment and policies needed to support energy options for sustainable development. AED provides energy solutions that integrate social, economic and environmental objectives for empowering people.   I chose this organization because its main focus is to improve critical economic and social problems in people’s lives.   

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

Save the Children, is an international non-governmental organization that promotes Children’s rights, provides relief and helps support children in developing countries.  It was established in the United Kingdom in order to improve the lives of children through better education, health care, and economic opportunities, as well as providing emergency aid in natural disasters, war, and other conflicts.  Save the Children has had a huge impact in education around the world. They help train teachers, parents and volunteers.   I chose this organization because if focuses on children in developing countries.  Many of these children do not have the resources needed to improve opportunities for education and health care.

Some job opportunities that interest me include:

Pre-school Teacher - Getting a job in this field requires the candidate to possess the key personal traits, as well as the formal education and training, needed to work with young children.  Teaching preschool requires patience and the ability to reteach material until the students understand it. Preschool teachers need to have a well-developed imagination, creativity, and the flexibility to create lessons and activities to operate effectively in the classroom.

Counselor – highly qualified with both strong academic backgrounds and extensive multi-disciplinary experience in working with young children.  In addition counselors are active participants serving with a variety of provincial and local child education initiatives.

Psychologist – must model respectful behavior and language, as well as maintain a healthy lifestyle.  They should also be consistent and positive in their interactions with children.  Patience and flexibility are especially important not only when interacting with children, but also families and other staff.  Knowledge of psychology can be beneficial to students when applied in the classroom.  This skill can help you understand why a child is acting in a certain way. That means when you face a challenging situation in the classroom, you will have the skill to get to the root of the problem and respond appropriately.  You don’t need to earn a master’s or PhD, just be sure to make use of any previous psychology credits you may have.

Social Worker - You will need a degree in social work to become a social worker. If you are not studying this subject at the moment you will need to take another undergraduate degree in the future: this is normally a full three-year degree in social work, but there are some accelerated two-year programs for graduates in relevant subjects such as sociology, social policy, psychology and law.

 

Reference

http://www.unicef.org

http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official Site.htm

 

 

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

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

 

The National Head Start Association

The National Head Start Association plays a valuable role in the leadership in its efforts to educate and serve its most vulnerable children and families.  They are a high impact organization who values partnerships and collaboration and are intent on transforming ourselves into a relationship-based organization.  This organization is accountable to their members and funders, practicing the highest standards of governance and financial stewardship, ensuring transparency in their operations and living up to the highest standards of quality.  Its mission is to coalesce, inspire and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education.

ZERO TO THREE

ZERO TO THREE is a national nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals and policymakers the knowledge and the know-how to nurture early development.  Research and clinical experience also demonstrate that health and development are directly influenced by the quality of care and experiences a child has with his parents and other adults.  It’s their mission to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life. 

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) 

NAEYC's mission is 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's mission is based on three major goals and guidelines: Bettering well-qualified practitioners and improving the conditions these professionals work in, improving early childhood education by working to deliver a high-quality system of supporting early childhood programs, and encouraging excellence in childhood education for all children by constructing an extraordinary, all-around organization of groups and individuals who are committed to promoting excellence in early childhood education for all young children” (NAEYC, 2007). 

Some job opportunities that interest me include:

Pre-school Teacher - Getting a job in this field requires the candidate to possess the key personal traits, as well as the formal education and training, needed to work with young children.  Teaching preschool requires patience and the ability to reteach material until the students understand it. Preschool teachers need to have a well-developed imagination, creativity, and the flexibility to create lessons and activities to operate effectively in the classroom.

Counselor – highly qualified with both strong academic backgrounds and extensive multi-disciplinary experience in working with young children.  In addition counselors are active participants serving with a variety of provincial and local child education initiatives.

Psychologist – must model respectful behavior and language, as well as maintain a healthy lifestyle.  They should also be consistent and positive in their interactions with children.  Patience and flexibility are especially important not only when interacting with children, but also families and other staff.  Knowledge of psychology can be beneficial to students when applied in the classroom. This skill can help you understand why a child is acting in a certain way. That means when you face a challenging situation in the classroom, you will have the skill to get to the root of the problem and respond appropriately.  You don’t need to earn a master’s or PhD, just be sure to make use of any previous psychology credits you may have.

Social Worker - You will need a degree in social work to become a social worker. If you are not studying this subject at the moment you will need to take another undergraduate degree in the future: this is normally a full three-year degree in social work, but there are some accelerated two-year programs for graduates in relevant subjects such as sociology, social policy, psychology and law.

 

Reference

Washington, K. (1995)    "Long Term Effects of Early Childhood Programs on Cognitive and School Outcomes". The Future of Children 5 (3): 25–50.   Head Start

NAEYC. Missions and Goals. Online October 2007. http://www.naeyc.org/about/mission

Zero to Three (2014).  Zero to Three Fact Sheets.  Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

 

The three organizations that appealed to me in the ECE community are as follows:

North Carolina Parenting Education Network (NCPEN) [www.ncpen.org] This organization facilitates statewide linkages among parents and other partners to encourage positive parenting practices.   It works to build parenting education in the many states with a focus on partnerships between parents and child care providers, teachers, and parent educators.

The mission of Smart Start and the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. [www.smartstart.org/category/smart-start-information/about-smart-start] is to advance a high quality, comprehensive, accountable system of care and education for every child beginning with a healthy birth.

 

North Carolina Parents as Teachers (NCPAT) [www.ncpat.org] is a voluntary family education and support program for parents of young children. It provides the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life. The program is based on the beliefs that parents are their children’s first and most influential teachers and that the early years lay the foundation for children’s success in school and in life.

 

Job opportunities that interest me would include:

1)      Principal of an elementary school  - requirements would include a Master’s degree, Teacher certification and principal certification required, Student teaching internship required; some employers may prefer prior work as a teacher, Decision-making, critical thinking, communication, leadership

2)      School Counselor –obtaining a bachelor’s degree in counseling, psychology, or social work or a degree in a related field.  After this four-year program as specialized Master’s degree in school counseling will be needed.

3)      Early Childhood Director - a bachelor’s degree in any other field, including 30 credit hours in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education or social science field.

 

References

North Carolina Parenting Education Network (NCPEN) [www.ncpen.org]

The mission of Smart Start and the North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. [www.smartstart.org/category/smart-start-information/about-smart-start]

North Carolina Parents as Teachers (NCPAT) [www.ncpat.org]

Reflecting on Learning

Reflecting on Learning

 My most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families with whom I work or will work is being able to instill in children the importance of similarities and differences in all people.  I want children to be able to stand up for themselves as well as others and not be embarrassed or ashamed of their race or culture or who they are.  My hope is to be a mentor for children in order to empower them to take action in order to make unfair circumstances fair for those who are treated badly and discriminated against.  I want to help them realize that each and every child is unique and special and that differences are strengths and not weaknesses. 

 I would like to thank everyone who has taken a part in my journey through the Master’s Program at Walden University.   It has been such a pleasurable experience working with such inspirational professionals.   I believe that a strong community of practice was formed in each class that I was a part of.  I truly feel that I am prepared to make a difference in the field of early childhood.  I have come to realize that I have the potential to reach beyond my classroom walls, and even beyond my school community.  Thank you for your contributions to my success as an early childhood professional.  I wish you all the best of luck and best wishes as you each continue on your journey!

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

The region that I chose was the Middle East and North Africa.   I selected this region because I have friends who visited here some years ago and were very saddened by the many challenges that the children faced regarding, school, home life, housing and parenting.  I wanted to look at the Middle East and North Africa today in order to see if there have been any significant changes within the past few years regarding challenges faced by children. 

 

After my readings I found that the children still faced many challenges.  Many of the children remain at home due to fear and paucity of schools near them.  Many young children in the rural areas of the Middle East and North Africa were not guaranteed an education, specifically young children between the ages of 6 and 14.  Efforts were made to build new schools but it never happened and the old schools were never repaired.  Those children who did get a chance to school had to meet outside.  These experiences could have detrimental effects on a child’s emotional well-being and development.  These children could lag far behind students who do attend school, it could cause low self-esteem, they would lack the skills needed to survive in society and these experiences could also cause them to become suicidal. 

 

Personally I wish that there was something that I could do for these young children in order to help them develop, learn, and grow adequately.   Professionally I wish that there were more experienced teachers who were able to help these children or find ways to teach them.  I wish that there were more role models mentors in this region that could help show children how important and loved they are. 

 

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Sexualization in early childhood is something that many pre-schoolers are exposed to on a regular basis these days.  They see images of sexualized behavior in videos, at stores, on television, and even in some cartoons.  It is sometimes difficult to keep your child away from such images because they are everywhere.  Young children do not fully understand all of what they see and hear, but they try to figure it out.  Sexualized images have a huge influence on what children think about their bodies and being a girl or a boy.  This also has an effect on what they want to do and what they choose to wear.  Young children may also be confused about how relationships should be. 

I have come to realize that girls are entering puberty at much younger ages now than in the past.  In my own experiences personally and professionally there are sexualized images everywhere which children are exposed to.  For example, children have access to sexual websites, movies that are rated x, or even environments where adults have no respect for children and will do almost anything in front of them, thinking they do not understand.  Children watch and listen to adults and many times do what they see adults doing, sometimes positive and sometimes negative.  These images impact young children in negative ways.  Sometimes both boys and girls feel this is how you should act, dress, talk, etc., in order to feel loved and appreciated.  It makes them become sexually promiscuous at very young ages.  Teachers can read books where the male and female characters have a huge range of various emotions and experiences.  For example, girls can be strong and boys can be thoughtful.  Activities should be planned that helps to encourage firs and boys to play together.  “Children need a safe place to process what they see and hear in a sexualized media culture”.  (DeWitt, 2008)

Children need safe places in which to process the things they hear and see.  Environments should be created where children can make sense of the world in which they live.  Teachers should show children that they are interested in what they are doing, what they are talking about and how they feel.   

DeWitt, S.  (2008).  Remote control childhood: Combating the hazards of media culture.  Washington, DC: NAEYC.