Farewell

Three deeply felt learning’s from this program:

This course encouraged me to dig deep within and admit to myself that no matter how often I say I’m not prejudice, I do have prejudices.  And it’s normal everyone has biases.  It’s how we accept those biases as a person and then act on them within our society.  I have a deep passion for my work, and I have a different perspective toward my students and their families.  I look inside before I stereotype. 

I learned who I am. I have a better understanding how my culture has influenced my ways of life and feelings toward others different than me.  I never thought about the impact these influences have made both positively and negatively molding my personality, life style, and interactions with others.

I learned no matter what obstacles I encounter there is always someone else experiencing the same challenge, or there is someone there to help you through the turmoil.  My colleagues and professors have been there to pick me up and help me through struggles.  I was never taught to write professionally in school, because I’m so ooold school.  Reading my colleagues post has helped me and gave me an understanding the importance of teaching writing at the elementary levels.

My passion is stronger and continues to grow.  I can’t change the past, but I can advocate for children and family’s well-being of the future.

“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history”  

 -Sonia Johnson, American Feminist, Activist and Writer

My farewell message:

Through this journey I have communicated with many walks of life.  There have been many cultures represented, geographic locations, age differences, and different stages in our professional development.  The beauty of this journey is: We have all been in agreement that there is a need for change in many social areas to support the early childhood education field.  I want to thank Dr. Teri for encouraging me and providing me with positive feedback.  I wish each colleague best wishes on their future endeavors.  Thank you all for sharing and helping grow professionally.   

My long term goal is to continue exploring new information and resources that will help me continue to grow both personally and professionally as an early childhood educator.

My vision is to continue the work against social injustices for our children and their families in the early childhood field.

 My philosophy is if I can make a difference in one child’s life then the battle was worth the fight. 

Best Wishes to All!

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The three global organizations I chose are the following: UNICEF, Academy for Educational Development, and Save the Children.

UNICEF is the world's leading children's rights organization dedicated to equality and rights for children.  Searching the organization I found many topics that are addressed and I found gender equality for women to be appealing.  I chose this organization’s site because throughout history women have been discriminated against.  Lower pay for the same job men do. Sense women out populate the male sex it’s harder for them potentially to achieve certain goals. Women take on many different roles, mother, caregiver, household, and then career.  The organization advocates for women helping to provide health care for children and educational opportunities.   For more information connect to the following website: http://www.unicef.org/mdg/gender.html

 Goal: Promote gender equality and empower women: UNICEF represents different sectors throughout the globe.    “Recent statistics show that for every 100 boys out of school, there are still 117 girls in the same situation” (UNICEF, 2005).  UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

Job opening:  Consultancy Assignment: Consultant for Equitable Quality Education and Learning Outcomes

Qualifications:
Higher degree (Masters or equivalent) in education, social science or related field
 Minimum 3 years of professional experience in the field of education or social sciences and gender equity

Excellent communication, analytical and writing skills in English

To apply for this position: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_66013.html

Academy for Educational Development also known as the FHI 360 approach.  The organization FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in education, health, nutrition, economic development, civil society, environment, gender, youth, research and technology – creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries and all U.S. states and territories (AED, 2011). I was not familiar with this organization.  I liked their goals and mission being dedicated to the human race.

Save the Children.  We are all familiar with the Save the Children organization. Save the Children is the world's leading independent organization for children. Their vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. The mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives (Save the Children). Employment at Save the Children provides the opportunity to join a dedicated and diverse staff committed to the improving the well-being of children all over the world.  As the spokesman commented, “The children are the future”.  I agree by nurturing and providing education, health care, shelter, food,   and love in many cases can positively impact our future generations. 

References:

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

 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/

 http://www.unicef.org/mdg/gender.html

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_66013.html

 

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

 Three job positions that are available and that interest me.

Training and Technical Development Consultant

Minimum Job Requirements:       Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; at least 5 years of work experience working with young children and Early Childhood Educators. Candidates possessing a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field will be given preference. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.

• Skills in facilitating and leading strategic planning and organizational development interventions. 

• Skills in observation, curriculum development, and preparation procedures.

• Skills in conducting self-assessment and continuous quality improvement plans

• Ability to set goals and track progress to achieve measurable, long-term, and sustainable change.

My personal weaknesses: I do not have the skills to fulfill these requirements: 

• Knowledge of the New Mexico AIM HIGH Essential Elements of Quality.

 • Knowledge of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), Program Administration Scale (PAS), and the Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (BASASF). 

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills (Still room for improvement).

• Knowledge of the New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines • Inter-rater reliable in the Environmental Rating Scales.

Reference:

NEOGOV Retrieved from:            http://agency.governmentjobs.com/enmu/default.cfm?action=viewJob&jobID=521578

                        

Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist

Job Description: 

ICF seeks an experienced Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist to support Head Start and Early Head Start programs to ensure high quality Head Start and Early Head Start services in accordance with federal regulations that promote healthy development, encompassing the developmental domains of physical development and health, social and emotional development, approaches to learning, language and literacy, and cognition and general knowledge to ensure children’s future success. The Early Childhood Education Specialist will provide training and technical assistance (TTA) to programs to support progress toward established school readiness goals, focusing on the use of child and program data to make decisions about approaches to working with teachers, home visitors, and parents in quality practices. The Specialist will provide professional-level expertise by engaging programs in dialogue and learning of best practices for children from birth to five and encourage a culture of learning that promotes school readiness. This position is home-based and will involve 50-60% travel to programs primarily within the state of Florida. 

Qualifications  Basic Qualifications:

 ■A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development is required (18 ECE Credits are required, transcripts will be requested).

■At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in the field of Early Childhood Education is required.

 ■Ability to maintain up to date knowledge of current child development practices and research based early childhood quality methods and approaches.  

■Understanding of developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood education and ability to support its use in school readiness goals is required.

 ■A background, experience, and presence in Florida in early childhood education settings working with children and families from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.

  Preferred Skills/Experience:

 ■Knowledge of Head Start performance standards and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations.

 ■Experience working within a Head Start Program.

 Professional Skills:

 ■Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills

■Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment

■Proficiency in MS Office Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) required

 For a listing of other career opportunities at ICF, please visit our Career Center at www.icfi.com/careers/

Reference:       https://icfi.taleo.net/careersection/icf_prof_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=136320&src=JB-10080

EDUCATION SPECIALIST, EARLY LEARNING

Job Description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Incumbents are responsible for leading and supporting Federal, State, and/or local initiatives to ensure compliance with applicable laws, acts, rules, and/or regulations; providing technical assistance to parents, educators, and other interested parties regarding applicable policies, regulations, and best practices; and designing and administering early childhood standards and assessments programs.

Job Requirements

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of programs for young children birth through age 8 including operations, and strategic planning.

Knowledge of educational best practices, including principles of special education.

Knowledge of professional development.

Skilled in organizing information.

Skilled in working collaboratively.

Skilled in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Skilled in communicating and interpersonal exchanges as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. 

EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in Education or a related field.

EXPERIENCE: Five years of experience in area of assignment; additional teaching and program development experience highly desirable and/or any combination of knowledge, skills and experience that is substantially equivalent.

Reasonable accommodations can be made for qualified individuals with a disability.

At least 5 years of relevant experience preferred

Master degree preferred

Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

Reference:

http://www.schoolspring.com/job.cfm?jid=95300&utm_term=All+jobs&utm_content=RI&utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Our local Boys and Girls Club interest me. Being an educator I feel like I can make a contribution working within a community of members with a common passion, goal and positive outcome. The Boys and Girls Club is designed to provide extra guidance for underprivileged children around the community.  The facility promotes health, education and social skills to all their children. The Club is managed by a full-time Executive Director, assisted by full-time career professionals, part-time assistants and program staff and volunteers.  Their goal is to make a positive impact on young lives by building self-esteem, also encourage the development of values and life skills.  The Club is a non-profit organization basically ran by volunteers.

It was fate how I became part of the next two new communities of practice.  I knew in the back of my mind I wanted to become more involved in professional organizations and not just be a member.  

CEC Council for Exceptional Children is my first organization.  This is my first year teaching Pre-k intervention and a friend of mine is the chapter representative for my community. We are at different locations but this week we had a FTE meeting so we were able to reconnect. We began talking and I will be helping along with other CEC members to help organize an Art Showing for our Special needs students in our community. I have talked with others and we share a common goal and purpose.

The next organization in which I will be collaborating with is our local GAE.  The organization provided us lunch one day this week and I had an opportunity to put a name and face together. As Sally and I talked I found we shared a common interest: one being learning to write grants. She has emailed me and we are getting together with others and forming a workshop that will benefit many of our educators in the Pre-k program.

I’m blessed to have skills and knowledge that I can share with others while learning from them.  My time and teaching skills would be my contribution to the community of practice.  I will not make any money directly from any of these communities of practice, but just sharing learning experiences, ideas, a common goal, and an outcome is exciting for me.

Collaboration is a mutually beneficial and well defined relationship entered into by two or more organizations to achieve results they are more likely to achieve together than alone (Winer & Ray, 1994).

Winer, M., & Ray, K. (1994). Collaboration handbook: Creating, sustaining, and enjoying the journey. St. Paul, MN: Fieldstone Alliance.

 

Blog Assignment: Reflecting on Learning

Prior to this learning experience I had never thought about how my self-identity had molded by my families values and beliefs. The environment and cultures that I grew up knowing is what made me who I am today.

  In the anti-bias education class I dug deep into my inner-self and had to accept some of my identities; such as, acknowledging that I have some innate biases and “isms”. As I was made aware of my biases and “ism’s” I truly didn’t like some of issues identified.  This course has helped me to expand and deepen  understandings of effective ways I can support my children’s healthy development in a multiracial, multilingual, and multicultural world.

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 with in the future:  I will take this new insight and knowledge using it to guide me building and establishing new relationships knowing that deep in my heart that I’m treating them equally and fairly, with respect for all family groups. To help adopt this philosophy I will provide an enriched diverse cultural environment.  I will share this information with my colleagues in hopes of helping them understand the importance of creating an anti-bias environment.

Thanks to each and every one of my fellow students. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and thoughts with the class. I learned a lot about myself, but also found out that I’m not alone, and we all have our biases.

 What’s important now is what we as educators do with this newly acquired knowledge!  Knowledge is power!

Children in Afghanistan

According to the report, a total of 1,756 children were killed or injured due to the conflict in Afghanistan in 2011, representing an average of 4.8 children killed or injured per day, compared with 1,396 children killed or injured in 2010 In 2011, 316 children under the age of 18 were reportedly recruited by parties to the conflict in Afghanistan, with the majority of cases attributed to armed opposition groups. Children have been used to conduct suicide attacks, to plant IEDs and to transport provisions to armed groups. UNICEF calls on all armed opposition groups to stop recruitment of those who are under the age of 18 and calls on the Government of Afghanistan to ensure a continued focus on the implementation of the Action Plan to halt and prevent underage recruitment into the Afghan National Security Forces.  (UNICEF).

The number of children being killed in Afghanistan continues to grow.  I personally cannot even begin to understand the hurt and pain the families feel.  The violence and crime impacts the child’s emotional and sometimes may impact their physical being.  The children of Afghanistan face many obstacles that will keep them from experiencing a childhood that will help them actively construct self-identities. 

Due to the violence there is little adult guidance and supervision for the children.  Young children need caring adults to help them construct a positive sense of self with a respectful understanding of others (Derman-Sparks, 2010, p.11).

Reference:

Derman-Sparks, L., Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. NAEYC: Washington, DC

 http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html

So Sexy So Soon

For this Blog assignment, share your thoughts about the topic of the sexualization of early childhood:

I have a difficult time observing our youth demonstrating and participating in sexualization and the messages they are receiving at such young ages.  They are being robbed of their innocent childhoods. 

 I agree with statements made by Levin and Kilbourne (2009), “Both boys and girls are routinely exposed to images of sexual behavior devoid of emotions, attachment, or consequences. They learn that sex is the defining activity in relationships, to the exclusion of love and friendship. They learn that sex is often linked to violence. And they learn to associate physical appearance and buying the right products not only with being sexy but also with being successful as a person. Such lessons will shape their gender identity, sexual attitudes, and values, and their capacity for relationships, for love and connection,  that they take into adulthood”.

Three experiences I have witnessed that have impacted my thoughts:

My God-daughter has posted pictures of herself displaying an older sexy attitude on her face book.  She is eleven years old. I told her mother I disagreed with the photos, but mom said no harm was done and she thought they were cute.  Really?

Last year I had a four year old boy and he was totally obsessed with Bachiman?  action figures. The only way we could get him to communicate with us was to talk this action figure talk. I was clueless.  I had to talk with mom and she said it was just a phase he was going through.

As I walk down the hall ways I observe 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade girls dressed in what I would refer to as party clothes not every day little girl school clothes.  We have dress codes but parents seem to overlook what is appropriate for school.

Children have always been curious about gender differences.  They should be taught healthy age appropriate differences and as they grow and learn about sexual behaviors they should be taught about safe sex (old-school) and relationships. What worries me is what they are being exposed to sex and violence at young ages without being taught consequences. The sexualization of childhood is having a profoundly disturbing impact on children’s understanding of gender, sexuality, and relationships (Levine & Kilbourne, 2009).  

Just my thoughts:  I blame these exposures to lack of parenting skills and media advertising.   Everywhere you look you see advertisements for new action figures which represent violence.   One show that I know we are all familiar with is “Toddlers and Tiaras”.  I have really mixed emotions about this show.  Personally, I think it’s just a bit much.  And I ask myself: Who is it about the little ones or their moms?

Reference: Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf