Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

One deeply felt learning that I have assimilated from this program is to have a vision of excellence and this includes continuing on the path of professional development.  As teachers/caregivers of young children we must never stop striving to reach greater depths of understanding and knowledge and this takes commitment and caring for the children and families we serve and also our profession.                                                                                                 

The second sincerely held belief is to have a goal that inspires action and one of my greatest aspirations is for children to be given “a just world—a world that recognizes all people for the unique, fully human beings they are: a world where every child has equal access to the opportunities to become all he or she can be” (Derman-Sparks, 2010, p. 30).  Educators must keep growing in our understanding of diversity, equity and social justice and confront biases and inequalities that devalue others.  Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and part of our responsibilities as teachers of young children is to teach them to live in a pluralistic world and it begins with educators being “outstanding models for children of how people can honor each other’s differences and get along” (Gonzalez-Mena, 2008, p. 6).                                                             

The third is the importance of our vocation.  “There is no profession in the world that directly or indirectly touches the lives of people at the same level as teachers do” (Boutte, 2008, p. 166).  As educators we need to have a more in depth awareness of the issues that affect the children and families we serve.  It is time to fully address the needs of children from different socioeconomic backgrounds and build a sense of future for all children.   “Early childhood programs have the potential for producing positive and lasting effects on children, but this potential will not be achieved unless more attention is paid to ensuring that all programs meet the highest standards of quality” (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2013, para. 14). Comprehensive services that respect differences, supports health and nutrition as well as social and emotional well-being must be provided to make an impact for children.   My long-term goal is to continue in my professional development as I strive to receive a degree as an Education Specialist in Early Childhood and from there the next step of Doctor of Education in Early Childhood.                                                                                                                                                         

I am heartened by what I have witnessed and learned from my professors and fellow colleagues at Walden University.  Walden has provided an important foundation upon which to build and continue my progress as an early childhood educator.  The decision we have made to grow in our professional development in order to provide high-quality care and education is one of the most important that we can make for children, communities and society as a whole.   I have learned a great deal from this course of study especially in regard to collaboration.  Dr. Dartt, I sincerely thank you for sharing your insights and knowledge and your feedback has been invaluable.  My desire for all of you my Fellow Colleagues is that your career in early childhood will be more fulfilling that you ever dreamed possible and your purpose, passion and vision are realized as we help children on their incredible developmental journey to greater learning. 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead  

References

Boutte, G. (2008). Beyond the illusion of diversity: How early childhood teachers can promote social justice. Social Studies, 99(4), 165--173. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201360_02/MS_MECS/EDUC_6164/Week%207/Resources/Resources/embedded/Boutte2008.pdf

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2008). Diversity in early care and education: Honoring differences (5^th ed.). New York: NY: McGraw-Hill

Mead, M. (n.d.). Margaret Meade quotes. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61107.Margaret_Mead

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

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

I found a variety of positions that I found not only interesting but inspiring in the early childhood field while exploring national organizations and federal agencies. The first was a management consultant for Head Start to promote high-quality programming for children and families. This job requires working with regional Head Start management teams and parents to develop greater leadership skills and refine their management methods and approaches. The position requires a Masters of Education in a related domain, correlated work experience in the field, and a commitment to Head Start’s foundational principals.  The National Head Start Association (NHSA) (2014) strives to work as a leader on policies and procedures and advocate for Head Start programs across the nation. The non-profit organization is “committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in life” and “healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities” (National Head Start Association, 2014, para. 4).  Leadership, people and communication skills, basic technology capabilities are essential skills to successful accomplish this job.                                                                                                

The second career choice that I discovered was with Save the Children both a national and international organization for children experiencing hardship.  Save the Children (2014) aspires to create swift and lasting change in the lives of children in need through improvements in education, health, and economic opportunities.  The organization offers positions at their headquarters in Westport, Connecticut and office in Washington, D.C. in many different specialties and also field positions internationally and in the United States.  Save the Children presents internships opportunities to qualifying applications perusing a graduate or undergraduate degree.  Interns have a direct supervisor to expand their knowledge and experience in their chosen vocation.  The career choice that I am most interested in is the field-based positions that work with local and national partners to implement programs in Early Childhood Education and literacy. Most employees have at least a Bachelor’s degree in education, health, economics, business or technology as there are many with individual talents and strengths contributing to the whole (Save the Children, 2014).  The skills needed for this career choice would be leadership and communication capabilities, ability to work in collaboration with others, strong work ethic, motivated to accomplish goals and objectives, knowledge about literacy attainment, and general management skills.                                                                                                                                             

The third job opportunity with the United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF] (2014) requires professionals committed to making a lasting difference in children’s lives.  Workers are involved in a broad range of global issues at both country and regional levels.  The area of most interest to me is in Early Childhood Development and would entail being “responsible for developing and implementing Education programme(s) to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness, and accomplishment of programme goals and objectives” (UNICEF, 2014, para. 5) for the world’s most vulnerable children.  The least requirements acceptable are a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with two years of relevant work experience. The skills necessary to successfully do this job are abilities in conflict resolution, high work ethics, good communication skills, able to engage with multi-cultural groups, flexible and competent in absorbing and implementing new ways to accomplish goals and objective.    

                                                          References

National Head Start Association. (2014). About NHSA [Website]. Retrieved from http://www.nhsa.org/about_NHSA

National Head Start Association. (2014). Jobs @ Head Start [Website]. Retrieved from http://jobsatheadstart.org/Consultants.html

Save the Children. (2014). Internships [Website]. Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.8631185/k.9CAE/Internships.htm       

Save the Children. (2014). Working at Save the Children [Website]. Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6226565/k.BFEA/Working_atSave_the_Children.htm

United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF]. (2012, December). About UNICEF: Employment [Website]. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_what_we_do.html

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The first organization that I found interesting is Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunities Council (KCEOC).  It is a federally funded community based program that serves 6 counties in Southeastern Kentucky.  KCEOC operates both Head Start and Early Head Start in both classroom and home-based settings with children from 6 weeks to 5 years old as well as working with pregnant women.  KCEOC offers comprehensive services to families while working in conjunction with local Community Action Agencies and other service providers to ensure children and their families receive needed resources to enhance the own lives as well as improving communities.  This is accomplished by providing opportunities for needed change for those in poverty through offering safe and affordable housing, energy assistance, mentoring, and services for English language learners.  KCEOC offers computer and job skills training, work experience in a job that prepares those in need with knowledge and skills, and GED preparation in order that low-income individuals can become more self-sufficient through gainful employment.  KCEOC has served thousands of area residents for 50 years.                                                

The second organization that I am interested in is Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) in Child Protection.  This agency “administers child protection and permanency and family support programs including adoption, child abuse, child care, child support, SNAP food benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) and foster care” (Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 2014, para. 5).                                

The third is Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) which is a non-profit organization that advocates nationwide for policies on behalf of children in poverty and those that are abused and neglected.  CDF strives for “access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation for all children” (Children’s Defense Fund, 2012, para. 1). CDF’s mission is to ensure all children have a good start in life with the help of families and their communities.                                                                                  

The first job opportunity that appeals to me is a Child Development Specialist that works with children and assist teachers and families by overseeing therapy and behavior modification techniques to improve children’s skills. A Bachelor’s Degree is required in child psychology or a related field.  I would enjoy the one-on-one and close connections of working with the children and parents.  I also find working with the DCBS and providing protective services for abused and neglected children interesting.  It requires a Bachelor’s in Social Work or related field with children.  I believe this would be heart-wrenching but very rewarding in regards to helping children out of bad situations.                                                                                                         

The third is an internship in human resources with the Children’s Defense Fund.  “CDF has combined advocacy, public education, policy development, leadership training and other efforts to protect children and encourage preventive investment in children before they get sick, drop out of school, suffer family breakdown, or get into trouble” (Children’s Defense Fund, 2012, para. 1).  It is a very selective process with only 70 positions out of hundreds of applications.  The more education and credentials the greater opportunity of receiving an internship.  This would be my dream position as it would teach me to be an effective advocate for children’s issues and concerns and make invaluable connections to better serve the children and families in our area.  I believe in the mission and vision of the Children’s Defense Fund.    

References

Children’s Defense Fund. (2012). About us. Retrieved from http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. (2014). CHFS agencies. Retrieved from http://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/

Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunities Council. (2014). About us. Retrieved from http://www.kceoc.com/index.php/en/about-us