The End of the Journey

What a journey this has been but oh so worth it. Three things that I learned from the program is to always strive to see the best in children and their families, never give up on those that seem hard to reach or are a little more difficult, and the last thing that stands out to me is how to communicate effectively. Communication is the greatest key when trying to reach families. My long term goal is to continue working on communicating effectively and striving to be the best educator that I can possibly be.

As the program ends, I am thankful that I  have had the chance to learn under Dr. Davis and my colleagues. I wish each of you the very best as you pursue your dreams in the future. Best wishes and success to each of you.

International Organizations

International Organizations

The organizations that I chose are

1. The Association for Childhood Education International. The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) is a global community dedicated to promoting the optimal education and development of children in a changing world. The Association today is both a knowledge broker for innovative practices and an advocate for education and children's rights. These key areas of focus have evolved from the Association's vibrant and active past. As social change agents, ACEI members have involved themselves in various critical societal issues over the years in their efforts to ensure that children around the world are protected, supported, and educated in an equitable fashion that allows them to reach their true potential.

2. International Early Childhood Education- International’s Early Education Services (EES) was launched in India in 2007 to tackle some of the major challenges facing early childhood education in India, including a lack of:

• Updated national early childhood education standards
• A national licensing and accreditation system
• Child care resource and referral system
• Professional development system 

3. UNICEF- 
UNICEF focuses on three areas of intervention for early childhood development: quality basic health, education and protection services; good care practices for children within the family and community; and early child development policies.  UNICEF works with governments and other partners to achieve the following objectives to increase the likelihood of all disadvantaged children benefitting from interventions:

• Improved service delivery capacity for early childhood development at the national, district and local levels;
• Improved family and community care practices for survival, growth and development;
• Develop policies and coordinating structures to include early childhood development into national development plans, funding and mechanisms;
• Increased ability to monitor child development and family care competencies for informed decision-making;
• Young children included in programming and policies in emergency response -providing play and learning to ensure their continued development

National Organizations

The three organizations that I  found were

The Division for Early Childhood-   The Division for Early Childhood promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. This appeals to me because I have always worked with children who have delays or disabilities and find it very rewarding. It is always good to know that there are sources out there that can offer great resources to families in need.

National Association for the Education of Children-  
Founded in 1926, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members, a national network of more than 300 state and local Affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations. This  organization appealed to me because it was very informative and has great resources for educators.

National Head start  Association- The Head Start programs appeal to me because they reach out to children that are from lower economic statuses who may never have the opportunity for early learning if it was not for the Head Start programs.

HSA Mission

Our mission is to coalesce, inspire and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education.
We are compelled to fulfill this mission by the promise of all the possible outcomes:

• one powerful, united Head Start voice;
• a collegial, collaborative Head Start field, one that is a valuable and valued partner and resource to early childhood development and education;
• nonpartisan support of increased Federal commitment to Head Start and, ultimately
• healthier, empowered children and families and stronger, more vibrant communities.

NHSA Values

We are determined to play a valued leadership role in this country's efforts to educate and serve its most vulnerable children and families.We are actively committed to being a high-impact organization.
We value partnerships and collaboration and are intent on transforming ourselves into a relationship-based organization.
We are accountable to our members and funders, practicing the highest standards of governance and financial stewardship, ensuring transparency in our operationsand living up to the highest standards of quality.


A job that I found was a Community Educator in Early Childhood. The qualifications were as follows:

Responsible for planning, teaching, and implementing parent education classes. Program topics are planned with the approval of the Parenting Center Coordinator/Educator. Major Duties Meets organizational expectations as defined by the Employee Standards of Performance, hospital and department policies and procedures, and the hospital’s strategic goals. Verbalizes a clear understanding of continuous quality improvement and customer satisfaction measures and actively participates in improvement initiatives. Instructs classes and implements new and established programs. Develops outline and curriculum for new programs as needed. Provides programs to community groups upon request. Maintains participant information for all contacts/programs. Facilitates physical set-up of programs being presented. Participates in health fairs and community health and safety programs.

Performs other duties as assigned or directed to ensure smooth operation of the organization. Education/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Preferred: Excellent public speaking, written and verbal communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Bachelor or master's degree in related field. Two- five years teaching experience with adults and all aged children in community organizations or schools. Required: Knowledge gained in required degree. Demonstrate organizational, communication, public speaking, interpersonal and social skills. Intermediate skills in windows, word, and PowerPoint. Bachelor's degree required in early childhood, community wellness, primary or secondary education, or related field. Two years teaching experience with additional experience working with children and community groups.

 

The second job that I found was: Early Childhood Specialist from Early Intervention to Success in School.  

Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood or related field

Birth to 3 training and experience

3 plus years of relevant experience

Training experience

Home Visiting experience preferred

Must be able to travel to partner sites in Southern Mississippi

State and Local Roles in the ECE

 

The three state and locally that appealed to me were:

The Head Start program. This program appeals to me for the simple fact of reaching out to children in less fortunate backgrounds. The Head start program targets my passion for the simple fact of helping children that struggle and come from low economic states. The second organization that I found was the Louisiana Early Childhood Association. It is an association that is full of resources for teachers to collaborate together  and gain insights that are beneficial in the classroom. The third organization that I chose was a local early headstart program. It targets children that are coming out of early intervention programs but who are to young to go directly into Head Start. These programs fuel my passion for the simple fact of giving each child a chance depsite their families economic status.

A job that I found was a Community Educator in Early Childhood. The qualifications were as follows:

Responsible for planning, teaching, and implementing parent education classes. Program topics are planned with the approval of the Parenting Center Coordinator/Educator. Major Duties Meets organizational expectations as defined by the Employee Standards of Performance, hospital and department policies and procedures, and the hospital’s strategic goals. Verbalizes a clear understanding of continuous quality improvement and customer satisfaction measures and actively participates in improvement initiatives. Instructs classes and implements new and established programs. Develops outline and curriculum for new programs as needed. Provides programs to community groups upon request. Maintains participant information for all contacts/programs. Facilitates physical set-up of programs being presented. Participates in health fairs and community health and safety programs.

Performs other duties as assigned or directed to ensure smooth operation of the organization. Education/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Preferred: Excellent public speaking, written and verbal communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Bachelor or master's degree in related field. Two- five years teaching experience with adults and all aged children in community organizations or schools. Required: Knowledge gained in required degree. Demonstrate organizational, communication, public speaking, interpersonal and social skills. Intermediate skills in windows, word, and PowerPoint. Bachelor's degree required in early childhood, community wellness, primary or secondary education, or related field. Two years teaching experience with additional experience working with children and community groups.

 

The second job that I found was: Early Childhood Specialist from Early Intervention to Success in School.  

Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood or related field

Birth to 3 training and experience

3 plus years of relevant experience

Training experience

Home Visiting experience preferred

Must be able to travel to partner sites in Southern Mississippi

Finally the End...

What a journey this has been but oh so worth it. Three things that I learned from the program is to always strive to see the best in children and their families, never give up on those that seem hard to reach or are a little more difficult, and the last thing that stands out to me is how to communicate effectively. Communication is the greatest key when trying to reach families. My long term goal is to continue working on communicating effectively and striving to be the best educator that I can possibly be.

As the program ends, I am thankful that I  have had the chance to learn under Dr. Davis and my collegaues. I wish each of you the very best as you pursue your dreams in the future. Best wishes and success to each of you.

International Organizations

The organizations that I chose are

1. The Association for Childhood Education International. The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) is a global community dedicated to promoting the optimal education and development of children in a changing world. The Association today is both a knowledge broker for innovative practices and an advocate for education and children's rights. These key areas of focus have evolved from the Association's vibrant and active past. As social change agents, ACEI members have involved themselves in various critical societal issues over the years in their efforts to ensure that children around the world are protected, supported, and educated in an equitable fashion that allows them to reach their true potential.

2. International Early Childhood Education- International’s Early Education Services (EES) was launched in India in 2007 to tackle some of the major challenges facing early childhood education in India, including a lack of:

• Updated national early childhood education standards
• A national licensing and accreditation system
• Child care resource and referral system
• Professional development system 

3. UNICEF- 
UNICEF focuses on three areas of intervention for early childhood development: quality basic health, education and protection services; good care practices for children within the family and community; and early child development policies.  UNICEF works with governments and other partners to achieve the following objectives to increase the likelihood of all disadvantaged children benefitting from interventions:

• Improved service delivery capacity for early childhood development at the national, district and local levels;
• Improved family and community care practices for survival, growth and development;
• Develop policies and coordinating structures to include early childhood development into national development plans, funding and mechanisms;
• Increased ability to monitor child development and family care competencies for informed decision-making;
• Young children included in programming and policies in emergency response -providing play and learning to ensure their continued development

National organizations

The three organizations that I  found were

The Division for Early Chi ldhood-   The Division for Early Childhood promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities.

National Association for the Education of Children-  
Founded in 1926, The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children with nearly 80,000 members, a national network of more than 300 state and local Affiliates, and a growing global alliance of like-minded organizations.

National Head start  Association- 

HSA Mission

Our mission is to coalesce, inspire and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education.
We are compelled to fulfill this mission by the promise of all the possible outcomes:

• one powerful, united Head Start voice;
• a collegial, collaborative Head Start field, one that is a valuable and valued partner and resource to early childhood development and education;
• nonpartisan support of increased Federal commitment to Head Start and, ultimately
• healthier, empowered children and families and stronger, more vibrant communities.

NHSA Values

We are determined to play a valued leadership role in this country's efforts to educate and serve its most vulnerable children and families.We are actively committed to being a high-impact organization.
We value partnerships and collaboration and are intent on transforming ourselves into a relationship-based organization.
We are accountable to our members and funders, practicing the highest standards of governance and financial stewardship, ensuring transparency in our operationsand living up to the highest standards of quality.


A job that I found was a Community Educator in Early Childhood. The qualifications were as follows:

Responsible for planning, teaching, and implementing parent education classes. Program topics are planned with the approval of the Parenting Center Coordinator/Educator. Major Duties Meets organizational expectations as defined by the Employee Standards of Performance, hospital and department policies and procedures, and the hospital’s strategic goals. Verbalizes a clear understanding of continuous quality improvement and customer satisfaction measures and actively participates in improvement initiatives. Instructs classes and implements new and established programs. Develops outline and curriculum for new programs as needed. Provides programs to community groups upon request. Maintains participant information for all contacts/programs. Facilitates physical set-up of programs being presented. Participates in health fairs and community health and safety programs.

Performs other duties as assigned or directed to ensure smooth operation of the organization. Education/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Preferred: Excellent public speaking, written and verbal communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Bachelor or master's degree in related field. Two- five years teaching experience with adults and all aged children in community organizations or schools. Required: Knowledge gained in required degree. Demonstrate organizational, communication, public speaking, interpersonal and social skills. Intermediate skills in windows, word, and PowerPoint. Bachelor's degree required in early childhood, community wellness, primary or secondary education, or related field. Two years teaching experience with additional experience working with children and community groups.

 

The second job that I found was: Early Childhood Specialist from Early Intervention to Success in School.  

Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood or related field

Birth to 3 training and experience

3 plus years of relevant experience

Training experience

Home Visiting experience preferred

Must be able to travel to partner sites in Southern Mississippi

Role in the ECE community state and locally

The three state and locally that appealed to me were:

The Head Start program. This program appeals to me for the simple fact of reaching out to children in less fortunate backgrounds. The Head start program targets my passion for the simple fact of helping children that struggle and come from low economic states. The second organization that I found was the Louisiana Early Childhood Association. It is an association that is full of resources for teachers to collaborate together  and gain insights that are beneficial in the classroom. The third organization that I chose was a local early headstart program. It targets children that are coming out of early intervention programs but who are to young to go directly into Head Start. These programs fuel my passion for the simple fact of giving each child a chance depsite their families economic status.

A job that I found was a Community Educator in Early Childhood. The qualifications were as follows:

Responsible for planning, teaching, and implementing parent education classes. Program topics are planned with the approval of the Parenting Center Coordinator/Educator. Major Duties Meets organizational expectations as defined by the Employee Standards of Performance, hospital and department policies and procedures, and the hospital’s strategic goals. Verbalizes a clear understanding of continuous quality improvement and customer satisfaction measures and actively participates in improvement initiatives. Instructs classes and implements new and established programs. Develops outline and curriculum for new programs as needed. Provides programs to community groups upon request. Maintains participant information for all contacts/programs. Facilitates physical set-up of programs being presented. Participates in health fairs and community health and safety programs.

Performs other duties as assigned or directed to ensure smooth operation of the organization. Education/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Preferred: Excellent public speaking, written and verbal communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Bachelor or master's degree in related field. Two- five years teaching experience with adults and all aged children in community organizations or schools. Required: Knowledge gained in required degree. Demonstrate organizational, communication, public speaking, interpersonal and social skills. Intermediate skills in windows, word, and PowerPoint. Bachelor's degree required in early childhood, community wellness, primary or secondary education, or related field. Two years teaching experience with additional experience working with children and community groups.

 

The second job that I found was: Early Childhood Specialist from Early Intervention to Success in School.  

Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood or related field

Birth to 3 training and experience

3 plus years of relevant experience

Training experience

Home Visiting experience preferred

Must be able to travel to partner sites in Southern Mississippi

Week 8 Coming to an End

These last eight weeks I have learned more and more about myself, my passion for working in the field, and the importance of an anti-bias point of view. My passion is for the children who really need a caring person to show that they care. It has always been my desire to help at least one child reach success and I would feel that my job is a success. Children are the future and deserve the best that there is. If I pour all that I have within the children that I serve, then these children will grow up to be successful men and women. I also look forward to working with each family and help the families learn how to help their children. I believe that it is important to work along side the families in order to have the best relationship with them so that it is a team effort with the child.

Thanks to the instructor and all of my classmates who have made these last eight weeks great. I have learned a lot from each of you and look forward to working with each  of you in the future. Best wishes to each of you! The journey is down hill now! :)

I chose to look at South Asia, the country of Nepal. I am not sure why I chose this country, however, it was interesting facts within the articles. In Nepal there is a battle to ensure that the children get enough to eat. They are combating malnutrition. Nearly half of the five year old children in the country are stunted growth or malnourished. "The period of greatest vulnerability to nutritional deficiencies is very early in life,” said UNICEF Representative in Nepal Gillian Mellsop, a meeting participant. “If a child is not well nourished during this vital window of opportunity, that window slams shut on that child and the intellectual damage can be irreversible.”

Children are experiencing learning disabilities, stunting, and other health issues due to suffering from malnourishment. these experiences may pose greater issues to the children later in life. The children continue to suffer from malnourishment grow up with weaker immune systems, health issues, and learning difficulties.

As an early childhood professional I believe that it is extremely important to combat this epidemic. I believe that it is important to always have snacks or small foods available just for children who may not have the food available to them. It is a shame that malnourishment is still a major issue across our great lands. I believe that it is great to have breakfast programs continued within schools so that the children can have a well balanced meal in order to start their day. Children learn best with a full stomach and good rest.

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/nepal

Sexualization and Early Childhood

Sexualization within the Early Childhood setting is rather disturbing to me. It seems that our society is pushing for children to grow up faster than they need to. Media portrays barbies that can have babies, dolls that are full figured and clothing is made to look older and more mature. Television shows are portraying a negative image to young children on sexaulization. Children no longer look like innocent children. It amazes me to see how some parents allow children to be so subjected to such sexualization.

In my own personal and professional life I have seen children get upset because they are not "as pretty" as the other girls because they are chubby, or hair is not long enough or eye color is not blue enough." One example that stands out to me that is most recent is going shopping and observing people. It is sad to see children dressed with such short shorts on, make up as if they were grown, and looking years older. I can't help but think, "what happened to the simple life and just being a kid?!"

 The sexualization plays a huge impact on children's lives. Children grown up entirely too fast and exposed to dress, body image, and other pressures that cause them to often miss out on being a simple child. I blame this on the media for trying to promote toys and other kid friendly items to be more in the sexual light. I was raised when girls dressed like little girls...there was no make up, heels, or older type clothing until I was high school age. Now those things seem to be what the media pushes for our children at such young ages. These images often cause extreme problems for our children. If we look around we see young teen girls looking as if they are in their twenties. I believe that within the classroom it is important to express to children to just be children. The world is moving at such a fast pace, media pushing all of these things, but children should just be allowed to be children. As a professional it is important to address any forms of sexualization and work towards positive ways of moving past it.

Impacts on Professional Practice

When I think of the isms that I have faced in my life I think that isms that come to mind would be racism. I grew up in a family that was multiracial. I remember being a young child and hearing nasty remarks. Growing up in the south multiracial families are often talked about and looked down upon. I grew up with a nephew that was biracial. He was picked on and called ugly names. I remember the hurt in his face when people would make such nasty remarks. I remember thinking "How ugly can people be, especially to a child that has no control over his situation?" The consequences that children and families that I work with today may experience from my personal experiences would be positive. I see the hurt that racism causes to families and I would be mindful of the things that I say and how I treat those families and children. I would ensure that my classroom setting was warming to all families.

Effective Communication

I recently observed my sister trying to get my three year old little boy to pick up his toys and get his shoes on so that we could head to the beach. I watched from a far so that he wouldn't try to run to me and think that he was going to be free from completing his tasks. My sister quietly but firmly spoke to Carson. She prompted him to pick up his toys and grab his shoes so that we could head to the beach. He fell out in the floor and refused to do anything. She reminded him that he wanted to go down to the beach and if he didn't pick up his mess and get his shoes on then he was not going to the beach. Carson sat up, looked around and pouted but picked up one toy then stopped. My sister had bent down and started hand over hand with him and began to make him pick up toys. By the time he was ready for his shoes to be on..he was doing that himself. My sister reminded him of what a good helper he was and how everyone likes a good helper. He said, "Im a good helper"  My sister praised him for picking toys up and they raced out the door to the beach. He was smiling and ready to go.

I liked that she quietly but firmly spoke with him to get his attention and that she had to assist him with the hand over hand in order to get him started with picking up the toys. I think that its important to get on eye level with the child and encourage them as much as possible to get a task completed. My son is strong willed and at times talking does not work...we have to try many different techniques in order to get him involved such as the hand over hand, singing songs, and making the task a game. I am learning much on effective communication this week with children.

Creating Affirming Environments

My envisions of an Early Childhood Setting is one with bright colors, centers for learning, such as reading, dramatic play, etc. In order to full fill the anti-bias views, I would ensure that m setting welcomed each culture and had pictures, books, and toys from all cultures. I would also want my center to be very welcoming and a place that parents felt welcome to sit in on a class or just to pop in. I would have a big colorful rug for story time. I would also allow each child to pick a book each time. I would also do a weekly show and tell so that each child has a chance to bring something special to them or their family. I also would ask families to come in and talk to the children on diversity as we study differences and culture. I believe that it is extremely important to get families involved within the classroom and to me this would be a great way. 

Early childhood education is the building foundation for child's learning and I find it important to get parents on board early so that their children will form a love for education, change, and diversity.

What I have Learned

One hope that I have  when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds, my hope is that I can teach children and their families how to accept those that are different. My hope is to make all those that cross my path feel as though they are special, respected, and equal. 


One goal that I would like to set is that I would continue to dispell the bias views that I have in order to teach children how to truly accept those that are different than they are. My goal is to teach acceptance, equity, and love for all who enter my classroom. 


Best wishes to all of my colleagues. I have learned a great deal from each of you and wish you the very best in this journey!

Diversity Collage

Those often embarrassing yet teachable moments...

 Last summer being on vacation my with my children and a friend and her children, we were walking the strip of the city. There were all types of people. We saw several homeless people. It seemed that each corner we turned we saw a homeless person. My friend's son is five and he says "Why are there so many bums?" They need jobs." We were surprised that he would say that but she tried to silence him by telling him to "Come on here right now and we will discuss this later." The child was still curious that he kept asking why "those people had to ask for food or money and not work." His little mind was turning with many questions. His mother grabbed him by the arm and pulled him on down the strip. Often times I think that we miss the teachable opportunities by trying to silence children. I understand that silencing children from hurting the other person's feelings but I believe that it is important to explain that there are many differences and that not everyone looks like or lives like we do. A teachable moment left undone will hurt the child in the long run. We as professionals and adults should use each moment to teach of the differences.

Gender Identity

Some of the ways you noticed that homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children including books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers, and schools. 


I have noticed many ways that homophobia and hererosexism permeate the world of young children. It is like a known "rule" that in our society girls will be frilly, play with barbies and dolls, and be the domestic "goddess" of the household. Boys are the rough and tough ones who dig in the dirt, play with trucks, do the manly duties of the house, and their appearance is clean cut looks. I have noticed in some childhood centers that some promote boys and girls playing with all toys and not so much stereotyping and I have been in some places where it was clear that boys played with trucks and girls played dress up or with dolls. I grew up in a family that had the same stereotypes and now that I am grown I still think about these same stereotypes as I raise my own children. I catch myself at times saying to my son "Oh that is your sister's toy...boys do not play with that." I then have to revamp my thinking in order to prevent stereotyping. " Young children’s developing sense of personal identity is structured by their social, Cultural, and political context." Parents and teachers can provide awareness to stereotypes and gender identity throughout play groups and class settings. 

If you have ever used or heard homophobic terms such as "fag," "gay," "homo," "sissy," "tom boy," or "lesbo" as an insult by a child toward another child? Or, by an adult toward a child? Describe what occurred. How might these types of comments influence all children? (Note: if you have not had a personal experience, ask a family member, friend, or colleague).   My husband's nephew is a pre-teen that has grown up with just his mother. He has always been around women since his father was out of the picture from the beginning. They moved to a new town and had to adjust to a new way of life. The boy was not very athletic and has poor social skills when it comes to making friends. He took a home economics class while all the other boys in his class where playing sports or other "boy" activities. I remember hearing his mother say that he was picked on because of the class. He was called a "fag" for taking the class and some of these pre-teen boys were saying things that I NEVER thought children could come up with. It was graphic things....My husband's nephew acted as if the comments didn't bother him. He said he just didn't like being at that school. He continued out the school year and then came back home so he could go to a school that he was use to. Comments such as fag, homo. or whatever else comes to mind can really leave scares on a child. It warps their self esteem and often times leaves them feeling as if they are not good enough or do not belong in a group for one reason or another. 


Resources:
Developing Positive Identities, pp. 17–25

Nearing the end of this journey

These past eight weeks have been good. I have learned a great deal on communication and the proper ways of dealing with different communication scenarios. Thanks again to each of my classmates and to the professor for making this a great class. I look forward to nearing the end of the journey and going on to apply what I have learned in my day to day interactions. I wish each of you the very best!

Team building and Collaboration

Over the past year or two I have worked in many different groups in working towards my masters. In the beginning I hated the group work because majority of the group didn't put forth much effort and the trust was not there. As time went on and I continued toward my degree, I begin to work closer with a select few group members due to being in each class together. As far as saying good byes or building relationships with group members outside of the classroom, I have actually gotten to know two previous classmates outside the classroom. I believe at times it is hard getting to know classmates outside the classroom due to it being an online sector. Here lately the groups have ended with well wished and good byes. It seems that each are thankful to see another class down and one step closer to the finish line. It would be nice to get to build relationships with classmates on the outside of class because many of the classmates have valuable information that I find interesting since I am coming into the field without any experience that most of my classmates have. I truly enjoy working along side my group members and learning from their advice, and experience. For this I believe that is what makes some group hard to leave. The trust is built and things run smoothly within the group. However, I have also had my share of groups where it was chaos and I couldn't wait for the semester to end. The forming stage had been bypassed and things headed for disaster from that point on. When working in groups I believe that the forming stage is so important!