Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

This was definitely a journey but one that I am grateful that I took. As I look back at this ride from start to finish I must say that my love, passion, and understanding for children as greatly grown deeper. I learned that having the right people in place and building the right community of practice is very important. It is also important to reach out and communicate with others and network. The best resource in my opinion is communicating with knowledgeable people and experienced people. I learned that building relationships and showing great leadership skills will take me a long way. After this course and other courses I truly know that this is where I want to be and that I want to be one of the many people that will advocate for children and make a difference.  

                                                     

      This quote is very inspirational and very true. If we do not invest or advocate who will. Our children are very important and they deserve the best opportunities.

    I just really love this quote! Children need to have fun and enjoy what they do.                                     

 

 Wonderful quote! Just be yourself in all that you do.

                                                                     

Powerful quote!

 As parents and as teachers it is important to lead by example and a positive one. Children watch everything that we do and it is important to watch what we do, how we handle situations, communicate, etc. in front of impressionable children.

To Dr. Darragh-Ernst and my colleagues,

Thank you for all the positive feedback and encouragement on my work. I have learned so much from reading the discussions and your thoughts, dreams, and goals. This has been a great and inspiring journey and a true accomplishment for me and I am glad that I was able to share it with wonderful people. I hope that we all can stay in touch through the years. If there is ever anything needed don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you all the best!

Shonda Jackson

Shondajackson668@gmail.com

Remember

 

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

SAVE OUR CHILDREN     

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in 120 countries, including the United States. The goal of Save the Children is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities (Save the Children, 2011).  

Job Opportunity

Summary Early Steps to School Success provides early childhood education services to pregnant women and children birth to five years of age, education services to their parents, and ongoing staff training to the community early childhood educators.  The program goals are: 1) children will enter school with the skills necessary for school success, 2) parents will have the knowledge and skills to support their children’s education, 3) home/school connections will be strong and 4) early childhood knowledge and skills in communities will be significantly increased. The Early Steps Coordinator provides Social/emotional development, language development and pre-literacy education activities for children and parents through regularly scheduled home visits.  Parent/child support and education groups in schools and community settings Screening and referral for children at risk for developmental delay or health care issues. “Transition to school” activities that connect parents and children to the preschool or kindergarten they will attend. A book exchange literacy program for enrolled children and parents. Books are available for children from birth to five years of age.

 

The International Step by Step Association

·         I chose this organization because they connect professionals in the field of early childhood from around the world.  They provide information and resources for education and help children and parents from around the world gain access to quality education.  They also provide professional development and support to early childhood professionals.

·         Job opportunities with ISSA:  Program manager of Romani Early Years Network (REYN).  Managed by ISSA, the network focuses on emerging and established Romani early childhood development professionals, as well as other professionals working in the field of Early Childhood Development (ECD) with Roma communities. The network will work to develop skills and good practice, establish effective partnerships and support professional development.  The director is in charge of implementation and support of the programs, in addition to fundraising and maintaining the budget.  Must have a university degree in related field and understand Romani children, families, and communities.  Must also have at least 3 years’ experience with international early childhood programs and be committed to the mission, goals, and values of ISSA.

I also selected the UNICEF. I believe that it is important for me to not only focus and have knowledge about the children in my area but around the world also. There were several job opportunities listed but just a handful in education.
Education Manager, P4, (SSUD12001), Juba, South Sudan
Qualifications include:
• Advanced university degree in one or more of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Education; Primary Education, or Social Sciences fields relevant to international development assistance.
• Some demonstrative capacity to identify and monitor gender inequalities, as well as develop and implement gender mainstreaming in programmes
• Eight years of progressively professional work experience at national and international levels in fields relevant to Education programmes. Experience working in the UN or other international development organization an asset.
• Background/familiarity with Emergency

References

International Step By Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html

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 June 10, 2013, from http://www.unicef.org/

 

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

“ZERO TO THREE is a national, nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals and policymakers the knowledge and know-how to nurture early development” (Zero to Three, 2013).  Zero to Three is a national, nonprofit organization that I recently just found out from a parent at work. Below you will find a link to a Project Director position that I am interested in. http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/careers/jobs/project-director-ehs-ccp-10-21-14.pdf

 

The National Association of Education for Young Children (NAEYC) is the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children.   (NAEYC, 2013) I chose NAEYC because I know the significant importance it has in the early childhood field. NAEYC mission statement is to serve and act on behalf of the need, rights and well-being of young children.  NAEYC is the world largest organization working on behalf of children. NAEYC works with teachers to improve education and working conditions in early childhood education as well as the quality of the teachers. They are committed to promoting excellence in early childhood education.  Below is an available position that sparked my interest.                                               http://careerforum.naeyc.org/jobs/6597577/director-of-early-childhood-education

UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. We have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality.  That makes us unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young. UNICEF offer employment in many areas and also opportunities to volunteer. After looking through their website I found the job description under education very interesting. The link has been provided below.                                         http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_66519.html

 

References

www.zerotothree.org

www.naeyc.org

www.unicef.org

 

 

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The organizations I chose were:

Collaborative for Children

Texas Department of Family Protective Services

TEA Texas Education Agency

Each of these organizations has the ability to make a difference. Collaborative for Children is a great way to work with other families and others. As a teacher or child care professional, you have the opportunity to make a lifetime of difference in the lives of children. Collaborative for Children assists in strengthening the early care and education community in Houston with knowledge, skills and resources needed to provide a quality learning experience for all children – and a better professional experience for those who care for our next generation. Influencing public policy is necessary and effective to ensure our state's children receive the opportunities they deserve (Collaborative for Children, 2014). The Texas department of Family Protective Services and Child Protective Service seems to be a great place to advocate for children and to ensure that they have the tools they need to be successful. I would love to work for this organization and make a difference in a child’s life or the family. I feel being a part of The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will allow me to have input in the curriculum aspect of early childhood. The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education in the state of Texas. It helps deliver education to more than 5 million students. I would love to be a part of any of these organizations. For most of these roles the requirements are only a Bachelors degree.

                                    

References

 

http://www.collabforchildren.org/families

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/

http://tea.texas.gov/

 

 

 

 

Best Wishes and Warm Thank Yous

I have really enjoyed these 8 inspiring weeks with all of you. Through your great discussions and thoughtful blog posts I have learned a lot. I always felt that you get your best lessons through your classmates and their personal stories. I truly appreciate working with a group of wonderful people who has a passion for making the lives of children better. Thank you all for sharing this journey with me and best of luck to all of your future endeavors.

Adjourning

Adjourning

Working in groups are rewarding, but working with a group of people for lengthy period of time builds bonds. I worked with the same group of females for a semester of college. We all had pretty much the same goals in life, some of us were married and most of us had at least one child or more. There were times when things became overwhelming and we wanted to quit but through the support and motivation of each other we made it through. We succeeded in our classes and learned about each other in the process. To this day we still meet at least once a month for lunch and play dates with our children. It is hard to let go when it is time for good things to come to an end, but the upside of that is everything we gained during our journey together. That is how I feel about this course. Even though we are at our end, I have gained so much knowledge from the readings and the online interactions of my colleagues.

Conflicts

There was a disagreement that I had with one of my colleagues. We were collaborating about activities to do before we had spring break.  We meet as a team to discuss issues, concerns, plan, collaborate, etc.  Well, this particular time my colleague seem to fight everything that was brought to the table and coming up with an excuse of why not to do it with her class. In order for us to do something we all have to agree with it and she was the only one that acted nonchalant and had an attitude about what was being brought to the table. We decided to let the students have game day on Friday, where the students bring board games, cards, etc. She did not like the idea and she thought the kids should just watch a movie. I explained that we had a movie day and that it would be good to watch the students interact through board games and solve problems. I did not allow the argument to go back and forth because I realize that we would not get anywhere with that. My other colleague on the team agreed with the game day and we decided to do it. She realized that she was wrong to cut off every idea I brought to the table. I decided to use cooperative strategy. We came together and talked about everything and fixed the problem. She admitted to having a bad day and apologized for fighting everything we brought to the table, and after she thought about it the game day was a great idea. I am glad I did not go back and forth because that could lead up to an argument and it is important to pick and choose your battles and that was not one to pick.

Communication Evaluation

Through the different evaluations I realize that I am more comfortable speaking in one-on-one situations and then small groups. This is very accurate for me. The bigger the crowd I tend to lose my train of thought and I get a little nervous. However, I thought I would change and be able to speak to larger crowds and be comfortable to carry a conversation with someone I just met the older I became. I also believe that things are different depending on the audience I am addressing. When it comes to listening to others based on the test I am in group 1. I am empathetic, caring, and trusting of others. This is true I am very trusting and I care a lot of others and this has caused me to make poor judgments and be hurt. When other observed me they had some of the same results as the test and they also had their own opinions. For instance, my husband says I am more comfortable taking in small groups and I am considerate of others when communicating.  This week I have learned to that it is important to get to know someone before you judge them. It is also important to know about your own communication styles and how your listening and communicating skills can affect someone either positive or negative.

Different Styles of Communicating

I realize that I communicate differently depending on my surroundings. For example, when I am at work I do not communicate with my co-workers the same way as if we are out for the evening. At work there is a professional tone in the way that we talk and carry ourselves, meaning no slang, certain body language, etc.  In the profession I am in, communication has to be versatile because of the diverse population. Educators work with different cultures and have to incorporate different cultures in their curriculum.

I use a lot of nonverbal cues when I talk. I find myself using my hands when I communicate with anybody and I use movement. I try to observe the person I am communicating with so I will know if my gestures are too much.

The Platinum Rule is very essential when it comes to communicating with every culture and family. This rule includes both using great communication skills and listening skills. Listening is just as important as talking to someone. Everybody wants someone that will listen to them and show them the same respect as they have showed you. The Platinum Rule needs to be enforced in all communicating situations.

Body Language

Body Language

 

It was hard for me to watch the show without any volume because I am use to sound. However it was quite fun trying to figure out what was being sad and using my thoughts for what the characters were saying. At the beginning of the show, the husband came home to his wife and I thought they were arguing. Then the next scene showed a man coming out the shower to answer the door and I assumed it was his girlfriend and they were on their way out. When I rewind the show and added the volume, it was clear that the couple was married because he had the key to the house. Also they were not arguing but having a friendly debate. Although by her gestures and expressions it looked as if she was arguing. The next scene they were just friends and the female was on her way out but the male was trying to convince her to be his escort. Through their gestures and body language they were real good friends.

This was a great activity but when it looks like the show was getting very interested, you really want to turn it up so that you don’t have to guess what they are saying. What I learned from this assignment is that gestures and body language can be misguiding. This is why it is important to watch your body language and gestures when speaking to others because they can be taken in a different way. From this experience great communication and listening skills are very essential.

Model of a Great Communicator

Communication

My aunt has great communication skills and listening skills. She prepares speeches and she also speaks at jobs and other events. She projects her voice and always looks at her audience. My aunt can speak about anything as long as she does her research and has enough time to prepare. I can talk to my aunt about anything and I trust her to keep what is said between us. She gives great advice and listens to all you have to say before she speaks.

When I was younger I was shy and afraid to speak to people. As I grew older, I was able to speak in public and in front of people. I am extremely comfortable speaking to children than I am to adults. I would like to have my aunt’s speaking skills and confidence, when she speaks to an audience. She can easily capture the audience attention when she speaks.                                                                                                                                     

Professional Hopes and Goals

 

 

 

 One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds.

Diversity is a great thing and there are people of the world who believe differently. I think the world would be a boring place if we were all exactly the same. We can learn a lot through the people that are different from ourselves. Whether that difference is race, culture, age, ability, religion, gender, etc., there is something that we can embrace. I would like for the world to be more opening to the different type of people and families that are in our society.

 

One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice.

I would like for all early childhood programs and education facilities across the world to teach the same about diversity, equity, and social justice. When I think about the world and about children, I realize that we as educators are the foundation to their learning and development. If everyone practice the same practices about diversity and its importance it can follow to adulthood. I would like all early childhood programs to implement diversity, equity, and social justice; and be effective in their teachings as well as consistent. Lets teach LOVE on purpose!

 

I would like to thank all of my colleagues for sharing their personal stories and their knowledge throughout this course. It has been very inspiring for different backgrounds to come together with the same thoughts when it comes to early childhood and education. I would like to wish everyone the best in their future courses and hopefully we will cross paths again in other classes.

 

  

Welcoming Families From Around the World

 
I chose the country Egypt to be where the family came from. The five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards the family are as follows:            

1- Commit and dedicate myself to learn and find out as much information possible about this family, their culture, traditions, beliefs, etc. Plan a home visit to see the child’s living environment and family culture. 

2- Encourage meaningful family involvement in the school/classroom on continuous basis, which can help the family connect with the school and feel valued. Incorporate their culture throughout the classroom, add books in the library and items in dramatic play.

 3- Create and provide a classroom learning environment where the child from this family can bring in and share experiences/activities relevant to his/her life. Invite the family to teach the class some of their language. I would also learn some phrases as well, so I can communicate with the child.

4- Believe in the child’s potential to learn and grow by providing equal opportunities that promotes the healthy developmental all around. 

5- Do a self-reflection and examination to remove any bias or prejudice that I may have. Be aware of my social identities and biases, with the goal of providing a safe, honest, caring and nurturing environment where both family/child can learn and grow. 

Preparing myself and approaching the family in such professional and culturally sensitive manner, promotes and ensures parent’s connection to the school where their family culture, language, values and beliefs are respected and celebrated. This will build a great and trusting relationship between me and the family. The child and his or her family will benefit from my preparation because their culture will be recognized and that they will be encouraged to learn also about the other cultures. They will expand their cultural knowledge and being sensitive to the culture of others. We can also learn from this child and their family.