Thursday, December 19, 2013

Thank you to all!!!


My fellow classmates and Dr. Teri. 

I have to thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart for all your inspiration and knowledge throughout this course and all the other courses with this program.  For as long as I can remember I have been told that I would never amount to anything.  I have proved them wrong.  I have followed my dream and passion and I did it!  I have much to learn and there is much room for growth.

My weakness is writing, I have learned so much about writing and researching that I do feel confident now to express my thoughts on paper.

I have learned how to explore the Internet and other journals and books to find out what I am looking for.  I feel proud of myself that when there is a question I can go and research and come back with the answer.  The confidence that I have communicating with parents and other colleagues will help me to empower others to take on their goals and dreams.

Being able to time manage two full time jobs, take care of my family and grand children has been a challenge.  Learning to manage time was a huge lesson learned.  Reading directions and learning to review and reflect has been a huge milestone in this experience.

My long term goal is to continue to work with children and find the balance to work as an administrator and empower families and children to take on their dreams with confidence and value.

Dr. Teri, I have to thank you from the bottom of my heart.  At first I thought I was never going to make it through this course.  I was in tears quite often.  Writing is not my strength.  Having the feedback that you gave me was an inspiration to read and re read instructions for clarity.  I am finding myself now re reading everything that I do to make sure that I am following the directions carefully.  You are an inspirational person.  It sounds like you have empowered many to take on their dreams and passions.

I am so thankful and I just cannot thank everyone enough.  I am going to complete my degree with closure by walking with my class this July 15, 2014.  I hope that I can meet you all in the future or at the commencement.  Good Luck to everyone and God Bless! 


“Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand”,  John C. Maxwell ,The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

As I continue through this journey in the early childhood field it is important to network and reach out to many sources to grow and see outside the box of learning and teaching.  This week I have searched and read about different organizations that are international.  Something that I have always  been interested is how others live in other countries and their culture.  By expanding my feelers to other organizations this will give me more knowledge on how to teach and lead other whether they are young children or adults.

Below are the associations I visited:

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When disaster strikes, we put children's needs first. We advocate for and achieve large-scale change for children (Save the Children, n.d.).

I have been involved with Save the Children through participating in the many conferences that they offered in Atlanta Georgia in the early 1990’s.  This is where I actually realized that this is the field that I wanted to excel and continue my education in.  I have passion for their mission and goals.  I believe that every child deserves a healthy start and opportunity to learn.  The end results of this opportunity will in turn make our nation and our world a more harmonious world where we will feel safe and valued.

As I searched there career path, I could not find a position that I could participate in at this time in my life.  However, I am thinking seriously of finding out how I can volunteer. The area of interest of jobs here in the United States would be to work in  a field-based position to work with local and national partners to implement programs in Early Childhood and Education, Literacy, Nutrition and Exercise. I feel that I have great knowledge and experience and great room for adventure and growth in those subjects.  I will keep checking the website to see when there is an opportunity to send my resume in.

UNICEF is a large organization that works with communities and governments, civil society, communities and other stakeholders to design and implement intersectoral evidence-based ECD programs and policies that help young children reach their full potential by supporting families and communities, and by increasing access to quality early childhood care and education.

As I browse through the jobs for UNICEF I am finding that there is not a position at this time that I would qualify for.  I looked into my local community and I can volunteer with UNICEF here in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I will take time to put a few hours a week in to researching and seeing what I can do  I would like to work with this organization to see what they can do for our Head Star program here.
  
Exchange is another organization that interests me. Exchange is committed to supporting early childhood professionals worldwide in their efforts to craft early childhood environments where adults and children thrive – environments that foster friendship, curiosity, self-esteem, joy, and respect; where the talents of all are fully challenged and justly rewarded. I have been a member of this organization for many years.  I support and have a passion for what their mission is.  I feel that it is important as a professional in the early childhood field to support each other and educate each other for the well being of the children.  This organization is also connected with the World Forum as well. Read more about the World Forum Foundation here www.worldforumfoundation.org.

Careers available are mostly for professionals who write the articles. This website has much information and can lead me to many other jobs.  It is a resource based organization to assist professionals in the early childhood field to network and collaborate with others in the field.  I have met knowledgable people within this organization and learned much about the importance of collaboration not only on a local, state, and national level, but to extend your feelers world wide. There was one job posted on there for a Preschool Director.  Qualifications are as follows and something that I might be interested in:

We are seeking a Preschool Director with the following qualities:

A. PRIMARY FUNCTION
The Director will provide leadership and administration which will motivate instructional and support personnel to strive for superior performance so as to provide the best possible opportunities for student growth and development, both educationally and personally.

B. LINE OF AUTHORITY
Directly responsible to the management board of VINCI Schools

C. SUPERVISION OF OTHERS
Direct supervision over:
1. Teachers
2. Support staff including meals, facilities/scheduling and communications

D. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
In addition to the primary function, the Director shall be responsible for:
1. Developing and administering the general school routine, and coordinate all activities within the school building.
2. Participating in the selection of new teaching and classified personnel.
3. Observing, counseling, and motivating professional staff toward performances to attain the educational goals.
4. Utilizing to the fullest extent possible, all available school facilities, materials, and staff service personnel.
5. Continually evaluating existing programs and practices, curriculum content, and pilot or experimental programs.
6. Maintaining an educational philosophy and school climate which encourages a cooperative and participating attitude on the part of all teachers and children.
7. Maintaining a standard of behavior designed to command respect.
8. Resolving teachers and children behavioral problems.
9. Encouraging and initiating continued improvement in curriculum and teaching methods in cooperation with the board of management, subject area specialists, and affiliated faculty.
10. Identifying intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs affecting children success, and taking steps to direct and coordinate the efforts of teachers and parents with staff services.
11. Planning and submitting annual budget needs.
12. Maintaining effective communication to keep the staff, and parents properly informed via weekly newsletters.
13. Orienting new personnel.

Requirements:
1. Minimum 5 years experience in a similar leadership position
2. Can work in classrooms and is passionate about going above and beyond to support children's growth
3. Master's in Education or science/engineering related field.
4. Hands-on with educational technology.
5. Detailed oriented and meticulous
6. Very structured with curriculum design background
7. Great communication and inter-personal skills.
8. Understanding of social media marketing a plus


References:

Feeney, S. R., & Freeman, N. K. (n.d.). Retrieved fromhttp://www.childcareexchange.com
Save the Children. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org

Unite for children. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/

Saturday, November 23, 2013

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

Exploring different options to join and becoming involved in National organizations is an opportunity that is amazing.  There are many organizations out there that will support your passions.  I have reviewed many and these are the organizations that I chose.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is an association that supports high-quality early care and education programs that lay the foundation for school readiness, academic success, and adult achievement.  There are many resources that support providers and centers in doing this. NAEYC offers opportunities to network, receive discounts on conferences and books and to be involved in changing the world with children.  NAEYC has the latest research based ideas to inspire and inform you for your work with young children.

As I was searching the website I found a new tab that is about careers.  It is not with NAEYC, however, they have jobs posted that are throughout the nation.  I thought this was helpful in looking for a job opportunity.  At the moment I am not looking to change jobs until I am complete with my education.  It is nice to know that is available.

There was a job posted that if I were looking I would look at. It is Director, Early Childhood Center at John Hopkins School of Education, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Early Childhood Center, Baltimore, Maryland
The Skills I would need are:
  • Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, social services administration or related field with 18 credit hours in ECE or CD required. Five years' progressively responsible administrative and/or supervisory experience, including three years of experience in operating a child care center with experience setting strategic direction and program development.
  • Knowledge and experience with comprehensive, state of the art curricula for preschool children.
  • Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice for early care and education.
  • Knowledge of city and state licensing requirements.

  • Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and Early Head Start and Head Start programs.

  • Ability to lead an interdisciplinary team of professionals.

  • Ability to communicate in a manner that demonstrates and fosters cooperation, respect, concern, and openness to change.

  • Familiarity with community culture and knowledge of community resources and services.

  • Ability to work with diverse staff and varied community cultures.

  • Knowledge of basic principles and practices of program management and staff supervision.

  • Advanced knowledge of computer software, including but not limited to Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

  • Ability to utilize and provide reflective supervision.


  • Willingness and ability to obtain food sanitation certification.
I have been a member of NAEYC for over 15 years. NAEYC not only accredits centers nation wide they accredit University so that there is a reference that professionals can review to know that they will receive a education through an accredited school Walden University is on that list of valid schools.


The National Headstart Association is an organization that supports training and involvement with parent engagement.  There are many other opportunities to take advantage of on this website.  They offer opportunities to trainings and conferences and advocacy.  I joined this association because I am involved as a Head Start Teacher and would like to learn more about what Head Start has to offer.  This website and association offers great information for me to become actively involved to improve my skills to be a better teacher and leader.  My passion is to involve and parents and empower parents to take on their lives and be a part of their child’s life as well.  Knowing how to create those relationships is a great skill to learn.

I did not see that they have job opportunities, however with the mission and goals it will help in improving my skills to look at other opportunities.


Zero to Three is a national nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals and policymakers the knowledge and the know-how to nurture early development. Their mission is to promote health and development of infant and toddlers. This is an important website that supports my vision and passion.  Children need that early beginning education and support.  This website is a place that policy makers, parents and professionals visit for different resources.  Zero to Three has much research that is important to all.  I also have a passion because I have a close colleague that works there as a Senior Writer/Trainer.  She is an Author of a book that she wrote named “Brain Based Early Learning Activities; Connecting Theory and Practice” by Nikki Darling Kuria.  This is just one resource that is helpful for my interest.

Zero to Three has a few career opportunities.  As I have said right now I am not looking.  It is important that I finish my education and then decide where I want to be.  Most of the opportunities will take me away from my hometown, which is a huge struggle for me at this time in my life. However I am open for all.


I am excited to be involved in these organizations.  I meet new people on a regular bases.  Being involved with these different organization will keep me informed of the skills that I need to fine tune to get to the ideal job that I want.  I am sure that there will be many opportunities and challenges in reaching that ultimate goal.