I write this last post in tears and thankfulness to my God who strengthened me. (1 cor. 4:13) and reminded me to just "float" taking one day at a time and doing the best that I can.  I gave this blog that name "justfloat4:13" when I began because I was so overwhelmed with the task at hand. Now here I am.

Reflecting over the last 18 months I have learned so much more than I ever thought possible.  I have learned that the scope of early childhood education goes way beyond the classroom and into the world at large.  I have learned that I am an advocate for the rights of children.  I have learned that children's rights are frequently violated and that discrimination both direct and indirect is still alive and well.  This awareness will forever change my teaching practices.  I have also gained practical knowledge that will help me to improve as an administrator.  This includes leadership and communication skills, business skills, and changing trends.  Lastly I have learned the importance of collaboration.  Collaboration is essential for high quality programs.  This collaboration is not just between center staff and administration, but with family community and my own professional community.  My desire for now and the future is that all the relationships that I will make as a professional are reciprocal.  I have learned that I am a better “me” when part of a team. 

One long-term goal that I have is to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood teachers.  I want to advocate for better wages in what I consider the world’s most important work.  I also will endeavor to do everything I can to serve, educate, respect, and collaborate with the teachers in my program.  According to the American Federation of Teachers (n.d.) the most important component of quality in early care and education is the quality and consistency of the teachers.  If teachers are paid low wages they may not have the motivation to stay in the field or further their education.  It is also very important to me that I gain more knowledge about cultural diversity and anti-bias education. 

I would like to thank all of my instructors at Walden for their insight and challenge that have stretched me and helped me reach my potential in this field.  I also want to thank my colleagues for going on this journey with me, for persisting through difficulties, for all of your encouragement.  I wish you well in all of your future endeavors!

 

References

American Federation of Teachers. (n.d.). Worthy wage day. Retrieved July 5, 2012, from http://www.aft.org/yourwork/ece/wwdtoolkit/index.cfm

International Agents of Change

Here are just a few examples of international organizations that work for positive social change for children and families, why they interest me and what types of jobs I am interested in:

Save the Children http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

I have heard of this program before but had no idea of the magnitude and scope of outreach they were involved in.  They save children’s lives from all over the world and protect them from exploitation.  What interest me about this organization is that they seek to provide services that will help the whole child.  This includes early childhood development, health and nutrition, and family outreach.    They have a long history of effectiveness and so there is a lot I can learn about them just by studying the way they organize themselves and what they have done to impact families around the world. 

A posted opening on their web site they listed a position for a Family Services Coordinator.  This person would be responsible for support services for Head Start families and for assisting parents to learn about and use community resources.  Of course this would change depending on the location so I would need to be very familiar with the culture that I would be working with.  Responsibilities would be to help develop family partnership and help parents with the goal-setting process.  I would also asset in monitoring and reporting of family related services and work with a variety of other professionals.  I was surprised that Head Start was involved with this organization and definitely learn something new.  The requirements are to have associates in Social Work or a related Family/Human Services field.  I would also need three years’ work experience related to family Services.  They also require strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other staff and community partners.

International Step By Step Association

http://www.issa.nl/index.html

The International Step by Step Association connects professionals and non-profit organizations working in the field of early childhood development.   •Nurture professionalism in the education and care services from birth through primary school, building capacities and using comprehensive resources.

ISSA promotes inclusive, quality care and education experiences that create the conditions for every child to be happy and reach his or her full potential. The organization does this through three different pillars of action: ensuring equal access for all children; promoting high-quality and professionalism in early year’s services and supporting parents and communities to take part in their children’s development and learning. The programs and activities implemented focus on:

This organization provides a great resource for those that are striving to bring professionalism to the field of early childhood education.  They work to raise awareness of the importance of quality care by informing the general public and by advocacy work.  The main part of this organization that interests me is that they have developed resources for teachers that join the organization.  You can apply to be a full or affiliate member.  The other great aspect is that ISSA members have access to an online community, to exchange information, read the latest news and access an online library for research.  You can also form collaboration groups around common interest.

I found an interesting position posted for a consultant.  In this position I would work with the Executive Director and the ISSA Board.  I would be helping to develop long term goals, and join the ISSA’s Strategic Planning Committee.  I think it would be interesting to find out what other organizations are doing and analyze strengths and weaknesses.  In particular I would want to focus on the professional development piece.  Qualifications are having experience with strategic planning and organizational development.  Requirements also include fundraising experience and knowledge of trends in European and international donor circles.  This last part I would have to gain experience in, but the other areas I have had experience in and would enjoy being part of a team of passionate professionals.

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/

UNESCO builds networks among nations so that every child has access to quality education.  I identify with their statement that quality education is a “fundamental human right and as a prerequisite for human development.”  This organization interest me because of the great exposure to diverse populations and the building of intercultural understanding.  I looked at several job postings and most of them I would not have the experience or qualifications for; however they had an internship program that is offered to post graduate students to supplement their academic knowledge.  The assignments would be practice and help to understand UNESCO mandate and programs.  Requirements are to complete at least 3 years of full-time study at a university.   I would need computer skills and a commitment to multicultural work and public service.  I think it would be a great experience that an education alone could not give, especially learning more about intercultural relationships.

 

 

National organizations that support my area of interest and future work:

National organizations that support my area of interest and future work:

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/

The Goals of this organization are to promote well-being, healthy development, school readiness and safety of children and their families.  They aim to make a difference in families.  The website stays current with initiatives and programs on behalf of families and children and shares helpful articles to promote family engagement.

National parenting Education Network http://npen.org/about-npen/

The goal of this organization is that all families will have the “information, resources and support needed to provide a nurturing relationship and an optimal environment that will encourage their children’s healthy growth and development.”  They have links to individual state organizations so will be a helpful resource.  This site provides resources and training for families.  Education for families is an important part of breaking the cycle of poverty and is a needed part of any family engagement program.

The National Family, School, and Community Engagement Working Group http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/national-family-school-and-community-engagement-working-group-recommendations-for-federal-policy

This organization informs the public on educational policy on family engagement.  It post several scholarly publications and also includes a section specifically on family involvement and practical tools for promoting and creating a family involvement.
Job opportunities

Non-Profit: I am very interested in working for a non-profit organization or starting my own that will assist families in their involvement with their children’s education.  There is a huge need for afterschool programs located within low income areas and communities.  I would be interested in starting a program for literacy and providing computer education as well as tutoring and other resources to assist them.  Before starting I would need to spend some time volunteering in similar organizations and learning more about non-profit work.

Home-School Liaison: I am also interested in working with children in crisis.  This would not be in a counselor role but in an education role, to assist them with their learning and individualizing a plan and program to assist them.  Qualifications would be the current degree I will have and experience working with families.  I would need an orientation on the sensitive issues and complexities of the field.
Inclusion Screening Specialist: This position requires a person not test the children but observe them and help the classroom teacher and families determine if testing is needed.  Requirements are a bachelor’s degree and a working knowledge of child development.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Three local or state organizations or communities of practice

1. Association for Early Learning Leaders http://www.earlylearningleaders.org/

I was attracted to this organization because I noticed that one of the purposes of the group is to promote and create meaningful collaborative connections.  It is a place to grow in the field and find training and education which will lead to quality programs for our children.

2. Florida Children’s Council http://flchildrenscouncil.org/about-cscs/member-cscs/

This is a government body that oversees funding for programs and services that improve the lives of children and their families. It is a children’s advocacy organization.  Being involved with this group would help to shape important policy in my state. 

3. Child care Training, Resources and Networking http://www.childcarelounge.com/child-care-networking.php

This on-line community of practice will connect you with others so that you can collaborate and brainstorm.  When I was working as a director I felt very alone and isolated this sight has a message board, need advice area, weekly chats and a list of resources and child care agencies.

Jobs of Interest

 Department of Children and Families Child Care licensing agent

This job would entail making sure child care facilities are safe and also collaborating with directors and providing resources and training.  A bachelor’s degree in early childhood is required and experience working in management and supervision is required.

Early Childhood Development Coordinator

This position would be to provide oversight of Early Childhood Development and Education for the programs. This position is through Head Start so training in Head Start Performance Standards is a must.  This person would also assists with the development and implementation of staff development plans and training as well as offer technical assistance.  Requirements are a master’s degree in early childhood and 2 years of management experience.

Head Start Family Advocate

This position would entail working with children and families of diverse backgrounds and to be an advocate for both children and families.  Requirements are to attend workshops, trainings, conferences and meetings as necessary to perform successfully in the job duties.

Reflections

It has been a very eye opening journey as I have identified my own strengths and weaknesses in communication.  I have appreciated the comments and post for my colleagues who have not only challenged me by their own honest reflection but have also encouraged me in knowing that we are on similar journeys for the sake of making this world a better place!

Saying Good-bye

 In my experience high-performing groups are hard to leave.  I think the highest performing group that I have had to leave was a band that I was in.  We were very diverse but came together based on the love for music and similar values.  We spent a great deal of time together and formed close relationships.  The relationships were sometimes messy and we had to put a lot of energy and effort into accepting these differences and making it work.  I think this is what made it so hard to say good-bye.  So much of our lives were invested in each other and reaching our common goals.  We did not really have a closing ritual but instead the last few times we got together we got into arguments.  I think because we subconsciously were trying to push each other away in order to prepare ourselves emotionally.  In hind sight I think it would have been much more effective to have a party, show videos of our past concerts and spend time remembering,  If we had taken time to express our feelings even mourn the loss I think it would have provided closure for us.  Discussion of future plans and dreams would have helped us celebrate and be happy for one another.

Communication Challeges

I work for a nonprofit origination that owns several elementary schools and child care centers.  Because these centers are considered part of this larger organization they are subject to the new health care mandates.  If our child care centers have to pay $970 per employee they will shut down in a month, but how do you cut employees to under 30 hours a week that have dedicated their time and devotion to our children?  How do I help business men to see or even care how having to hire several part time employees will cut down on the quality care given?   I’ve never been into politics but suddenly I have been thrown into this issue and have had to learn to communicate with those in the corporation that are not even aware of how this will affect our programs.  I started by creating an awareness of the value of these programs by showing pictures and sharing testimonials from parents.  I used the words “our programs.” To make sure I communicated that we are all on the same team.  I have learned that it also helps to tailor my communication to the person I am talking to.  In a conversation I had with the treasurer last week I cited research that showed 60% of all new enrollment in our elementary schools comes from our Early Childhood programs.  When I started talking percentages and money I was talking his language.  The idea of a “third side” has also really helped me recently and I was able to negotiate a possible solution that would help the corporation meet their needs while still meeting the needs of our employees.  I was able to take the passion I felt and direct it in a way that allowed me to be more objective.  We are meeting with a lawyer on Monday to look for possible solutions and will I know I will need to practice all of the new skills I am learning.  In the early childhood profession we must be advocates and requires skillful communication!