Time Well Spent

      Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. As I have learned in this program that is quote is absolutely true! As educators we have the challenge and the privilege to help children reach their full potential. This also connects with Louise Derman-Sparks when she said, ““the passion to make sure all children were taught in environments and in ways that truly nurtured their ability to grow and develop to their fullest ability” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). Through out this course I have learned so much and have been able to grow as a person and an educator. I have had the privilege to work with some amazing colleagues and professors. It is crazy to think that my time spent in this program is over, and this great educational journey I have been on is coming to an end. 

In the past year and half I have discovered and been able to understand so  many new learnings and insights. The reason I started this program is because I have passion for what I do. I did not know how much more that passion was going to grow as a result of this program. I feel that I am so much more empowered and dedicated to the Early Childhood Field. Again using a quote from Louise Derman-Sparks, “The passion I had when I started is just as great now as it ever was. Maybe greater because I’ve seen the wonderful impact” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). She has been such an inspiration in this program that she also drives my passion to become a better educator. 

Secondly I have learned so much about my bias’ and diversity that I feel confident that I can make positive influences on children and families that I will be working with. Knowing how I can effectively work with families of different cultures and make them feel welcomed and valued makes me feel like I can help make a difference in their lives. Finally I feel that I have gained a profound knowledge on what is right and wrong and can use that knowledge to become an advocate for children. There are so many issues that I can lend a voice to and stand up for. Over all what I have learned in this program has been amazing and makes me very happy that I took the chance to begin this journey at Walden University. 

I have set many goals for myself throughout this program and with the drive and determination that I have, I know I can reach them. One lifelong goal that I have is to continue to learn and grow. I want to have an anti-bias classroom and to continue to become an advocate. I was never really sure that I could be an advocate and stand up for issues that I believe in. However, I am working on public speaking and being more comfortable in large groups. 

As I have worked in this program there have been a lot of people and professionals that have influenced me. Louise Derman-Sparks is one of those influential people that have inspired me as I mentioned above. The videos and articles that I have also had the chance to watch have given me a plethora of ideas, quotes, and professional motivation. 

I want to say a special thank you to Ashley, for being such and kind and inspirational colleague. We have made so many similiar views and ideas. Having that connection with you has made expressing myself and my feelings that much easier, because I know that you will understand and respect them. I wish you all the best of luck in the future and I hope that we can continue to be collegues and friends. Another email that I can be reached on is rachael_mikkel@hotmail.com. 

I also want to give a special thank you to Julie, for your openness and kind hearted spirit. We have come a long way together and even though we were in different groups this last class, I have learned so much from you. Your passion and dedication are so contagious and inspirational. I hope that we can continue to work together and remain colleagues and friends.

I want to wish everyone that I have had the honor to work with, the best of luck in the future. This journey that we have been on together at Walden has been such an experience. 

    

References: 

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011a). Merging Vision, Passion, and Practice [Video file]. Retrieved from http://mym.cdn.laureatemedia.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6990/01/mm/ec_pres/index.html.

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010a). The passion for early childhood [Video Webcast]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_3397508_1&content_id=_11443265_1.

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

This week we are looking at international organizations that work for the welfare of children and education. I would love to work internationally, and have looked into even volunteering over seas someplace.  Using the resources this week I have picked three organizations that stood out to me the most. 

The first one is FHI 360, “is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions” (FHI360,2015, na). Their vision is, “...envisions a world in which all individuals and communities have the opportunity to reach their highest potential” (FHI 360,2015, na).The FHI 360 reaches regions all over the world. Asia Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, The Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, Latin America , Caribbean and the United States. The reason that this organization stood out to me the most is all the great things that they do involving research. “At FHI 360, we use research to respond to a wide variety of human development issues, including health, education, economic development and gender equality” (FHI 360, 2015, na).

A position that caught my attention is Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Region XII in Washington D.C.. This position provides technical assistance and training to Head Start Grantees in areas related to school readiness, training and career needs of Grantee staff, and collaboration activities. I feel that the skills and education that I have, will serve me well in this position. There are other positions in other parts of the world that I would be interested in as well, and it would give me the opportunity to travel. 

FHI 360 The Science of Improving Lives http://www.fhi360.org 

 

The second organization is Save the Children. This organization reaches 120 countries including the USA and reaches 143 children. “Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. By transforming children's lives now, we change the course of their future and ours” (Save the Children, 2015, na). Save the Children has had a huge impact in education around the world. They help train teachers, parents and volunteers. “In 2013, 77% of our early education programs around the world met young children's cognitive (thinking skills), linguistic (language skills), physical and psychosocial (emotional and social) needs. We also reached 38,000 American children with early education and 150,000 children with literacy programs” (Save the Children, 2015, na).

One position that would take a lot of work, and some more schooling perhaps would be the Education Manager. This is a worldwide position, and I would need international experience. “The Education Manager will be expected to lead on technical as well as multi-sector assessments, project planning, coordination, and support fundraising, recruitment and procurement, usually at the Provincial and sub-national level, liaising and linking with other sectors as appropriate” (Save the Children, 2015, na). I would need experience in management, strong leadership skills, Education to BSc/BA level in a relevant subject or equivalent field experience, Demonstrated experience of participating in assessment activities and of designing, managing, monitoring and evaluating education programmes for international NGOs, and Experience of applying relevant interagency humanitarian frameworks and standards in education in emergencies (for example INEE Minimum Standards) according to the website. It would be a dream job, but maybe one day it will become a reality. 

Save the Children https://www.savethechildren.net

The last organization is UNICEF. I have raised money for UNICEF in the past for school projects, and I actually never knew a lot about it. “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” (UNICEF, 2015, na). They are active in more than 190 countries, and are apart of the Global Movement for children. UNICEF helps with child development, child protection, education policies, health related problems, and humanitarian issues. 

A position that looked interesting is Education Specialist (Quality and Education System). The position, “is responsible for providing technical advice to the Regional Office and WCAR Country Offices on the development, policy dialogue, design, implementation and evaluation of education programs to guide the process of; accelerating the quality of education, ensuring equity at all levels in education, promoting innovation in education, assisting UNICEF engagement in partnership such as GPE, and to; initiate and follow up on initiatives such as SFA (Schools for Africa) that will contribute to the achievement of education related MDGs and post-MDG goals” (UNICEF, 2015, na). 

Leadership skills, international working skills, I would have to be fluent in French, so that would be a problem, but my background in education would be beneficial. 

References:

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm or FHI 360 http://www.fhi360.org  Retrieved on February 10, 2015

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm Retrieved on February 10, 2015

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/ Retrieved on February 10, 2015

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

One national organization that I would love to be a part of is ZERO TO THREE, “...nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals and policymakers the knowledge and know-how to nurture early development” (http://www.zerotothree.org,2011).  Their passion to help babies and toddles is similar to mine and the reason that I want to continue my education. The Mission at ZERO TO THREE is “is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life” (http://www.zerotothree.org, 2011). “All of their work is, research, multidisciplinary, collaborative, culturally responsive, clinically informed, accessible” (http://www.zerotothree.org, 2011). Putting all of that together to support children is amazing. I have learned a lot from the research that they have done, and I have used it to broaden my perspective on topics in this program.  

“ZERO TO THREE values cultural and professional diversity among its staff and is widely recognized as an outstanding place to work. ZERO TO THREE is an equal opportunity employer. We have over 100 employees” (http://www.zerotothree.org, 2011). One job that looked interesting and rewarding was a Community Coordinator in Connecticut. It would involve collaboration and setting up team meetings across many organizations involved. With my background and education this would be a great experience. 

Another national organization that would be great is NAEYC. The National Association for the Education of Young Children. “NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children” (http://www.naeyc.org, 2011).

Like ZERO TO THREE they work to advocate for young children. They offer programs that will help children reach their full potential. 

I think it would be great to intern there and see how they do research and publish their periodicals. “Applicants should have strong writing, proofreading, organizational, and critical thinking skills; experience with MS Office; and familiarity with social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest). Applicants must have experience in and knowledge of the field of early childhood education. Experience making videos or podcasts is a bonus” (http://www.naeyc.org, 2011). Some of this I would have to work on but my knowledge in Early childhood would come in handy. 

The final organization that really stands out to me is the Children’s Defense Fund. Their mission is, “mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities” (http://www.childrensdefense.org, 2011). . They have some great programs out there to help Beat The Odds, Freedom Schools, Youth Development and Leadership, and Faith Based Action Programs. These programs “build upon this long legacy of success by empowering communities and advocates to create the change our children urgently need” (http://www.childrensdefense.org, 2011). Some things that they are also working on is to end child poverty, health care for all children, quality early childhood experiences, protect children from abuse and neglect, and stop the criminalization of children, according to CDF. 

One position that caught my eye was The AmeriCorps Promise Fellow. This position, “seeks to improve the economic stability of low-income families by connecting them to an array of public work support programs and tax credits” (http://www.childrensdefense.org, 2011).  With my degree in education, and my background knowledge in Diversity this would be a great opportunity for me. 

All of these organizations are great! They all are working hard so that children have a chance to grow up and live to their full potential. I would feel honored to be able to work with one of these organizations. 

References:

Children’s Defense Fund. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.childrensdefense.org/ Retrieved on January 27, 2015

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.naeyc.org/ Retrieved on January 27, 2015

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/ Retrieved on January 27, 2015

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

This week in class we had to find at least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them, job opportunities that they offer, and the skills and experiences that I would need in those jobs. 

The Village family service center https://www.thevillagefamily.org is a great center that helps families and children in North Dakota. They have programs that help pregnant women, they offer counseling, they have the Big Brother Big Sister program. They also have a program that is mostly based in the Fargo/Moorhead area. It is the Nokomis II Child Care Center.  I think the Big Brother Big Sister program would be a great program to participate in. If you are a responsible adult who cares about the well being of children and want to be a positive role model in a child’s life. It would be a great experience. Another place I would like to work at is the Nokomis II Child Care Center. I have actually considered moving to Fargo so if I ever do this would be a great place t work. “...looking for a remarkable individual to be a lead pre-toddler teacher. An Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education is preferred, along with experience in child care” (https://www.thevillagefamily.org). At this center they are looking for families who need a little extra help. “Priority enrollment is given to children with developmental delays, behavioral challenges, or financial obstacles” (https://www.thevillagefamily.org). I would love to put what I have learned into a program like this. 

PATH in North Dakota (http://www.pathnd.org) is another great program that supports families and children. They help families with adoption, families dealing with foster care, counseling, and families dealing with mental health issues. Some positions that are available are SAFE Foster parents and CARE parents. In these roles you provide a place to live for the child and round the clock care. A place for children to calm down and re-focus so they can get a new start to their day. Again a background in child care and development would be very beneficial in these positions. 

A final program is the MInot Infant Developmnet Program (http://www.ndcpd.org/midp/ ). This program provides Early Intervention services from Birth to Three. “If a child's developmental delays are identified early, appropriate intervention can help to build a strong foundation to insure maximum development of potential as a child grows” (http://www.ndcpd.org/midp/ ). Sevice is provided by “Specialists in the area of :Cognitive Development, Speech and Language, Audiology, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Nutrition, and Social-Emotional” (http://www.ndcpd.org/midp/ ). “The Minot Infant Development Program assists parents in finding information, locating services, and working with their children on specific learning needs. Nearly all the training is done in the child's natural environment, his own home” (http://www.ndcpd.org/midp/ ). My background in Early Childhood Education would be a great benefit to me for this program. I would be able to help parents and children with what I have learned. 

These programs all stand out to me because of the great things that they do for families and children. I would love to be able to work in one of these programs and be able to educate children and families and provided support. 

References:

MInot Infant Development Program, http://www.ndcpd.org/midp/  retrieved on January 17, 2015. 

PATH Treatment Foster Care and Family-Based Services, http://www.pathnd.org retrieved on January 17, 2015. 

The Village Family Service Center https://www.thevillagefamily.org retrieved on January 17, 2015. 

Reflecting on Learning

      My hope for the future is to have an anti-bias classroom where everyone feels welcome, safe, valued, respected, and loved. Families and children can come in and learn about different cultures and people and interact with their classroom community. I think this is what most of us want coming out of this class. I know it’s not going to happen over night, and it will take baby steps. So to start myself  off I am incorporating more and more anti-bias curriculum and materials into my classroom, as I have been going through this program. Another hope is that I will get to work in a developing country and help bring an anti-bias education to them as well. I have learned so much and I think Julie Olsen Edwards said it best, “This is an important journey. It's a journey that will entice you, frustrate you, compel you. It's filled with new things to learn and it goes on for a lifetime. No matter how much you know, there's always more to learn” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). I am excited to continue!

      As for my colleagues, I want to wish you all the best! It has been great getting to know all of you and I really appreciate all of the support and feedback these last 8 weeks. Hopefully I get to work with some of you again and keep in touch.

Best of luck, 

Rachael

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

The area I chose to look at is Latin America and the Caribbean. I picked this region because I was recently in Mexico and some of the areas that we traveled through did not look like it was habitual, but we saw families living there. We had children coming up to us and begging for money. It was so sad that this blog post is a great way for me to research that area. 

What I found out is that “60% of children under 12 years of age and 50% of adolescents between the ages of 13-19 live in poverty” (http://www.unicef.org). That is one thing that I saw for sure. There were huts that barely had a roof, and didn’t look like it would fit more than 2 people. Some of the children who live in this region are social excluded because of disease and disabilities. “The Caribbean has the 2nd highest prevalence of AIDS in the world, after sub-Saharan Africa, and has an increasingly adolescent female face” (http://www.unicef.org).
Another challenge that children face is chronic malnutrition. “Children in these communities have lower levels of nutrition and limited or non-existent access to basic services” (http://www.unicef.org). The severe malnutrition affects one of five children according to the website. Violence is a huge factor also,“Nearly 85,000 children die annually as a result of violence in the home, violence affects over 6 million children and adolescents” (http://www.unicef.org). A final challenge that children have to deal with are natural disasters such as, floods and hurricanes. 

Those challenges that the children have to put up with, can have a huge impact on their development and emotional well being. If you are hungry and scared, it would be hard to focus on anything. If your house was destroyed by a flood or a hurricane then you would be wondering where your family is going to live. When any of the above challenges happen to a child, they might have a hard time sleeping, focusing on school, they might be anxious, scared, or even angry. 

As a person I feel lucky to have grown up where I did, and how I did. I had a nice home with loving parents and I never had to worry about if I was going to get supper or not. I can not even possibly imagine what they children go through that I saw in Mexico. I want to adopt them all, and help them grow, and so them love. I also want to do that as an early childhood professional because it breaks my heart that children have to go through that. However, I feel that it is very important for an early childhood professional to know about the challenges that children from this region face, if they are going to work with them. “Understanding how the issues are different for each family type makes it possible to adapt the fundamental approaches so we can be as thoughtful and supportive as possible” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p.116). If little Johnny can’t keep his eyes open in class, it might be because he was scared to go to sleep last night, and was worried about his family. Knowing about a child and what they might be dealing with is a huge part of educating children. This is one of my constant reminders that I have to give myself. 

References

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.

UNICEF (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

“Children growing up today are bombarded from a very early age with graphic messages about sex and sexiness in the media and popular culture” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p.2). This is becoming more and more true everyday. I am sad that this is how society is turning, but I don;t think it is going to change, anytime soon, so we as educators need to find a way to understand it and be able to help children who are talking about it or going through it. 

I see it in my 8 year old niece when she dances.  I was like “what!”, and after watching some of her shows and even the music videos and Just Dance, I see where she gets it from. She is use to growing up with four aunts who she idolizes so she wants to listen to the same music and watch the same shows. We try to shield her as much as possible, but there are other sexual messages out there that she sees with her friends or in the mall. 

Another example is at school, I have kids in Kindergarten who are “kissing” on the playground and talking about boyfriends and girlfriends. I was so shocked when I first stared teaching and this is what I was dealing with. Children are getting these ideas from shows that are suppose to be kids shows, “no child growing up today can fully escape today’s sexualized environment” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p.7).

A final example that just happen a couple weeks ago, when my class was working with their 5th Grade buddies. We split the classes up and I have half the kids and the 5th grade teacher has half. When the other half came back, the counselor was with them and told me that one of the fifth grade boys had asked one of my kindergarten girls if she new what a sexual gesture meant. I was so shocked and upset by it. The counselor talked to my student and she had know idea what it meant, and the boy was talked with also and had consequences to pay for his actions. 

I feel when children are exposed this way to sexual innuendoes and ideas, they feel that they have no value. They are only valued on how they look and act. They will get the idea in their head that they need to be skinny and wear makeup, or be tough. I think having discussions with children about what they see and hear, is a good way to show the kids that they don not have to conform to what society thinks or act in a sexual way. There is developmental appropriate ways to do this for all ages. 

I feel that I can talk about sexualization with my students now. Its not a taboo subject if done appropriately. Children are exposed to it all the time and until they get answers they will not know how to respond. 

Resources: 

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf on December 6, 2014