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.