Time Well Spent

I have learned a lot from this program.

Obviously, I learned so much about children.  I learned new information, approaches, and issues and trends in the field.  I understand child development in a more in depth way.  With this knowledge, I feel more confident in my abilities to provide quality services to the children that I work with.

I also learned a lot about working with others.  I learned how to communicate and collaborate more effectively.  Thinking about who my supports are and who my ideal community of practice in a project would be, has helped me realize that I cannot do it alone.  Take this program for example, I would have not been able to achieve success without the support from my family, friends, instructors and colleagues in this program.

I learned a lot about myself.  My confidence in my abilities and my work has expanded.  I feel more prepared to take on challenges.  Returning and continuing my education after all these years has helped me realize that it is never too late and that anything is possible.

One long term goal that I have is to never stop learning.  With such a dynamic field, the need to stay open in my ways of thinking is necessary.  In order to support children and families in the best ways I must be flexible and gather relevant information for every situation in order to provide individualized support.

I want to say thank you to Johnna.  During a time of frustration you helped ease my tensions and reassured me that I was on the right track and encouraged me to not give up.

I would like to bid farewell to my colleagues.  You were more than just classmates, you are my friends.  Even though I sat at home alone on my computer completing assignments late at night I was never really alone.  There was constant communication, feedback, insights and encouragements that helped me get through the stress of working and being in school at the same time.  I wish you all the best and truly thank you for your support and sharing in this life changing experience with me.

Congratulations!!!!

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me are:

United Nations Children’s Fund- http://www.unicef.org

I chose this organization because of the work it does in all regions of the world concerning the rights of young and adolescent children.  They provide material resources for children in areas stricken with poverty, environmental crisis, violence, or natural disasters.  They work towards creating policies that honor the rights of children.  It is their focus on helping the most disadvantaged children that makes their work so important.  

The job opportunity that interests me here is working with is the division that focuses on culture and language.  Since UNICEF works in over 190 countries the need to employ people who have experience working with diverse children and families is preferred.

I found a media segment from their International Year of Youth campaign 2010 that promoted peace, respect for human rights and solidarity across diverse topics including the culture.  This is the type of area I would be interested in working with UNICEF because it deals with promoting diversity.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization- http://www.unesco.org

I chose this organization because it labels itself as a cultural organization which I had not been able to find until now.  I think so many times we focus on what children need so much because we want to help them acquire that to reach their potential.  We focus on what they lack and forget that they already possess so much in terms of their culture and language.

The job opportunity that interests me here is working with this team that published the UNESCO Conceptual and operational Framework on Intercultural Competences.  One of the parts of the study is titled “Promoting Intercultural Competences”.  Other topics present in the study are language, multilingualism and universality. 

Family Health International- http://www.fhi360.org

Family Health International, formerly known as the Academy for Educational Development, adopts a 360 degree perspective at finding solutions to helping different communities.  I chose this organization because one of their values is mutual respect for diversity and cultural differences.  I also admire their approach to working with different disciplines to address issues of human development.

The job opportunity that interests me is the Grants Manager position.  I enjoy writing with a focus and because I am passionate about supporting children, families, and providing services for those in need I feel that it would be a challenging and rewarding job for me.  Since I would be managing the grants, I would be able to review them and work with the writers to help revise and edit the proposals before they are sent out. 

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

The national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me are:

National Association for the Education of Young Children- http://www.naeyc.org

I chose this association because of all the work it does in all areas pertaining to young children.  They have published many articles about culture and language and as a part of this masters program, we are required to read some of these.  One of these resources is their position statement on responding to linguistic and cultural diversity. I would feel honored to work with them. 

The job opportunity that interests me here is working with the division that focuses on diversity, specifically culture and language.  Looking at the types of articles they have published in their journal, I see that they are taking into consideration the factors and issues that relate to diversity.  I would like to be a part of the team that helps with the research and presentation of this important information.

Division for Early Childhood- http://www.dec-sped.org

I chose this organization because it offers a position statement specifically on integrating cultural and linguistic diversity into policy and practice.  The document outlines, for professionals, how to be responsive to children, families, and other professionals regarding these topics.

The job opportunity that interests me here is the lead teacher in a toddler classroom.  The fact that a preferred qualification is the ability to speak a language other than English is what stood out for me.  I feel that for me working with the children directly is where I can make a difference and also by building relationships with families.

National Institute for Early Education Research- http://nieer.org

I chose this institute because they publish research on different topics in early childhood education and child development.  It also assists state and national policy makers and other organizations.

As far as job opportunities, the institute is looking for data collectors nationwide to help with their research.  Their research topics include English Language Learners which is the area I would be interested in working in.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me are:

First Five California- http://www.first5california.com

I chose First Five California for its reputation and recognition.  They do a great promoting and advocating for early childhood.  I hear it on the radio, see it on television, and even on the side of buses.  The commission funds local communities, and provides resources for parents.  It stresses the importance of a child’s first five years of development and aims to educate parents, caregivers, and programs of the services available statewide.

I saw that it employs an “Evaluation Division” as a part of its work.  This job opportunity interests me as I think it would be exciting to see what kind of work is happening.  I also like the idea of providing constructive feedback in order to keep the standards high and services at their most effective.  Skills and experience that I would need to completely fulfill this role would be to be work in different neighborhoods to see the range of the services that are available to have a more knowledgeable background. 

Lincoln Child Center- http://lincolnchildcenter.org

The reason I chose the Lincoln Child Center is because it started in Oakland which is the area that I have been working in for the past 7 years.  It is close to my heart and after learning about the work the center has done I realize that they have a lot of history and experience working with many children and families. 

They provide programs and services for children and families in the Bay Area.

The job opportunity that interests me here is the intervention specialist- school based program position.  I truly enjoy working with children one on one or in small groups.  The individualized support is life changing.  You build on the child’s strengths and teach them the skills necessary for them to succeed in school.  Skills and experience that I would need to completely fulfill this role would be to gain some experience in behavioral intervention and working with special education students as well.

Understanding Language-Stanford Research Center- http://ell.stanford.edu

I chose this research center because it focuses on language and learning.  I feel that it is centers like this that pave the way for larger organizations because it actively practices and studies what is going on today.  The children, families, programs, and school that they are working with represent the possibilities for the future.  It is from this information that we can provide better services to children and families.  The center partners with Oakland Unified School District and I have seen some of the work that they have done at my school site.

The job opportunity that interests me here is conducting research that focuses on language and specifically English Language Learners (ELLs).  I saw that the center employs a language consultant that teaches a language and culture course.  Skills and experience that I would need to be able to contribute to the center would be conducting more research and learning more about linguistics.

Reflection

Just thought I would share a quick reflection...

During this weeks multimedia presentation I found myself cheering on the little boy Jordan. Jordan was hesitant to jump off from the platform.  At first, he just stood there observing the other children.  Yet with the encouragement of the adult, and the feeling of security with the adult being nearby and offering to help, he took a leap and landed on his feet.  From then on Jordan was unstoppable wanting to jump off the platform over and over again with more and more enthusiasm and excitement.  Jordan shows just on of the many ways children learn, but it was the support of the adult that made a difference.
  

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Merging vision, passion, and practice. [Multimedia]. Baltimore, MD: Author. Retrieved from http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6990/01/mm/ec_pres/index.html