Time Well Spent

Deeply Felt

I cannot believe I am at the end of the road, this has been an extremely insightful program and I am so glad I decided to take it here at Walden. Three things that I learned and that are deeply felt include better communication skills, how to include the diversity of my children in my classroom, and how to better service my families.

Long Term Goal

One long term goal that I have is to obtain my Doctorate in Early Childhood. I have not yet decided what school I may go through or when because after being in school and working for the last 10 years, I really need some time to myself and my own family. However, this is something that I realized I wanted to do after obtaining my associate degree years ago. I do know that I want my degree to be in the Early Childhood field so that I may better not only myself, but my children and families as well.

Farewell Message

I cannot believe the time has come to say goodbye. I remember my first class with Walden and thinking “what am I doing?, can I really do this?, will it really help me?” Well I might not have realized it at the time, but the last almost 2 years has been a great investment in not just my future but the children and their families as well. I do not think that I knew how much that I would learn with regards to diversity in the early childhood field; however, it was time well spent. I am looking forward to a break; I have been working on various degrees since 2003. However, I will miss the discussions and blogs that kept us communicating and learning. I will also miss the support and comments from all of you, you have all helped me get this far and I will never forget that. Thank you so much. I hope that you all continue on and do great things in the early childhood field and it really would be nice if one day we did get to work together on a project that will better our field.

Good luck everyone, you will be missed.

Dr. Dartt, thank you for being understanding with me especially at the end, I know I drove you crazy with all my questions but I truly appreciate all the comments and feedback because it brought me to the point where I can finally breathe.

Favorite Quote

“The most effective kind of education is that a child should play amongst lovely things.” ~ Plato (Greek philosopher)

“Play is the highest form of research.” ~ Albert Einstein (scientist)

Quotes about learning and play. (n.d.) Child's Play Magazine. Retrieved from

           http://www.childsplaymagazine.com/Quotes/index.htm

I could not choose between the two quotes as to which one I loved more. The reason why these quotes stood out to me is because of who they are from. These are not resent quotes, these men have not been alive for a long time; however, the truth in their words are as inspiring today as they were when first spoken.

 

 

 

 

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

International Organizations:

International Step By Step Association (ISSA)

The first organization I chose is the International Step By Step Association. I was amazed by the web site and found that I loved the things that they do for the early childhood community across the globe. The “ISSA supports a wide array of programs that collectively provide a comprehensive set of educational services and advocacy tools intended to influence policy reform for families and children, with a special focus on the years from birth through primary school” (International Step By Step Association, n.d.). I also was very impressed with the fact that they have trainings for educators through their web site. This is important because continuing training is essential for all teachers. There is also a sample of course activity on the site for educators to examine and see if this is something that interests them.

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

The second organization I chose was the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. I chose the UNESCO because of the fact that they are working toward “conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values” (United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, 2011). This is important to me because of the work they are doing for cultural diversity as well as other areas in the early childhood field. They also focus on the following:

Africa

Gender equality

Attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning

Mobilizing science knowledge and policy for sustainable development

Addressing emerging social and ethical challenges

Fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace

Building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication

(United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, 2011).

Save the Children

The third organization I chose is Save the Children. This is an organization that I am interested in more than just doing homework. I have bookmarked this page not for future reference or to help me finish this program, but so that I can get involved in their work. This site touched my heart and I hope that I continue to follow this site for a long time. “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, 2011). Save the Children also focuses on education, health and nutrition, HIV/AIDS, hunger, newborn and child survival, protecting children and more.

International Step By Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html

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

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/

Job opportunities:

I am still very interested in working for Head Start on a national level, such as National Head Start Association or Head Start Bureau. These agencies are all related; however, are in different areas of the US. I have also found that if I worked for the US Department of Health and Human Services, I could apply to work for the Administration of Children and their Families. There headquarters are positioned in Washington, DC.

As I was researching positions for Head Start on higher levels, the majority stated that a Master’s in Early Childhood is a must along with excellent written and verbal skills, able to encourage and practice critical thinking, self-reflective and empathic, respectful and accepting approach to others, works collaboratively and creatively with others at all levels and areas.

 

 

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

Three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appeal to me include:

NAEYC

The first one I chose that appealed to me is a very popular organization within the early childhood community, NAEYC. I chose this organization because of the fact that it is a well respected organization and provides valuable resources for anyone interested in the early childhood field, especially those who work with children. Their goals include:

1.      Improving professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education.

2.      Supporting early childhood programs by working to achieve a high-quality system of early childhood education.

3.      Building a high-performing, inclusive organization of groups and individuals who are committed to promoting excellence in early childhood education for all young children. (NAEYC, 2014).

NAECTE

The second organization I chose is the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE). While researching this site, what appealed to me the most was their purpose statements that include important issues to help support those in the early childhood field. Some of those include:

• To advocate for improvements in early childhood teacher education
• Provide a forum for consideration of issues and concerns of interest to educators of early childhood teacher educators
• Provide a communication network for early childhood teacher educators
• Facilitate the interchange of information and ideas about research and practice
• Use, as vehicles, the Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, conferences, resolutions, position papers, and other publications
• Cooperate with other national and international organizations concerned with the study and education of young children (NAECTE, 2013).

NEA

The third organization that I chose is the National Education Association (NEA). The reason this site appealed to me was the statements made regarding the importance of children receiving quality education during their early years. This is my life; this is what I believe in and what I strive to do every day. “Research shows that providing a high quality education for children before they turn five yields significant long-term benefits” (NEA, 2014). They further state that children who have had quality education during early years may be less likely to repeat grades, get in trouble with law, or need special education (NEA, 2014).

Job Opportunities:

Head Start on a national level, such as National Head Start Association or Head Start Bureau. These agencies are all related; however, are in different areas of the US. I have also found that if I worked for the US Department of Health and Human Services, I could apply to work for the Administration of Children and their Families. There headquarters are positioned in Washington, DC.

As I was researching positions for Head Start on higher levels, the majority stated that a Master’s in Early Childhood is a must along with excellent written and verbal skills, able to encourage and practice critical thinking, self-reflective and empathic, respectful and accepting approach to others, works collaboratively and creatively with others at all levels and areas.

National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/

National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators.  NAECTE. (October, 2013). Retrieved from

http://www.naecte.org/

National Education Association. NEA. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Local or State Organizations/COPs

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach

“The mission of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services, Inc. is to provide educational, health and direct outreach services to people in need on James, Johns and Wadmalaw Islands and at the Neighborhood House in Charleston, while encouraging and supporting self-sufficiency and self-esteem” (Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach, 2014).

I chose this organization because of the work they do in this area with regards to supporting the immigrant population that is growing in this region. Our Lady of Mercy holds literacy classes for families, GED preparation and has a child learning program for 3 month olds to 3 year olds. There are also ESL classes with child care, life skills classes for parenting, budgeting, health and nutrition and an after school program to help children with homework, they bus the children themselves. Immigrants in this area can take advantage of these services to help improve their way of life and those of their children.

Rural Mission

“Our mission is to restore the foundation of our community – its families – by repairing the homes in which they live. We believe that human dignity thrives in a place that is safe and secure. We are committed to ensuring that no matter how modest a home may be, its residents can sleep easily, knowing they are safe within it. We are strengthened by volunteers, engaged leaders, donors and deserving neighbors who are all guided by something greater than self” (Rural Mission, n.d.).

I chose this organization because it supports an Immigrant Head Start Agency. I work for another Head Start agency and although many problems need addressed, I very much believe in the program. I was extremely happy to see that there is a Head Start program completely dedicated to the needs of the Hispanic families in the area. I did not even know it existed until doing research for this area. It is supported by an agency in Virginia and is open 10 months out of a year. The serve infants, toddlers, and pre-school children.

South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center: A voice for those in need

“SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center wants to share information on legal topics which affect those we serve – the disadvantaged. We have authored a number of pamphlets, bulletins, brochures, papers and manuals on topics which include housing, education, immigration, consumer affairs, public benefits, health and family, with many translated into Spanish. All printed materials are online for consumer and professional use. We have policy papers for the professional on SC laws and state policies concerning our clientele. Most of these materials can be downloaded.

In addition, we offer continuing educational training for the professional and the community, who seeks to update their knowledge on SC law in areas we advocate. Go to our Training page to see what classes might interest you” (South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center: A voice for those in need, n.d.).

I chose this organization because of the legal support they offer for immigrants and their families. One of the main things that caught my attention and that appealed to me the most was the fact that they are concerned about the children who are here, not by chose, but because they are with their families, but in many cases have no rights because they are not citizens.

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach. (2014). Retrieved from

 http://www.olmoutreach.org/OLM-About-Outreach-Mission-and-History.htm

Rural Mission. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ruralmission.org/about/

South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center: A voice for those in need. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://scjustice.org/brochures-and-manuals/immigrtion/

 

Job Opportunities

I would love to advance within the Head Start Corporation, whether it is here in this area and a local agency or even higher up in a State or Federal agency. The skills I would need would be working experience which I have been gaining since 2006 and the degree I am working on plus some administration classes. I also have been considering continuing my education with a doctorate degree in the Early Childhood field.

Reflecting on Learning

My most passionate hope for my future in working with children in the early childhood field is that with each year the things I have learned will become easier to do and that teaching an anti-bias classroom will become second nature. This is just the beginning for me and any children that I may teach but I hope that with each class I get better and they are able to learn in an environment that they feel welcomed, accepted, and cherished so that they flourish. I want the children that I teach be able to look back on their first years of learning with happiness and take what they have obtained from me and build a great career of learning.

I want to thank all my fellow bloggers for being so supportive and active in this course. It has been a great 8 weeks and I cannot believe that it is over. I am sad that this is almost the very end, but also extremely happy that it is. We all worked so hard, enjoy your Holiday celebrations and I hope to see you all in our last class!!!!

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

I have chosen to investigate the East Asia and Pacific region, more specifically the Philippines. I chose this region because this is where my husband’ family was born and raised. My husband is actually the only one here in America out of his family. When I can, I choose this area so that I can learn about life there and then tell my children. We believe that our children should know all they can about where it is part of their heritage and culture comes from.

 

The challenges that the children in this region are confronting right now are from the effects of Typhoon Haiyan. This has been devastating for the entire country, the children now are dealing with more than just not enough food and water; a majority are homeless. Schools have been demolished as well as just about every other building in their towns and villages. People are cramped together in some of the structures that have survived, but they cannot stay for long. Clothing is another issue for people; many just have what they are wearing. So many children and families lost everything during this storm. Children have seen death and destruction and are trying to cope as best they can. They have not been to school since the storm, mostly because they have no schools to attend at the moment. The government, along with UNICEF, has started making tent schools which they hope to have up and running fully in January. However, the students lost all their school supplies along with their other personal belongings during the storm so this is now another issue for children to worry about. Because of the storm, the government is also concerned about the health of the children. They are holding a vaccination drive to help and they are including Vitamin A to improve immunity against infection.

 

These experiences will stay with the children in this region for life. The effect on the children’s emotional wellbeing and development may vary; however, all children will in one way or another be affected. Children in this area have seen death first hand. They have experienced loss in several ways; loss of life, loss of homes, loss of security, and loss of belongings. This may cause children to become insecure and withdrawn. Children are also dealing with health issues with the aftermath of the storm which will also affect their development. Children who are not healthy will have problems learning.

 

Personally, this has been heart breaking. My husband has not been able to find his cousins and it is stressful thinking about “what if”. I have realized how lucky we are to be here but I pray for the families daily. I think about the problems that I face with my families and the obstacles that they need to overcome and I realize that they are minimal compared to the devastation that the children and families of the Philippines are dealing with because of the storm. We are blessed to have the resources and help available and I will continue to reach out to my families so that they can help their children become successful.

 

UNICEF (n.d.). Information by country and programme. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/

 

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

The sexualization of young children has been something that I have seen evolve over many years. Today things are different from when I was growing up and one thing that has extremely changed is how we show our little girls to be. I personally do not like the images and stereotypes that are stressed for the younger children. I do not believe that little girls should be worried about hair, clothes and make-up before teenage years.

Television and the shows that are geared for younger children are not giving children positive, healthy role models. Children are seeing more that you need to have a specific "glamorous" look to be popular and have friends. Advertising is another area where children are being targeted. Children are being shown that they can be pretty, funny, popular if they have these brand shoes or clothes. Many times the effects that this type of marketing has on the children and their families can be extremely harmful. Children may become depressed because they do not have what society is saying they should. Music today is an area where children are hearing things that they should not be listening to. There are now CDs made of young children singing, but the songs that they are singing are adult songs. I do not believe that just because it is a child’s voice it makes it appropriate for children to sing. The lyrics are basically the same, they may take out the “bad” words but you cannot change to meaning of the song. I do not believe it is suitable for children to sing about shaking any part of their body.

Children’s self-image/self-esteem can be destroyed if they set themselves up for failure at a young age. Children need to be praised for the good works that they do, not for how they look and the clothes they wear and the music they listen to. More and more children are dealing with depression and anxiety when they should just be enjoying being a child.

Because of the discussion this week about sexualization of young children, I have become aware of how much influence society has on our young children. To me, television, advertising and music are more concerned about how much more money they can make then whether or not children should be viewing and listening, and that is very sad.