Time Well Spent

 

 

This program has taught me not only about the issues and challenges in the field, but also what to consider in responding to them.  Examining intended as well as unintended consequences and developing a community of practice are important aspects of responding to a challenge that I hope I have the opportunity to use in the near future. 

          Another learning was that of articulating a leadership style that will allow me to respond to my challenge.  This was a bit of a self-discovery lesson as I learned about what type of leader I am and who I want to be. 

          I also love how this program was broken down into manageable steps.  Taking in a portion each week helped me gain a better understanding of the process and allowed for more colleague feedback each week.

          What I truly appreciated was that this course taught me more about myself and where my passion lies.  It taught me that advocacy is the key to change and also that there is strength in numbers.  No need to go at it alone.  Numerous people and organizations share our passions. Let’s all work together to create positive social change!

          My long term goal has always been to make a difference in the lives of children.  Thanks to Walden University, my long term goal is to make a positive social change in the field of Early Childhood Education. 

          I would like to thank each and every one of my colleagues and instructors for helping me learn and grow.  Your contributions to my learning experience have given me great insights that I would not have discovered on my own.  I wish all of you the very best in your future endeavors and hope that we may meet again somewhere down the road…maybe back at Walden…maybe in our future careers!

                                                All my best,

                                                          Lynn

 

 

 

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."

                                                            Albert Einstein, physicist

 

 

 

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”               Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

“The soul is healed by being with children.”

                   English Proverb

 

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)

I chose this organization because I am already a member and they offer global information to early childhood educators through their newsletter ACEI Exchange as well as their publication Childhood Education.

The mission of ACEI is to promote and support in the global community the optimal education, development, and well-being of children, from birth through early adolescence, and to influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society. –

See more at: http://acei.org/about-us/about-us.html#sthash.3kbUrdk4.dpuf

They offer a monthly stipend for their internship program. Requirements for this program include:

-should be enrolled in a graduate degree program that focuses on global education issues with a particular interest in children's education.

-A focus on one specific aspect of childhood education, such as basic education or early childhood development, is also acceptable. Interns who have had some international experience(s) working or living outside the U.S., are preferred. Internships typically range from 8 -12 weeks.

-All interns must reside in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area during their assignment and are responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation. Interns are based at the ACEI Headquarters located at 1101 16th Street NW, Washington DC, 20036, a few blocks north of the White House.

Save the Children

This organization is the world’s leading independent organization for children. 

They work to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

They are currently looking for an emergency response education manager.  This position requires the following:

 

• Bachelors level in Education or similar relevant social science; Master's degree in Education desirable
• Minimum four years of working experience in the Education sector, including two years in an emergency or fragile state context
• Previous experience of project management, including supervision of staff and budgeting
• Experience of and commitment to working through systems of community participation and accountability
• Knowledge of established inter-agency standards and guidelines such as the INEE Minimum Standards
• Demonstrable skills for quality monitoring and evaluation
• Experience in training and capacity building, particularly of national staff and volunteers
• Experience of representation in external forums (i.e. Education Cluster)
• Experience of preparing funding proposals for donors
• Ability to write analytical but clear and concise assessment and project reports
• Strong influencing skills
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Commitment to the aims and principles of Save the Children. In particular, a good understanding of the Save the Children mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support

 

 

 

Childcare Worldwide

 

Childcare Worldwide is an organization that tries to unite people in the West and children in developing countries to help meet their spiritual and physical needs through a ministry with an emphasis on education and is based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Too often we forget that children have spiritual needs (as do adults).  This is the part that interests me about the position; however, the traveling part makes me feel a little anxious.

They have an Administrative Coordinator position which focuses on relationships. This person helps people in churches sponsor children, is the right hand man (woman) to the tour leader, does all the accounting, many administrative tasks and juggles many other responsibilities from organizing the bus to helping the children with their school work.

The position requires an outgoing, people-friendly personality and ability to communicate well. Flexibility and a positive attitude, love of children, a desire to be "on the road" for many months, an adventurous spirit and maturity are all a must!

Experience in cross cultural relationships, with a non-profit, and musical abilities are a plus!

Candidates must:

• Be comfortable with change
• Easily interact with all types of people and have good communication skills
• Have a strong work ethic, be able to handle many responsibilities at once
• Be 25 years or older, be able to drive a mini-bus (or willing to learn) and have a good driving record
• Be detail oriented and organized
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds

 

*While I feel these are very interesting organizations and positions, I do not feel I am ready for any type of relocation at this time.  I envy those of you who are brave enough to embark on such a journey!

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

These are some of the National or Federal organizations that are valuable resources for the ECE field.  They offer a wealth of information and could make a great addition to my community of practice.

NAEYC – The National Association for the Education of Young Children serves and acts on behalf of the needs, rights, and well-being of all young children with their primary focus on the provision of educational development services and resources (NAEYC Bylaws, Article 1, section 1.1).  A current job opening with this organization is that of Executive Assistant to the Executive Director.  This position is located at their headquarters in Washington, D.C. Qualifications include strong organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills, and must be highly resourceful.  Also, candidate should have 5-10 years of experience supporting executives.

http://www.naeyc.org/content/about-naeyc

NIEER- The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) conducts and communicates research to support high-quality, effective early childhood education for all young children. It is currently seeking Data Collectors.  This position requires a minimum of a BA with a focus on child development, early childhood, or related field.  Candidate must also be knowledgeable about developmentally appropriate practice and have an excellent academic record.

http://nieer.org/

NPDCI – The National Professional Development Center for Inclusion works to ensure that our teachers are prepared to educate and care for young children with disabilities in inclusive classrooms.  They have a Community of Practice forum where people can share their challenges and contribute ideas. They are funded by the Office of Special Education.

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts. OSEP administers the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Available jobs with these organizations include educational program specialist and educational research analyst.  Both require a doctorate degree which may be an incentive for ongoing continuing education. 

http://npdci.fpg.unc.edu/

http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/mission.html

 

 

A message to everyone about kids with special needs

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

There are many local and state organizations or communities or practice in Pennsylvania that have similar missions to the early childhood field. I explored a few that I feel closely relate to my experience and educational background.

The local community college, Butler Community College, known as BC3, is located right across the street from where I live. 

Mission Statement

BC3 is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible education, training and enrichment opportunities responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. The College is committed to fostering a supportive, student-centered environment that values integrity, diversity and excellence.

Although there are currently no employement opportunities as an adjunct in the ECE department, this is something I was looking into in addition to my current job as a director of an EC center.  Once my Master’s in Early Childhood Studies is complete, I would have the education and experience to apply for this position should it become available. More information can be found at:  http://www.bc3.edu/

 

WESLEY SPECTRUM

   SERVICES

Wesley Spectrum Services offers therapeutic support staff to work with children on the autism spectrum in their homes and schools.  You need only have a Bachelor Degree; however, this can be a rewarding job opportunity.  Working one-on-one with a child and watching them grow is a benefit.  Here, you will surely see the difference you can make!

Mission Statement:

 Our mission is to provide transformational support for children and families as they strive to become more independent, responsible and caring members of the community - See more at: http://www.wesleyspectrum.org/why-choose-us/what-guides-us/our-mission/#sthash.blHlPRjM.dpuf

More information on this organization can be found at: http://www.wesleyspectrum.org/

 

Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)

The office of Child Development and Early Learning offers professional development trainings for early childhood professionals and promotes early childhood education and the importance of lifelong learning.  OCDEL is part of the system that provides services to children and families, and contributes to continuous quality improvement opportunities for early learning programs.

MISSION:

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is focused on creating opportunities for the Commonwealth's youngest children to develop and learn to their fullest potential

More information can be found at:

http://www.pakeys.org/pages/get.aspx?page=EarlyLearning

THANK YOU!

I just wanted to thank all of my colleagues and professors for their valuable and thoughtful insights that have encouraged me and helped me to learn and grow.  I can only hope that I may have contributed a little something to each of your learning experiences as well.  It has been such an incredible journey through these classes with all of you.  I wish you all the best in your endeavors!

                                      . . .       Until we meet again . . .

                    Thank you and good luck!

Goodbye doesn't have to mean forever

Team development has a beginning, a middle, and an end.  We begin by getting to know each other, we work together to achieve our goals, and then we say goodbye when it is finished.  But goodbye doesn't have to be forever.  We can stay in touch in other projects or just continue to converse as friends.  The adjourning phase in team development gives us closure; however, it creates the opportunity for us to begin again with something new. 

The hardest goodbyes are the relationships that were formed over a long period of time where trust and respect have been formed. Saying goodbye to a college roommate after 4 years or a childhood friend moving away or a close friend being transferred to another location are tough because we are used to seeing these people every day.  Fortunately there are so many means of communication in today's world that it is easy to stay in touch with people, so there is no need for goodbye but rather "until we meet again". 

It's always fun getting to know people people and form trusting relationships.  It's the adjourning that is a double edged sword.  Yes, we are glad we have completed our project or met our goal, but saying goodbye to the relationships we have built is not so fun.

As with each Walden class we take, we give thanks to  our colleagues on our last blog assignment for all they have contributed to our learning.  Yet, it is not the end.  We meet up with them again in other classes.  These are the easy goodbyes.  When we graduate, they will be a little harder.  Luckily, we can still email, facebook, or even write on each other's blogs!  And maybe we will meet in person at graduation.  Then there could  be alumni events and reunions and collaborations in the early childhood field.....see, it's not really goodbye!

Until next time....