Time Well Spent With No Regrets

 

This, as many seasons in life are, has been an amazing journey and time well spent. I am elated to have made the decision to commit to wanting to be a better asset to the field of early childhood education as the leader I aspire to be and a benefit to others around me. There have been many profound moments (those, “boy that really makes sense” connections) that I have experienced through both my article and peer posting readings. Of those, these are the three that stick out the most in my mind;

The shared difference between equity and equality. How could anyone expect to obtain and utilize reliable data from an imbalanced playing field??? This sparked the thought that prior to supplying equal opportunities, individualized equity must first be applied to ensure that everyone is given a chance to perform and progress exactly the same. This also ties to the continuous need to conduct research on the cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional development of young children. It is through much of the data obtained that pre-existing developmental theories have been revised and in some cases, expanded to include innovative approaches for the betterment of education. Without the necessary (but ethical) testing and probing of new and old concepts and theories, education would become a stagnant one size fits all facilitation of learning. Last, but not least, recognizing that from the very beginning of this program, we were all participants in a community of practice with a shared purpose and goal. We, as a team, have assisted one another without thought that it was even occurring. I must admit, there were moments when I truly appreciated the honest feedback of both my colleagues and professors. Recognizing and validating the feelings possessed by others is one way of building trust and not resistance to the message being delivered. We all bring a level of expertise from what we have experienced on our path, sharing that empowers the  rest of us to apply that valuable knowledge gained respectfully.

One of my long term goals is to become an active participant of the Children’s Defense Fund. I was greatly touched by Marian Wright Edelman’s speech given at a symposium focused on the Cradle to Prison Pipeline awareness campaign. To actually know that projections exist on how many children (primarily minority children) are anticipated to drop out prior to finishing high school and go to prison in their lifetime was so disappointing. The answer was to prepare for more prison beds versus proactive measures to prevent such occurrences. Sooooo SAD!!!!! There is much work to be done in all areas of education, however, my passion and commitment is to the impoverished families that were not born into privilege and therefore need assistant in their struggle for opportunity.

I can’t sufficiently express the appropriate amount of gratitude and best wishes I have for all my colleagues and professors. Your contributions of encouraging words and knowledge added to my motivation of wanting to do my best in completing the challenging task that were given. Whether at 3pm or 3am, there was never a time I felt unsupported or alone, and for that I will always be eternally grateful. My goal is to also be that support to others on their journey.

                                                                                                Thank You:)

       

International Roles/Jobs in the Early Childhood Education Community

The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is the only multilateral partnership devoted to getting all children into school for a quality education in the world's poorest countries. This organization also provides support in developing countries related to establishing and monitoring high-quality education plans, alignment of financial management/procurement systems of collaborative partners that aid in effectiveness at both the country and global levels. Their focus on quality Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) assist all children in the primary areas of social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Young children, especially the poorest and most disadvantaged, who benefit from ECCE services, are more likely to be healthy, ready to learn, and stay longer and perform better in school. Additional information is also provided on data research results, success stories of participants, educational goals, and a GPE data hub (inclusive of a world map that allows you to scroll on various locations that identify what partnerships have been established with what countries).  

The following are current employment opportunities with GPE;

International Public Policy Fellowship Program (deadline 6/15/2015):

During this one year Fellowship, the successful applicants will learn how public policy is developed, and implemented, as well as how programs are administered and regulations promulgated by national and international agencies. In 2015, the Foundation is seeking Fellows for the following placements:

1. Global Partnership for Education, Washington, DC.

2. Office of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Geneva

3. UNICEF Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya

The Fellows will be selected by the Foundation in mid-2015 and the Fellowship would begin in late 2015. Orientation will include participation in the course “Leadership for the 21st Century” at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Ongoing mentorship will be provided by the Foundation and by a network of former Kennedy Fellows and alumni of the Kennedy School. The initial commitment will be for one year.

http://www.globalpartnership.org/focus-areas/early-childhood-care-and-education

The International Child Resource Institute’s (ICRI) mission is to improve the lives of children and families by providing services locally and around the world. Services include technical assistance and consultation to a wide variety of national and international organizations, businesses, governments, non-profits and others interested in such children’s issues as child care, child abuse prevention, child survival, maternal and child health, placement alternatives for abandoned and traumatized children and the promotion of children’s rights. The areas mentioned are universal in need and constant education. The most recent and appropriate data regarding programs, needs assessments, curricula, facility development, program implementation and evaluation, training, cost effectiveness, tax advantages and more is incorporated into each contract or project.

ICRI has developed partnerships with child and family projects in more than 35 countries and has 52 field representatives in countries around the world including the United States, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Netherlands, and Sweden.

There were no noted employment opportunities posted. The following is a link for potential volunteer opportunities http://www.icrichild.org/volunteer-opportunities/

In reviewing the various criteria for volunteering, an option for an employment opportunity may present itself within the organization. Volunteering may also allow the candidate the international experience needed to be seriously considered for a position (if available).  http://www.icrichild.org/

The International Step by Step Association (ISSA) is a membership organization that connects both professionals and organizations working in Early Childhood Development.  ISSA offers general membership and information (i.e. publications, research data report results, news events and conferences, etc.) to all interested individuals and organizations. Its core members are non-governmental organizations, located in Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe and Central Asia.

ISSA’s overarching goal is to promote inclusive, quality care and education experiences that create the conditions for all children to become active members of a democratic knowledge society. ISSA accomplishes this through raising the much needed awareness towards the importance of quality care and education, developing resources, disseminating information, advocating, strengthening alliances, and building capacity to create conditions where all children thrive.

There were no noted employment opportunities with the International Step by Step Association to non-members (as I conducted two separate searches on their website that resulted in nothing). This information may only be open to active members; however, the option to become a friend of the community is totally free and grants various accesses to on-line library information and discussion forums. membership@issa.nl.  http://www.issa.nl/

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community @ a National and Federal Level

The National Assoc. of Early Childhood Teacher Educators: http://www.naecte.org/

This association allows the opportunity for people (professionals and non-professionals) all over the country to continue to develop through the exchange of relative information and ideas for the betterment of the field. As a member, resources such as articles and journals related to ECE and resolutions for various concerns are available for review. There is also an option to consider employment opportunities from different states. 

The following positions are currently listed;

           Director of Cooperative Preschool (located in San Diego and posted 4/28/2015)

·                   Director of Ohio University Patton College of Education (posted 1/10/2015)

http://www.naecte.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29&Itemid=42

The National Child Care Association: http://www.nccanet.org/

This organization allows for participants to exercise their option of becoming active advocates for state and federal mandates and regulations. Some of the areas of interest include making sure rules are equitable pertaining to all (private and/or public) early childhood providers/caregivers. There is also a focus of ensuring that all early childhood providers/caregivers receive equal opportunity for local, state, and federal funding support. More programs will then have a better chance of attracting and sustaining qualified staff and purchasing the necessary educational equipment to assist in meeting the group and individual needs of enrollees. As with other associations, information on conferences, reliable research data, and publications are accessible to active members. There were no noted options for employment opportunities.

High Scope Educational Research Foundation: http://highscope.org/

An independent non-profit organization that provides professional development training information and outcomes of research and development for ECE participants interested in furthering their knowledge and skill set. In addition, various curriculum components in the areas of early literacy, infant/toddler and preschool education, movement in music, and elementary education are available to aid in assisting ECE staff and trainers in implementing age appropriate activities and meeting goals.

The following employment opportunities listed are currently available;

Head Start/Early Head Start Teacher and Teacher-Aide (located in Flint, MI. and posted 5/20/2015). 

 Eagle’s Nest Academy Teacher (K-3) for the 2015-2016 school year (located in Flint, MI. and posted 5/20/2015).  

http://highscope.org/Content.asp?ContentId=112

All the positions listed would be of interest to anyone who wants to further their experience and dedication to serving young children and their families. The positions listed require the need of previous child development or early childhood education experience, variations of a minimum of an undergraduate (masters preferred) in a related field with the combination of years of experience. Due to the positions being located in various states, the consideration to re-locate may be on option.

People Sharing Their Experiences and Knowledge

The Southern Early Childhood Association:

Since 1948 the Southern Early Childhood Association has brought together preschool, kindergarten, and primary teachers and administrators, caregivers, program directors, and individuals working with and for families, to promote quality care and education for young children. They share ideas in local, state, and regional meetings, in professional development institutes, and through the association's publications and resources. Members receive many benefits, including a journal, Dimensions of Early Childhood, and discounts on publications and conference registration. http://www.southernearlychildhood.org/seca_states.php

Texas Early Learning Council:

The Texas Early Learning Council is an advisory council established by Governor Rick Perry in late 2009.  In 2010, the Council was awarded a three-year grant from the federal government to achieve a series of goals towards improving school readiness in Texas through targeted strategies stemming from the Council's four priority areas: Parental Outreach and Communication, Early Childhood Workforce and Professional Development, Collaborations and Standards and Data Systems and Quality Rating and Improvement Systems. Over the course of three years, the Council spent $11.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to improve key aspects of early care and education in Texas.  Impetus and rules for the Texas Early Learning Council and other similar entities throughout the country were both created in the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007, which required the Governor of each State to designate or establish a council to serve as the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care (referred to simply as State Advisory Councils).
As the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act states, State Advisory Councils must:

• conduct a periodic statewide needs assessment concerning the quality and availability of early childhood education and development programs and services for children from birth to school entry, including an assessment of the availability of high-quality pre-kindergarten services for low-income children in the State;
• identify opportunities for, and barriers to, collaboration and coordination among Federally-funded and State-funded child development, child care, and early childhood education programs and services, including collaboration and coordination among State agencies responsible for administering such programs;
• develop recommendations for increasing the overall participation of children in existing Federal, State, and local child care and early childhood education programs, including outreach to underrepresented and special populations;
• develop recommendations regarding the establishment of a unified data collection system for public early childhood education and development programs and services throughout the State;
• develop recommendations regarding statewide professional development and career advancement plans for early childhood educators in the State;
• assess the capacity and effectiveness of 2- and 4-year public and private institutions of higher education in the State toward supporting the development of early childhood educators, including the extent to which such institutions have in place articulation agreements, professional development and career advancement plans, and practice or internships for students to spend time in a Head Start or prekindergarten program; and
• make recommendations for improvements in State early learning standards and undertake efforts to develop high-quality comprehensive early learning standards, as appropriate.

The Council met four times throughout 2010 in order to develop a comprehensive federal grant application built around the mandatory components listed above. http://earlylearningtexas.org/home.aspx
Houston Area Association for the Education of Young Children:
The Houston Area Association for the Education of Young Children (HAAEYC) is one of the largest chapter affiliates of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) a national organization comprised of early care and education professionals.  Our mission is to promote and support high quality care and education for young children through improved professional practice and broadened public awareness.  A nonprofit, volunteer organization, HAAEYC is governed by a 16 member board elected by the membership. HAAEYC Concentrates its efforts on four major areas:

• Program: Plans a broad range of educational opportunities, including two major   annual conferences for early care and educational professionals
• Outreach: Targets public policy, advocacy and community outreach
• Organizational Support: Manages the finance and staff of the organization
• Membership: Focuses on member recruitment and service http://www.haaeyc.org/

All the resources listed were chosen due to their affiliation with the betterment of educating young children and providing support for both families and the community of professionals involved. These connections can reveal various career opportunities in the field, as well as the added structure of continuing to become a well-rounded asset to fighting the cause. I personally believe as long as you are an open-minded dedicated individual to not only supporting but always learning about innovative ways of educating based on identifiable need, your drive will help you obtain any additional skills needed to be productive. Quite often, we forget that by relating to the experiences of others, we gain a better perspective on life in general.