Week 8

Week 8

Three deeply felt learnings that I gained from this program are becoming an anti-bias educator, communication styles, and advocating for all students. I learned how important being an anti-bias educator is. This program has taught me about self-awareness. I also gained the importance of teaching awareness. I believe that teaching awareness first will allow children to have acceptance and become understanding. “Early childhood teachers want children to feel powerful and competent” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 3). During the program, I have set a goal for myself to teach students awareness about diversity to help them become accepting and understanding. In addition, I want to encourage my students to stand up for themselves and others. This program has taught me the importance of supporting children with varying abilities along with racial and ethnic diversity. As early childhood professionals, we need to teach and guide all children as they build their own identities. “Young children need caring adults to help them construct a positive sense of self and a respectful understanding of others” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 11). Becoming an anti-bias educator has encouraged me to embed diversity in my everyday classroom environment, curriculum, and to discuss differences to teach awareness to then open doors for acceptance and understanding. “The heart of anti-bias work is a vision of a world in which all children are able to blossom, and each child’s particular abilities and gifts are able to flourish” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 2). Children cannot thrive in an environment where they feel like an outsider. It is now my goal and passion to create this environment for students in my classroom and their families. Providing students with an anti-bias classroom will, “empower them by giving them the tools to foster confident and knowledgeable self- identities, empathetic interactions, critical thinking skills, and activism” (Lesley University, n.d., para. 3). This program has also taught me how to use effective communication styles. I learned the significance of all communication styles but most importantly non-verbal communication. As an early childhood professional, I communicate with children, families, and colleagues on a daily basis. It is important that I know how to be an effective communicator. "Communication is a complex and dynamic process. It is "the process by which individuals use symbols, signs, and behaviors to exchange information" (O'Hair & Wiemann, 2015, p. 4).  This program has taught me there are many skills that can help improve communication and fix miscommunication.  Collaborating/building trust, using productive conflict resolution when an issue arises, hold off judgment to avoid misunderstandings, and continue to communicate are all ways to positively impact communication interactions. I am now mindful of how I approach communication interactions so that misunderstandings and/or unproductive conflicts do not arise. With my new communication styles and insight, I feel strongly that I can foster healthy relationships in all areas of my life. This Master’s Program also taught me the importance of advocating for all children and families. To be an advocate for positive social change in the early childhood field, I believe my role is to touch children's lives through encouragement, positive reinforcement, and by providing a safe environment where learners can flourish. I believe that it is essential to build a successful classroom on a solid foundation and focus on the whole child. I believe that all children have the ability to learn and that as a teacher it is my responsibility to find the best way to teach and motivate them. I am a dedicated early childhood professional who will continually advocate for all my students.

A long-term goal is to continually self-reflect about my own biases and be more aware of them. “Ultimately, the most important thing we bring to our teaching is who we are. Deepening our understanding of who we are now and how we came to be that person is at the heart of becoming a strong anti-bias teacher” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 22). I have always looked outward toward my students and families as my focus and now know the importance of looking inward first. Knowing how I have become who I am has been enlightening. I never related my background to me as a teacher of young children. I now know some of my life experiences both controlled and uncontrolled that have shaped me.

I would like to thank Dr. E and all my colleagues for sharing experiences, beliefs, and opinions during this eight-week course. Dr. E you have been very supportive and helpful. Your guidance has been appreciated and valued. Your interest in my Capstone Project topic increased my motivation to make it the best possible. I have enjoyed getting to know all my colleagues through blogs and discussion board postings.  Your professionalism and commitment to the early childhood field is evident. Reading your blogs and discussions encouraged me to reflect on the course materials along with my own personal experiences. Thank you for allowing me to learn alongside you during this course. I wish you all the best of luck in your early childhood professional career!

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Lesley University. (n.d.). Anti-bias education- teaching young children to understand and accept differences. Retrieved from http://www.lesley.edu/teaching-young-children-to-understand-and-accept-differences/

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J.  (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Week 6-Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Researching international organization and associations I found several that interested me. The first international organization that appealed to me is the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF. UNICEF interests me because it is a well-known effective organization that has been around for many years and is set out to meet the needs of every child around the world. UNICEF reaches children in 190 countries and territories (UNICEF, 2017, para. 1). This organization advocates for the right of every child through programs such as child protection and inclusion, child survival, education, emergencies, gender, innovations, supplies and logistics, and research/analysis. “UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children - victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation and those with disabilities” (UNICEF, 2003, para. 5). The website provides a vast amount of resources and research, current projects, and locations where UNICEF is providing services. On the front page of the website, there is a search tab for different topics that affect children around the world, such as health, education, safety, vaccines, clean water, and play. I found this to be a valuable asset. I also was interested in the World Breastfeeding Week information. This is a personal topic that I am passionate about. I feel this organization and website would be insightful for individuals looking to make a difference in children’s lives around the world. Another international organization that appealed to me is Save the Children. This organization interested me because it focuses on providing children in the U.S. and around the world a strong positive start in life. “We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share” (Save the Children, 2017, para. 1). Save the Children is dedicated to making changes in children’s lives through nutrition, health, development, and education. This organization has created a network of individuals who are child sponsors along with professionals and advocates. The website provides information on how to become a sponsor or donate, a gift catalog, how to get involved, and how to join the cause, updated data reports, a newsroom, and a resource library. I feel this organization would be insightful for individuals who want to support or give to other children around the world. Another international association that appealed to me is the International Step-by-Step Association, ISSA. This association interests me because it is a community of practice where professionals can learn how to make education for all children and families effective and equitable. “ISSA champions the rights of all children to reach their unique, full potential and welcomes all organizations and individuals who have the same ambitions” (ISSA, 2017, para. 2). This association is dedicated to advocating and supporting the early childhood field. The website provides membership information, programs, services, donation options, publications, updated news in the relevant field, and addition resources. While researching ISSA I found that UNICEF (an international organization I did previous research on) supports ISSA. This association and website would be helpful to parents and educators who are committed to supporting children in the early childhood setting. The international organizations and association expanded my awareness about topics and issues around the world, provided educational information, empowered my passion for the early childhood field, and provided great additional resources.    

A job opportunity that interests me through the UNICEF website is the international professional staff member. “International staff members are recruited internationally and serve in all duty stations globally. They hold leadership, managerial or specialist functions which require a level of technical expertise” (UNICEF, 2017, para. 4). Skills and experiences that I need to competently fulfill this position are an advanced degree in a relevant field to the work in UNICEF, work experience relevant to the position, proficiency in English and in other Official UN working languages, knowledge the local language of the country where the position is located, flexibility in traveling, a positive personality, and a passion for children (UNICEF, 2017, para. 13). An opportunity that interested me through the Save the Children organization is volunteering in Illinois. “Illinois advocates are using their voices in a number of ways – many of which are often quite simple, yet highly impactful” (Save the Children Action Network, 2016, para. 3). To fulfill the volunteer position I would advocate through social media, join events, speak at events, and converse with elected officials. I found it difficult researching job opportunities that interest me through the ISSA website because it is considered a non-profit organization with only 1-10 employees. The headquarters are in the Netherlands and was founded in 1999. Continuing to research I did find an opportunity for an internship for communication graduates through ISSA. I also found it hard to find specific skills and experiences needed to competently fulfill this position. I did, however, learn that for internships such as this, students need to have a passion for exploring international education, association administration, and/or non-profit division work. A communication internship is one step towards beginning a career in international affairs, marketing, communications, writing, and event planning (American Foreign Service Association, 2017, para. 1). The three positions I researched all sound very interesting and look like I would gain valuable experiences and knowledge with each opportunity.

References

American Foreign Service Association. (2017) Communications internship. Retrieved from http://www.afsa.org/communications-internship

International Step by Step Association. (2017). Issa an early years learning community powered by its members. Retrieved from http://www.issa.nl/

Save the Children. (2017). Latest news. Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

Save the Children Networking. (2016). Investing in kids-investing in illinois’s future. Retrieved from https://savethechildrenactionnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/IL-One-Pager-102116.pdf

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (2003). About unicef. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/about/who/index_mission.html

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (2017). Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/

Week 4- Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

               Week 4- Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community:                                                       National/Federal Level

Researching national organizations and associations and federal agencies I found several resources. The first national organization that appealed to me was the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC interests me because it is a well-known organization of professionals in the Early Childhood Field that endorses high-quality effective early learning for children. NAEYC serves children from birth through eight years old. This organization is dedicated to high-quality learning through linking 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” (NAEYC, 2017, para. 1). The website provides membership information, professional development opportunities (including events and conferences), additional resources for educators and parents, accreditation information, public policy, specific topic tabs for educators to research, and much more. I feel this organization and website would be particularly helpful to parents and educators who are committed to furthering early childhood education. This organization believes that “all young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential” (NAEYC, 2017, para. 1). Another national community of practice that appealed to me is the National Child Care Association. This community of practice interests me because this association backs public policies that are set up to positively influence young children’s education. “Too often regulations and policies are mandated with good intentions but have consequences that make them impractical to implement in real time situations” (NCCA, 2017, para. 1). NCCA is dedicated to providing quality practices and effective programs for young children. This community of practice is made up of individuals who share a strong belief in the early childhood field and want to improve young children’s education and well-being. The website provides up to date news about early childhood laws, benefits for becoming a member, conferences and PD information, advocacy information, events, insurance programs, forums, and additional resources. I feel this national association and website would be insightful to educators in the early childhood field. Another organization that appealed to me is the Military Child Education Coalition. MCEC caught my attention because my husband is a veteran and we still have friends in the service with children. MCEC also interests me because it is a non-profit, worldwide organization that focuses on the education of military children. “The work of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition (MCEC, 2017, para. 1). Providing military children support with academic standards and courses from state to state, providing military children with special needs extra support, along with support and guidance on the stressors of having a family member deployed is vital for children. The website provides information for parents and students regarding programs, events, transition resources, webinars, scholarships, and additional resources. It also provides information on upcoming events, training, and additional resources for educators. I believe this organization and website would be particularly helpful to parents and educators who are committed to supporting military children. MCEC is dedicated to serving military children and families while family members are deployed and stationed at home. A fourth national organization that appeals to me is the Zero to Three Early Connection. It interests me because I have signed up to receive emails in a previous course through Walden and have found the emails to be very helpful for my students and my own children. Zero to Three also appeals to me because it is a national center that has developed a team of leaders in medicine, mental health, research, and child development. Zero to Three is decided to helping infants and toddlers flourish socially, emotionally, nutritionally, and in future academics. “During the first three years of life, emotionally nourishing relationships lay the foundation for lifelong health and well-being” (Zero to Three, 2017, para. 2). The website provides information on specific work the organization is working on, mission and vision statements, leadership roles, additional resources, detailed information about early development and well-being, early learning, parenting, and policy and advocacy. This website is very informative. This organization and website would be helpful to parents and educators who are committed to supporting children in the earliest stages of life. Zero to Three is dedicated to making sure that all children aged 0-3 years of age have a strong foundation to grow upon. These national organizations and communities of practice expanded my awareness, provided educational information, empowered my passion for the early childhood field, and provided great additional resources.

A job opportunity that interests me through the NAEYC website is the Director of Early Childhood Education. Skills and experiences that I need to competently fulfill this position are constructive collaboration and communication skills, experience in organization and management skills, be personable, take the lead of departments, develop and progress early childhood programs, and a passion for early childhood education. Another job opportunity that has always interested me is a Speech and Language Pathologist. Skills and experiences that I need to competently fulfill this position are a speech and language pathology Master’s Degree, speech therapist bachelor’s degree, teaching certificate, be personable, and effective collaboration and communication skills. A job opportunity that interests me through MCEC website is the Parent to Parent Educator. “The MCEC Parent to Parent program empowers parents to be their child’s strongest advocate on educational and social issues through MCEC Parent Workshops” (MCEC, 2017, para. 1). Skills and experiences that I need to competently fulfill this position are a bachelor’s degree in either the Early Childhood Field or Human Services, experience working as a parent educator, ability to work with adults and young children in educational settings, experience and knowledge with home visits, and a passion for helping children and families. A job opportunity that interests me through the Zero to Three organization is the Director of the Early Childhood Mental Health Project. Skills and experiences that I need to competently fulfill this position are a Master’s Degree in social work, three years of experience in mental health, experience with being a supervisor, background with early childhood development, organizational skills, one year experience working with young children in a group setting, management experience, strong verbal and communication skills, collaboration skills, and a passion for the early childhood field.

References

Military Child Education Coalition. 2017. About us. Retrieved from http://www.militarychild.org/about-us

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2017). About naeyc. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/content/about-naeyc

National Child Care Association. (2017). Welcome to our online community. Retrieved from http://www.nccanet.org/

Zero to Three. (2017). Our mission and vision. Retrieved from https://www.zerotothree.org/about/our-mission-and-vision

Week 2- Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Researching local and state organizations and communities of practice I found several insightful resources. The first organization that appealed to me is the Michigan Association for Education of Young Children. MiAEYC interests me because it is a non-profit organization that focuses on young children, their families, and early childhood professionals. “The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children is committed to improving the education and welfare of children from birth through age eight” (MiAEYC, 2017, para. 2). The website provided membership information, professional development opportunities (including events and conferences), program information (such as scholarships and grants), public policies, location areas for MiAEYC members to be involved, research-based information for parents based on the age of the child, additional resources, job opportunities, and an area just for educators. I feel this organization and website would be particularly helpful to parents and educators who are committed to anti-bias work and effective early childhood practice. This organization “promotes quality education and the well-being of young children” (MiAEYC, 2017, para. 1). A community of practice that appealed to me is the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. This community of practice interests me because the investment corporation is meant to provide information and investment opportunities for early childhood children in Michigan. The investment is geared toward helping prepare children for kindergarten socially, emotionally, and academically. This community of practice is made up of individuals who share a strong belief in the early childhood field and want to improve young children’s education and well-being. The website provides up to date news about early childhood laws and press releases, government information, issues related to the field, and contact information for the governor heading this corporation. Another organization that appealed to me is the Association for Child Development. ACD interests me because it is a non-profit organization that focuses on educating parents and educators about nutrition. Educating parents and professionals about the importance of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle is a great way to promote positive development. The website provides information in English and Spanish. It gives opportunities to join ACD, to donate, online training programs, how to become a provider, new meal patterns, ways to stay up to date on health information, and current events being held. I feel this organization and website would be beneficial to parents and educators who are committed to young children’s nutrition and development. This organization is dedicated to, “establishing healthy eating habits to last a lifetime” (ACD, 2017, para. 1). Another association that appeals to me is the Michigan Head Start Association. MHSA interests me because it is a non-profit association that is dedicated to being a voice for children, parents, and educators along with providing leadership opportunities. The website provides information on upcoming events, news/blogs/and press releases, leadership community opportunities, the importance of advocacy, resources for parents, and different locations where MHSA programs are conducted. I feel this association and website would be helpful for parents and educators who strive to support the early childhood education field and the well being of young children. These organizations and community of practices expanded my awareness, provided educational information, empowered my passion for the early childhood field, and provided great resources. 

            Job opportunities that interest me are RTI Coach, Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator, and Early Interventionist. Skills and experiences that I need to competently fulfill the RTI Coach (Response to Intervention) position are a valid teaching certificate, a minimum of three years with effective ratings, an understanding of common core standards, an extensive knowledge of reading/writing/literacy development/math, constructive collaboration and communication skills, experience in developing best practice instruction, experience in analyzing data, and experience in supporting teachers and development of differentiated instruction. Skills and experiences that I need to competently fulfill the Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator position are an Administrative Certificate, an Early Childhood Special Education Certificate, and behavior specialist training. Skills and experiences that I need to competently fulfill the Early Interventionist position are an Early Intervention Endorsement or Early Childhood Special Education Certificate, experience in organization and management skills, effective collaboration and communication skills, and be personable.

References

ACD. (2017). Welcome to the association for child development in illinois and michigan. Retrieved from http://www.acdkids.org/

MiAEYC. (2017). Welcome to miaeyc. Retrieved from http://www.miaeyc.org/

MHSA. (2017). Our mission. Retrieved from http://michheadstart.org/about-mhsa

Reinventing Michigan. (2017). Early childhood investment corporation. Retrieved from http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277-57738_57679_57726-250478--,00.html

Week 1- Wordle

My Personal Wordle

I chose the issues of Anti-Bias Education, Passion, Advocacy, Developmentally Appropriate, and Family Partnership because they focus on ALL children and their families. My Wordle communicates what I have learned and what has inspired me during my program of study. The words that stand out state my passions. The supporting words fill in the foundation of my belief in the issues. This program has ignited a new passion for me. I have always been an advocate for young children but never realized the disadvantages so many students face. I now feel better prepared to care for and teach ALL students in an anti-bias environment. “The heart of anti-bias work is a vision of a world in which all children are able to blossom, and each child’s particular abilities and gifts are able to flourish” (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 127). The specific issues resonate with my professional passion because I have learned how to advocate, educate, and facilitate positive change for a diverse student body.

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Week 8- Reflecting on Learning

 Hope

My passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional is to always have an open mind and heart, and to always focus on the whole child. “Young children need caring adults to help them construct a positive sense of self and respectful understanding of others (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p.11). As an early childhood professional I have the opportunity to help children flourish while finding their own unique strengths and identity. I want every child in my classroom to feel as if he/she belongs, is respected, and is valued. We can all learn from each other. I want my children to know that they are okay “just the way they are”. My hope for the children and families with whom I work or will work with is for them to feel that they are not treated based on their differences. I want them to know that I value their economic class, gender, racial identity, culture, language, and ability as strengths not faults. I want families to feel that they are a part of my classroom community and that we have a partnership for the success of their children.

Thank-You

            I would like to thank all my colleagues for sharing experiences, beliefs, and opinions during this eight-week course. I have enjoyed getting to know all of you through blogs and discussion board postings.  Your professionalism and commitment to the early childhood field is evident. Reading your blogs and discussions encouraged me to reflect on the course materials along with my own personal experiences. Thank you for allowing me to learn alongside you during this course. I wish you all the best of luck as you finish your Master’s program and become an anti-bias early childhood professional!

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.

Week 7- Impacts on Early Emotional Development

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

Reviewing the eight different Countries by Region on the UNICEF website I chose to investigate the Eastern and Southern Africa region. I chose this region because in a previous course I did some research on this area and it intrigued me. I also learned through research there has been a lot of effort to help children in this region.  I found a very informational section of statistics by topic and country on the UNICEF website. This allowed me to gain insight on the different countries within the region I was investigating. When researching the Regional Office Website I found information about the region, what UNICEF does in the region, knowledge and extra resources, media center, fast facts on children, and information on children and youth.

As I researched this region I found numerous challenges that children face daily in the area. Some are violations of children’s rights, which include child marriage, FGM/C, sexual abuse and violence, and child labour. Child marriage is very common and many women are married before they are 18 years of age. FGM/C is a common practice, which can be very dangerous and harmful to women’s health. Commonly it is performed on young girls ranging from ages 0-15, although it can be later in life also. Sexual abuse and violence are common and many times not reported. It happens to both boys and girls but the females are more likely to be affected. Eastern and Southern Africa have the highest child labour rate. Other challenges include a low rate of birth registration that in turn does not allow children to attend school, poor nutrition and growth in children, low immunization rates, non-sanitary water, and hygiene. With poor nutrition, not the correct immunizations, and non-sanitary living conditions children’s health and development are put at a major risk. Children cannot properly develop and grow.

The experiences and living conditions of these children most definitely have effects on their health, emotional wellbeing, and overall development.  First, their physical wellbeing is in jeopardy due to lack of resources for healthy living. This has an effect on proper brain development and overall body functioning. Next, the emotional wellbeing of the children who face trauma is at risk. Most who experience trauma switch to a survival mode, which is not conducive to normal development. Finally, overall development is affected when children are challenged with the multitude of things the region investigated presents. The human brain and body cannot grow and develop properly when they are subjected to negative conditions. Therefore, the chance of normal growth and development is diminished.

Reflecting on my investigation in the Eastern and Southern region I have gained insight personally and professionally on the challenges and struggles young children face on a day-to-day basis. I learned that in many countries early childhood education does not exist, that the literacy rate is low, and that many students do not continue on to secondary education. I gained insight on child health in this region. This region has a high number of under age five deaths, a high percentage of pregnant women with HIV, and low rate of maternal health. Learning this information makes me sad that unborn and newborn child who are not properly taken care of face struggles to develop and be properly educated. My newfound insights on this region have influenced me as a person and as an early childhood professional. My heart aches for these children. Thinking about the challenges they face makes me so thankful for what my own children and students have. It inspires me to be the best mother and teacher I can be. Although at this point in my life I cannot help the children in Eastern and Southern Africa, I can help children in my immediate care. This gives me some comfort. Maybe someday I can help others too.