Time Well Spent

This course has helped me develop skills as an educator that I never realized I had. The more I learn and put into practice the better I would be with communication skills.  My professional abilities have been enhanced greatly through this program. Finally I am proud to say that my loving, creative energetic and tenacious attitude has prepared me for my future as a teacher. I feel that I have gone through a lot of changes in my life some good and some bad. But I'm still in school pursuing teacher certification and that God has me here for the purpose of teaching and touching the lives of our young children. This course also gave me a great opportunity to interact with professional as yourself.  I THANK YOU!!
Thank you very much because of  my instructor and colleagues  I feel like I can accomplish anything.

Success doesn't come to you, You Go To It.
Marva Collins

Job/ Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

UNICEF is an organization that does incredible things. While look at their website I was mesmerize about the   work they do for children in 190 counties. UNICEF mission is to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF) The position that caught my eye is a Consultancy Business Technology Associate

One the requirement is having a bachelor in Business which I already have but do not have experience with the Engineering.

 These opportunity just looks great make me want to reach beyond my reach. I always settle because I am afraid of change but it I had the courage this would be the job of my dreams.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION

·         Possess 4-6 years of business and technical specification development in Agile and blended environments.

·         Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Engineering, or related practical experience, a plus but not a requirement.

·         Possess in depth understanding of SDLC

·         Proficient in iterative, Agile and blended methodologies and their application in project delivery

·         Application / Development experience – especially in open source projects

·         Proven organizational skills and team management ability

·         Strong Microsoft Office Skills preferred (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio)

·         Be able to prioritize a large amount of projects and show clear progression of projects 

Save the Children mission is to make sure every child has the basic health care, education and protection from harm they need and deserve. (Save the Children)

The Senior Specialist, Head Start Education (SS-Ed) serves as an expert for Save the Children's Head Start operations in the content area of early childhood education and child development birth to 5 (including for center-based and home-based program options). The SS-Ed ensures fidelity to the Education and Child Development program services requirements of the Head Start Program Performance Standards and other applicable State and federal regulations. (Save the Children)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development or related field
• Minimum 5-7 years of Head Start /Early Head Start experience
• Management experience in early childhood education 
• Experience with monitoring and training/coaching adults
• Experience teaching children in the birth to 5 years age range (preferred, not required)
• Knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start/Early Head Start (or comparable child development programs) & early childhood education developmentally appropriate practices
• Experience working with culturally and socio-economically diverse families and children
• Must have knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and Head Start Act
• Must be a certified Reliable CLASS^TM, Observer

This program is located in Washington D.C and this program is a total change from the program I work for now, but I feel this job would be a great step for my career. I can see myself doing this for 5 years and with the experience I can go work UNICEF.

OECD

·         The mission of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Is a unique organization I love the idea it is in Paris, France. This organization was started in 1961. OECD uses its wealth of information on a broad range of topics to help governments’ foster prosperity and fight poverty through economic growth and financial stability. We help ensure the environmental implications of economic and social development are taken into account.(OECD)

References

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/

 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.oecd.org/home/0,2987,en_2649_201185_1_1_1_1_1,00.html

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

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

NAEYC

National Association for the Education of young children NAEYC

Is an organization that is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. (NAEYC)

 My dream job with this company would be the Deputy Executive Director. Deputy Executive Director is  responsible for NAEYC’s major program efforts in early childhood program and higher education accreditation. (NAEYC)

The skills requires degree in Early childhood and a degree in Educational Administration, you also need to have experience working as a curriculum specialist.

Zero to Three

Our mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life. At ZERO TO THREE, we envision a society that has the knowledge and will to support all infants and toddlers in reaching their full potential. (Zero to Three)

I would love to be an Assistant Director, Family Engagement and Education, Martha's Table

 Experienced Social Services and Early Childhood Head Start Education Professionals Parents As Teachers experience strongly preferred(Zero to Three)

NCCA 

National Child Care Association has over 5000 members across the country. NCCA top priority is  providing  comprehensive quality early education care to the children and families in the communities(NCCA)

My ideal job would be an Executive Director.

Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration Experience working in administration.

References

https://www.naeyc.org/about-us

http://careercenter.zerotothree.org/jobseekers/

https://ncc.site-ym.com/

ExPloring Roles in the ECECommunity:

Southwest Solution Thrive by Five.
Their mission state:

Southwest Solutions has pursued its mission to help build a stronger and healthier
community since 1972. We provide a broad range of programs in the areas of
human development, economic development, and community engagement. These three areas
together form a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy and effort that impacts(http://www.swsol.org/)


This is the company I worked for since opening for Head Start program I wish I had  my Master degree I could had been a lead teacher or a site leader. This company on the southwest of Detroit, Michigan.



Our Goals and Mission

• Discover and spread new knowledge about early childhood education, while emphasizing knowledge consistent with HighScope's mission.
• Facilitate conversation among researchers and evaluators in the early childhood field.
• Support states and provider agencies with expert advice on early childhood evaluation and policy development (https://highscope.org/career)

Position Title: Managing Director of Marketing and Communications.

This job is very appealing to me because I can finally used my Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Master in Early Childhood to use.

Current Vision and Mission Statement
The mission and vision of TAEYC is celebrating, educating, and advocating for young children, families, and the early childhood profession.(http://www.texasaeyc.org/about_us)

I would love to live in Texas and apply Director of Early Childhood Education this would be the dream job .Relocating and receiving a high pay would make everything worthwhile  

References
http://www.swsol.org/
https://highscope.org/career
http://www.texasaeyc.org/about_us

Foundations and Implications of a Differentiated Classroom

• Define differentiation in your own words including the justification for differentiating in the classroom environment.

In my HighScope classroom it will be divided into well- define interest areas with a enough space for distinctive types of play (HighScope 2011) I will make the classroom room colorful, inviting  and welcoming for children and their parents

• Describe how you will create a positive learning environment that is also safe and secure.

.

As the teacher in my HighScope classroom I will make sure the material are safe, clean, and well maintained. (HighScope 2011) I will make sure that the toys are sanitized weekly and as needed. broken items will throw out. I will make sure that small items are not hazard for children to swallow. The classroom will be label. The toys will be stored in a see through box. This will help children recognize letters and later they will be able to read. Keep things in order will help children with clean up time and it will teach children that putting toys and items back in their places will help keep the classroom clean and  safe.

• Describe how you will meet the social and emotional needs of your students including ways to eliminate student fear of failure.

As a teacher I will work with the students and scaffold children learning.  Let the children experiment on their own. Play as a partner do not take over their play. Let the children lead in the play. As a teacher I will take a supporting role offer suggestions. Converse in a give and take style. Accept children's emotion. Address children feelings and emotions. Let children express what they feel and why they feel this way.

• Discuss your expectations of student work and assignments.

With my head start children I will encourage them to create what ever they want. Encourage children to talk about their picture. Describe what they create.

• Describe how you will provide students opportunities to succeed.

By using different teaching strategies. A consistent daily routine is a framework for teaching and learning. It free children and adults from worrying about what comes next, and it enables them to use their creative energies on the task at hand. (HighScope 2011) Provide a consistent predictable sequence of events that gives children a sense of control over what happens next and a stable and secure psychological environment within which  they are free to make choices and initiate activities.

• Discuss how you will assess student work.

Cor Advantage assesses early childhood development from infancy through kindergarten in eight content areas: Approaches to Learning; Social and Emotional Development; Physical Development and Health; Language, Literacy, and Communication; Mathematics; Creative Arts; Science and Technology; and Social Studies. (HighScope 2014)

References

Epstein , A. S. (2007) Essential of active learning in preschool: Getting to know the HighScope Curriculum. Ypsilanti, MI: HighScope Press.

Epstein, A.S (2012) Approaches to learning. Ypsilanti, MI: HighScope Press

Epstein , A.S (2012) Social and emotional development. Ypsilanti, MI: HighScope Press

EXPLORING ROLES IN THE ECE COMMUNITY

NPEN (National Parenting Education Network) is a community practice that I find very interesting because this organization is organize by Parents that helps other parent find useful resources in helping with their child development.  I like the core principal that speaks about strengthening families.

Job opportunities with this organization would be obtainable because they only have volunteers.  They helps parent connect with other parents with any concerns. The skill I need is being a parent that has compassion for children and wanted to see growth in a child.

Learning First Alliance appeals to me also. This community practice helps public schools by engaging individual and organizational expertise leadership and advocacy effort. (Learning first Alliance 2012)

This company represents more than 10 million people. Learning Alliance addresses many school issues. They find ways in solving school problems. There are no job positions available at this time. The company does have an office in Michigan.

NASET (National Association of Special Education Teacher) is a forum I would be interesting in joining when I am done with my classes. I would be able to connect with other teachers. This would also be good to be a part of if I decide to go into special education. They have job vacancies in special education teacher early childhood. I would need to be certified before I could get a teaching job.

http://npen.org/professional-development/parenting-education-networks-organizations-and-programs-by-state/

http://www.learningfirst.org/

http://www.naset.org/naset.0.html

JOBS/ROLES IN THE ECE COMMUNITY: INTERNATIONALLY

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICF) is an organization I would love to work for. Their main goal is helping children especially children living poverty. They goals is to provide care such as medical, schooling or nutrition. I read through several job opportunities and the one that got my attention is Human Resources Officer, P-1, New York, USA (2 Temporary Appointment positions).
I would love to move to a new state and be explore more options after a year after this position is finish. This position is only temporary. I have a bachelor in Business Management which is one of the qualification needed in order to get the job. I will be helping with a cause from behind the scene.

Save the children is the next organization that I would love to work for but I could not find many job opportunities there but what I did find was internship an opportunity to:

An opportunity to work under the direct supervision of an experienced Save the Children staff member, within a specific department
If you are an undergraduate or a graduate student and are passionate about helping some of the world’s neediest children lead better lives, a Save the Children internship can provide a great opportunity to learn, grow and participate in meaningful work •An opportunity to expand your knowledge of the humanitarian aid, non-profit industry
•Participation in work advancing important projects such as: program and policy research, internet and social media projects, communications and campaigns, and fundraising (Save the Children 2011)
The third organization is United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (New Delhi)This would be my dream job. To have this job I would need at least four years of experience in business administration.   At least 2 years at international level with international organisations or United Nations agencies.(UNESCO 2011)
References
 United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/
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/
 
 
 

JOBS/ROLES IN THE ECE COMMUNTIY: NATIONAL/ FEDERAL LEVEL

AbleChild: Parents for Label and Drug Free Education is a nationally recognized Non-Profit Organization (501c3) dedicated to parents, caregivers, and children’s rights alike. Incorporated in New York in November 2003, Ablechild is steadily moving toward ensuring that all caregivers are provided with a safe haven, resource center, and support network when faced with issues surrounding subjective psychiatric labels assigned, and drug “treatment” prescribed, to our nation’s vulnerable children. (Ablechild.org)

Founded in 2001 by parents who had their own personal experiences with label and drug coercion by the education system, Ablechild has a personal commitment to inform, support, and unite others faced with all aspects involving labeling and drugging children. Ablechild has a full understanding of what a parent/caregiver goes through when dealing with school systems recommending, and many times pressuring a parent for mental health evaluations. We recognize that schools will many times force-feed mental health approaches on parents, while steering clear of science-based education resources and solutions.(ablechild.org)

AbleChild, a national parent’s rights organization, is dedicated to protecting full informed consent and the right to refuse psychiatric services.(ablechild.org)

I will follow this group on their blog site. I would like to attend one of their seminars when they come in my city.  I would like to join this organization in helping parent becoming more aware of how labeling and giving children medication affected the rest of their lives.

The National Alliance against Mandated Mental Health Screening & Psychiatric Drugging of Children is a caring group dedicated to informing the public about ADHD and other Psychiatric conditions often misdiagnosed because of underlying health conditions and learning differences which are often overlooked. (National Alliance Health 2001) This group encourages parents and guardian to take advantage of their website information. (National Alliance Health 2001) I looked up the group in Michigan and look for job opportunity I could not find any but I can be a parent advocacy speaking up about children being label with ADHD.

My third organization I liked was Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) this organization uses functional magnetic resonance image (fMRI)  researchers have identified abnormalities in the brain of children deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (RSNA 2011) I would love to get to know they because they have being researching methods to determine it a child have ADHD.

 http://www.ritalindeath.com/National-Alliance

http://ablechild.org/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/release/2011/11/111128120138.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPLORING ROLES IN THE ECE COMMUNITY: LOCAL AND STATE LEVELS

The three local and state organizations or communities of practices that appealed to me was:

The National Education Goal Panel this company appealed to be because they want to make sure all children are ready to learn in school. I felt that this school is about ensuring that all preschools children are ready for the next level in their life. This organization is about the children and their well being.  This organization wants " Every parent in the united Stated to be the child's first teacher and devote time each day to helping such parent's preschool child learn, and parent will have access to the training and support parent needs".  (1997 National Association for the Education of Young children)

They believe in assessing these children in the appropriate way instead of mislabeling them. I did not seek job opportunities with this company but they  made me a parent feel good about my son well being.

The second organization that caught my eye was the California Endowment with " Helping Communities and States Promote Healthy Child Development". I liked this company because they are for "Reaching children and their families in the multiple community-base and natural setting where they live and play. These setting include early care and education programs )e.g., child care center, Head Start programs, preschools), primary care, schools and community-base organizations and programs. Providing services in natural settings like homes, pediatrician's offices, schools and child care center increasing the likelihood of reaching and maintaining contact with children and families who can face barriers to receiving services in the community. (2010 The Nemours Foundation)

I did not seek job opportunities in this organization because it is located in California and I live in Michigan.

The third  communities of practice is: The Primary Program: Growing and Learning in the Heartland. this organization primary program respond to the diversity of learner by helping children to understand, respect, and appreciate individual differences. ( 1998 R. Jones)
This appealed to me because this is what I being studying in my Master program. I find it very helpful.


References:
National Association for the Education of Young children. (1988). NAEYC position statement on standardized testing of young children 3 through 8 years of age. Young children 43(3): 42-47

Nemours.org The California Endowment

Jones, R. (1998). Starting early: The why and how or preschool education. American School Board Journal. 185. pp. 20-25.

TRECY'S WORDLE

REFLECTING ON LEARNING

An explanation of your most passionate hope for your future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families with whom you work or will work.



First I would like to be comfortable as an anti-bias educator. I want to show the children and families they have no fear in trusting me to do what is expected as an teacher. I want to give hope to the children and families that a change is going to start with me. I want them to know that they will be respecting regardless of any differences they may have. I want them to know their children with be respected with the same honors I show them. I want a warm inviting classroom that everyone feel that they can be their self. I also want my classroom to be a place where question are answered in a respect way at all time.


A brief note of thanks to your colleagues.


I would like to take this moment to thank all my anti-bias educators. I really appreciate your comments, your in sights on the discussion and the great blog post I have read. I wish everyone the best that we may make that difference in someone life.

IMPACTS ON EARLY EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

I choose Central African Republic where majority of the displaced are women and children now living in deplorable conditions with no access to safe water, nor shelter.(UNICEF 2013) I was curious about this country because of the violence I have heard over the past few weeks. After hearing about the violence I wanted to know more about the innocent children that are involved.
From reading several articles I notice why many children have not been to school one reason is because of a outbreak of measles affecting these little children. According to the article at least 600 cases have been reported. So that mean that this country to not have the measles vaccination. This is affecting children from the ages 6 to 59 months old. (UNICEF 2013) I also read that these children are in need of protection from violence, water, shelter, malnutrition and Aids.
Like the children I work with these children and seen more violence and being mistreated more than I have in my 43 years of living. Now a days children have so much more to deal with than to just think of school. In this country their health is more important than anything else
My heart breaks for these children but this is the motivation I can use with the children with disabilities. This gives me the inspiration to help children that are need. So in order for the children with disabilities to get the full learning I have to teach the class first that everyone accepted no matter what their difference are. We are a class that is in the helping business and we all have to work together.  


http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

• What is your reaction to the ideas shared in this reading?

       I was amazed to see just how other felt about sexualization  among our early childhood children.  I started noticing little things in the media and certain movies my son was watching.

• In what ways have you observed the sexualization of early childhood in your own personal and professional experiences? What examples have you encountered in store advertisements, television, the Internet, other types of media, and/or other types of environments?

My three year old son like watching this movie called "Baby Bratz" and I did not like him watching it at first but my husband said it was a kids movie. My first impression was not to let him watch it but as a mother I gave in. The show was about little girls between the ages 2 and three dressing provocative wearing a diapers. They were children acting like grown up with adult hairdos and makeup. But along the movie they would portray baby needing a bottle or pacifier. I was glad my son viewed it as a child movie and not anything sexual but I do not know what lasting impact it may have on him later in life.

• How might these messages impact children and their healthy development? Consider the ways they might influence gender, and other related concerns.

It might make them think about sexuality before their time. These message are put in  front of them so they react to what they see. This show portrayed little children in sexual matters. I would never understand why we have pedophile seeking innocent children but I feel we should not parade  them as sexual beings for these predators.

• What can early childhood professional do to tackle this problem and reduce the negative effect that it has on young children?

Making the schools, parents and children more aware. Having lessons to teach children when things are inappropriate for their age. Helping the children to understand what it for children and what is for adults. But awareness will be the first step. 

EVALUATING IMPACTS ON PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

I recent moved to Westland, Michigan where I am trying to apply for a lend teacher position. I feel the move would be great for me and my son but as I interview for certain position I deeply feel that racism is playing a real huge part. Most of the schools I looked at was  predominantly white schools. I personally do not fear the threat but if I can never get in the door to prove myself  how will I ever get to prove it to the children and the centers I want to work for.

I wander if the school feel this way how would the families feel about me being black teaching their children. It is sad to still have this as an issue but I guess we will always have the racism card going. As a parent I want my son to precede to going to the best of schools and I as a parent will not be stereotyping if it is a black or white teacher I just want whatever the teacher to teach from an anti-bias point of view.

CREATING AFFIRMING ENVIRONMENTS

Comfort @ Zee will be the name of my Family child care Home. The name will help parents that are worried about leaving their young ones. When entering parent and the children will see a family room with adult chairs and little chairs with vibrant colors all around. This front room will also have the bulletin board where the breakfast and lunch menu is posted along with the daily calendar. This will also be my information board for the parents.  This will be room where the parent will sign in and take their child to their cubby area an hang up garments. I will be there to greet each parent and student daily. If parent have time I would get a brief summary about the child night and morning so me and my staff will know if the child had a goodnight rest. The second area will be the rest area where the children mats are kept. This area will have smoothing music and low lighting so the child can rest more comfortable. Each child will have their own blanket, pillow and any item that they choose to sleep with so that they will feel at home.

My next room will be the activities room which is the largest room in the house. There is a large colorful rug  in front of a fireplace where all the children meet for gathering time. There are many book shelves with all types of book.There are many playing stations with all types of toys for the children. There are tables chairs for meal time and activities time. The room is surrounding with all types of pictures on the wall with different racial and ethnic groups. The family and children  

is more than welcome to share any items they have.

I got ideas from both the readings and  from Adriana's Casa de Aprendizaje.

 

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Blog Assignment: What I have Learned

·         I hope to show the children and their families that come from all diverse backgrounds that I can learn and teach them accordingly. I want them to see that I display my anti-biases learning. I want them to know I am a teacher that respect and care about their children and that teaching them and learning from them will be a pleasure. I want the parents to be comfortable enough to address any problem with me. I want the children to be able to address any concern with me and I have a good relationship with the parent to get the answers I may need.

·         One goal I would set for the early childhood field related to issue of diversity, equity, and social justice is that the solution is finding in an anti-bias way. That we work together in finding the correct answer to the issue. That all teachers become anti-bias teaching in an anti-bias way.

·         I would like to take this time to thank all my colleagues for their discussion question post, for their blog posting and for their comments on these post that help me to grow. You have made this class the best class I ever had. I have learned a lot about myself from them. I wish everyone the best. Thank You Again!!

START SEEING DIVERSITY BLOG: CREATING ART

We Are

We are of skin

We are of color

We are of gender

We are of religious

Why are we not accepted of skin

Why are we not accepted of color

Why are we not accepted of gender

Why are we not accepted of religious

Who am i?

Start Seeing Diversity Blog: "We Dont' Say Those Words in Class!"

This summer I took my son to work with me. I work at a center base school with SXI (Severely Multiply Impaired) students who are between the ages 14- 20. The children I work with are mostly in wheelchair and have to have their diaper changed. My son is three years old and asked me why do I have to push that boy’s wheelchair and why I have to change his diaper and asked me was he a baby? I tried to explain the best way I could to him so that he may understand. I told my son that the child was born this way and he cannot walk and go to the bathroom like you. I do not know if my son understood what I was saying but he stop asking question about the little boy. Months later my son and I was at a store and he saw a lady in a wheelchair and he said to me mommy that lady cannot walk. I was proud because I realized that when I answered my son question about the boy in the wheelchair I help him to understand a little about people in wheelchairs without him being alert about people in wheelchairs.

I am finding that there are going to be many questions my son is going to asked me and as a mother I will have to address them in order for him to understand why people are different. I want him to treat all people with respect regardless of them being different.  As a educator I want to teach my student the same way they are to respect people may not be just like them that everyone is different. By doing this I will be helping the student to not be bias with people that are different.

"Start Seeing Diversity Video" Blog: Gender Identity, and sexual Orientation Week 3

I feel that when teaching children that may come for same-sex partnered familes it is important that they feel comfortable about their self and their familes. so as a teacher I feel it is important to help teach the children about same sex relationship when there is a child that is involved that may be in the class. I feel the right appropriate books would be a excellent tool.

                                           


After reading "Two Families Grapple with Sons' Gender" got me to thinking about my three year old son. My son is around his two girls cousins alot. One of my niece love Dora and the other likes all the princess characters. I hear my son saying he is a princess and I immediately correct him that girls are princess and boys are princes. I also took notice that my son would want to buy a girl toy from timt to time but I redirect him that he have to get a toy for a boy. Do this make me a bad mother that is not letting her son make his own choices or not letting him to explore girls toys?  Am I fighting sometime within me? This topic really got me thinking about my bias.

          

References

Spiegel, A. (2008). Two families  grapple with sons’ gender identity: Psychologist take radically different approaches in therapy.

THANK YOU

This course has helped me develop skills as an educator that I never realized I had. The more I learn and put

 into practice the better I would be with communication skills.  My professional abilities has been enhanced

greatly through this program. Finally I am proud to say that my loving, creative energetic and tenacious

attitude has prepare me for my future as a teacher. I feel that I have gone through  a lot of changes in my life

 some good and some bad. But I'm still in school pursuing teacher certification and that God has me here for

the purpose of teaching and touching the lives of our young children. This course also gave me a great

opportunity to interact with professional as yourself..  I THANK YOU  !!!