Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Three international organizations that appealed to me after viewing the various websites presented are:

Save the Children

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When disaster strikes, they put children's needs first. They advocate for and achieve large-scale change for children. They save children's live. They have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.9 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programs in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.

One job opportunity that appealed to me is that of an Operations Team Support Manager. The roles of such career includes:

• Serves as a liaison with Save the Children members to play a key role in ensuring operations and humanitarian response are appropriately resourced - including leading on proposal writing and negotiation
• Ensuring effective administrative systems are in place and that processes and planning are closely coordinated
• Lead on the coordination of the Centre EPP and in the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal job description and vary working hours accordingly.

To obtain such position it calls for the following qualification:

Proven writing and numerical skills and experience in basic financial information systems (e.g. Excel), budget monitoring, editing of proposals and drafting of summary reports and briefing documents.

• Proven attention for detail and ability to effectively manage a high volume of data and information
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal / written communication skills in order to deal tactfully and sensitively with a wide range of people in a large organization, very often at a distance.
• Previous experience of working in a program management department in the humanitarian sector
• Previous international operations experience
• A flexible and initiative-taking attitude with the ability to manage an unpredictable workload
• Good project management skills related to the development of information products.
• Excellent computer skills including word processing, presentation and use of spread-sheets combined with the ability to develop and maintain office and management information systems.
• Highly developed communication skills.
• Experience of problem solving.
• Willingness and ability to travel abroad at short notice.

Even though I am not acquainted with such job title and is not equipped with the necessary skills I definitely like it and most of all being an advocate of change in the lives of young children.

United Nations Children's Fund

UNICEF is the world's leading advocate for children. The heart of UNICEF's work is in the field. Each country office carries out UNICEF's mission through a unique programme of cooperation developed with the host government. This five-year programme focuses on practical ways to realize the rights of children and women. Their needs are analysed in a situation report produced at the beginning of the programme cycle. Regional offices guide this work and provide technical assistance to country offices as needed.UNICEF's work is fully part of other United Nations activities in a country. UNICEF was created with this purpose in mind – to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. They believe that they can, together, advance the cause of humanity. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. One job opportunity that I am interesting in is that of a Communication for Development Specialist ( Polio Endgame)

Qualifications

Advanced university degree in the social/behavioural sciences or public health (Sociology, Anthropology, Health Communication/Education, Public Health) with emphasis on strategic communication planning for social and behaviour change, social mobilization, participatory communication, and design research.
Eight years of relevant work experience in the development, planning and management of social development programmes, including several years based in developing countries.
Practical experience in communication research, strategic planning, and program support is an asset. Experience working with immunization and/or health programmes is an asset.
Fluency in English required. Proficiency in another UN language or a local working language of the duty station would be an asset.

Competences of Successful Candidate

as highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking.
Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of  individuals across organizational departments.
Demonstrates and shares detailed technical knowledge and expertise.
Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities.
Seeks and proposes opportunities for advancing UNICEF's mission.

FHI 360

FHI 360 is a non-profit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Their staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender equality, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

Their vision is a world in which all individuals and communities have the opportunity to reach their highest potential. While their mission is to improve lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development.

I am interesting in the job opportunity of a Senior Program Officer being offered in Washington.

Qualifications

Master’s degree required in International Development, International Education, or related fields;

• Minimum of 4-years experience managing international development programs;
• Minimum of 2 years managing staff;
• Experience creating, managing and monitoring budgets;
• Experience with complex procurement procedures and sub-award management of international partners;
• Familiarity with Department of State grants highly preferred;
• Demonstrated understanding of Middle Eastern cultures and knowledge of recent developments in the region;
• Experience working on women’s and/or minority issues in the Middle East highly preferred;
• Creative and strategic thinker with strong ability to anticipate challenges and generate solutions;
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, professionalism in written correspondence and report writing, excellent presentation and oral communication skills;
• Proven organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail;
• Able to work independently and as a team member with consistent ability to take initiative, meet deadlines, and be flexible;
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft productivity programs;
• Language skills in Arabic and/or Kurdish are a strong plus.

References

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved 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

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

This week blog assignment is quite interesting and I am feeling elated because I am given the opportunity to look for national organizations or community of practice that appeals to me.

The first organization is Zero to Three. This organization is a national non-profit organization that provides parents, professionals and policy-makers the knowledge and the know-how to nurture early development. Their mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life.

They believe that early experiences set a course for a lifelong process of discovery about ourselves and the world around us. They also encourage that you to learn more about very young children, early development. Within this noble organization they current have the job of a Senior Training Specialist available. This sounds very interesting as this job calls for one to have strong knowledge

of early childhood development and early childhood systems;with a specific focus on infant and toddler development, ability to work collaboratively with individuals representing a range of backgrounds and skill levels, strong interpersonal skills. The requirements for obtaining such position/ job title is having a Masters degree in early childhood development or related field.

I am interesting in such position as I believe that true advocacy calls for one to work beyond their call of duty.

The second organization is the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children. Their mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources. They believe that all children have access to a safe and accessible, high quality early childhood education that includes a developmentally appropriate curriculum; knowledgeable and well-trained program staff and educators; and comprehensive services that support their health, nutrition, and social well-being, in an environment that respects and supports diversity.

Currently, there is a job opportunity available for the position of a Senior Director at NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation. The roles include maintaining the NAEYC program standards as the gold standard of excellence in early childhood education, reflecting current evidence from research and practice; Ensuring that NAEYC Accreditation supports continuous quality improvement, is rigorous but not unduly burdensome to programs, and provides a valid and reliable assessment of program quality; Staff the work of the Council for NAEYC Accreditation which is delegated authority by the NAEYC Governing Board to ensure the equity, integrity, and accountability of NAEYC Accreditation of programs for young children. Just to name a few. The requirements for such position is demonstrating leadership and management skills administering early childhood systems and quality improvement initiatives. Demonstrating track record of staff supervision that motivates excellent performance and supports ongoing staff development. Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Strong conceptual and analytic skills and talent for innovation. Advanced degree in non-profit management, business administration and/or early childhood education/child development preferred. I am interesting in thus as I have experience in leadership and management and is a prospective holder of a Masters degree.

The third organization is the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP).They are one of the nation’s leading public policy centers dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children. They use research to inform policy and practice with the goal of ensuring positive outcomes for the next generation. They also promote family-oriented solutions at the state and national levels. Their vision is family economic security; strong nurturing family and healthy child development. I am interesting in this organization simply because of what I have observed have been going on with young children from a diverse perspective. However, there are no job opportunity at this time within this organization that I could be a part of. 

                                                       References 

http://www.nccp.org/about.html

www.zerotothree.org

www.naeyc.org

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Three local or state organizations or communities of practice that have appealed to me are:

1. A social worker. In order to qualify for thus I have to study a three-year undergraduate degree or a two-year postgraduate degree in social work that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Second, have a Masters' Degree in Child Study or its equivalent. I chose this community of practice as I am passionate about the welfare of children an their families. Second, I like to lend a hand in providing positive advice and support to vulnerable individuals, families, and those living on the margins of society. I also like to be responsible in helping young children to get access to the services they need to improve their situation and well-being or their way of living on a hold.
2. A Regional Director at the Child Care Agency. In order to do thus I have to have at least six years experience in Child Care in which I have, be able to direct, assign, coordinate and monitor the work team leaders; officers and other staff of the Region to achieve the Agency's goals and objectives. I chose this career as for far too long too many young children have been abused and treated unfairly both in and out of the home or school environment. Therefore, in being a part of this organization I am capable of being an active advocate for children so as to act in their best interest.
3. An Early Childhood lecturer. I would have to obtain a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Studies. This I am currently doing at present. Second I have to demonstrate knowledge about child development; child growth and development, including planning and implementing developmentally appropriate early care and education programs Plan and implement strategies that are geared towards teaching prospective practitioners about their roles and responsibilities in educating the nation's children. I chose this as it has always been my dream to become a lecturer from an early stage in life. There is an opening for this position currently.

Reflecting on Learning

As I am led by my personal philosophy, 'Never underestimate the power of a strong black woman because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' I believe that all are capable of achieving desired goals and expectations in life. This leads me to say that my passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional is to see the true potentials of children unfold in an environment that is conducive, bias free, warm, welcome and child centred at all times within the teaching and learning process. Children are the future and they need to be nurtured and cared for. In creating an atmosphere that depicts thus, then our children will be able to unleash their potentials. Second, for the children and families that I have been working with I wish that they continue on the same pathway because beyond the sky is their limit. While for those with whom I will be working and interacting with in the future is for them to come opened minded because within my teaching and learning environment, it is one that is organized to meet their daily needs.

My Colleagues

To my colleagues, let me take the time out to unleash my gratitudes towards you for your kind words. They have been a tower of strength for me each week as we exchange our thoughts through our posts and discussions. Your feedbacks were well structured and meaningful towards up upliftment. Indeed we have worked assiduously to attain our set goals. Today as we move ahead to do our final course in the program I wish for you all the best and I do hope that we continue to correspond with each other even after the program has ended. Once more a big thank you.

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

For this assignment, I chose to look more into the region of East Asia and the Pacific. This is simply because within these regions they are prone to typhoons and a number of other devastating disasters. Second, I do not know much about this region therefore, choosing this region will enlighten me to see what goes on their and how these issues affect children and their families. Upon viewing some of the blogs it was quite heart rending to know that the children and their families were in so much distress. Can you imagine the emotional constraints that were upon these families? Water is life and without it sometimes it seems as if I cannot function properly. My heart goes out to the children and their families who were exposed to so much contaminated water that could cause serious damage to their health. With UNICEF they had hope to drink again fresh water, attend school again as you education is the key to success for all. Having to deal with these issues they definitely play a negative role in children's emotional well-being and development which includes their physical and cognitive skills .

The effects that I have gain is that I have to be grateful for all the things that I have in life because many persons are capable of gaining such access. Second, as a professional I see that children are exposed to a number of issues that impedes their livelihood in a negative way. Some people are able to overcome these obstacles easily while for some it takes a long time to recuperate.

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Sexualization of early childhood over the years has been a concern for many persons who interacts with young children on a daily basis. This issue is one wherein calls for close observations to be done so as to plan effective strategies to alleviate the problem. Sexualization is wide, therefore, when I speak about thus I am not talking about the sex of the child of being a male or female but I am rather addressing that of the matter to which speaks about their sexuality on a hold. Within today's society it is seen that young girls and boys are being dressed a particular way that does not look childish, they are more fixed on looking like adults. For example girls are wearing a lot of make up as early as three to four years old.

From both my personal and professional experiences children who are exposed to highly sexualized environment execute adult behaviors and languages that are not suited for their age group. They also tend to behave as if they are above others talking to them. Second, whenever, I am presenting children with educational movies to view these children that are from such environment do not want to be a part of it. They tend to want to sit by themselves and do something else.

With all of this is in mind, I personally think that the implications that this may have on children's healthy development will be that of a negative one. This is so as these young children are growing up thinking that their actions are good and are self worthy but its rather not a good impression on their lives at all. To correct thus as an educator, I will have to sensitize the children about thus as well as speak with parents too about their children's actions.

Being aware of what is going on is key, the researcher has sensitize my thinking by postulating that it is important to acknowledge that there are variations in how children are affected by today's sexualized childhood based on their gender and racial , cultural and socio-economic group as well as their individual dispositions( Kilbourne, 2009). 

Reference

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf 

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

“Wait, she cannot be on the Literacy committee and she is not a senior teacher”.

These are the words of a senior educator at my place of work.

Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) states that classism is an attitude, action, or practice of an individual or institution, backed by societal power, that gives preferential treatment to or treats as superior those with more economic resources or higher social status and treats as inferior or denies access to those with fewer economic resources or less social status. With this in mind, its very evident to the way in which I have been treated due to the fact that I am a young educator at my my place of work. Nonetheless from thus, I have used it as an opportunity to teach my children to which I interact with each day that they are never to settle for mediocrity because beyond the sky is the limit for them.

Second, I have established to them that nothing in life is easy but with perseverance they are capable of accomplishing their set goals. Through such media they have compose a class motto that states ' Listen and you will learn a lot'. From reciting these words everyday, they have implored me that I am truly an advocate of change and I am to continue thriving for their success. For me, the whole concept of classism can be very uncomfortable but if I stay focus on what I am doing then I am able to create within me my own place of comfort and redeem myself to educate the nation's children. While for the children educating them about showing tolerance and acceptance from an early stage can help in their future development.

Reference 

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

ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children

(NAEYC).