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).

Observing Communication

I had the opportunity of observing a child and her mother and a lady at the park. The child was placed in the sand and water area while her mother was sitting on the bench talking with her friend. The focus was totally left off the child and they were just there busily talking. A little while off a cat came by and the child began playing and talking to the cat. Upon pulling the cat on the tail the cat retaliated by scratching the child on her hand. This made her cry out real loud. The mother hurried to her with her friend running along . "What is wrong, Moya?" she yelled. She replied, " the cat scratch me". Her mother replied, "Serve you right , I placed you to play in the sand and not with a stupid cat?" Moya as called by her mother began crying even more as she held down her head and began throwing the sand. Her mother went back and sit on the bench and began talking to her friend once more.
From thus observation, I have realized that this little girl was not given much attention and guidance as she ought to be getting because she looked like a four years old child. I have learned that our children need to be treated with love, they need to feel a sense of belonging. Secondly, they should not be left entirely on their own without proper supervision. Based upon what I have learn this week, the mother could have dealt with the matter in a much calmer and polite manner. Her use of language could have been kinder as well as she could have have sat more closer and guide her child while she spoke with her friend.
The communication interaction that I have observed  have affected the child in a negative manner because the mother insulted the child in a public place that was filled of different children and their families. It was obvious that emotionally the child was hurting as she held her head down. This in turn plays a negative posture on the child's self worth.
From what I have observed, I can state that my approach and interaction with children are totally different.  I always ensure that proper respect is given to children, the language communicated is warm, true and just. Children are not afraid of speaking to me because I create an atmosphere for them to feel free to express themselves openly.I therefore, need to continue being the calm, warm person that I am.