Time Well Spent

 

This program has taught me the real value of education along with aspects gained on creating a better community for early childhood learners. I started this program with my first child, and since then the process has been overwhelming, with being a "New Mommy" and having a newborn, and working full time! However, I want my son to know that his parents reached and achieved education as far as they could go.Through the guidelines of community in practice, leadership, and collaboration of learning goals along with educational guidelines have been achieved throughout this process.

Community of practice has set forth notions of being able to support and educate the community in which we live in. It also has provided the sense of added value along with team and partnership attributes. Leadership has dealt with means of being able to incorporate front runners and trailblazers that will ignite the spark into educating individuals and providing a sense of commitment. Lastly, terms of collaboration can create sustained relationships along with alliance between individuals well create avid cooperation.

A long-term goals would be to support the community with a early childhood center that will be beneficial to the community. It will have aspects of mentorship programs along with a vivid curriculum that will cause for creativity and discussion. This program will eventually educate individual in a sense that will allow them to learn more freely with visual tactics along with making learning fun and exciting.

This class has been a great joy to the end of my Master’s program in Early Childhood education. I have truly enjoyed every discussion written along with a deep analysis of each paper that I have contributed to the class. There has been a great amount of information that has been acquire along with new ideas and concepts that have contributed to gaining more concepts into the Early Childhood Education Field. This has truly been inspirational and I will miss every colleague along with the professors as well. Farewell all and I wish you great and massive success in your endeavors!

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

― Augustine of Hippo

 

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”

― Margaret Mead

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Plan International USA

http://www.planusa.org/our-history

 

This program is to providing real, lasting change for children and their communities across the globe while affecting their lives through education. This organization has been around since 1937 and has a great foundation along with great works of helping children globally!

 

World Vision International

http://www.worldvision.org/

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. They provide emergency assistance to children and families affected by natural disasters and civil conflict, work with communities to develop long-term solutions to alleviate poverty, and advocate for justice on behalf of the poor. This organization helps children reach their potential with active supporters, sponsorship, and reliance.

 

Care

http://www.care-international.org/

 

CARE is a major international humanitarian agency that delivers emergency relief and long-term international development projects. Care was founded in 1945 as a nonsectarian, impartial, and non-governmental program. This program is admirable due to the fact of their   four core values. These values are respect, integrity, commitment, and excellence which I feel is a large important aspect in education and helping individuals in need.

 

 

Jobs

2014-0292  05/13/2014  Research Data Analyst (Consultant)  Washington DC  Short-term Contract   Research/ Master’s Degree and 2 years of Data Analyst experience

2014-0290  05/02/2014  Grants and Contracts Finance Officer, Global Fund  Washington, DC

  Master’s Degree. Educational opportunities related

2014-0284  03/13/2014  Counselor - YUGA Leadership Summit  Bristol, RI  Temporary 

Experience working with Children. Masters or BA in Counseling

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

 

NC Educational Department of Health and Services:

The NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in collaboration with its partners, protects the health and safety of all North Carolinians, including children, and proves essential human services.

 

 The Communicable Disease Branch of the Division of Public Health primarily deals with infectious diseases that are reportable by law to the state health department, as well as a few other communicable diseases of public health significance, such as influenza, norovirus infection and certain healthcare-associated infections amongst children.

Educational requirements are as followed

Graduation from a four-year college/university.

Demonstrated legible handwriting, computer skills in Windows, Work Processing, Word and Data base entry. Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and through written documents. Must be able to drive vehicle and to work independently in non-handicapped accessible areas. Must have a valid NC driver’s license.

I chose this job due to the effect of helping families with potential illnesses along with educating others on health and safety.

 

EDUCATION ASSISTANCE BRANCH MANAGER, NF-5

Incumbent’s responsibility, first & foremost, is to lead by example, to shape & sustain a working environment most conducive to the successful performance of those entrusted to his/her leadership and direction; creating a positive atmosphere and culture within the Marine & Family Programs Division and its constituent branches that reflects the pride, professionalism, sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, collaborative engagement, well-being, and wholehearted customer focus of its employees is the incumbent’s essential purpose and focus of main effort.

 

Directly or indirectly through subordinate supervisors supervises employees.  Counsels and trains employees, schedules and directs work, appraises work performance.  Approves or disapproves leave, and personnel actions.  Must be alert to substance abuse and take appropriate action.

 

Five or more years of executive level experience, demonstrating a professional knowledge of current principle and techniques necessary to oversee career related and adult self-development education training/learning and financial management programs.  A Graduate Degree in a related field from an accredited college or university is required.

 

Alexander Youth Network is looking for a human service professionals interested in an opportunity as a Transition Coordinator at The On Ramp, one of the programs offered by The Relatives. Bachelor's degree in a related human service field required.  2 years' experience in human service field, working with transition age youth is preferred.

I chose this potion based upon helping others with the potential to educate themselves along with pinpointing their direction for their educational needs.

Transition Coordinator- The On Ramp- Charlotte, NC

The Relatives is an affiliate of Alexander Youth Network. While AYN focuses on servicing the mental health needs of children and families, The Relatives does not specifically focus on mental health needs. Individuals interested in working with the Relatives do not need necessarily need counseling or mental health experience.  The mission of The Relatives is to keep kids safe, families together, and prepare youth and young adults to be healthy, productive, and engaged members of the community. The Relatives serves young people who are experiencing crises due to homelessness and family discord, as well as those who have aged out of our public systems and lack the skills and support necessary to function as independent and productive adults.

 

There are three components that make up The Relatives: The Crisis Center, The On Ramp, and Journey Place. Through our crisis center, we provide a safe place and supportive resources for youth 7- 17 who often have no other place to go.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

 

Bachelor's degree in a related human service field required.  2 years’ experience in human service field, working with transition age youth is preferred.

I chose this position based upon he mere fact that children who are less fortunate or homeless need direction so that the can become productive in society.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Local/State Organizations

NC Child- http://www.ncchild.org

This organization is geared to helping children in terms of health, safety, well-educated, and economically secured communities that can inform and influence decision makers. This organization has reached more than 1.1 million children are enrolled in public health insurance programs due to the establishment of NC Health Choice. They have helped secure $2 million in additional funding for the NC Child Treatment Program, which serves children, adolescents, and families coping with serious psychological trauma or loss. Along with the passage of a comprehensive anti-bullying bill in 2009, all school districts in the state must implement and enforce an anti-bullying policy.

 

Learning Together- http://www.learningtogether.org/

This organization is a center in which inclusion of all individuals, no matter the disability, is incorporated. This center represents special needs children along with informing and practicing methods that incorporated essential developmental skills needed for life. During 1981, they moved to the Dorothea Dix Hospital campus to help individual students with developmental delays. From then on they have produced a means of helping children who need just a little more special attention.

 

Prevent Child Abuse-NC http://www.preventchildabusenc.org/

 

This organization, also known as PCANC, is the only statewide organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Through investment in innovative programs proven to prevent child maltreatment before it occurs, PCANC works with North Carolina’s communities to help build safe, stable, nurturing, and healthy relationships for all children.  Whereas their motto “

WE CAN ALL HELP NC CHILDREN HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY CHILDHOOD” remains as an important slogan captivating on taking action for each child and producing a means of promoting positivity along with having the envision of  a future without child abuse and neglect, where every child grows up to achieve his or her dream

Job Opportunities:

Child Care Administrator-The Goddard School

   -Standard Licensure

  - Administrator License III

  - 2 years of teaching experience

Adjunct Professor-Peace University

    -Masters Degree or at least 18 semester hours within the applied field

   -NC Teaching Licensure

  -2 years of Teaching Experience

  <a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/7808111/early_childhood"

          title="Wordle: early childhood"><img

          src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/7808111/early_childhood"

          alt="Wordle: early childhood"

          style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd"></a>

 

Reflection

Reflection:

This course has gone by completely fast. I feel that I have gained so much as an individual and feel the need to carry out these tools througout my educational expereinces. This will allow me to better enhance my communication skills and bring forth a sense of overall compassion for individuals, all while finding a means to bring forth numerous possibilities, commitment, and solutions to problems faced. I feel that this has provided me with a better sense to how certain families that respond and how to handle that response with great care and action. This has truly been a great experience that i have enjoyed. All of my classmates have truly helped along the way with the great discussion forums as well!

Adrea Reavis

Team development

Forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning are the five stages of team development. I feel that these stages represent how a "high-level" performing group should be. 

I feel that high-performing groups are hard to leave due to the fact of making positive connections with individuals that share the same drive and force that everyone shares in common. It creates a positive and inspiring group formation that can lead to having a positive light shed on everyones life.  It also establishes a high norm that creates an almost trusted means to complete a task and strive for a complete and better grade. I feel that these groups are hard to leave because everyone strives for a goal that is above average. Connections and friendships are formed as well leaving a positive impression and mark upon the world. 

While working on my master's degree program, I feel that I have a support group. I truly enjoy the discussion because they are interactive as well.This also places an impact on my life and individuals life's due to that fact that we all share something in common. This is "education". I truly enjoy reading the stories and life experiences as well during the overall discussions shared by my classmates. Adjourning is an essential stage for team work because it sets up a focal point for all of the group members.

Resolving Conflicts

A conflict that occured throughout at School was with one of my colleague teachers. During class I was in the middle of teaching and another student from a different classroom knocked on the door. He said that Mr. L wanted him to come in my classroom to take a test, and i informed the student that I was in the the middle of preparing my students for the library. Later on that day I received an evil look by this teacher. I later inform him that as per meeting earlier, extra students were not allowed in the classroom, and plue my students were going to be out of class any way. We began to talk and matters were erased as a misunderstanding. I feel thatit is best to communicate with others so that meands of knowing how to move past a situatuin can occur and become more open and honest. Along with having a reciprocal benefit of knowing how to communicate with others.

What is the one thing that surprised you the most? I was surprised of the initial response from the individuals who implied the reacotr facing all three of the characterlistics.Why? This was in part , due to them holding a higher expectation of me in a lighter aspect. What other insights about communication did you gain this week? I truly did not know that I was that aggressive in forms of conversational value. Even through i was at a moderate level, I feel that I should progress as an educator in order to make inital conversations positive. Lastly, I am proud that I have great listening skills. I feel that this will go hand in hand as being a professional educator! (sorry, Computer Malfunction)

Cultural Diversity/Communication

Cultural Diversity

 

I feel that I have an objective mindset due to how I was brought up and raised. My parents would introduce me to diverse individuals so that I could learn how to communicate effectively at a young age. I remember going to a diverse school in Texas and seeing all types of diverse individual. They wanted me to be aware of my surrounding all while learning how to accept individual and to not "Judge", being that it is not my place to do so. I feel that these experiences have allowed me to see and reach different perspectives along with helping others to sense this as well. throughout my class of high school students, which I currently teach, I try to incorporate diverse elements so that they can gain a broader concept of the world and know how to develop an effective communication style.

 

Being objective is not always easy. Sometimes the means of pondering upon thoughts as to how to approach a certain situation has to take effect before the actual discussion takes place. I feel that if an individual is unwilling to be receptive, the developing effective communication will not develop. However, if objectivity and even sincerity is expressed than means of being able to effectively communicate will surely develop.

Communication/TV Show

TV Show: "Community"

Throughout watching this show the means of communication was far stretched without volume.

Relationships

The characters relationships were estranged as a conflict was involved. Gestures of communication that were foreseen, non-verbally, were confused faces and intensity. There was a lot of moving hand gestures along with flaring eyes that developed some sense of estrangement and ponder amongst the group.

Feeling

Expressions that were used were sadness and anger as per conflict. Forms of built up animosity was foreseen as well along with tenses arms and shoulders and some form of blame throughout the others.

Assumptions

The "Community" was having a disagreement upon a subject. The individuals felt that one person stole and item out of the office and felt that they were masking the situation while blaming the others. I feel that if volume was put forth the entire time, then more accurate assumptions about the actual involvement of the others would have been known. I can somewhat read lips, however with sound more means of hearing the discussions and lines of communication would of brought it out in a lighter aspect

Competent Communication -EDUC 6165

Competent Communication

What behaviors does this person exhibit that make him or her effective? An individual that demonstrates complete competence throughout education is Maya Angelou. With her being an author and sharing her stories, poems, and speeches that act of communication is foreseen throughout all of these ties. She is also "hailed as a Global Renaissance Woman". I feel that she is a true master throughout her field of inspiring others to reach their dreams and most of all "think".


 Would you want to model some of your own communication behaviors after this person? I want to be able to share and talk about certain past traditions as well as knowledge to others in a way that they will be able to grasp it and understand it . I feel that she is also knowledgeable throughout her field and can inspire the youth as being an advocate mentor.


Why or why not? Yes, this is due to how Maya Angelou Portrays certain images that remain visual and clear to the reader and others. I feel that if I can develop this trait of storytelling, than means of inspiring and helping individuals will transpire.

Week 8 -6164

Week 8

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds (any format and any length)

A hope that I have for children and families who come from diverse backgrounds are build upon the matters of collaboration. If collaboration is involved than the means for communication, listening, and feedback can develop with the cycle of learning about others and building a more comfortable atmosphere for learning and corresponding to others. I feel that this can create enhanced means in society along with a better networking system that ca improve daily life overall.

One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice (any format and any length)

A goal that I would like to set forth in the early childhood field is to make sure that each student reaches their potential in a fair way. We, as educators, must insure equity and social justice for all individuals because it is the "right thing to do." We must learn how to communicate and share thoughts of feeling openly for discussion so that new concepts and ideas can develop.

A brief note of thanks to your colleagues

Lastly, I want to thank all of my colleagues for the great class discussions that were involved. These discussions have promoted new learning tools along with different ways upon pondering a specific topic. I have enjoyed all of these matters and will greatly insure that these discussions can take place amongst others, all while inspiring other educators.

 

Welcoming Families From Around the World-Week 7

Welcoming Families From Around the World

The name of “your” family’s country of origin

The family's county of origin is Russia. I do not know of the specifics but I feel that this  area has a unique for of cultural heritage, food, customs, and beliefs, I always wanted to visit this area due to the great custom buildings that they contain with interesting colors along with their museums and form of celebrating their culture with the world. I feel that Russia is truly rich in heritage, and that helping a child in America would be an interesting and exciting experience as that child learns about the U.S, and that I learn about Russia .

List five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family  

I will be culturally responsive towards this family by discussing diversity and forms that lie beneath the “skins” surface. I will also bring awareness of how individuals that are different create a means of collaboration and communication that will reach towards a record of shared responsibilities. I would prepare ways of integration within school as forms of ESL to the individuals from Russia. I would also brush up on the Russian dialect as well, which I fee is extremely important and an ideal way to communicate from the beginning.  I will also reveal that each diverse individual must be respected if that person wants the same respect back. I feel that it is essential to respect others and learn about them because means of gaining wisdom and life values can be taught to each individuals and person throughout the process. I feel that the younger generation needs to know and be aware of this as well. This is why the method of International Youth Day, which is August 12^th, should be a way to earn about different cultures, customs, beliefs, food, and other forms so that individual can be familiar with them. (The Importance of Teaching Kids about Other Cultures, 2010)

 

A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family.

Having these preparations can benefit the family entirely. It will cause them to branch out even more and reach out and learn about people and individuals different from them. Individuals can greatly learn from Russian heritage and incorporate some of those customs into their own lives as well. They can gain insight into the lives of others and how terms relating to these individuals can bring a greater concept and act of feeling towards them. It is entirely important to reach and gain knowledge from something that is diverse and different, because in tern it will impact the lives of individuals in a way that they did not expect. Learning about other cultures teaches us how to respect individuals customs, beliefs, morals and traditions all while learning ways of adjustment and ways to not discrimination against them. I feel that this will help my family to prepare for and even bond and connect with diverse individuals.

Reference:

The Importance of Teaching Kids about Other Cultures (2010) International Youth Day. Mind

Ware Blogs Accessed August 17, 2013 http://www.mindware.com/blog/index.php/the-importance-of-teaching-kids-about-other-cultures/

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

Blog: The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

   A former memory that I have which incorporated bias and prejudice was in my high school statistics honors class. I was the only “person of color” and thereby felt like an outcast due to the stares I was receiving. Due to the class being a high achievement class, the amount of individuals in color was lacking in few. Some individuals even made small gestures and phrases saying “Why is that Black girl in this class?” and others were abrupt saying “Hey Black girl, the regular class is down the Hallway.” I ignored all of the phrases and sayings that they spoke and begin to listen for my name in roll call. There was a girl from Russia, with a strange name and they immediately thought that is was me, because it sounded “Black”. Once my name was called everyone was in shock because to them it was “not an ethnic name.” I then constructed that math formulas on a daily basis and the teacher would praise me for getting the correct answer. Feelings of anguish and animosity developed because that could not believe that I was smart in math. Some individuals even called me a “cheater.” Later on throughout the semester an opportunity for greater equity developed. This was by individuals opening up to me and allowing for collaboration and growth to develop. They began to converse with me and soon realize that I was meant to be in the classroom. I even had students come up to me for classroom help. Towards the end of the semester I had the highest grade in that class and felt and overall achievement hence the barriers that I faced.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of a microaggression?

 

One example of microagression, simplified as micro insult, happened at work a year ago. The school that I worked at was predominantly an all white school. I was the only African- American, Light-Skinned, teacher and there was one other teacher that was Hispanic. One day we had to switch classes and sub for a teacher. As I went into the classroom the other teacher came back to explain her procedures as to how her room set-up was displayed. As she told me how her process went she told me of how when the children have ‘Art time’ the teacher can pick the music that she/he want’s to listen to. Then she said “If you want Rap music, it has to be appropriate for the class.”

 

I was greatly offended. For one thing she used a basic “stereotype” for an  African-American/Black individual. I then said “I don’t listen to that type of music”, she said “Oh I’m so sorry, I thought you were Black, so sorry.” By then one of the parents called her to have a meeting with the students, thereby I was free to clear my mind and think of the situation that just happened. Because of my appearance she assumed that I preferred “rap music”, then she took a closer look at my appearance and through that I was of a different race. Instead she did not look at my character or personality to determine what type of music I prefer. And better yet, still to this day she does not know that I enjoy “Classical Music”

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

 

Angela P. (Age 50, Upper-class, Boutique Owner) Her definition of culture relates to one’s own true heritage that can be passed down from each generation to generation along with being a “social hierarchy”. Diversity means that forms of different ethnic groups exist along with a diverse form of religions, traditions, customs, and beliefs that can enhance society and cause for a form of impacting the way that people comprehend.

Haya B.(Age 20, Indian, Sales Associate) Culture is the behavior and way of life for an individual that cherishes customs, traditions, and beliefs passed down from generation to generation. Diversity is commemorated into language and communication governed with the laws of society.

 

Deborah R. (Age 25, Puerto-Rican, and Music Teacher) Culture is the way of life of an entire society that includes forms of manners, dress, language, and morality, certain rituals, and norms of behavior. It can also be entailed through food, clothing, and even music. Diversity is a form of being diverse or different in society carrying certain traits that set you apart from the others.

 

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples?

 

In the course of this study many forms of culture and diversity have been displayed throughout the text. In culture is the customs, traditions, and beliefs that are passed down along within signifying traits of the “dominate” culture. In terms of diversity the means of being different throughout society that plays a part in ethnicity and heritage.

Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission?

Aspects that have been omitted were the form of “morality” and “rituals” that take effect in an individual’s diverse patterns of diversity. These two aspects have to be included because it reveals a person’s morals that can be taught or gained through one’s own culture along with how customs and beliefs fit within them. The aspect on “rituals” relates to a close tie with an religion aspect that can be expressed through ones diversity.

In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?

 

Ways about thinking about other definitions of culture and diversity has allowed me to gain insight as to how different cultures think. All of the individuals that I interviewed had basically the same answer except they were tailored in their own way. It broadened up the aspect of how culture and diversity is expressed within my community along with different communities other my own.

My Family Culture

My Family Culture

 

Three objects that I would take to this other area would be The Bible, a translator device, and a picture book. The symbolizations are below:

The Bible- Traditional customs and beliefs based on my family that has been taught and passed on to each generation in regards to our faith.

 

Translator- a device that would be used as a mechanism to communicate with other individuals

 

Famly Photo Book- memoirs of families of new and past generations that would be kept as a memento

If I had to take one object, this would result in being the Bible because it signifies the root of my family along with providing a tool and reference to survival and respect of others along with ourselves. This blog is interesting and has through me which traditions and customs that I value to most.

When I thnk o Research

When I think of Research……

 

Insights gained from research from taking this course has been the extent of developing trueness and validity in a study. It has broadened my aspect as to how detailed and accurate a researcher has to be in order to get a valid result for the research of study.

 

Ideas about the nature of doing research have changed being to the fact that is highly extensive. Having the right amount of collected data along with significant resources for research is highly crucial in developing a great study for the community and for other colleagues as well.

 

Lessons in planning, designing, and conducting research for early childhood has certain steps and quality’s to follow so that an individual’s study can coincide in an accurate manner. Designing a model was interesting and therefore helped outline the basis of the study research, all while developing a precise model.

 

Challenges faced throughout the course and research design study was the fact on making sure that the actual model was not deficient. Ways of having a deficient model can occur throughout a researchers own bias and notion of subjectivity. Thereby, the idea of looking at all aspects was entirely crucial in making sure that research wont develop a form of “homogeneity.” (Mac Naughton, Rolfe & Siraj-Blatchford 2010 )

 

Ways in which my professional perceptions have been modified are through concepts of essentialism and equity. Having a fair and justified form of study can make research more clear and apparent to the community. It can also help the community all while developing and understanding all women, men, children, families, different ethnic groups with full  representation that can make a powerful and positive form in a research study.

 

Lastly, I want to thank all of my colleagues that had a part in this class to building stepping stones of building research competencies. It was a pleasure to discussion matters of early childhood education with you all.

 

Reference:

Naughton, Mac Glenda, Rolfe, A. Sharne, Siraj-Blatchford, Iram. (2010) Doing Early Childhood

 

                    Research International Perspectives on Theory & Practice: Direct Observation.  Mc-

 

                     Graw Hill Education .

Research Around the World

Research Around the World
What are some of the current international research topics?

On the international website, The Early Childhood Australia, some of the current international research topics include the need of Federal Budgets for prior years. It revealed that in the early years of the field of early education, there was a decrease in the lack of investment by the federal government for Australia, which also put families in bind who needed help for affording early childhood education for their children. It also reveal’s that they are facing some of the same experiences that the US is facing for any matter concerning children in the early childhood category.

 

 

What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website? A surprising insight from this international website was the need to increase support for children with disabilities that include access to quality education and that education has to begin from  birth to all children. This is a great concept that should also be incorporated in the US, because it implies the need for children to receive fair education, no matter if they have a disability or not.

 

What other noteworthy information did you find on this website? Other Noteworthy information found on this website was their Catalogue. The catalogue provides a means of tons of information that can impact their views and help them to understand the educational world better. It is also a great resource for teachers who want to increase their overall knowledge and impact their own classroom even more. This catalogue is a great valuable tool.