Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions”(Oliver Wendell Holmes)

Completing my Master’s degree has been a goal I set out to accomplish in the last three years due to the changing credentials demands of the workforce.  After working as an owner/director in childcare, I realized that I wanted to remain involved in children’s life.  My goal was to become a consultant or early care specialist assisting other providers with quality improvement of their program.  That goal changed because I realized that by teaching adults in early childhood education I would make an impact on the lives of children. Therefore, I did some research at the local community and two year colleges and realized that my bachelor’s degree was not enough to teach at that level.

My journey started and now it is ending, which is bitter sweet because I will miss my classmates, the blogs, discussions, research, writing assignments and receiving comments, and inspiring feedback from everyone involved. I also realized that the knowledge and experience I bring to this program have been inspiring to my classmates as they start or continue their early childhood journey in the field.

A deeply felt learning experience from this program is my passion for early childhood education will never end because children and family without a voice need someone to be that voice.  Also that I must continue working with educators, researchers, advocates, and policy makers to safeguard the well-being of children.  The disparity and inequality that is current in low-income communities must end.  Advocates are feverishly collaborating with nonprofit organizations, state government and researchers to improve curriculum, professional development and funding opportunities to early care providers so that they can improve the quality of care they provide to children and families.

I learned that as an educator, my education may be complete for now, but I will continue learning as I move on to teach students at the local college.  I know that continuing to advocate for young children to influence their lives is still my number one mission.  I will accept any opportunity to collaborate and advocate for the well-being of children.  Thank you for supporting my journey.

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.  Anyone who keeps learning stays young.  The greatest thing is to keep your mind young” (Henry Ford).

 My long-term goal is to remain focused on how to improve opportunities for all children especially those that are undeserved. I also want to have an impact on the lives of young teachers entering the early childhood education field, by passing on my knowledge and experience.

As this course comes to a completion, I want to say that it was a privilege working with Johanna Darragh and classmates in every course at Walden University.  You all have been my computer friends every week as I look forward to discussing and blogging with you.  You inspired me to excel in my research and writing assignments to ensure that I present the information so it makes sense.  Instructor Darragh, you have been a constant wealth of information with your comments and feedback. Thank you.  I know that future students will have a great instructor.  My current classmates, I wish all of you nothing but the best as you continue you early childhood education journey now and in the future. Each of you have a challenge that you will accomplish now or in the near future.  If you need to collaborate with me, please feel free to contact me.  I wish you all much success with your future endeavors in the early childhood education field.  My hope is that in the near future we can collaborate on a project that will improve the lives of children.  Keep in touch!  Missing you all!

Emily.carter2@yahoo.com – (404) 867-4799 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The job opportunities at the following international organizations that appealed to me are:

1. Save the children – Save The Children

This organization offers educators the opportunity to focus and work with others to keep our promise to children and families.  The mission is to “inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children” (Savethechildren.org). It is also “investing in the future of children by empowering families to support themselves” (Savethechildren.org).

The job opportunity I found interesting was a Nutrition Program Technical Director to work in Anta kaya, Turkey, overseeing the Infant and Young Child Feeding program in Northern Syria.

This sounds like a fascinating position because it aligns with my experience as an early care provider and with my current job as a Monitoring/trainer/education advisor to early care and adult providers that are participating on the Child and Adult food program.  “A key priority of this role is to work day to day with the National Technical Coordinator building their capacity in technical and program management skills, with the aim of transferring this capacity to the Nutrition field team” (savethechildren.org)

The educational requirements are a Master’s degree in nutrition or related education field and the ability to be fluent in Arabic. The candidate will be responsible for providing day to day coaching on technical and program management skills and dissemination of capacity building to field personnel.  It also requires identifying and providing learning and training opportunities for the staff and partners, which includes functioning as a mentor and role model for the less experience staff.  I would need to learn Arabic and take a few nutrition courses to be a successful candidate.

2. United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO.  The United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), goal is to “work to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and people” (UNESCO).  The focus is to have sustainable developments through mutual respect and globally alleviate poverty. This organization appealed to me because the mission is to bring about world peace by eradicating poverty through educating people and governments on how to work with each other culturally.  I have lived in a country with poverty-stricken communities and wish this organization were around to assist the people and the government.  As an educator, I believe that understanding cultural diversity will be a tremendous to the nation as they become more acceptable of others through education and dialogues. I want to make a difference in the world and UNESCO would allow me to travel to regions of the world that need my experience and knowledge.

The career opportunities varies with specific requirements such as, the candidate must be “competent, dynamic and flexible, professional with creative thinking skills, proactive and responsive. They must also have strong personal integrity, fair-minded, impartial, and respectful of cultural diversity” (UNESCO). The educational requirements are very strict in that you must have an advance degree in culture, education, social, and human science, communication and business.  You have to be fluent in other languages such as English and French and a working knowledge Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, or Russian. You must have integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity and culture. I know I possess some of these requirements but learning another language will be the challenge.

3. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD

The organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) mission is to “promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world” (OECD).  This organization appealed to me because it provides a forum for governments to work and share experiences that will improve the economic and social environments of their country.  If this goal can be accomplished it will have a positive affect the daily lives of people.

The position that appealed to me was the Junior Research Assistant to the Secretary General – Implementing strategic vision for the organization by ensuring that the policies of the organization is on the cutting edge of what is needed by the stakeholder at the G20.  This sounds like a fascinating position although it is temporary, I believe it will allow me to learn what other governments are concerned about regarding the social well-being of their people.  I will also have the opportunity to research policies and provide resources to the secretary general as he presents new and corrective policies.

The responsibilities are to support the Secretary General in preparing materials, talking points etc., including working closely with directors as the coordinate imputs for the missions and meetings.  Remain abreast of all global policies and economic agenda. The educational requirement is an advance degree in economics which mean I would need to further my education to add economics, including having a good command of English or French.

I would welcome the opportunity to work for any of these organizations.

Reference

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/

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

National and Federal organizations

The three national organizations that I would like to be a part of base on their mission and vision for the well-being of children are as follows:

Too Small to Fail – http://toosmall.org/

“Too Small to Fail aims to help parents and businesses take meaningful actions to improve the health and well-being of children ages zero to five, so that more of America’s children are prepared to succeed in the 21st century” (toosmalltofail.org).  I choose this organization because it is new and have great backing because it is part of the Clinton Global Foundation.  Being a part of this organization would allow me to collaborate with professionals globally. I will be able to learn about other countries’ early care programs.

This is not a position base organization, but do have board members and blogs that members can provide their input on policies or issues that is being discussed.  I think the ideal position, would be a member, blogger, or parent advisor, where I can interact and share information regarding the current issues trending about early childhood education.  The person for this positioan would neeed to have the ability to communicate with parents, caregivers and other concerned individuals.  A degree in early childhood education is mandatory and the ability to share a big stage with others sharing and informing others of the need to invest in children.

National Black Child Development Institute – http://www.nbcdi.org/who-we-are/affiliates

This organization mission is about improving and advancing the quality of life for Black children and families.  They are dedicated to supporting the development of a high quality, accessible, affordable early care, and education for children birth through eight years old.  They collaborate with affiliates and national partners to focus on the particular strengths and needs of black children and families.  One particular goal is to ensure that all children are reading proficiently by the end of 3^rd grade (nbcdi.org).  I have had the opportunity to work with this organization in the past when I was pursuing NAEYC accreditation.

If I a position were available to work at this organization, it would be work as a Consultant/Education Specialist working with early care providers by providing them with resources, technical advice, and all the support they would need to pursue quality improvement in their program.  I believe that the position would require a person that is educated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Development.  They must have experience so that they guide and help others improve the quality of care and education being provided in early care programs.  The person must be able to train teachers, work flexible hours, and be hands on person who will work with any provider from daycare homes to learning centers.

National Association of Early childhood Teachers and Educators – http://www.naecte.org/

This organization is geared to early childhood professionals by promoting professional growth and advocating for improvements in the field. It provides a communication network for educators where they can exchange ideas and resources. They work with national and international organizations through conferences and webinars. The website has a variety of resources such as early childhood journals, position papers for professions and teachers to utilize.

This organization accepts advertisements for positions or events of interest to early childhood teacher educators. The positons listed are for directors and factuality members of colleges and early care programs.   None of the jobs really appealed to me right now because they are out of state. However, I would consider a faculty position, teaching at a community college or career academy passing on my experience to others. The requirements for the position would be at least a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, experience working with early care professionals, and the ability to utilize resources such as journals, position papers, article, and books. Be able to conduct conferences and seminars informing others of research and practice.

Reference

http://www.naecte.org/

http://www.nbcdi.org/who-we-are/affiliates

http://toosmall.org/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three organizations and communities of practice that appealed to me are, Bright From The Start Department of Early Care and Learning, Quality Care for Children and Voices for Georgia Children.  I believe that these organizations share similar missions that are to improve the quality of early care experiences and school readiness for children in Georgia.

Bright From The Start, Department of Early Care and Learning are a state agency that is responsible for for “meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families” (decal.ga.us).  The agency oversees a wide range of programs that is focused primarily on children ages to birth to school age and their families.  They are the licensing and monitoring agency for all center and home base facilities, the child and adult food program, Lottery Funded Pre-K program, and administer the federal Child Care and Development Fund and many others.

Quality Care for Children is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “ensure that Georgia’s infants and young children are nurtured 
and educated “(Qcc.org).  This organization is a resource and referral source for parents, childcare providers, and community leaders.  They work with parents with assistance in finding childcare in their community.  They also work with providers assisting them to improve the quality of care they provide to families.

Voices for Georgia Children- Their mission are to be a “powerful, unifying voice for a public agenda that ensures the well-being of all of Georgia’s children” (georgiavoices.org).  This organization ultimate mission is providing research base information to legislation to guide them make decisions for Georgia’s children.

The job opportunities that is currently available and interest me at these organizations are as follows:

At Bright From the Start – the job that would appeal to be is ‘Professional Development System Coordinator. At Quality Care for Children – Early Care and Education Specialist and Voices for Georgia’s Children only had one position that I don’t feel interested in pursuing, it the position for the Executive Director.

The skills and experience that I would need to competently fulfill each of these roles are as follows: At Bright From The Start the position requires good communication and understanding of early childhood educators and knowledge about resources to assist in meeting professional development needs. Ability to manage, monitor evaluates and reports progress of grantee agencies in meeting the goals as planned and approved in the contracts. Assist grantees in budgeting and controlling expenditures of federal grant funds. Be able to provide leadership, management, training and work collaboratively with other state agencies. Qualifications needed are a Bachelor’s degree in education and four years’ experience in management of the administrative support activities of a business.

At Quality Care for Children – The Early Care and Education Specialist position requires experience and skills with coordination, technical assistance, and training. Ability to develop quality improvement plans for childcare providers and the ability to identify the needs of parents and community by coordinating information sessions. Be able to distribute grants base on the needs of childcare programs and complete monthly reports. A Bachelor’s degree in Education, child development is required. Must be a State approved Trainer and have working experience in the childcare settings. The candidate must have strong organization skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, and proficient in using Microsoft software. The candidate must have knowledge of National accreditation standards and assessments.

At Voices for Georgia’s Children, the position is for an Executive Director and requires competency in strategic planning and implementation, resource development and management, leadership, talent development, communications, outreach, public affairs and working with children. It requires a Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in social services or public policy. The experience needed includes eight plus years of progressive leadership with a nonprofit management, public administration, government affairs or communications.

References

http://decal.ga.gov/BftS/DecalJobs.aspx

http://qualitycareforchildren.org/about-careers

http://georgiavoices.org/career-opportunities/

 

Adjourning a Group

Adjourning a group 

As an early childhood educator, I have been a team member and team leader of many groups and most of the groups I was a part of adjourn on a positive note. A few did not adjourn but just ended with not notice or consideration for the team members.

However, in reading the article ‘The five stages of team development”, are a few groups that it was hard to say good bye. The group consisted of several early care directors, teachers, consultants, parents, and school principals involved in a group to bring awareness of the education gap that was occurring in our community. The objective was to find ways such as stakeholders, state representatives, and grantees who would commit on a long-term basis to help the local community solve the issue. This project ended well we, the project was completed on time, and we had a luncheon celebration. Base on the article this was a good way of adjourning the team, “The leader ensured that there was time for the team to celebrate the success of the project and capture best practices for future use” (Abudi, 2010). This group really did not adjourn because we worked on other projects related to early childhood education in the community, which allowed us to continue sharing our experiences.

I believe that there were groups that were high performing that I have been involved in that at times I wanted to quit mid project and others that I could not wait to finish the project so we could celebrate the success. Some of this group did not set clear expectations as to the end goal of the project. The ones that I was the team leader, I made sure that we followed the five stages of team development, but still met with rejections and team members that did not share that I was capable of being the team leader. Most of the groups that was hardest to say goodbye to were the early childhood partnerships because we brought so much experience to the table. The other groups that I wanted to end fast were church councils, and family related that were extremely stressful.

I am a course away from earning my master’s degree and it would be sad adjourning this group. Honestly, I hope that I can remain in contact with my colleagues so that we can continue to support each other in the future. I have enjoyed being part of these groups from course to course and have learned from each team member. On this has journey to achieve my degree, I have been a part of a group in every course I have taken and sad to say, no one has ever reached out. I have always given my personal email and phone number, but no one has ever called or email. I have however been in contact with former instructors.

I believe that adjourning is essential stage teamwork because “This stage looks at the team from the perspective of the well-being of the team rather than from the perspective of managing a team through the original four stages of team growth” (Abudi, 2010). The project has to end some day and if the team was conducted following the other stages, then adjourning should be easy but sad.

 

Reference

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from

http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

Strategies to resolve disagreement or Conflicts

 

Strategies to resolve disagreement or Conflicts

The conflict that I recently experienced with a colleague was about how to present a document to the committee so that it would be coherent for everyone to comprehend.  The colleague could not understand what I was stating to her and kept getting frustrated and upset.  The issue was the way the monthly budget report was written so that everyone can understand it to make an informed decision on spending. The colleague became agitated and began to shout at me stating that the report was fine for the others and it should be the same for me.  The issue here is that the others on the committee did not understand it but went along with it so not to upset her because they knew her personality.

The two strategies used were to first use active listening skills, along with understanding the root of the conflict so that I could use productive conflict strategy and minimizing the provocation.  I did not want my colleague to feel I was accusing her or that she was incompetent. I also used the 3 R’s to be able to dissolve the conflict/disagreement so that we both could reflect on what caused the conflict.  I stopped talking to allow her to blow off her steam and when she was done, I ask her to explain the document to the group.  As she started to do this, she realized that the document was confusing to her as well.  She proceed to explain that this was the way the document was given to her from the previous committee so she  continued using it and never thought to make changes.  At that point, I apologize for any misunderstanding and told her that I was concerned because the document was confusing. I did not want to upset her or change the way she did her job, just wanted to make the document comprehensible for everyone.

I also use the 3 R’s to be able to be respectful, reciprocal, and responsive to diffuse the conflict.  I respected her opinion, allowed her to state her case, and responded tactfully.   By learning to use the ideas of relationship to be respectful of others through observation of her verbal, non-verbal behaviors, I was able to avoid the situation getting worse.

How would you handle this situation?  Should I have made it a different decision?

Evaluating Myself as a Communicator

In evaluating myself through the quizzes, I realize that base on the questions; I scored from mild to high range on listening, communication anxiety, and verbal aggression.  After reviewing all of the scores and reviewing the questions, I answered; I realize that I need to take a closer look at how I communicate with others on areas such as my communication anxiety.  This area showed that I am comfortable with any communication situation and is confident in anticipation of such encounter.  In the Listening styles, I am people, action, content and time oriented.  This shows that I am very particular in how I communicate with others. The verbal aggression scores, shows that I never engage in verbal aggression or personal attacks.

I believe that the one area that I did not realize was so significant or surprising in my communication style is that I scored high on a question and the results indicated that “I often resort to character attacks and ridicule when talking to others who do not share my view point” (Laureate, 2014).  I believe this is incorrect because it is not something that I have ever done in my life.  I know I have a zero tolerance for people who constantly repeat the same thing repeatedly and I will ask them to wrap it up.

I realized that there are areas of communication that I need to pay close attention to how I interact with others and not come across as too aggressive.

The other insight I gained is that I need to curb my anxiety level when communicating depending on the situation.

Different Styles of Communicating

Different Styles of Communication

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

 

This question is one that I never thought about because; I do not believe that I communicate differently with people from different groups and cultures.  However, I did a deeper analysis of my communication style this week and learned that I do communicate differently. When communicating with people from my own culture such as family and close friends, I tend to be more open and direct and use more cultural verbal and non-verbal language, body language and gestures are different.  In a professional setting,

However, when I communicate with people from other cultures regardless of their race, I am more reserved and tend to think very hard about what I am saying and how I say it.  I do this to not offend them or make them feel that I do not appreciate their culture. I tend to use better grammar and slow down my speech pattern to allow the other person to understand what I was saying.  I also find myself listening more carefully to understand the message they communicating to me.

The three strategies I would use to help me communicate more effectively are:

• Utilize the “Platinum Rule” at all times when communicating with people. Do not ever judge the other person because they may look and speak different to you.
• Do your best to actively listen to what the other person is communicating to you.
• Be very observant of the other person’s verbal, non-verbal and body language and behaviors. Always treat people regardless of culture, race, and religion with respect.

Communication through body language

Communicating through body language and facial expressions

Communication is not always straightforward – The show that I watched was “Shark Tank”; I do not normally watch this show but decided to record it last night and then watched a portion of the show to be able to write about my experience on this communication. It “featured a panel of five wealthy entrepreneurs who are called “sharks”. Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Robert Herjavec, Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John and Lori Greiner were the investors this third season. The panel evaluates and negotiates investment proposals from entrepreneurs” (sharktankzone.com).

What I realized from watching this show in the mute was that I could only read the facial expressions and gestures of the characters in the show. I understood some of what was going on base on their body language, gestures, and nonverbal behaviors. As the text states, “Non-verbal communication is the process of intentionally or unintentionally signaling meaning though behaviors other than words” (O’Hair & Wiemann, 2012). I realize that some of the facial expressions, body language, and gesture were negative and positive to some extend and they were accompanied by verbal language. They were bargaining and making deals that seem to upset the other person on the panel.

I realized that the panelist position on the show is to either become partners or not in the investment proposals from entrepreneurs. They would give advice, negotiate a deal or totally disagree with the entrepreneur and express dissatisfaction or interest in the proposal. These panelists are some hard nose business people and can be extremely negative and discouraging as well as positive and encouraging especially if it is an investment they could make money.

When I turned it on to hear the sounds I realize that on some situations I was correct in what was being said and at times, I was wrong. The two entrepreneurs I watched were the Veteran selling K-9 meal bars and the other was selling illumination lights that fold up. The reality for me was that there are situations when verbal language is very important to convey a message because the nonverbal language may not be interpreted correctly. Moreover, that we may assume certain meanings with nonverbal language that is not necessarily correct.

This made me realize that when I am interpreting for my mom, that I could be conveying the incorrect message she is trying to get across. I now realize how hard and frustrating it is for her to communicate with us or anyone so that they are understand exactly what she is trying to say.

I also realize that if it were a show that I normally watch; I would have known what Kevin was saying when he made a comment that is normally negative.

Reference

O’Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St.

 

Martin’s.

http://www.sharktankzone.com/

 

 

Communication

The person who I feel demonstrates competent communications within a particular context is our President Barak Obama.  I feel that Mr. President is one of a kind communicator especially when he is delivering a speech.  He demonstrates communication skills in his verbal and nonverbal behaviors.  His body language and facial expression is always poise and competent.  He commands the attention of his audience and keep them engage as he present his topic.  I believe that he is effective because he is a great orator and his audience is captivated by his messages. I believe that he brings a certain style of engagement and interactions with people.  I definitely would want to model some of my own communication behaviors after President Obama.