Time Well Spent

Three significant learnings from this program

• Advocacy:  I have learned that advocates are needed in the field who seek to better the care and education of young children.  Advocacy  requires risk-taking, research, and support from other professionals in the field.  Also, parents and educators need to have a voice so their concerns and needs are recognized and considered.
• Research:  I have learned that all professionals in the field of early childhood education need to maintain an up-to-date and worldly perspective through research.  Research provides new ideas and information to support decision-making and positive response efforts to challenges.  Research also has an positive impact when used by early educators to integrate best practices.
• Ways to respond to current issues/concerns:    I learned that developing a community of practice is critical in order to effectively respond to an issue, within the field.  A community of practice shoud include diverse people in their professional knowledge and experience, in order to have a broadened perspective.   

Long-term goal

• I'm working towards a leadership role within the U.S. Department of Education.  I'm hoping to play a key role in decision making process for the direction of early childhood education in our country.

Farewell

• I'm very proud of our work together!  I have learned so much about research from Dr. Teri.  I have also learned from my colleagues through your personal and professional insights, experiences, and goals!  Thank you all for your support, openness, and resourcefulness.  I hope you all achieve your goals and continue to make a positive impact on young children!  Graduation....is here!!!!!

  

Early Childhood International Roles and Job Opportunities

I researched several international organizations who are working to affect positive change in the field of early education and care.  Here are three which I found to be doing interesting work and offering interesting opportunities:

1. FHI 360 (http://www.fhi360.org/):  This is a nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of people in many ways (health, education, economic, etc.).  When I visited their website I found their work to be very interesting and it resonated with me that they seek to find solutions, so all people can achieve their personal best.  One job opportunity which is currently posted in their career center is a Director, Education Research & Evaluation.  This job requires a strong leader with a background in education and a strong desire to improve the education for underserved children.  Strong presentation and research skills are necessary, as well.
2. Save the Children (http://www.savethechildren.org):  This organization interests me because they collaborate with various organizations and government agencies to support communities and families get the help they need.  Currently, there is an job opportunity for an Early Steps Coordinator.  This position requires experience with young children and families, ability to build and maintain relationships, and screening children.  Travel and experience with computers is also required.  The job interests me because it allows for close work with families, through home visits, to help them integrate pre-literacy acitivities in the home environment.
3. UNICEF ( http://www.unicef.org/):  UNICEF is an international organization which works to better the lives of children through survival development, education, and protection.  UNICEF has a new program titled New and Emerging Talent Initiative (NETI).  This program interests me because it is a program designed to recruit professionals with a desire and passion to change the lives of children.  Candidates selected for a position must have effective communication skills, initiative, ability to probem solve, and the ability to successfully collaborate with colleagues and people within the community. 

Jobs in the Early Childhood Community at the National or Federal Level

Here are some early childhood organizations at the National or Federal Level which I believe provide great career opportunities for early childhood professionals:

1. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC- http://www.naeyc.org/):  NAEYC is a national organization that works to better the development and education for young children.  They use research, collaboration, publications, training, and accreditation to accomplish their goals.  Currently, there are three career opportunities; one of them titled Senior Director of the NAEYC Academy.  This job interests me because it is a leadership position which supports the standards-based accreditation of early childhood programs.  An advanced degree in early childhood or development and experience in management is required.
2. National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER- http://nieer.org/):  NIEER is an organization which conducts research and communicates the results through publications in order to improve the instruction of young children.  Currently, there are openings for Data Collectors which require a Master's degree and some classroom experience.
3. Association of Early Learning Leaders (http://www.naccp.org/):  This association works to support child care administrators by providing resources and professional development programs.  I was unable to locate any specific job opportunities; however, I think it would be interesting to work as a professional development coordinator for this association because I could meet diverse child care professionals from all over the country and support them with quality training.

Exploring Roles in the AZ early Childhood Community

There are many local and state organizations that appeal to me due to their efforts to support the healthy development and education of young children.  Here are some of the organizations which I believe play a role in positively impacting early childhood education and that I would be proud to work for:

1. First Things First (http://www.azftf.gov/Pages/default.aspx):  They  work towards a child and family centered education for children birth to age five.  The organization provides a plethora of parental resources as well as research -based information regarding early childhood education.  I am drawn to their work because they have implemented a program to support early programs improve their early education for young children and families (called Quality First).  There are several job opportunities available but only one interests me: Parent Awareness and Community Outreach Coordinator.  This position requires strong organizational skills, the ability to work flexible hours, public speaking skills, and the ability to multi-task efficiently.
2. Association for Supportive Child Care (http://www.asccaz.org/index.html): This assocation works to ensure Arizona's children receive quality care.  They refer families to quality care providers, support the accreditation process, and provide training for providers, families, and chidlren.  This organization resonates with me because of their excellent standing on our state and longevity of their services (since 1978).  They have no employment opportunities available at this time. 
3. Arizona Head Start Association (http://www.azheadstart.org/index.php):  This association provides school readiness programs which address the health, social, and educational needs of low-income children and families.  I am interested in the work of Head Start because of their long standing determination to provide quality services to low SES children, so they have a solid foundation when entering school.  Currently, they have a position open for an Early Childhood Coach .  This position requires the ability to coach other educators on ways they can improve their practice and the delivery of their program.

Adjourning our class

Well... it is hard to believe our class is coming to an end!  I appreciate working and learning with all of you.  Thank you for sharing your personal and professional experiences, as it has enriched my learning and understanding of the work other professionals are doing within the field.  Best of luck in your degree track and in your educational goals!

 

The adjourning phase

I have participated in many groups/committees throughout my professional career.  Some groups were more cohesive and effective than others and therefore varied in the ways they adjourned at the completion of the project.  When comparing the groups that were hardest to leave to the groups it felt comfortable adjourning I was able to to identify some critical attributes of effective groups.  The most effective groups were also the hardest to leave because they were high-performing and goal driven.  These groups established clear norms for all members/participants and came to consensus on the goals they were working towards.  It was hard to leave these groups because we worked so hard to achieve our goals and when we did there was reason to celebrate but not to continue working together.  Most of the groups I've worked with adjourned through a luncheon and a final sharing of ideas and information in regards to achieved goals.

I imagine adjourning from my Walden colleagues by sharing our next steps and goals after graduation.  I believe the adjourning stage is critical to teamwork because it allows all participants to celebrate and recognize achievements and to evaluate the steps taken to achieve goals.  Through evaluation members can identify the best practices that can be used for future projects.

Comparing communication styles

I asked my sister and coworker to evaluate my communication anxiety using an inventory.  The results from my personal inventory revealed mild communication anxiety, known as "situational."  My sister and coworker evaluations revealed low communication anxiety.  This information didn't surprise me because they have both seen me communicate in small group and public speaking events.  I believe I am able to "hide" my nerves/anxiety in these settings because they are mild.

One thing that somewhat surprised me were the results of the listening styles profile.  When I evaluated myself  I was in the people oriented group; however, my coworker placed me in the action oriented group.  This prompted me to reflect on the ways I can communicate in various settings.  I discovered that I am an overall people oriented listener; however, I do tend to be an action oriented listener in the professional setting.  In the future I intend to blend the two styles to maintain an effective, yet empathetic listening style at work.