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.