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.

Experiences in Communicating with Diverse people

At my workplace, a Title I school in an urban area, I interact with diverse people on a daily basis.  Many of the people I communicate with are economically diverse, ethnically diverse, and have diverse language abilities.  I often find myself speaking slightly slower and using more animated hand and facial gestures than I normally would, when I'm communicating with people whose first language is other than English.
 
According to Beebe  there are a few strategies I can try to improve my intercultural communication competence (2011):
 

• Develop an appropriate knowledge:  taking the time discover how others use communication codes (verbal and nonverbal).  Asking questions and listening, all the while taking in cues about their norms, roles, and rules.

• Develop motivation:  to develop a desire to improve from within.  Be mindful of cultural differences and use self-talk when uncomfortable feelings arise.

• Develop skill:  to increase awareness to the communication behaviors of others and adapt one's behaviors in order to increase communication effectiveness (other-oriented).  Being aware of the thoughts, perspectives, and emotions of others when I am communicating.

Reference:
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Communication Observation

Keeping Up with the Kardashians is a show I have never watched, but have heard about for years.  I watched an episode with the sound on and off in order to make comparisons of their verbal and nonverbal communication.

With the sound off, the character's seem to have a fun and loving relationships with one another.  They smile, hug,laugh, and make eye contact when speaking to one another.  At times they express some personal opinions based on their eye movements (eye rolling), facial expressions (lips pursed) and body language (hands on hips).  They seem to have personal and professional relationships with one another because I saw them in the home setting and in a professional meeting setting. 

With the sound on, I discovered my assumptions about the Kardashians were mostly correct.  They demonstrate a loving and caring relationship, as a family.   When they talk with one another they listen and make eye contact.  I learned they sometimes struggle to balance their personal and professional relationships, but through consistent communcation they work through it!