Time Well Spent!!!!

Three DEEPLY felt learnings from this program would be: (1) Great work takes an extensive amount of time, patience, and countless revisions! (2) This program has taught me about perseverance and realizing within myself that I have the strength to give and keep going even when I have nothing left. (3) Greatness is in all of us but can only shine when you pull it out of you for the world to see. When I started this program, I had so many doubts…the biggest one being was I smart enough to obtain a master’s degree. My parents never went to college and here I was going above and beyond! Overall, this program has taught me to believe in myself and know that I have all the capabilities needed to be phenomenal!

                                              

One long-term goal that I have is to become the owner of a natural-themed, organic-based early learning facility that offers high-quality child care for children and a parent program for their parents that will assist them with achieving employment/educational goals by providing adequate, effective resources. In all of my years as an early childhood professional, I have realized that providing a program to assist parents in achieving these objectives is just as vital as offering high-quality care to their children. I envision my early learning center being NAEYC-accredited, the highest of quality, and affordable to all in need.

                                                   

I cannot believe that this is finally the end! I have looked forward to the light at the end of this tunnel for so long…and now it is here! I am a glass case of emotions! Overjoyed, sad, unsure of my future, relieved, etc. I would like to thank all of my instructors for their dedication to my success. I, especially would like to thank Dr. Noble, Dr. Darragh, and Dr. Dartt for their time, patience, feedback, and encouragement throughout this journey. Thank you for answering my countless emails and helping me find my way to the finish line! I would not have achieved such a paramount victory without your assistance. Thank You! To all of my colleagues, thank you for your insight, encouragement, and experiences. Congratulations on obtaining your degree and I wish you all amazing success in all of your future endeavors!

                                        

Monique Woodard

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me and why I chose them...

(1) World Forum Foundation

                                                    

Why I Chose this Organization: I was intrigued by this international organization because of its core philosophy which is "...Children. Change. Relationships. Spirit. Differences. All who care about the well-being of the world’s children are invited to participate. Leadership is collaborative, globally diverse, provided by a multitude of diverse volunteers and a small, dedicated staff" (https://worldforumfoundation.org/about-us/). In further embarking on leadership during this course and what it means to me, I wanted to highlight this group of individuals for their work with children, families, and the early childhood field and significance that they place on leadership.


Job Opportunities: In researching employment opportunities, I couldn't find a specific position but I did find an interesting volunteer availability. A Global Leader is one who engages "in a two year program, during which time they develop and implement action-oriented projects in their own communities aimed at improving the lives of young children. A carefully designed curriculum helps participants develop leadership capacity and effective advocacy skills, and gain a deeper understanding of early childhood research, practice and global issues. Through participation in three face-to-face meetings as well as ongoing communication" (https://worldforumfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Global-Leaders-for-Young-Children-2016-18.pdf).  These leaders develop a strong network of regional and international peers. Some of the skills needed to fulfill this role are: Experience working with young children and families; leadership potential in advocating for young children, particularly those at highest risk; knowledge of the policy context for young children in their own country; strong commitment to improving conditions for young children globally and understanding other cultures; commitment to develop and implement an action-oriented project in their own country or community in order to raise awareness about a key early childhood issue or to promote quality early childhood services; commitment to remain in the program for the full two years; and fluency in English. However, preference is given to those who are active in a professional early childhood association or other related group; or affiliated with a university, government agency, or national or international NGO.


(2) World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP)

                                              

Why I Chose this Organization: The World Organization for Early Childhood Education is "an international, non-governmental and non-profit organization concerned with all aspects of early childhood education and care (ECEC) who defends and promotes the rights of the child to education and care worldwide and supports activities which improve accessibility to high quality education and care as well as currently established in over 70 countries and is represented at meetings of UNESCO, UNICEF, and other international organizations with similar aims" (http://www.worldomep.org/en/about-omep-2/). 

Job Opportunities: I could not find any employment opportunities for this particular organization but found that with the work conducted towards the early childhood field, they were worth mentioning.


(3) International Step-By-Step Association (ISSA)

                                                        
Why I Chose this Organization: ISSA is a successful "learning community where members share their knowledge and work in order to develop best practices in Early Childhood Development. ISSA members are the leading experts in Early Childhood across Europe and Central Asia and strive to remain the best informed and the most innovative specialists in the field...whose goals are to advocate for and support competent Early Childhood systems for all children, especially the most vulnerable;
increase awareness of the importance of Early Childhood Development and of a qualified workforce;
be a leading Early Childhood network and learning community that promotes quality, equitable and integrated services for children, families and practitioners" (http://www.issa.nl/content/who-we-are).

Job Opportunities: I could not find any specific employment vacancies but I did find membership availability. To become a member with ISSA, one must choose between becoming a full member (voting rights) or  and affiliate member (non-voting rights).  ISSA invites non-profit organizations, academic and educational entities, foundations and associations with an interest in early childhood development to join as Full Members who have voting rights to all ISSA’s elected bodies and are encouraged to participate in the governance of the organization by voting for and serving on the Board, Program Committee, Membership Committee and other bodies. Affiliate Members (non-voting) is reserved for governmental bodies only and are encouraged to attend ISSA Council Meetings.

References

International Step-By-Step Association. (n.d.). Who We Are. Retrieved on May 13, 2016 from (http://www.issa.nl/content/who-we-are).

World Forum Foundation. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved on May 13, 2016 from (https://worldforumfoundation.org/about-us/).

World Forum Foundation (2016). Global Leaders for Young Children. Retrieved on May 13, 2016 from (https://worldforumfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Global-Leaders-for-Young-Children-2016-18.pdf).

World Organization for Early Childhood Education. (2013). About OMEP. Retrieved on May 13, 2016 from (http://www.worldomep.org/en/about-omep-2/).

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

Three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me and why I chose them...

(1) National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)

                                        

Why I Chose this Organization: What appealed to me most about this group is there mission “to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and their families through education and advocacy” (http://www.nbcdi.org/who-we-are/who-we-are). For more than 40 years, they have been at the forefront of engaging and educating leaders, policymakers, professionals, and parents on issues that directly impact Black children and their families. Being a trusted partner in delivering culturally relevant resources that respond to the very unique strengths and needs of Black children, NBCDI highlights relevant information concerning issues in early childhood education, health, child welfare, literacy, and family engagement. 

Job Opportunities: NBCDI Administrator is an employment opportunity that I would be interested in. Some of the skills and experiences needed to fulfill this role would be: Represents the president by welcoming visitors, reviewing correspondence; arranging organization dinners
and other functions; answering questions and meeting requests directed to the president; works collaboratively with the CFO and Operations; assist the Operations Manager in day-to-day coordination and management of operational activities; Conduct research and produce reports; and assist in data entry of accounts payable, accounts receivable and conference processing.

(2) National Child Care Association (NCCA) 

                               

Why I Chose this Organization: The NCCA, in conjunction with our members, work tirelessly to produce information to the public and policymakers based upon years of experience of best practice to deliver the highest. They believe parents should have the opportunity to choose the best programs for their children’s needs and supports expanding these choices for all families in all cases. In their understanding that early childhood professionals do not earn the same in salary and benefits that their counterparts in the public arena do, NCCA is committed to a high quality, skilled, and trained work force with the highest salaries and benefits based upon the free market place, demographics and competition.

Job Opportunities: I could not find any employment opportunities just a section were one can become a member for a fee. 

(3) The Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF)

                             

Why I Chose this Organization: I chose this organization because I have read countless articles on research conducted by this foundation in the early childhood field as well as am aware of the funding that is given to various early childhood establishments. "Our work focuses on strengthening families, building stronger communities and ensuring access to opportunity, because children need all three to succeed. We advance research and solutions to overcome the barriers to success, help communities demonstrate what works and influence decision makers to invest in strategies based on solid evidence" (http://www.aecf.org/about/) and is devoted to developing a brighter future for millions of children at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes.

Job Opportunities: Program Associate, Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative would be an interesting employment opportunity (although it would be based in Baltimore, MD!). Some skills and experiences that would be needed to fulfill this role would be: Minimum of seven years of experience (post-bachelor's degree) in human services; proven relationship building skills, adaptability to varied work assignments and ability to contribute to an environment that supports and reinforces teamwork; in-depth knowledge of youth engagement, adolescent brain science, positive youth development, system reform and practice and strategy implementation; strong writing, public speaking and presentation skills with preferred experience in presenting complex subject matter to non-expert audiences; and experience crossing boundaries of race, class, ethnicity and personal philosophy and the capacity to work effectively with a broad range of constituencies.


References

Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2016) Retrieved on May 6, 2016 
        from (http://www.aecf.org/about/).

National Black Child Development Institute. (2016). Who We Are.  Retrieved on May 6, 2016 from (http://www.nbcdi.org/who-we-are/who-we-
        are).

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me and why I chose them:

(1) Families First, Inc.

                                             
Why I Chose this Organization: Families First, Inc. is a family services organization that has been serving and empowering Atlanta's most vulnerable families for 125 years.  They have served more than 37,000 children, women and families, have 12 office locations across metro-Atlanta, three (3) group homes that service foster care youth in our city, one (1) home that serves single mothers in the foster care system and one (1) home that supports formerly homeless teen mothers and their children. They also manage 45 units at a local apartment complex, which offers shelter and safety for homeless families struggling with a major illness, mental health concerns or substance abuse issues.  

Job Opportunities: The job opportunities that are offered are employment and volunteer. One employment opportunity that interests me would be a Healthy Babies Healthy Mom - TAPP Counselor. Some of the skills and experience needed to competently fulfill this role would be: a Master’s degree in public health, social work, nursing, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy; and/or equivalent years of training and experience; if applicable, licensed in the State of Georgia; two (2) years, direct service (individual, group and family) experience in teen pregnancy, teen parenting, adolescent/youth development, and/or maternal child health; case management and interactive, group facilitation skills; bilingual Spanish a plus; previous experience utilizing an Electronic Clinical Record (ECR) a plus.

(2) Voices for Georgia's Children
                                                  
Why I Chose this Organization: Voices for Georgia's Children was created in 2003 to promote a public agenda in support of children and to focus on three broad policy areas: early childhood, child health, and disconnected youth. "We develop policy recommendations, educate and engage the community, organize advocates, and directly lobby agency staff and elected officials to achieve change" (http://georgiavoices.org/early-childhood/).  

Job Opportunities: For this organization, I would be interested in Pre-K Week Consultant. Some of the skills and experiences needed to fulfill this role would be: Excellent organizational and project management skills; strong team player with collaborative and flexible work style; strong written and verbal communications skills; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to analyze basic data and draw conclusions; familiarity with Salesforce highly preferred; knowledge of the structure of government and Georgia’s elected officials preferred.

(3) Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)

                                                 

Why I Chose this Organization: Bright from the Start (BFTS) "is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. It administers the nationally recognized Georgia’s Pre-K Program, licenses child care centers and home-based child care, administers Georgia's Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program, federal nutrition programs, and manages Quality Rated, Georgia’s community powered child care rating system. The department also houses the Head Start State Collaboration Office, distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care, and works collaboratively with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state to enhance early care and education" (http://decal.ga.gov/BftS/About.aspx).

Job Opportunities: With this organization, I have actually applied and interviewed for some on their positions! Currently, there are no employment opportunities available.



References

Families First. (n.d.). Who We Are. Retrieved on May 6, 2016 from 
           (http://www.familiesfirst.org/who-we-are).

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. (2016). Retrieved on May 6, 2016              
          from (http://decal.ga.gov/BftS/About.aspx).

Voices of Georgia's Children. (2011). Retrieved on May 6, 2016 
         from (http://georgiavoices.org/early-childhood/

Profile of a Volunteer

For this post, I was asked to develop a profile of a volunteer, in which you describe the work of someone who has impacted the lives of other through volunteerism. I could make it personal by highlighting my own volunteer efforts, those of someone close to me, or describe the work of someone whom I do not know personally but whom I admire greatly. I searched within my life and the life of others and decided that I would take this post a different way! Instead of recognizing the volunteer efforts of a particular individual, I wanted to show appreciation for the work of an organization.

                                               

Volunteer BaseCamp is one of the world's longest running and most affordable international volunteer programs that started with three friends (Jim, Dave, and Noelle) who wanted to set about establishing a system and an overseas infrastructure that would help to connect and recruit volunteers with placements in a wide range of positions. On volunteerbasecamp.com, I found Early Childhood Education Volunteer section where ECE volunteers work with young children worldwide in an informal setting helping with learning fundamentals in day cares, orphanages and community centers. "These placements are perfect for students or graduates from an Early Childhood Education program and often can be incorporated into one's academic program. That said, these organizations are often overwhelmed simply managing the day to day needs of the children. So, even a volunteer with no background or training can be of considerable help in coordinating educational games and activities for the children." (http://www.volunteerbasecamp.com/Volunteer-Abroad-Placements/Early-Childhood-Education-Volunteer).

Opportunities range from being a Daycare Teaching Assistant Volunteer with the Salvation Army in San Jose, Costa Rica to a Preschool Teacher with Ebenezer Orphanage Center in Arusha, Tanzania in East Africa.

                         

                                             Daycare Teaching Assistant Volunteer: Salvation Army: San Jose, Costa Rica

Preschool Teacher Volunteer: Ebenezer Orphanage Center: Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa

I feel Volunteer BaseCamp and the international work that they conduct within the early childhood field has positively impacted others because these volunteers have taken the time to leave their home countries, possibly learn a new language, travel to a foreign land, and volunteer within their (foreign country) early childhood programs. As we know, these countries, their children and families are in such a great need and I think it is commendable that these individuals take advocacy to another level! I believe it is something to be said for those who forgo the comforts of their homeland for the promotion and advocacy of children and families in another continent!

Reference

Volunteer BaseCamp. (n.d.). Early Childhood Education Volunteer. Retrieved on April 14, 2016 from http://www.volunteerbasecamp.com/Volunteer-Abroad-Placements/Early-Childhood-Education-Volunteer

Using Social Media to Get Connected

I will be the first to admit that I have real love/hate relationship with social media! It can be used to connect with others, inform the community about upcoming events, form social clubs, and even advocate for causes that are important. BUT.... It has completely changed the way we communicate as human beings. I am more so talking about the people you see in the waiting rooms, restaurants, grocery store lines, and even in the early childhood classroom who are so consumed by what is going on with "social media" that they are oblivious to the world around them. Social media has gotten so bad in early childhood classrooms, I have seen centers make employees sign Facebook/Social Network/Cell Phone Policy statements. As you can see, I have my own personal hangups about it but I am very aware that it can be quite beneficial when used correctly!

                               

                                 

I try to reframe from using social media (although Youtube can teach you how to do anything in the world!) because I feel it has created a thin line between privacy and growth (whether professionally or personally). It my recent employment opportunities, the early childhood centers that I have worked at used Facebook as a means to connect with parents and the community and make everyone aware of various events concerning the center. But, I became a little disturbed at my last place of employment, when parents began to use the center's Facebook page for everything other than what was going on at the center! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube are several social media tools that could possibly lend themselves to effective advocacy. For example, I could use Youtube or even Twitter to share the results of various surveys/polls conducted within a specific community on a particular issue.

                                   

These tools are excellent to educate and inspire others in my advocacy work because I can fully highlight and express my objective, research, results, and face-to-face conversations with influentials. I understand social media allows me to reach a substantial amount of people but what other ways can I use it to promote my advocacy objective which is to: Reduce childhood poverty and improve optimal development of the child and family in the county of Gwinnett, Georgia (where I live) by offering Parent Programs in ALL early care and education facilities that assist in helping families achieve educational/employment goals through support and resources?

Advocacy Messages

       
        

“Our vision: Family economic security; Strong, nurturing families; Healthy child development (http://www.nccp.org/about.html)." This statement is the vision of the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) and when I read it, I instantly felt inspired because these three goals set the foundation for the optimal development of the whole child as well as the family. This message is so effective in creating action because it outlines a step-by-step plan for the success of the child and its family. When a family is able to become financially stable, it sets the foundation for the unit to be strong and nurturing. When the family is strong and nurturing as a unit, it allows the child to grow in an environment that promotes healthy development. When a child experiences healthy development, he/she in return grows to become a healthy, productive citizen of society.



         

"CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves (http://www.childrensdefense.org/about/#About)." This statement is in connection with the mission of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and it moved me to action because of the voice for ALL children in America. As we know, there are some children whom "fall between the cracks", whose parents do not have the resources or education needed for the child to prosper and in return the child and the family fall victim to life's circumstances. CDF understands that such children and their families need a strong voice to advocate on their behalf more than anyone else. It's easy for the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities to be hidden away, neglected, abused, and even exploited; CDF recognizes this reality and its mission is to be a strong, effective and independent voice for ALL, but particularly those in need.

References

The National Center for Children in Poverty. (n.d.). Retrieved on April 4, 2016 from http://www.nccp.org/about.html.

The Children's Defense Fund. (n.d.). Retrieved on April 4, 2016 from http://www.childrensdefense.org/about/#About.