A Final Goodbye

WOW…..I can’t believe that this season of our lives is coming to a close.  In some ways it feels just like yesterday that we started this journey and in other ways it feels longgggggg.   I am so proud of us, we have conquered this program, having gained significant knowledge and renewed passion for the work.  I want to thank each of my professors for their support and wisdom.  To my peers I want to say GREAT JOB, way to finish strong.  I have learned so much from your experiences, dreams and passion and I will miss seeing those ‘oh so familiar’ names on my computer each day.  I wish you all well and great success on your path to bring social change to early childhood. 

 

Three important things that I have learned:

1)      Leadership can advance or destroy early childhood programs and services.  I have learned the value of knowing what kind of leader I am.

2)      Understanding the importance of research and its purpose in big picture of early childhood.  I am no longer afraid of research and data, because I have an understanding and appreciation for its use.

3)      Community’s of Practice are a necessary entity to advance our missions and visions re: early childhood.  We must utilize them and prioritize them.

 

My long term goal:  To continue my learning and share my experiences and knowledge with under grad college students.  (I was offered the opportunity to teach EDUC 222- Early childhood curriculum II, at a local community college).

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Organizations

1. UNHCR – The UN Refugee Agency- UNHCR works with states, national and international partners, and sister agencies to help children of concern. Other organizations working with UNHCR to provide care and protection to children include the following: the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF); the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), The International Rescue Committee; International Save the Children.  http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646c1f4.html

 

2. UNICEF – The United Nations Children’s Fund- works in more than 190

       countries and territories to save and improve children's lives, providing  

       health care and immunizations, clean water and  sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work      through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. We're working toward the day when ZERO children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood.

 

3.     ACF International – Action against hunger.  An international humanitarian organization committed to ending word hunger.  http://www.actionagainsthunger.org/about/acf-international

 

 

I chose these three organizations because I feel it is necessary to focus on meeting basic needs before anything else. 

 

I have interest in the following:

 

Chief of Global Services, ACF

Founded in 1979, Action contre la Faim (ACF) is an international humanitarian organization. Its mission is to save lives by preventing, detecting and treating malnutrition, in particular during and following disasters and conflicts. ACF also addresses the underline causes of hunger and malnutrition through programs in water, sanitation and long term food security.

With five independent HQs, ACF is seeking a Chief of Global Services (CGS) to maximize collaboration and efficiency at the global level.

The CGS will oversee global functions and assigned strategic projects defined by and with the HQ Executives Directors (ED) within the framework of the international strategy. He/she will report to both the EDs and to the International Chairman Council. The CGS will provide leadership and innovation in shaping the future ACF international network

Requirements

Master degree or equivalent Minimum 10 years’ experience, including 5 years in top management, and some background in the non-profit sector. Proven experience in problem identification, developing, adapting and implementing systems. The position will be based in Paris, Madrid or New York. Extensive travel Outstanding speaking and writing skills in English and French or Spanish

Download the full job description >>

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

Federal/National Organizations and Learning Communities:

THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF MINNEAPOLIS - Researching and supporting early childhood quality programs today for a stronger economy tomorrow.

http://www.minneapolisfed.org/research/economic_research/



NAEYC -Creating early childhood communities and supports for our Nation.
http://www.naeyc.org/policy/excellence


OUNCE OF PREVENTION FUND - Why Investments in Early Childhood Work, supporting community work and partnerships.
http://www.ounceofprevention.org/about/why-early-childhood-investments-work.php



JOBS:

Program Hope Program Administrator
Location:
Employment Type:
Location:
Description:	The Program Administrator is within the Child Safety Family Preservation Department specifically under the Eckerd Community Alternatives contract related to the Integration of Substance Abuse, Mental Health and Child Welfare. The Program Administrator will oversee the daily operations of Project H.O.P.E that is focused on providing behavioral health services to families involved in the child welfare system. The aim of this program is to deliver the services to the families in the context of child welfare, and to assist in removing any barriers to aid in timely and safe reunification. The Program Administrator is responsible for the supervision of 16 staff including, licensed assessors, masters prepared counselors, a staffing facilitator, peer mentor and an administrative assistant. Early Childhood Education   Hiring Range:   Job Type G: Adjunct Faculty   Campus Elkhart   Department 123 Early Childhood Education   Human Resources Contact:   Job Summary/Basic Function Provides early childhood education instruction. Maintains student records, attendance, grades, and other documentation as required. Maintains a safe, quality classroom.   Duties/Responsibilities Becomes familiar with rules, regulations, administrative practices, guidelines and policies of the College. Provides adequate notice of absence. Maintains accurate attendance and grade records. Attends required orientation meeting(s). Performs other duties as assigned consistent with commonly accepted practices.   Duties/Responsibilities   Minimum Qualifications A qualified faculty member in early childhood education meets the program standard through: 1. Possesses an earned master's or higher degree, from a regionally accredited institution, in early childhood education, child development; or 2. Possesses an earned master's or higher degree, from a regionally accredited institution, in family and consumer sciences, elementary education, special needs, curriculum and instruction, or administration with 18 graduate credit hours in courses closely related to early childhood education and development, with academic preparation appropriate to the course and /or specialty being taught; and 3. Possesses one of the following: a) Professional certification in the field; or b) Two years of directly related work experience in the field of early childhood - birth through age 8.   Preferred Qualifications   Other Requirements:   Work Hours   Posting Date                        Closing Date                          Required Applicant Documents         Optional Applicant Documents            Special Instructions to Applicants                       Quicklink for Posting         Return to Search Results   If you need to edit your application information before applying for a position, please log in and click on the 'Edit Application' link on the left hand side of margin. You will not be allowed to change your application information after you have applied for a position.

Exploring rolls

 

NAEYC: the mission  to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources appeals to me because it focuses on the needs and rights of all children.

 

 

Strengthening Families: a parenting and family strengthening program for high-risk and regular families.  This appeals to me because the focus is the entire family.

 

Great Start Collaborative:  an assembled group of professionals and parents within a community that focuses on early childhood needs and work.  I am a part of this collaborative and it appeals to me because I value a coordinated systems approach to my work.

 

A current job opportunity that interests me is an Early Childhood Professor at Florida State University.  I want to use my knowledge and experience to support future peers in the field.

 

I need to complete my Masters Program and continue my work in administration to fully understand the complexity of teaching students.  Change has become our new normal and embracing that will allow me to support the efforts of early childhood students.

 

 

Thank You

As we say goodbye I want to thank all of you for great conversation and challenging posts.  As I end each class I always walk away feeling encouraged by your work and commitment to the field.  You are all doing great work and have added to my knowledge.  Good Luck!!

Good-byes

I believe the hardest groups to leave are the ones that have built the largest sense of community.  I recognize that a mission can continue without me, however the relationships I create along the way are the hardest to leave behind.

The hardest group that I ever had to leave was a missions group.  We lived as part of a Missions Organization in Monterrey, MX.  My family along with 12 other missionary families served a common goal, a common people and built a community.  The relationships I made along the way have transformed my life.  Our common vision and investment took our relationships to greater depths.  We understood each other in a way that others on the outside could not.  Due to an illness our adjournment occurred faster than I would have liked, but we did have an opportunity to have a "closing night".  This time offered prayer, remembrance and encouragement to our family.  The journey continues for this mission organization, but my time has come to a close.  I read several books that helped me transition out of that community and back in to a more compartmentalized world, but truth be told, some of the grief and sadness accompanying our departure was necessary.  It was part of the journey.

My time at Walden, thus far, has offered me a new group of colleagues, people with a common goal and a shared passion.  There is such comfort in sharing life together.  Having to say good bye will have its moment of sadness, but quickly will come the excitement of the new journey.  Knowing that each person will set out on their journey to accomplish great things brings me joy.  Adjournment is essential in order to take your next step.  Leaving one thing always opens up new opportunity.  Great possibility awaits each of us, as long as we don't hold on to what is meant to end.

Conflict Resolution

Tomorrow marks 18 years of marriage for my husband and I.  Five children later and countless hours of discussions on child rearing we still have conflict.  Just this morning we ran right in to a conflict on the amount of minutes our 9 year old son needed to read today.  One might think that conflicts about such simple things should not have merit, but once again we recognized how important the conflict management and resolutions were rather than the conflict itself.  I won’t share all of the details, as to why a conflict arose, but rather how and why we chose the conflict resolution measures that we did.  As we reached the point of conflict we both stopped took a moment to gather our thoughts and said, “you first”.  We have learned that talking at the same time doesn’t build good listening skills.  In this case I went first.  I shared my side, my opinion and my thought.  After, I respected his time to share by staying quiet until the very end.  We have also learned not to interrupt each other in order to show respect.  After we were both finished we reflected on what the other said and repeated it to make sure we understood each other.  Compromise was our choice of resolution.  We agreed to meet in the middle and recognized that both of us had good and valid points to make.  We both felt satisfied and heard.  We try to approach conflict in this manner, however there are those time that all of the right steps don’t seem to work.

Communication Style

My test revealed that, according to me, I have low anxiety when talking with others and little to no anxiety anticipating those encounters.  I chose my husband and a colleague to evaluate me as well.  Each result showed that they both believe me to be in the Low category, also.  I have always loved to talk with others, whether a stranger or long time friend.  I enjoy large groups of people but also thrive for a good one on one conversation.  Public speaking is especially exciting to me, as long as I am educated and passionate about the topic.

I found myself to be moderately verbally aggressive, as well did my husband.  I work hard to always remain respectful, but am not afraid of a hearty debate.  I don't avoid conflict, but truly believe there are healthy manners in which to engage in it.  My husband seems to be well aware of who I am, however my co worker found me to be in the Low range.  I am uncertain if it is because she sees me in a more gentler fashion, or if she wanted to be more gentle herself in evaluation.  I rarely get mad, but rather I engage in passionate conversations.

I was placed in Group 1, a people oriented style of listening, after all 3 evaluations.  I am very people focused and enjoy listening to others, as well as encouraging them.  However, I disagree that I am too trusting of others.  I allow others to be who they are, but I have a keen ability to see through many veils.

I am quite surprised that all of the results turned out to be so similar.  I believe it is because I try to be myself in all circumstances.  It is rare that someone finds me to be complicated.

Communicating Differently

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

I work hard to be myself in all situations, all the while being culturally sensitive.  I believe it's important to be who God made me to be, but to always consider other's feelings.  Having lived internationally and being bilingual helps me to remember other's cultures.  I work to discover a person's likes and dislikes as well as their personal culture by asking questions about their life rather than talking about myself.  This week's readings on the Platinum Rule reminds me to consider to treat others with the respect that THEY want.

Chicago FIre

I have never watched the drama series, Chicago Fire.  I watched the first 20 minutes without sound. It was filled with emotional events, that appeared to create both sadness, fear and anger in the characters.  They displayed tears, posture of hopelessness, angered eyes and aggressive body language.  The characters seem to have strong relationships, because there is so much emotion wrapped up in their communication.
When re-watching the first 20 minutes I found that I was correct in my assumptions.  That the characters had pre existing relationships that caused sadness and anger when faced with tragedy.  They were protective of one another and were angered on the others behalf. 
My assumptions wouldn't have been much more correct had I been familiar with the show.  It certainly proves that nonverbal cues are significant and highly impactful.

Competent Communication

When I think about a person, in my life, that is an example of a competent communicator, I think of one of my dear colleagues. My colleague works for the State of Michigan, she works to educate parents on how to be an advocate for their child(s).  Holly, my colleague, first and foremost speaks genuinely and from the heart.  As a mother herself she draws of personal experiences to make connections with families/parents.  She doesn't try to represent herself as the perfect educator or parent.  She trains from perspective that we are all on a journey and learning as we go.  Families so easily become comfortable with her.  I have been graced with spending many hours, days and weeks with Holly gaining countless ideas on how to improve my own communication skills.  Holly creates conversations that encourages parents to be empowered.  She is a good listener, which is vital, to shared communication.  Most importantly, she cares about others and it shows in her communication style.

Hopes and Goals

One hope that I have when I think about working with children from diverse backgrounds is that we work closer with families to truly determine how their families culture and traditions can be represented in the classroom.  Rather than stock our classrooms with things and approaches that we determine represent their diversity that we take all of our cues from the family.

One goal I would like to set is that I as an early childhood professional can create more opportunities for families to get involved in the classroom.  Parents are a child's first teacher, however so many of the families that we work with don't believe this to be true.  I want to work to empower them to feel like a strong and able voice at the table.


Dear Colleagues,

Thank you for a wonderful 8 weeks.  This has been a challenging and at times exhausting course.  As we near this special Holiday may each of you be blessed and full of Joy.  I am wishing you well in your future studies and hope to bump in to you in future course work.

Sincerely,

Heather Merrill

Being responsive to culture in the classroom

The country of origin I chose is Kazakhstan, previously part of the Soviet Republic and situated in Central Asia and Eastern Europe.  Still and communist country and working on a balanced foreign policy.

5 ways that I will be culturally responsive to the family:

*  I will research information about the culture of their origin
*  I will work to bridge the gap between home and school, through my homevisit
*  I will use my gathered information to adapt my teaching style
*  I will bring things representing the families culture in to the classroom ie. pictures, dramatic play items, food, books, etc.
*  I will ask parents to share stories and traditions with the class

My goal is to create a learning environment that brings all of the children's cultures in to the classroom.  By researching information about a families culture I can become more sensitive and mindful.  I intend for each of my students to bring their home culture to school with them, offering feelings of safety and comfort.  The connection between parents and teachers is vital and can enhance a child's learning.

Prejudice

When I first returned to the United States, after 4 years of living in Monterrey, Mexico, I entered in to a conversation with an older man.  He inquired as to why I had been living in Mexico and as we began to talk I knew that it might possibly end badly.  He felt he had found an outlet to voice his disgust for the hispanic families living in the United States.  He spoke openly about other nationalities working and living in the U.S. as he felt a level of pride that entitled him to live here but no one of differing cultures.  He felt that if they were unable to speak english they did not belong.  I openly shared my opininions of embracing others and showing each individual respect.  If our world functioned under the same feelings and opinions that this man did, no one of differing languages and traditions would be welcome in this country.  His feelings of ownership wouldn't allow any equity amongst the differing groups.  I was truly enraged by this conversation and recognized how far we have to go, as a country, to reach equality and equity.  Laws, employers, educators and society at large would have to change to allow for equity for immigrants.  We need to embrace and celebrate difference in order to gain compassion.

Micro aggression

Just this week I had an exchange with a stranger, who approached me, to ask me about my 4 year old daughter.  She is adopted and biracial.  She mentioned how cute she was and asked if she was mine.  I said yes and she said, "adopted"?  After replying that she was indeed adopted the woman made a statement that was intended to praise my "good deed" of adopting as well as to discriminate against the african american race.  Her comments illuded that my daughter would be better off with me, because "they" can't seem to take care of their kids.  Unknown to this woman, who intended to sing my praise, I value my daughters heritage.  I celebrate who she is and recognize that without her biological parents she wouldn't be here.  Unfotunate circumstance and poor choices can happen to anyone and categorizing it by race was very dimeening. 

With each exchange similar to the above mentioned I feel more and more irritated.  My faith in God helps create my view of others.  In God's eyes we are all created for a purpose and He doesn't see us as a certain color or status. 

Culture and DIversity

Culture-
1.  The richness of a people group.  The deep rooted places and traditions of a place.
2.  A group of people's way of seeing and interpreting the world.
3.  The ethnicity of social groups.


Diversity-
1.  Differences between people..  What seperates people from one another.
2.  Having different types of people making up a larger group.
3.  Different qualities in people.


There are some similarities in what we have studied and the above given definitions.  There is deep roots in culture, far past food, music or race.  We too have found that a people group's culture affects how they see and interpret the world.

One thing not mentioned is social identities.  How culture and diversity are represented in a persons identity, unique to them.  Culture and diversity is created by the many groups that make up our social identities.

As I looked at the definitions I was given I realized that there is a surface understanding found in each definition.  As we continue to better understand our own social identities we will move past the surface understanding of other's culture and diversity.  This is a great opportunity for us to become fully aware of our own surroundings and how each of us interact with the world.

My Family Culture

If I was evacuated to another country I would take:

1.  Bible...this represents my faith and the core of my beliefs
2.  Photo album representing the history of my life thus far
3.  Some U.S. credential that represents my identity.

Trying to communicate the meaning behind my items I would first attempt with verbal language and gestures.  My emotions and actions could carry some of the feelings and meanings behind the items. 

If made to choose only one item I would, without doubt, keep my Bible.  It is the source of strength and faith that I would need at a time such as that.

Blending cultures can require us to adapt in a way that forces us to leave behind important parts of our lives.  This exercise encourages me to work harder to show value to each family's culture and differences.  Working to include their culture can support their attempts to maintain their own heritage, beliefs and traditions.

Thank You

Thank you colleagues for challenging me and keeping me encouraged when this course took its many many turns..  Mrs Walker thank you for helping each of us to finish strong!!

My New Perspective on Research:

*  I have found through my own research identified topic that it is really important to narrow down your question.  To remain focused on a specific question when deducing down the topic to the subtopic(s)
*  When looking at variables and quantitative vs. qualitative research I have come to understand that there are many ways to conduct resarch.  It is important to determine what is the most approprate approach to looking at the chosen question.

*  Looking at these steps helps me remain on task:

“How research is to be designed and undertaken depends on the specific focus of the investigation”, (Mac Naughton, Rolfe & Sirj-Blatchford, 2001).

1.      Identify the topic

2.      Refine the general topic

3.      Create the hypothesis

4.      Choose an experimental design

5.      Select Participants

 

 

*  I have felt overwhelmed when lookig at the opportuntiies I have in research.  There are so many options in approach and outcomes that choosing just the right model can be difficult. 

Important Research text:

Experimental design-  Research conducted where a chosen independent variable directly affect the dependent variable.  (other variables do not play in to the outcome).  Known as a “true experiment”.  (Lepuschitz, 2011)

Quantitative research is research that considers all variables within an area or chosen topic.  Variables affect one another, therefore causing a change.

 Through out these eight weeks I have ad the pleasure to learn from my colleagues and I thhank youf for that.

 “Quantitative research consists primarily of investigating relationships between variables”, (Lepuschitz, 2011

Early Childhood Australia

Current Issues:
 Media Release – Children deserve bipartisan support for quality early education and care

“We need to see bipartisan support for improving the quality of early childhood education and care for the sake of the 1.5 million Australian children in these services,” said ECA chief executive Samantha Page.
“The main consideration in the development of these reforms was that quality standards at servicer were not at the level they should have been. These reforms will ultimately see great improvements in this area.
“Every child deserves access to quality early education and care services. These reforms will ensure a nationally consistent standard for services that will provide benefits for children and peace of mind for parents.”

Concern for quality appears universal.  Equity is a necessity for full reform.

New Idea:  Research in Practice Series

This amazing resource is available to anyone working in the field.  It acts as the best practice series available to specialists to childcare providers.

The Research in Practice Series is a practical, easy-to-read resource, offering effective new approaches for those challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children. Early Childhood Australia's Research in Practice Series is an essential resource for those involved in the early childhood field. The books are idea-rich and to-the-point. The Research in Practice Series focuses on the practical, 'hands-on' aspects of early childhood – making them ideally suited to early childhood workers.However, the wide range of topics covered throughout the series offers something to anyone interested in children's early years. Other News:  Early Years Workforce Strategy THis appears to be a universal approach.  Just as the U.S. focuses on early childhood services as a means for a future stronger economy, so does Australia. The Strategy is an important document which sets out for the first time how all governments will support the early childhood education and care workforce to gain the skills they need to continue to provide Australian children with the best start to life. It reflects a commitment by governments to address the immediate priorities for the early childhood education and care workforce, while at the same time working towards a broader long-term strategy with a focus on supporting more integrated ways of working across the early childhood development sector. The Strategy supports the workforce for all early childhood education and care services including long day care, family day care, in home care, occasional care and preschools whether stand alone or operating within schools.