Farewell

During my time at Walden I have learned:

• the importance of play in a child’s life. It is not some frivolous way of passing time but it helps children to develop skills needed to navigate this world.
• that families should be involved in their child’s education. This can be done inside and outside the classroom. Family involvement can aid a child in many areas and improve their academic success. 
• that I have biases. I was unaware of some of my biases prior to this program. I have learned that I have to constantly examine my own biases and work on overcoming them.

One of my long-term goals is to always be reflective and seek ways to improve myself whether through conferences, classes, readings and the advice of others.


As we get ready to complete our time at Walden I would like to thank all my instructors and colleagues. This experience would not have been the same without you. I am grateful for all the experiences, advice and comments that you have shared. I wish you the very best in all your future endeavors.

Jobs in the ECE Community: Internationally

Three international organizations that appeal to me are:

World Forum Foundation whose mission is to “promote an on-going global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings” (World Forum Foundation, 2015, para. 1). More than 500 professionals from the early childhood field representing 80 countries meet every two years to exchange ideas regarding quality services for children and their families. Every other year early childhood professionals have regional meetings (World Forum Foundation, 2015). I like that professionals from different countries, with different perspectives meet and share ideas.  There is always room for improvement in the early childhood field and I believe that improvement start with ideas.

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) aims to promote the well-being of the child in a changing world (ACEI, 2011).  In order to achieve this it ”support[s] and advocate[s] for access to education, equity in educational settings, quality educational content, and the child's right to education” (ACEI, 2011, para.1)  It aims to translate global initiatives in a manner that addresses local needs (ACEI, 2011). As the world changes, oftentimes the way we do things need to change with it.  I like that this organization embraces change and wants to ensure that children do not get left behind but still receive quality education in an equitable environment.

Division for Early Childhood (DEC) aims to support families and young children (0-8) who have disabilities and or gifts and talents through policies and evidence-based practices (DEC, n.d). I like that this organization supports this specific group of children and their families.  

Some job opportunities that interest me and the skills needed for them are:

Social Worker- I would have to collaborate with families, therapists and other personnel to assist infants and toddlers with special needs (DEC, n.d). I would need a master’s degree in social work, be eligible for a license in Hawaii and possess an eligible driver’s license (DEC, n.d).

Child Life Specialist- works with outpatient and hospitalized pediatric patients (DEC, n.d). This includes helping patients to handle any emotions that results from hospitalization or any outpatient procedures. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in child development, recreational therapy, special education, early childhood development or any other closely related field; eligibility for Child Life certification; computer skills; and expertise in child life skills and practices (DEC, n.d.)

Speech-Language Pathologist- I would be able to work at preschools and provide home based interventions (DEC, n.d). I would also provide screening, assessments, treatment, consultation and collaborate with parents and other specialists.  This position requires a master’s degree in communication disorders. Pediatric or early childhood experience is preferred (DEC, n.d).  

References:

Association for Childhood Education International. (2011). Retrieved from http://acei.org/about-us/about-acei.html

Division for Early Childhood Education. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.dec-sped.org/pd

World Forum Foundation. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.worldforumfoundation.org/about-us/

Jobs in the ECE Community: National/Federal level

Organizations of interest:

The Child Development Agency in Jamaica wants “children, their families and team members to reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment” (CDA, n.d., para.1). I like that this agency wants to help not only children but families on a whole and its team members.

Zero to Three is a non-profit organization that provides the necessary persons with knowledge needed to foster early development.  I like this organization’s mission, the services it provides  and the fact that it targets young children (Zero to Three, n.d.).

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) helps families, children, communities and individuals to do well economically and socially. I that this organization helps all the above mentioned parties to find the resources that will enable them to be independent and improve their quality of life.

Jobs

Some jobs that interest me are : Lead toddler teacher, Early head start home visitor and Co-director.

Requirements

For the first job I would need either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and be teacher qualified. The second job requires an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in child development; and knowledge and experience in child development and early childhood education. Bilingual ability to speak English and Spanish is preferred. The third job requires a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development or a related field; experience as a Lead teacher or Director;excellent communication and organizational skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships.

References:

Administration for Children and Families. (n.d.) What we do. Retrieved from http://www.acf.hhs.gov/about/what-we-do

Child Development Agency (CDA). (n.d.). Mission, vision, values. Retrieved from http://www.cda.gov.jm/about/mission/

ZEro to Three. (2015). Early experiences matter. Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/

The ECE Community

In Jamaica, the following organizations appeal to me:

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) - because its mission includes helping countries provide quality education to everyone (Education, 2014).

Caribbean Early Childhood Development (CaribECD)- plays an advocacy role in the early childhood field and it is a community of practice focused on exchanging information focused on early childhood issues within the caribbean (Early Childhood Development, n.d.; ).  

The Early Childhood Commission- is responsible for early childhood development in the island (Early Childhood Development, n.d.).

Some job opportunities that interest me are:

1. After school program director in Georgia
2. Toddler Teacher in Georgia
3. Early Childhood Development Supervisor in Jamaica

The skills and experience needed for each are:

1. At least 1 year experience in child care, managerial skills, organizational skills, knowledge of curriculum development, knowledge of state licensing  requirements, computer literacy skills and communication skills (After School Program Director/Coordinator, 2015).
2. Child Development Association (CDA) or Technical College Credential (TCC) credential or previous child care experience, communication skills and organizational skills (Toddler Teacher, 2015).
3. Master’s degree in Early Childhood Development/Leadership/Education or and equivalent; at least five years experience in early childhood development or related field; 3 years experiencing coordinating early childhood programs; knowledge of the laws and Acts governing the early childhood sector;knowledge of childhood development, parenting, computer literacy and basic statistical applications; must have a driver’s licence; leadership, planning, organizational and communication skills (ECC, 2008).

References:

After School Program Director/Coordinator [Job posting]. (2015). Indeed.Retrieved from http://www.indeed.com/cmp/White-Oak-Learning-Academy/jobs/After-School-Program-Director-Coordinator-17b29de299082e20

Caribbean Early Childhood Development (CAribECD). (2015). Retrieved from http://www.open.uwi.edu/caribecd/about-us

Early Childhood Commission (ECC). (2008). Vacancies. Retrieved from http://www.ecc.gov.jm/vacancies.htm

Early Childhood Development. (n.d.). Retrieved from unicef website: http://www.unicef.org/jamaica/partners_2055.htm

Education. (2014).Retrieved from UNESCO website: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/coordination-and-integration/

Toddler Teacher [Job posting]. (2015). Indeed. Retrieved from http://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=KidsRKids-%2F-Sprayberry-Academy&t=Toddler+Teacher&jk=ea1ab49b2e85e34f&sjdu=QwrRXKrqZ3CNX5W-O9jEvb2lB-P8-fGFZkR5xh5kv4V-cufrneQPzi5vhVpAB_I3GgS7Ez-ab7BI6e70dh74Jg&pub=pub-indeed

My Wordle

Thank you

As we near the end of this class I would like to say thank you to my colleagues. Thank you for your insights, encouragement and support through your comments. I have enjoyed reading your posts and comments, I have learned a lot from all of you. I wish you all the best and hope to see you in other classes.

Groups

It is usually hardest for me to leave social groups. I feel most connected to the individuals in these groups and knowing that we will not be meeting or seeing each other regularly usually makes me sad. In these groups we have already gone through the forming, storming, norming and performing stage. Knowing that we will not be doing things together anymore makes adjourning hard. The hardest group for me to leave were my friends in college. We were all international students and a great support for each other. In time, we came to realize that we had a lot in common even though we were from different countries. The similarities in our cultures were amazing. We often ate together and had discussions about several issues that concerned us. We tried to help each other as best we could in every aspect of our lives. Of course there were disagreements sometimes but we always worked them out. We had a closing ritual of sorts after our graduation. Our friends and family all gathered together and some of them prayed for us, we celebrated completing four years of college with speeches and a cake. Afterwards we all went out to a restaurant and had a meal which served as a celebratory and farewell dinner. I also gave everyone in the group a personalized letter of appreciation which I had written to them. I imagine I will probably adjourn from this group by thanking individuals for their contributions. Everyone has helped to make this experience a more enriching one with their contributions and advice. Adjourning is important because it helps to bring closure and sometimes helps you to look to the future and the next thing instead of living in the past. Adjourning also gives you a chance to look at your successes and failures as a group and possibly how you can improve next time (O'- Hair & Wiemann, 2012).



Reference:

O'- Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.