Saturday, April 26, 2014

Time Well Spent

As my time at Walden University comes to a close, it is very bittersweet.  I have learned so much throughout the past two years.  I never realized just how passionate I was about young children and working with their families.  One thing that this program has taught me is that I want to do more than just teach in a classroom.  I started this program thinking I was wanted to teach Pre-K one day.  I am not sure so that is the case anymore.  I have realized just how far this degree can take me and I am not sure that I want to settle as just a classroom teacher when I can do so much more good for children.  Another thing that I learned is anyone can stand up and be an advocate for social change.  I never did see myself as being a voice for children, but I do now.  I know that I have the knowledge to fight for social change and I know that I can do it.  I can make a difference.  The third thing that this program has taught me is just how much I love working with children and families.  Every job will come with problems, but seeing these children and getting to know their families on a personal basis is a wonderful experience.  I feel like I really touch their lives and make a difference.  That is something that I want to always continue doing.  Anyone can make the difference in the life of a child.  Just make sure that it's a positive difference.

The long term goal that I have is to never give up on my dream of one day owning my own daycare.  I know this is something that will not happen in the immediate future, but I hope to one day be able to open my own center.  Throughout this course, I became passionate about opening up a daycare and that dream has stuck with me for the past year.  My goal is to make it a reality within the next three years.

I want to thank Dr. Dartt for all the feedback and challenging me to think outside of the box on several issues.  Her wisdom made me think and she taught me so much.  I just want to say thanks for all of your help during this course.

I want to thank all of my classmates for all of their help throughout this course and the program.  It has been really fun getting to know each of you and I hope all of you achieve your dreams and goals.  I have learned so much from each of you throughout our discussions and blogs.  Each of you have helped me along the way by providing insight into different issues and made me think in different ways.  I have valued each of your opinions and will take that with me throughout my future.  Thank you to each of you and good luck in your futures.  We did it!  We made it through our Master's program!

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

One of the International organizations that I looked up and did some research on was the Academy for Educational Development.  This organization "envisions a world in which all individuals and communities have the opportunity to reach their highest potential" (Academy for Educational Development, 2011).  They partner with all types of organizations to create "innovation, mutual respect, passion, accountability, commitment to excellence, and teamwork" (Academy for Educational Development, 2011).  This organization appealed to me because "Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender equality, youth, research and technology--creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges.  FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries and all U.S. states and territories" (Academy for Educational Development, 2011).  I think it is great that they serve so many different countries and include experts from various fields.  This is why this organization appealed to me and I would love to have them on my community of practice.  

Another organization that I would love to add to my community of practice and that appealed to me is United Nations Children's Fund.  I love all the work that they do for children and trying to get them an education.  "We advocate for measures to give children the best start in life, because proper care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for a person's future" (United Nations Children's fund (UNICEF), n.d).  This organization really inspired me because of all the good work they do for children.  

Another International organization that I would love to partner with is Save the Children.  "Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves--a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm, especially when disaster strikes.  We advocate and achieve lasting change for millions of children.  We save children's lives" (Save the Children, 2011).  This really inspired me and fueled my passion.  Children deserve a healthy start and to feel safe and that is what this organization is all about.  This would be a good organization to add to my community of practice because they advocate for all children and try to help them and give them a good start in life.  

One job that I found through the Academy for Educational Development is an opportunity for a Director.  It is based in New York so I would have to relocate.  In order to apply for this job, one would need the skills and knowledge of design and management of programs, have supervision and leadership skills, strong communication skills, and understand and respect cultural differences.  One must hold a Bachelor's Degree and have 8 years experience in management.  I believe this would be a fun job to have because you will be working with so many different expects in this field and partnering with other countries for a good cause.  

Another job that I saw and was interested in is a Foster Care Counselor.  One must provide services to the entire family.  Counselors must try and build trust with the youth and their family.  To apply, you must have a Master's Degree, experience with foster care, and good communication skills.  I believe this would be a good job to have because you are working to help a child and their family.  You advocate for what is best for the child.  You are making a difference in the life of a child and their family.  I know that will be rewarding.

References

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/