Time Well Spent

I feel that during this program I have learned and gained many valuable things. I learned that creating  an anti- bias learning  environment  is very important.  When there is an anti-bias environment, all children can have the same opportunities to flourish regardless of their differences. In fact, creating in an anti-bias environment, can help all children to learn equally and to be treated with  justice. Another deep felt learning experience I learned is that as educators it is our responsibility and duty to advocate for children  and their families to have a high -quality program. Children deserve to learn in a setting that promote them to reach their potential . Last but not least, I learned that there are different styles of leadership. An effective leader must be trustworthy, open-minded, enthusiastic, flexible, and good communicator. Leaders in early childhood field should have the ability to inspire and motive their team to do all the  best.

My long- term goal is to keep continuing to gain knowledge and education about all the issues that can impact early childhood field.  I want to continue  improve and develop myself professionally so that I can make a big change in children's life and their families. Another one is that I would like to have my own day care center.

I would like to express my thanks to Dr.Darragh. She is a great instructor and without her feedback, I would not be able to complete my capstone project. I also would like to thank all my colleagues for their comments and encouragements. I have  learned and gained valuable insights through your posts. . I want to say   thousand of congratulations to all of you for this happy and great moment. Good of luck in your endeavors

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

For this week's assignment , I have chosen three organization that stood out to me the best.

The first organization I chose is Feed the children. I chose this organization because it exists to end childhood hunger. This organization  addresses  four basic needs: food and nutrition, water and sanitation, education and health, and livelihood community development. "Their mission is  to provide hope and resources for those without life’s essentials".

Vision: No child or family goes to bed hungry.

One job within this organization that I would be interest in is:

VP of Strategic Partnerships:

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) with emphasis in business, marketing, communications or other related field or commensurate experience. Experience: Ten years of overall experience working in high-impact foundation, corporate and major gifts relationship building and fundraising, with a demonstrated record of success in generating significant commitments from the same. Equivalent experience and success in high-impact business development and corporate sales will be considered in lieu of fundraising. Demonstrated expertise and success in developing and implementing fundraising and/or business development/corporate sales strategies, from prospect/sector research, identification, cultivation and securing/growing the funding/sales relationships. Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact others. Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management and key leaders, both internally and externally. Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Oral Communication - Speaks clearly, persuasively and professionally in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

2-Another organization that I found interesting was United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).I chose this organization because it is "committed to a holistic and humanistic vision of quality education worldwide, the realization of everyone’s right to education, and the belief that education plays a fundamental role in human, social and economic development" (UNESCO,2011).The UNIESCO works  to support people in understanding each other and working together to build lasting peace.

Job opportunities.

Director, Division of Headquarters Management:

Required Qualification

Education

• An advanced university degree in public or business management, engineering, facilities management, social sciences or other relevant areas.

Work Experience

• At least 15 years of relevant and senior level professional experience in an international, intergovernmental or public sector organization of comparable complexity.
• Experience in resource mobilization and development of partnerships.
• Experience in conducting complex negotiations diplomatically and tactfully.

Skills/Competencies

• Commitment to the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic direction and priorities.
• Institutional leadership capacity, high sense of objectivity, professional integrity and political astuteness.
• Demonstrated strategic planning, organizational and management abilities.
• Ability to establish and implement plans and priorities.
• Ability to interact with a wide range of high-level partners, especially Member States, local host country authorities and other stakeholders.
• Ability to establish personal credibility and respectful relationships with managers, staff, counterparts and other partners.
• Ability to promote open communication and collaboration, self-development, innovation and high performance.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, in front of a broad range of constituents.

The third  organization I found interesting was  Association for Childhood Education International(2011).Their mission is "to promote and support the optimal education, development, and well-being of children worldwide". This organization works in diverse countries to promote quality education for all children and to support professional growth and development  of educators. I chose ACEI because  it strongly advocates for children and supports their  members who strive to improve the conditions for children throughout the world. Currently, I could not find any job listing.

References

http://www.feedthechildren.org/about/

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/

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

 

 

Week 4

Three international organizations that appeal to me are the United Nations children's fund(UNICEF),Save the children, and  National Association for the Education of Young Children.

1-The United Nations Children(UNICEF) appeals to me because  this organization is doing  great job to help meet children's  basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential, it strives to promote quality education and healthy lifestyles  for the most vulnerable children across the world. It "works with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path"(UNICEF). Their vision is to "promote the equal rights of children, and to support their full participation in the political, social and economic development of their communities"(UNICEF). Currently, I could not find any job listing.

2-Save the Children appeals to me because it calls for invest in childhood and focus on gives children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Furthermore, Save the Children "protects children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence in all regions of the world'. One job that interested me is the position of early childhood coordinator Responsibilities Recruit families with children ages birth to five into the program. Develop and schedule the program activities, including home visiting, parent/child groups, transition to school activities and other programmatic activities. Provide regular home visits to families (twice monthly) using STC approved home visiting curriculum. Organize parent child groups. Conduct child screenings and make referrals. Participate in training and technical assistance activities. Participate in the evolution of Early Steps, including data collection, interviewing and videotaping activities. Requirements A degree in Early Childhood or related field is preferred but not required. Experience and training working in a home visiting, infant/toddler, early childhood/parenting education program. Experience working with pregnant women, children ages birth to five, and families in rural areas. Experience leading parent or community groups. Experience with timely reporting and maintaining accurate records on program activities. Experience in collaborating with early childhood programs in the community. For this position I would need to work on improving my leadership skills.   3-The National Association for the education of young children appeals to me because it is the world's largest organizations working  on behalf of young children. Their mission is 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 (NAEYC Bylaws, Article I., Section 1.1). This organization has variety of resources, articles, and strategies that help teachers to meet the needs of their children and families. The position that I found available in this organization is Director of Marketing & Membership. The Director will supervise the Marketing Manager, providing strategic guidance and direction for campaigns that fall within the Manager’s portfolio, as well as ensuring opportunities for professional development and growth. The requirement for this position is Bachelor’s degree or higher At least 10 years of experience, including managing at a department level and at least 5 years in senior marketing related roles that may include marketing, membership, digital/social media strategy, media relations, and public affairs. Must have demonstrated success in building brand equity, membership loyalty, and using marketing to support programmatic outcomes.  The ability to made decisions based on accurate and timely analysis is essential.  Prior association experience is preferred. I feel that I do not meet all the requirement, I do not have  experience in marketing and I need to work much more  on my communication and interpersonal skills. I want to gain knowledge and skills in marketing so that I can be qualified for this position.   References   . http://www.unicefusa.org/ Save the Children. (2011). (Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm National Association For the Education of Young Children(n.d.).Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/

Exploring  Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Three communities of  practice that appeal to me

1-Bridges4kids.It is a non-profit organization providing a comprehensive system of information and referral for parents and professionals working with children from birth through transition to adult life. I have chosen  this organization  because it provides parents, educators, and others the information, knowledge and supports  they need to help children with special needs to develop and grow in a healthy environment . Likewise, I was interested in this organization as it focus on building partnerships between families, schools and communities to help promote children's learning and development.

2-  Michigan Association for the education of Young Children. I have picked this association because it works on improving the education and the well-being of   young children  through professional development and advocacy.

3-Early Childhood Investment Corporation  . Early childhood investment collaborate with state and local, public and private partners to promote early childhood policy and program innovations and provide technical assistance and evidence-based information about community strategies that help children and families thrive.I have chosen this corporation because it focus on helping young children to have a great start and arrives at the kindergarten door ready to succeed in school, with parents who are committed to educational achievement. It has great resources that can help providers improve the care and education they give to children.

The job that apples to me is directing my own center. I feel that my journey in the early childhood field has helped me to gain the skills and the knowledge that I need  in running my own center.

References

Bridges4 kids :http://www.bridges4kids.org/

Michigan Association for the education of Young Children :http://www.miaeyc.org/

Early Childhood Investment Corporation : http://greatstartforkids.org/

Week 8

I would like to express my thanks to  all my colleagues for their insights and inputs that have contributed  to my learning . I really enjoyed working and interacting with each one of you. I also want to express my deep appreciation to my professor for her continuous support and feedback . I wish you all the best in your journey.
Good luck

Week6

 

 One of the hardest groups that I have to leave was a group that I worked with when I was in my last year of university. As a group consisting of five persons, we worked hardly to make our project looks amazing. Our group was constantly sitting together, discussing everything with an open heart, exchanging ideas that can add to our project, and gaining insights from each other.  What really an amazing about this project is that we were able to establish strong relationships that promote every one of us to do all the best so the project can be successful. Thus, it was very hard to leave the group because we were very glad about what we did, and how this project brings us together as a family. When we done from our project ,we we celebrated our progress that we did by having a lunch together, and remembering the exciting moments that we spent together during our research.

My Walden experience has provided me with many opportunities to grow and develop.  All the support, feedbacks, and the insights that I learned from my instructors and colleagues would help me to be a better educator. Therefore, it would be very sad to separate from my group at Walden University, as I will miss the group discussion, and their insights that broaden my understanding and deepen my knowledge.Therefore, adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it helps you  see all the positive work you did while working with your group, and build beautiful linkages of relationships that teach  us the  beautiful meaning of working  together and how the result can be amazed.

Week 5

A recent disagreement I had was with my husband regarding buying I Pad for my daughter that she had just turned three. When my husband told me about his idea of buying I pad for my daughter, I immediately express my rejection to this notion as I felt that she was still young for having her own I pad. My husband believed that since her brother who is seven years old have one, she should get her own one to prevent any conflict that might arise between them. Though my husband tried several time to convince me, I was insisting that his idea would affect my daughter negatively. After I found that my husband was very stick to his point, I told him that we need to take our time to think deeply about the advantage and disadvantage of buying I Pad for our little daughter, and then we can sit together and discuss it seriously from all the angles. By listening to each other, we were able to make the right decision that our daughter was still young for having her own one.

 Therefore, I believe that our conflict resolved productively because we both were good listener, open minded, and both were tried the best we could do to respect each other’s perspectives. Thus, I believe that these strategies can be appropriate to mange or resolve the conflict more productively because this type of communication can solve  the conflict without hurting other's feelings.