Time Well Spent...

It is difficult to believe that after two years, I have finally completed my Master’s program at Walden University.  I remember when I began, it seemed so far away; and just like that…it’s here.  I have learned so much about myself, my career choices, and the early childhood field through this program.  I have grown as an individual and a professional, and I have more confidence and belief in my ability to make positive, lasting contributions to the early childhood field.  

The greatest learning I acquired through this program has been learning about anti-bias education, and how to successfully develop my own curriculum.  Although I had unknowingly used many anti-bias education methods in my previous classroom, I can now do so with intention and purpose; and help children come to realize the beauty in our diverse world.  I have learned that in true anti-bias curriculum, one must include diversity, multiculturalism, family cultures, etc. in the classroom on a daily basis; it is not anti-bias curriculum if we are just celebrating Chinese New Year for a day.  Children need to be immersed in our world and taught to love and accept one another for their whole selves; as each and every child is a unique and wonderful individual that is deeply affected by our early roles in their lives.  

I also learned a great deal about myself and my personal biases.  It was difficult to journey into my childhood and young adult life and dissect some experiences, at which I did not want to look too closely.  It was through those critical assignments that I learned the most about who I am and how my personality and personal biases could positively and/or negatively affect the children and families I serve, as well as my colleagues.  I have picked up the wonderful habit of writing about my daily experiences during which I feel that my life and professional growth is being affected by my personal biases or family culture.  I believe that journaling has helped me to grow increasingly aware of how I impact those around me.  It has been a wonderful tool and one I continue to practice throughout my life.  

I have also come to learn that I am capable of a great deal more than I previously imagined.  Throughout this program, I have suffered hardships, moved twice, worked full time, and have still managed to do well in my classes.  Previously in my life, I would not have thought I could be so successful; especially with so many curve balls being thrown my way.  I have learned how to balance priorities in my life and that early childhood education and advocacy is truly where my professional passions lie.  Early on in my academic career, I believed that I would be teaching elementary school and would be completely satisfied working in a classroom for the rest of my life.  With the completion of this degree, I have come to realize that the sky is the limit for me; that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to, and I plan to test that theory.  

I have many long term goals that I wish to accomplish throughout my professional career.  I want to travel and visit different education systems around the world; to witness how they work and interact with early childhood professionals from different places.  I want to work with inner city families and children and advocate for them so that they can have the same opportunities as their wealthy counterparts.  I want to work with young mothers and help them to understand child development, the importance of the early years in their children’s lives, and help them become connected with resources around them that are available to them, as well as their children.  I would like to obtain my PhD in Family Psychology, or a related field, and work in administrative roles for national organizations that advocate for families and children.  My most immediate goal, however, is to write my first book.  I would like to write about my experiences in working with affluent, suburban families, in comparison to my time working with low income, urban families.  I want to write it as a memoir, but hope to ignite some passions in my readers about the inequities in education that are so widely spread, and so disgustingly apparent.  

To my colleagues:

            Thank you for sharing your experiences with me throughout this course; I have gained so much from you, simply through conversations, blogs, and discussions.  You are all amazing, unique, and wonderful individuals who have chosen a noble career path.  You all have beautiful dreams and ambitions that you have gleaned from our course work and I commend you on your ability to articulate them so well.  I hope that you will all pursue what you have shared with us throughout this Capstone Project.  It is a difficult road ahead of us as early childhood professionals and advocates, but we are now fully equipped with the knowledge, experience, and openness to new ideas that are needed to be successful.  Congratulations to each and every one of you on this monumental accomplishment.  It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with all of you.  Take care of yourselves and the families and children you serve!

Dr. Teri:

            Thanks to you, and my other professors at Walden University, I have made it through this journey.  I appreciate all of the suggestions and thought-provoking ideas that you have given me throughout my work here at Walden.  You were always available for help and encouragement and I never felt alone or lost because of that simple fact.  The assignments throughout this particular course have truly inspired me to become more involved in child advocacy.  The Capstone Project was difficult at times, but reflected my true passions as a professional and allowed me to pursue them in a very real way.  I now believe that I am capable of doing great things; and with that confidence and the knowledge I have gained here, I truly believe that I will accomplish my goals and live up to my own expectations.    

Be well and keep in touch!
rainadouglass@yahoo.com

Inspirational Quotes:

"Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world."

- Maria Montessori

"If you're going to equalize the academic playing field, you've got to get the kids in early childhood programs."

- Paul Vallas

"The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one."

- Malcolm Forbes

"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.”

- Dr. Hiam Ginnot

"I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think."

- Socrates

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: International

In thinking about being an advocate for children, I believe that it’s important to also consider children around the world; not only in our country.  There are children everywhere who are missing opportunities to go to school based on their demographic, money, and other issues that are beyond my ability to understand; such as children of war and extreme poverty.  When reviewing the many different organizations that are trying to help families provide their children with educational opportunities, I was able to find a few that appealed to me professionally and personally.

            The first organization I chose was FHI 360.  “FHI 360's education programs improve teaching and learning, increase access to educational opportunities for underserved populations including children and youth with disabilities, create more opportunities for girls and integrate technology to enhance teaching and learning” (FHI 360, 2012).  Around the world, children are struggling to receive the education they deserve; and in many areas are completely unaware of the opportunities they may be able to have.  This organization creates programs to help build and rebuild education systems around the world.  There were two goals that FHI 360 has that really stuck out to me.  FHI 360 helps rebuild education systems post conflict in war torn countries.  They work with educators around the world to help reacclamate the children in these societies to a school system and to provide them with quality educators and materials.  FHI 360 also works hard to be sure that girls across the globe are able to access education.  “FHI 360 promotes the rights of girls and women to education, health, a safe environment, economic participation and leadership. We analyze gender-related issues and advocate for the mobilization of leaders and institutions in support of gender equality” (FHI 360, 2012).  This is something that we fought hard for in the United States, and I feel that it is often forgotten that there are still so many areas in this world where women and girls are oppressed in many ways. 

            One job I found through FHI360 that appealed to me was that of Chief of Party, (Program Director), in Nigeria.  I chose Nigeria because during my undergraduate studies, I once had a professor from Nigeria.  I have since been involved in assisting a friend of mine in selling Nigerian jewelry once a year that is made by young girls to help sponsor them and raise money to send them to school.  I’m passionate about all women across the globe being treated with equality to their male counterpart.  Because of this passion, I believe I would be wonderful to assist in FHI 360’s involvement in Nigeria.  I would need to continue with my studies and pursue my phd  for this position.  I would also need to gain more experience before being able to serve in such an important position.  “The COP should have a record of effective management, strong human-relations, strong writing and communications skills and a working knowledge of Nigeria’s basic education system” (FHI 360, 2012).  I believe that I have strong human-relations, as well as writing and communication skills.  I feel that these skills would aide me indeveloping the other requirements for this position.

            Another organization that spoke to me was UNESCO.  This organization begins their journey through developing positive relationships and open communication among people across the globe.  “UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO’S mission and activities” (UNESCO, 2012).  I believe that through developing such communication and connectedness across cultures, achieving success in creating educational opportunities for all children is more attainable.  Their Education for All (EFA) movement was particularly inspiring.  They have created a community of practice across nations and have set six goals to meet by 2015 in order to achieve EFA.  I appreciated that their goals were progressive and began with early childhood education and the importance therein.  The first goal states; “Expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children” (UNESCO, 2012).  I feel that this goal relates directly to my mission of helping those who are disadvantaged in New York City for my Capstone Project and plan to research their mission further. 

            One job that I found particularly interesting would be the Assistant Project Officer for HIV/AIDS Education.  I think that health education is imperative, specifically in areas where healthcare is not provided to its citizens and people are suffering with such horrible diseases.  In addition, sex education, birth control, etc. is not marketed to young people and should be introduced by a knowledgeable source.  Although my degree would qualify me for this position, I would need to acquire some new skills.  I would have to learn the basics of the French language. In addition, I would need to obtain a greater knowledge base about AIDS and sexual education in order to lead such a project.  I feel that this would be a beneficial position for children and their families living with such diseases, and also a preventative measure to help educate others about ways in which they can avoid contact with HIV/AIDS and lead healthy lives. 

            The last organization I chose was Heifer International.  This is an organization I have worked with throughout my undergraduate studies, as well as my teaching career.  Heifer International provides families all over the world who live in extreme poverty with a reliable source of income; farm animals.  There are many different ways to become involved in this organization, but I believe that the most beneficial way for all parties involved is through their Read to Feed program.  This program teaches children in our care to be involved in something bigger than themselves, and gives them an opportunity to develop global awareness and empathy for those who are less fortunate than them.  “The Read to Feed program encourages reading, while heightening students’ awareness that their actions make a difference in the lives of others. As students read more books, they improve their reading abilities and more families receive gifts of livestock and training” (Heifer International, 2012).  In order to raise money to send animals to these families, students in my classroom have collected sponsors and read a great number of books in order to do so.  Along with raising money and improving their reading skills, they are learning about other cultures, other areas of the world, and ways in which they can have a positive impact on a global level.  Through such programs, we are creating lifelong learners, as well as contributing members of our global society. 

            Aside from the benefits of volunteering and working with children who will help raise money to assist families around the world, there are jobs throughout our country available through Heifer International.  One job I found appealing was that of Community Engagement Coordinator in Tennessee.  This position was created to help promote Heifer International’s goals and mission and to involve communities across our country.  I would be reaching out to different organizations, schools, and communities in order to inspire and motivate people to help Heifer International reach their goals.  My Master’s degree would be more than sufficient for this position.  In addition to my education, my communication skills and overall passion for these issues would be an asset to this organization.  I would also be willing to travel and able to communicate with various people across the globe.  I feel that this would be an excellent position for me, as I have been passionate about this organization for a decade and have worked with them previously.

            It is refreshing to see that there are so many people across the world that are interested in bettering the lives of families and their children.  “Early childhood educators have deep faith in the principle that all people deserve the opportunities and resources to fulfill their complete humanity.  Moreover, we have a unique role in making this principle real, in promoting all children’s chances to thrive and to succeed in school, in work, and in life” (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010, p. 1). 

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. Washington D.C. : NAEYC Books.

FHI 360. (2012). fhi360 The Science of Improving Lives. Retrieved from FHI 360: www.fhi360.org

Heifer International. (2012). Heifer International Pass on the Gift. Retrieved from Heifer International: www.heifer.org

UNESCO. (2012). UNESCO Building Peace in the Minds of Men and Women. Retrieved from United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization: www.unesco.org

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

When researching in the early childhood field, it is important to know the resources that are available locally, throughout your state, and nationally.  I believe that it’s important to stay connected to other early childhood professionals in order to seek opportunity that may assist me in furthering my career in the direction that I wish to go.  While researching national organizations, agencies, and communities of practice, I was able to find three with positions available that I would potentially be interested in pursuing. 

www.zerotothree.org

            The first organization that appealed to me was the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families; Zero to Three.  I have utilized this organization for previous research assignments in various courses and have found it to be invaluable for the type of work that I would like to pursue.  In addition, I feel that it’s resources would be able to contribute greatly to the current challenge I am addressing of educating families of young children from ethnically diverse, low income, urban areas in our country.  The Zero to Three website states that it is their mission to “promote the health and development of infants and toddlers” (Zero To Three, 2012)  This organization provides resources for teachers and families; including extended families and how to have positive, lasting, beneficial relationships with their infants and toddlers.  It focuses on their growth and development, and keeping our children healthy and thriving.  I feel that this information is essential to developing a plan for furthering family education and helping families understanding the resources that are available to them; and how to access the knowledge that they need to raise healthy, happy children. 

            One position that I found within the Zero to Three organization was that of Senior Director of Programs.  I do not believe that I am currently qualified to hold such a position, but I do believe that it is one that I would love to work toward attaining.  This job would allow me to develop curriculum and effectively train other early childhood professionals.  I feel that I would need to gain a great deal of experience and wisdom prior to applying to such a demanding job, but that with a lot of hard work and dedication, I would eventually hold such a position; although, according to the job posting, I would qualify with my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies.  This position would also require me to have wonderful people skills and communication skills.  I would need to be able to communicate with individuals from all over the country and train people who are directors of other programs.  I think it would be wonderful to pass along my passions for anti-bias education through such a wide array of individuals and programs throughout the country.  This would be a position that I would like to attain in the later years of my career; when I feel confident in the knowledge I have acquired over the years and capable of articulating such passions to other educators and professionals. 

www.voices.org

            Another organization that I found intriguing would be Voices for America’s Children.  I feel that often, in this country, children are regarded as a profit, or as a population that needs fixing and direction.  It is frequently forgotten that young children are a population that is comprised of small individuals.  This organization’s name is what drew me into further exploring its mission and the career opportunities that may be available.  “We lead advocacy efforts at the community, state and federal levels to improve the lives of all children, especially those most vulnerable, and their families” (Voices for America's Children, 2012).  Being a quality advocate for children in various educational and living situations is a wonderful role to play in the early childhood field.  Regardless of whether it is on a local, state, national, or international level; it is essential that we are able to advocate for children that are unable to speak for themselves.  This organization spoke to me because I feel that the information I could gather here would greatly benefit my community of practice in reaching my goals of educating families who may be less fortunate as far as money and opportunity may be concerned.  The organization addresses many issues within the field that are near and dear to my heart; including equity, diversity, and poverty. 

            One possible job opportunity that sounded appealing to me would be that of a an intern in the executive department at Voices.  I feel that this position would help me to gain necessary experience in running a nonprofit and managing a team of individuals who are working toward the common good; a community of practice I would be proud to be a part of.  In addition, I believe that being in an entry level position is a humbling experience, and allows us to learn to work with others and glean information from those who have more experience.  These internships are typically granted to students and those who are training to be a part of nonprofit work.  I have worked for several nonprofit organizations and would love to learn the behind the scenes aspects of such wonderful organizations.  In addition, such an internship could potentially lead to a more permanent leadership position in this community of practice. 

www.nhsa.org

            Lastly, I have chosen the National Head Start Association.  This is another organization that would help me in my research and pursual of the education of parents and families in how to help their children become successful, contributing members of society by providing them with quality early childhood experiences; both in education and within their home.  Head Start is a program that holds a great deal of potential in serving our underprivileged youth in this country.  However, there is a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure the quality of the care that is being given to said children.  Being involved in a community of practice that focuses their mission on helping children al receive equal opportunities would be an ideal fit for me within the early childhood field.  I have applied to become a member of this community after reading several testimonials of current members.  One member stated that “NHSA membership provides a unique opportunity to participate in making public policy that will affect a generation of Americans” (National Head Start Association, 2012).  The materials and opportunities provided to the members in this organization will assist me in my own research, as well as help to link me to other early childhood professionals that share in my passions. 

            One position that stood out to me that is available through NHSA would be that of a Head Start Director.  It is my dream to run my own preschool in the future and I believe that working with the Head Start organization would be a wonderful opportunity.  I like the idea of having a link to the federal government and how they choose to run their early childhood programs.  I also would like to have a lasting impact on government policies that would benefit our future.  In order to obtain this position, I would need to acquire more experience and continue to pursue my Master’s degree.  In addition, I feel that it would be essential to be able to communicate professionally and articulately within my field.  I would need to be a positive leader and role model for my students, families, and employees. 

            Each of these organizations have appealed to me, as well as several others.  I look forward to reading about what all of you have researched and learning what other national opportunities are available to me within the early childhood field.  

 

References

National Head Start Association. (2012). NHSA. Retrieved from National Head Start Association: www.nhsa.org

Voices for America's Children. (2012). Voices. Retrieved from Voices for America's Children: www.voices.org

Zero To Three. (2012). Zero To Three; National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. Retrieved from Zero To Three: www.zerotothree.org