Time Well Spent

I am extremely happy about finally completing this program at Walden.  It has been a long, but successful journey,  and I have learned a lot of new things that will benefit as I continue on life's journey.  I've learned about diversity which allows me to understand the differences in other cultures, lifestyles, and background.  Diversity has also taught me to self-evaluate in order to eliminate personal biases I have about others and to recognize the individual differences that make us all unique.  I've also learned about building communities of practice in order to help me identify the problems and concerns that exist in the early childhood field.  The more people I involve in my community of practice will help me to broaden my thinking and develop solutions that will benefit children and families.  Also, I've learned that early childhood field consists of a lot of dedicated and passionate educators who work hard to ensure that all children receive appropriate educational opportunities.  These educators continually strive to increase equality in education in order to promote growth and development in all children.

One of my long term goals is to continue my education in order to stay informed of the constant changes in the early childhood field and become a stronger advocate for children and families. 

Dr. Shephard, you have made this last semester a true learning experience.  I thank you for all of your feedback, suggestions and additional resources which were all very helpful through the course.  I have been inspired by your dedication to helping us complete our journey.  Again, thank you and God bless.

Colleagues/friends, it has been an amazing journey!  I have learned so much from all of you through your stories and experiences, and it made learning so much easier knowing that we were all in it together.  I wish all of you much success in the future, and hopefully I will see some of you in future courses.  Stay positive, remain passionate, and continue to work for our children, as well as inspire others.  Good Luck and Thanks for Sharing!!!  
(Email: angel2angelx3@yahoo.com)


"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
                                                                                 Dolly Parton
"Be who you are, and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter
  don't mind"
                                                                                        Dr. Seuss

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

National Children's Advocacy Center - works to respond to and prevent child abuse through education, service and leadership.  It works to get the agencies, law enforcement and the courts to respond in a timely matter to child abuse issue, as well as, train others to deal with the problem of child abuse.  I chose this organization because it encourages organizations to work together to protect children from abuse
National Head Start Association - works to provide low income children and families with early childhood educational opportunities.  It also participates with community outreach in order to place families with needed services and information. I chose Head Start because I am a big supporter of the program and how they make a difference in the lives of children and families. All children need to receive an appropriate education regardless of financial abilities, and Head Start works to make sure that they have the opportunity
National Association for the Education of Young Children - works on behalf of young children to set standards of excellence for programs and teachers in early childhood education.  I chose this organization because it  makes sure that the ece programs and teachers are providing quality education and service to children and families.


Job opportunities:  Early Childhood Instructor, Child Life Specialist, Parent Educator
Along with the current skills and experience I have, I would need to become familiar with the specific regulations related to each of these jobs including curriculum development and identifying developmental objectives for children and families.


www.nationalcac.org
www.nhsa.org
www.naeyc.org

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Child Care Resources, Inc - Provides resource and referral services for children and families, supports high quality learning and helps programs start, improve and sustain high quality services.
I chose this program because it helps families locate and afford child care services within the community.  Many families have trouble finding quality child care, especially when they are new to an area, and this agency helps with referrals and with the cost of child care.
Smart Start - A private organization that provides health, family support and early care and education for children ages birth to five and their families.  I chose this program because it focus on meeting the needs of children from birth, it supports health and education, and  it also provides early childhood educators with incentives for working with children and families.
Thompson Child and Family Focus - Provides developmental and preventive services to children and their families through educational and therapeutic resources.  I choose this agencies because it provides family support services to children and families facing a variety of needs and concerns in order to promote future development and learning.

Job opportunities:  Inclusion specialist, Child Development Specialist, Education Coordinator, Child Care Director.
Along with the current education and experience that I already have, I would need to become more familiar with the NC licensing guidelines and the 5 star rating system.  Also for the Child Care Director position I will need to complete Administration I & II.

When I Think of Research.....

The insights I have gained about research from taking this course is that there is a lot of work and effort that goes into doing research, and a lot of information obtain as a result of it.  I am glad that I learned how to look for reputable information when doing research, and how to determine what makes a research study more valid.

My ideas about doing research haven't changed much.  I still think it's a complicated process that requires special people to do it, but I don't think I'm one of those people.  I will be willing to read the results, but I don't think I want to be the one doing the actual research.

The lessons I learned is to make sure that you are researching a topic that you are interested in, and to develop the research questions thoroughly in order to be able to move forward with the next steps of the research process.  One challenge I encountered was that my research questions was initially too broad and it hindered me from moving on with the next steps in the research process.  I am glad I have some excellent feedback during this class that helped me to sort out the steps that were the most challenging for me.

My perceptions have been modified because I have gained a new respect for the people that do research.  I understand that there is a definite need for research in order to find answers to important questions that will benefit the early childhood field, as well as, many other areas.  I'm glad there are those out there who are committed to doing research in order to provide others with a better understanding of the various questions of this world.

Thanks to everyone for being so supportive during this course.  I hope you all have gained a better understanding of the research process.  Good luck in the future!!!

Research Around the World

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is committed to  improving the quality of life for children and their families in Africa.  Their efforts are continent wide efforts with ECD leaders addressing capacity building and leadership development in Africa.


Some of the current research topics include: Leadership skills training for administrators and parent support training for caregivers, 2) Curriculum development  using community resources, 3)Strengthening the capacity of grandparents in providing care for children less than 8 years old affected by HIV/AIDS, 4)Assessment of interaction and stimulation in single parent low income families, 5)Involving fathers in early childhood care and development.


Insights about early childhood from exploring this international early childhood site:  ECDVU uses a generative curriculum approach. Some characteristics of this approach is 1)learner-focused approach which is drawing as much as possible on the learner's experiences in their personal and professional lives 2)ecological approach-placing individuals, programs and policies into an interactive and dynamic context and seeking to plan activities and interventions to maximize resonating impact throughout the larger ecology 3) capacity building approach-aiming to strategically strengthen the capacities of participants to effectively fulfill their mandates in their professional position and to be accountable to their constituents and the broader ECD community in their countries.  Although most education activities claim this a general purpose, the ECDVU addresses capacity development in a specific strategic manner.


-ECDVU sees great potential in leadership capacity building through face to face interviews, on the job learning, web-based learning and network building.
-ECDVU candidates were chosen by their country committees as emergent leaders to function as key interactors within  and outside their countries.  Participation in ECDVU is an investment in improving the well being of children, families, and communities in their countries.  Participants are evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in moving forward 'agendas for children' in their countries.   






http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

Research that Benefits Children and Families-Uplifting Stories

I worked with a family with a special needs foster child for about five years.  The child was a former student at a child development center were I worked, and when the family needed assistance with his care, they contacted me to see if I would be interested in helping part time.  He was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome, along other neurological complications as a result of being shaken.  He couldn't walk or talk and he had seizures back to back, ranging from very small to very severe.  He had to wear a helmet because often times the severe seizures would cause him to bang his head on the floor. 
I remember all the times he had to have this or that procedure done or the doctors keep switching the medicines to help control the seizures.  For years nothing seem to help, until finally, the doctors got the medicines and doses right.  We begin to see the seizures decrease and, eventually stop altogether.  He begin to crawl and became more away of his environment.  He also begin to express his wants, likes and dislikes, and he was able to recognize familiar people.
Last year he begin walking at the age of nine years old, and he continues to meet new goals.  Although, he still can not speak, he has defeated all the odds thus far, so I'm looking for him to blurt out any day now.
I believe that continued research for treatments of neurological disorders is why this child continues to thrive and progress daily. The procedures and treatments that were questionable at the time, proved to help him progress in his growth and development. This is definitely one of those case where research has benefited this child and family, and now the same research can help many other children and families.

Personal Reseach Journey

The topic I chose is autism in preschool age children, and I chose this topic because I believe it is important for early childhood educators to know the signs and system of a child who may have autism in order to prevent the child from being labeled as having behavior problems.  A more personal reason that I chose this topic is because I have friends with a child that exhibits some of the symptoms of autism, and I want to be able to assist them in learning as much as possible about the causes of autism, as well as, what they can do to help their child.

I am glad that we are learning to determine which research is quality so that I will be able to collect information to share that is correct and that will help educators and parents make the best decisions for children. 

I would appreciate it if anyone has any ideas and/or suggestions that will help me pull together reputable and useful information that will be valuable to children and families.

Thanks and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

As we come to the close of another eight weeks, I would like to thank everyone for being so supportive during the class.  I have really enjoyed reading your points of view, your stories and experiences throughout this class, as well as the previous classes.  I hope that each of you are able to reach your goals and of completing this program and beginning new life and work experiences.
Thank you for all the sharing and may God continue to bless you as you move forward!!

Adjourning

I believe groups where you develop the most relationships/friendships are the hardest to leave.  I've participated in several conferences where we were worked together for several days.  We worked together during the day to accomplish certain goals, and then we came together after hours to socialize and unwind.  We usually spend our last night together having dinner and drinks and maybe even attending a party.  We also make sure to exchange phone numbers and/email addresses in order to stay in touch.

I hope to adjourn from the colleagues I formed while working on this master's degree with email address and/or numbers so that we can keep in touch.  I would love to keep in touch with everyone in order to continue networking and building relationships.  Ideally, I wish we could all meet at graduation, and then get together to celebrate afterwards, but I know this will not be possible for everyone.

Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it allows opportunities to reflect on the experiences learned and shared while in a group.  It also allows opportunities to say goodbye or continue to maintain the relationships/friendship that have been established during the group.


O’Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2009). Real communication. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s

Strategies for Resolving Conflicts

I don't allow myself to become involved in conflicts so that is actually my first strategy for avoiding conflict all together.  In the past, I have find it easy to get involved in a conflict with others, but now I find it so much more satisfying and rewarding to avoid it all together.  I'm at a point in my life that I don't let too many things upset me, so I choose to avoid and/or ignore the things that have the potential to cause a disagreement.
Another strategy that I find useful is being straight forward and honest with people from the start.  I've found over the years that people respect you more for being up front with them and it avoids any conflict when you are not afraid to say whats on your mind, but respectfully.

If I every come to a disagreement with someone, it will usually be something very minor because I rarely have the time energy to get into anything else.  I am willing to compromise and look for solutions rather to let the situation escalate.  I always try to listen and respect what others have to say, and I will let them know it is something that doesnt't sit will with me without it turning into a disagreement.

Evaluations

The way I evaluated myself and the way others evaluated me is very similar.  This is surprising to me because often times people just assume things about a person without really knowing the person.  I was surprised to learn that their evaluations were not far from the one I did on myself.

One insight I gain about communication is that people may know you better than you think they know you.  This makes me feel as though I am good at communicating what I like and dislike.  It's important in my personal and professional life to communicate effectively with people so that they will be comfortable with you.  This will keep communication lines open and build effective working relationships.

Another insight I gained about communication is to be aware of how I communicate with others and the messages I send out because you never know how your actions are perceived by others.  If I want to be viewed a certain way in life, then I have to make sure I am sending out the right messages to others.  Professionally, I need to always be aware of how I am perceived by others in order to build and maintain relationships.  Personally, I need to work towards building and strengthening relationships with others, as well.

Communication and Culture

As I encounter the different cultural diversity among my colleagues, family and neighbors, I find that I communicate with others the same regardless of the their background or what group they belong too.  If any communication is different, I would say it is in the way I speak to someone who speaks a different language  and they do not understand.  I also try to listen more intensely to people from others countries so that I be able to get a better understanding of how they are as well as help to meet their needs.

One strategy I would used to help me communicate more effectively, is to take time to learn about the customs and cultures of others. The more I know about others, the more effective I will become.  Another strategy I would use is learn all aspects of effective communication and learn how to utilize it so that I will be able to become an effective communicator.  I would also continue to help children and families become comfortable enough with who they are and with their own cultures and beliefs to share their experiences with others.

Communication Skills-week 2

TV Show-- "Let's Stay Together." 
I know there are two married couples on the show because the show opened with one couple at a house and then another couple at another house.  I can tell by the body language, such as kissing, hugging and eating breakfast that they are probably married. There are some other ladies on the show that I think may be friends of the couples because they are having dinner together, and I saw them earlier at the couples houses. The dinner appears to be a birthday celebration.  I also notice that neither of the two other ladies bother to knock when they come into the couples houses so that lets me know they are close friends or family.  I see a lot of happiness, smiles and laughing between all the characters. 

With the sound on, I learned that one of the other ladies was actually the sister and sister-n-law of one of the couples, and not just a friend.  I thought it was a birthday celebration and it was actually a graduation celebration.
I think my assumptions would have been more accurate with a familiar show, but only with the familiar characters.  I think anyone new who appeared would have been difficult to identify. 

Competent Communicator

My supervisor demonstrates competent communication during our staff meetings by making sure that she maintains eye contact with everyone when she is speaking and by always having an agenda.  She allows everyone in the meeting a chance to share personal/professional news at the beginning of the meeting which sets a comfortable tone for everyone in the room.  She makes sure everyone understands everything being discussed and gives everyone a chance to ask questions after each topic on the agenda.  She always makes sure the meeting progresses without too many interruptions, and if an issue comes up that needs more individual attention, she asks the person to see her afterwards in order to keep the meeting on point and to a minimum.

I would want to model some of my own communication behaviors after her because I hate sitting in long, boring meetings, and I know many other people do as well.  I think she does an excellent job of making the staff meeting is as enjoyable as possible by keeping it to a minimum while making sure all points are covered.  She's always interested in learning new things from the staff and encouraging others to share.

Professionals Hopes and Goals

The hope that I have when I think about working with children and families that come from diverse backgrounds is that they are all treated fairly and with respect regardless of their backgrounds.  I want to see children and families prosper especially when it comes to education, therefore, I hope that they will have equal oportunities to learn and grow.

One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity and social justice is to establish education and training for all early childhood educators that will help them to serve children and families from diverse backgrounds more thoroughly.  The training needs to address recognizing and accepting personal bias that will allow educators to provide children and families with services that meets and exceeds what is required.

As always, it has beeen a true pleasure learning and sharing with everyone in the class. I wish you all an abundance of success in your future courses and in your professional choices.

Welcoming Families From Around The World

The name of my family's country: Mexico

Five ways to be culturally responsive:
1-Learn basic language that will help me communicate with the family as a way to help meet their needs.
2-Locate an interpretor that will be able to communicate with the family on a more in- depth basis in order to meet their needs.
3-Obtain resources on schools and housing as well as any other resources the family will need in order to help them transition into the new living environment.
4-Obtain information on employment that will help the family locate and acquire a new job.
5-Obtain basic supplies that the family will need to adjust to the new living conditions such as a bus pass/schedule if they do not have a car and/or locations of grocery stores, post office, government agencies, etc.

I hope this preparation will provide the family with the information and resources needed to adjust to living in a new city.  I hope it will make them feel as though they have someone they can trust and depend on in a place that will be new and strange to them.
I  hope I will understand the changes involved in locating to a place that is very different from where you come from, but at the same time, I hope to help make it a pleasant experience. Making these preparations will help me to learn more about what any family needs when they are faced with a new environment and how there basic needs can be addressed.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice and Oppression

I've been to the Black Bikers weekend held in Myrtle Beach, SC several times in the past.  The last time I went to the event, I saw a lot of changes to the traffic routes, the businesses, the rates of the rooms and the deposits required to rent a room for that weekend.  I lot of the changes apply just for that weekend, although, there are several other bike weekends held at the beach, as well.  It has gotten to the point where the number is people attending has decreased, and instead, they boycott Myrtle Beach and head to Daytona or Miami for the Memorial Day holiday.
These incidents have diminished equity because it changed the rules and requirements for this weekend that is basically a time when a lot of black people visit the beach.  The first year I went after the changes were made was the last year I went for that weekend.  I felt like a lot of unnecessary changes were made because of the fact that this event is mostly blacks.  I'm sure that a lot of other factors may have been a part of decisions, but this weekend was targeted first.
Who or what would have to change is a big question.  Many business at the beach welcome the bikers as well as their business, but there are some business and residents who don't.  The change will have to be a collaboration of many things, but I think over the coming years the event is going to move to another location that is possibly more welcoming.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressionar

A microaggression that I recently witnessed involves a home visit to a Spanish speaking student's house.  I accompanied another teacher on the visit, and she had to request an interpreter for the child and  family.  My co-teacher informed the interpreter, Maria, that the child's name is also Maria.  The interpreter made a comment about how that name is a very common name among the Latino culture.  My co-worker then asked her where was she from, and she said she was born here  in the US.  I thought it was a fair question at the time, but after learning about microaggressions, I understand how things can be assumed if we do not know the culture of those we come in contact with.  I have a better understanding of how easy it is to label people when you don't think about what you are saying before you ask a question or make a comment.  Although it may often be unintentional, we can offend others by assuming we already know them or by forming our own expectations of them.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

*Culture is values and beliefs shared by a common group of people.  Religion, how a person is raised, food you eat and clothes you wear.
Diversity is going against the standard norms of society.
*Things passed down from ancestors;nationality; traditions
Diversity is being divided into groups according to age or race.
*Knowledge gained from different educational experiences, art; shared beliefs.
Diversity is a variety of people and opinions.


The answer I received reflect on many of the different aspects of diversity and culture such as beliefs, values, traditions and experiences and knowledge gain from ancestors.  The answer also reflect of what  makes people diverse, such as race, age and different standards.
A wide range of aspects were covered even religion, clothes that people wear and the food people eat.

Thinking about other people's definitions of diversity and culture has influenced my thinking of just how the they are both defined differently by different people , but generally meaning the same thing.  People are different in how they look, beliefs, etc. so the definitions of culture and diversity are also different.

My Family Culture

The three items I would choose are family pictures, an ipod, and a notebook.

The pictures will represent the memories of family events and celebrations of my culture.  The ipod will represent the various music of my culture because it often tells stories, especially the gospel music. Gospel music ministers to me at all times, even when I am not in church or have access to a bible and it will be a constant reminder of my faith.   The note pad because I want to be able to write down as much as I can about my culture so that there will be a record of my culture to pass on to my children.

If I have to give up one thing, I would be hurt and sad about having to give it up, but I would make sure I teach my children about our culture and tell them stories so that they will always carry that with them in their heart.

This exercise has made me really think about what I  would take with me if I was put into this position.  It has reminded me of how important it is to make sure my children are aware of their cultural surroundings and that we all create great memories in our lives that will remain with us forever.