Time Well Spent

My Deeply-Felt Learnings

1. I know this is going to sound cheesy but through my learning experience I have become a more focused and passionate person about the work that I do.  Not to say that I did not have passion at the start, but I can say that I got caught up in the woes of teaching.  I was more cautious then confident at the start of this program.  I was very introverted as a professional and had a very nearsighted vision of my professional development in the field.  I now have a vision for myself and how it fits in the early childhood education field.    
2. I am now more aware and educated on the topics, issues and trends that impact early childhood.  It may be embarrassing to say again but I had a very local view of the issues that associated with the early childhood field.  I was under the impression that the program I currently work for was a program of higher quality, I understood the fact that early childhood is always underfunded but I now have a source of understanding as to why and I am now the master of my own fate.  I have the ability to seek out my own professional development and research rather than waiting for it from my school or district. 
3.  The last thing I learned about were communities of practice.  They are the best way to build up and help an idea or project progress.  They are built on a common passion and stand upon good communication and collaborative skills.  All which I have gained better experience using through this program.  Thinking of working with a bunch of people on a project, to me, seemed like a bit of a nuisance but after reading the article by Wenger, I realized how to create a group of dynamic professionals to bring perspective, a fresh eye and experience on a topic.

My long term goal is to become a leader in the early childhood field, whether this be a principal or directors of a school.  Now I will begin to participate in the early childhood community as much as possible to nurture my passion, find my place in the field and to connect with other professionals.

A Farewell Message, or Not.
This program has opened my eyes to the early childhood field and also to how much I can do for young children and their families. I want to first thank our professors for creating a comprehensive program that lit the fire under us, while also holding us accountable for our role in the early childhood field.  Here at Walden we created a learning community that nurtured each others learning and I am so appreciative!  I want to especially thank my colleagues in this course because of their insight and the AHA moments you all created for me throughout this class.  The discussion boards were always full of so much new information and perspective.  I am a different kind of professional because of this program.  I have a vision for myself, the ECE field and I now know what I can do to make changes in my program.  You have all made this experience priceless for me. Thank you!


-Alyssa

International Jobs/Roles

Jobs/Roles Internationally

Save the Children is an organization that really connects with who I am as a teacher and as a person.  I feel that their mission and organization has a community that is strong, trustworthy and they are doing the right things to "save the children".  Save the Children not only has ties to the international community but they are advocating for the safety of children right here in the US.  This was pivotal for me because I do not see myself leaving the country to do volunteer or mission work as a teacher, but I am able to support the organization and be aware of their successes.  As an American there are many many children who are suffering domestically and something needs to be done as well.  The focus of this organization is similar to what I would focus on if I were to start my own non-profit school or organization.

UNESCO's mission for gender equality i caught my eye as well.  I would not call myself a feminist, but I am all for women empowerment.  Often the strength of women is underestimated and goes unrecognized due to societal norms.  UNESCO's view that gender equality could be one of the keys to peace is powerful.  As an organization they not only advocate for women's rights but they have programs in place to education women and train them.  In many cultures women are not allowed to go to school.  In America, we know that people can take a lot of things from you but your education is something they cannot take.  The lack of education leads to poverty and discrimination.  Gender-based equality rears its head also with laws against gender.

Be Social Change, is a community of practice that has the goal of developing and supporting entrepreneurs, consultants, speakers and other who want to impact social change.  Though they are not based from any international site, this non-profit aims to change the world.  This organization is a bit different from the others because they get their message out mostly through social media to connect with the younger generation of ideas.  I liked this organization because they focus on helping people to develop their brands and how to affect social change.

Center Director 
Program Administration and Coordination:

• develops and monitors center and staff schedules
• responsible for monthly safety checks
• responsible for investigation of any child or staff incidents
• takes lead and works with staff and parents to plan and carry out Family Nights and Parent Committee Meetings

Requirements
•Minimum - Associate's degree or higher in early childhood education, child development or related field
•One year supervisory experience preferred
•Previous Head Start/ Early Head Start experience preferred
•Knowledge of program planning and practices in infant/toddler and preschool center-based programs; thorough knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and best practices related to early childhood education
•Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, children, parents and outside agencies
•Ability to oversee and operate the day-to-day program in compliance with all local, state and federsl regulations
•Good time management and problem solving skills
•Satisfy background checks, including fingerprinting (if required), TB screening results and initial health exam prior to employment
•Ability to drive with valid Driver's License and good driving record

References

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/

besocialchange.org