TIME WELL SPENT

Learning’s

One of the deeply felt learning that I gained from this program is that we have to know who we are and listen to the critique and suggestions of others.  Janice Keyer states that we have to grow and learn who we are (Laureate Education, Inc, 2011).  I believe in order to be truly honest, we have to dig deep into our own minds and hearts. We have to acknowledge our strengths and weakness.  Sparks-Derman and Edwards (2010) stated that “we all need the diverse perspectives and honest feedback of peers to expand our understanding of ourselves” (p.21). We live in a diverse world and we have to be knowledgeable of the bias and discriminations that are in this world.  Our knowledge will help us to be better anti-bias educators.

The second deeply felt learning that I gained from this program is that you have to be passionate and you have to be a leader.  The knowledge that I have learned from the courses in this program will serve as guidance for me through my professional career.

The third deeply felt learning that I gained from this program is that respect is the key to success.  You have to be respectful toward yourself, colleagues, parents, and most of the children that you serve.  Throughout this program each course placed emphasis on respect.

Goals

At least one long-term goal is to continue to work on my challenge and achieve the goals that I have listed within my response toward my identified challenge of helping children within my community have access to developmental appropriate materials.  I want my challenge to be successful because I know that it will benefit the developmental outcome for young children.

My long term goal is to implement the actions that I have designed toward my goal and work effectively with my Ideal Community of Practice to be successful.

Goodbyes

Dr. Davis it was an honor to have taken this final course under your guidance.   I will greatly miss your critique and suggestions, as well as your compliments and encouragement to do better.  Dr. Davis you were not just a great instructor, but you are a great role model.  As I pursue, my career I hope that my students can admire, respect me, the way that I look up to you.  You were a great instructor in the building research course and I can say the same about you now. To my colleagues, thank each of you for your support and assistance.  I learned a lot from each of you from your blogs and discussion posts and it is one of the reasons why I will miss each of you. We all had a vision about this field and I hope that you all accomplish that vision. You all were very professional and kind in your comments.  I know that you all are passionate about the early childhood field; therefore I know each of you will make a remarkable impression in this field.   I wish you all great success as you journey into your new career paths or excel in your previous jobs. 

Images

Wordle

"http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/6637342/Children"

Quotes

“Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it”

Author Unknown

 

“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Carl W. Buechner

 

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
Harriet Tubman

“A skillful man reads his dreams for self-knowledge, yet not the details but the quality.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Contact Information

Tamieka Kaho Logan (I was married on November 09, 2011)

Natchez, MS

tamiekakaho@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roles in the ECE Community: International Level

International Step by Step

I chose this organization because it promotes quality access for all children.  I also chose this organization because it focuses on young children and their families.  Therefore, I always interesting in learning new insights about other organizations that focus on the lives of young children.

Job Opportunities

OFFICE COORDINATOR

 

Skills and Experience

 University degree in a relevant field of study

 Knowledge of basic accounting and bookkeeping, especially Dutch administration procedures and international controlling

 Basic HR and office management knowledge

Ability to listen and communicate clearly and effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds

Interest in programs addressing the needs of children

A commitment to ISSA’s vision, mission and values

 

References:

International Step By Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html

 http://www.issa.nl/news_issa_fill_four_staff_positions.html

 

 

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

I chose this organization because I wanted gain insight about a different organization.  I want to learn more about their mission and goals, in reference to how the reflect the well-being and educational goals of young children across the world.

Job Opportunities

EDUCATION PROGRAMME COOORDINATOR

 

Skills and Experience

Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in education, social sciences or related field.

At least 7 years of relevant work experience in Education at national and international level, including development work in the field.

Experience in planning, implementing and managing programmes and/or projects in the field of education.

Ability to participate effectively in high-level negotiations with internal and external stakeholders.

Good fund raising and resources mobilization skills.

 

References:

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/

 https://careers.unesco.org/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl

 

 

United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF)

I choose this organization because it has always been of interest to me.  If I could choose an international organization it would be the UNICEF because they focus on all children and they are empowered to make all children have a healthier quality of life.

Job Opportunities

JUNIOR PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME

Skills and Experiences

Citizenship of the respective country (Note:  selected participating donor governments sponsor a limited number of nationals from developing countries*).

University degree equivalent to a Master's Degree or, as an absolute minimum, to a Bachelor's Degree;

Two years of relevant professional work experience;

Computer literacy in standard software applications;

Demonstrate a keen interest in the work of the United Nations (UN), and of UNICEF in particular, and have a personal commitment to UNICEF’s mission and to the ideals of the UN Charter; and

Demonstrate the ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes willingness to try, understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views. Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and another UN working language, i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish or Russian.

 

References:

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_requirements.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROLES IN THE ECE COMMUNITY: NATIONAL AND FEDERAL LEVEL

National Association for the Education of Young Children

NAEYC

I chose this organization because of how they are truly involved in the well-being of the young children.  Their mission reflects how they are focused on young children.  They create opportunities for young children to grow and thrive.  They also represent the child in all developmental domains.  NAEYC also focuses on making teachers and parents more involved in the developmental process and outcome of the child.  NAEYC is dedicated to provide quality care for young children.

Job Opportunities

Program Support Coordinator

To support the work of our accreditation system for program for young children to coordinate our scholarship fund for programs engaged in NAEYC Accreditation.

Skills and Expereinces

·         Must have a minimum of a B.A. degree, preferably in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Organizational Development or a related field. 1-2 years customer service experience

·         1-2 years work experience in the field of early childhood or a related field, knowledge of accreditation systems (preferably NAEYC’s), excellent MS Office Suite and database management skills are required

 http://www.naeyc.org/

 

National Education Association

NEA

I chose this organization because it benefits the welfare and the developmental outcome for all children.  NEA represents quality educational programs and believes in continuing the improvement of early childhood education through funding.  NEA believes that our country should invest in early childhood education and programs.  It also places emphasis on the NO Child Left Behind Act.

Job Opportunities

Executive Director - Health Information Network

NEA HIN is an independent health and safety non-profit organization closely aligned to the National Education Association (NEA). NEA HIN advances information, programs, services, and policies that improve the health and safety of NEA members and the students they serve.

Skills and Experiences

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university is required. An advanced degree or advanced degree coursework is strongly desired.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in a related field (such as teaching, school health-related fields, and health policy) and including at least three years in directing strategy and managing staff, projects, partner relationships, and budgets.
• Experience in implementing health policy in real world settings, working with teachers and other public school educators, working with labor unions, building supportive alliances with third parties, navigating complex governance processes, fundraising, and marketing.
• Governance and Leadership

http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm

 

Voices for America’s Children

I chose this organization because it advocates for young children.  I believe that as adults and teachers and educators that we should be the voice for young children whose voices are not heard.  It is one of the largest non-profit advocacy organizations. This organization is important to me because it focuses on equity and diversity, health, school readiness, school success, safety and economic stability.

Job Opportunities

CASA ADVOCACY SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         The goals of the Advocacy Supervisor position include:

·         (1) ensure that children assigned to CASAs receive the advocacy they need; (2) ensure that the children's best interests are presented to the Juvenile Court;

·         (3) ensure that the needs of the volunteers are met and that the volunteers are satisfied;

·         (4) ensure that the policies and procedures of VFC are followed by all volunteers; and

·         (5) promote the mission of Voices for Children in the community.

 Skills and Opportunities

The ideal candidate shares these characteristics, has a bachelor's or master’s degree and at least two years of professional experience.

http://www.voices.org/about/about-voices/

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

1.       Healthy Homes of Mississippi is an organization that is in MDHS. The job opportunity includes a Family Resource Worker. The job is located in Mississippi Department of Human Services under the Division of Early Childhood and Care and Development.  This practice was appealing to me because it gives me an opportunity to fulfill a career in the early childhood field working with young children and their parents.  This is a job that requires you do home vesting and I thought that was a unique opportunity to work with families outside the home.  The skills and experiences that are need to fulfill these roles include a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and two (2) years of related experience; or sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited two-year or four year college or university and four (4) years of related experience. Acceptable degrees include Family and Children's Studies, Social Work and Family Counseling. This position requires excellent oral and written communication skills, extensive travel, unconventional work hours, computer literacy and the ability to be flexible while working in a fast paced environment with minimal supervision (Mississippi Department of Human Services, 2012).

 

2.      The Salvation Army is an organization that appealed to me.  I feel that this organization benefits the community.  I feel that it is a great organization to collaborate and communicate with to help make the community better.  The job opportunity that interested me was the Community Center Director in Jackson Mississippi. This job opportunity entails that you have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Education or a related field, AND five years’ experience in fundraising, public speaking, and marketing techniques preferred, with a minimum of three years’ experience developing programs, supervising and managing multiple professional staff in a community center environment, OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities (The Salvation Army, 2006).  The person who works this job plans, directs, monitors and provides operational direction and support for the overall Community Center development, programming and marketing processes. Ensures the goals and objectives are accomplished within prescribed timeframe and funding parameters as well as to optimize long term operational efficiency.

 

3.      Knowledge Universe division of Kinder Care of Mrytle Mississippi have job opportunities for a teacher. I chose this job because it gives me an opportunity to work within in the classroom.  I feel that while being in this division, I will have the opportunity to gain experiences and knowledge that I can project within the community that will benefit the developmental outcome and the interests of the family.  The job requirements include a CDA credential or at least 2 years minimum.

References

Knowledge Universe. (2011). Teachers and Center Opportunities with Knowledge Universe. Retrieved March 14, 2013, from Knowledge Universe United States: https://knowledgelearning.tms.hrdepartment.com/jobs/21043/Teacher-ECEWesley-Chapel-Florida

Mississippi Department of Human Services. (2012). Healthy Homes Mississippi. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/eccd_healthyhomesms_jobopp.html

The Salvation Army. (2006). Salvation Careers. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from Sterling Direct Web site: https://secure.sterlingdirect.com/jobboard/default.aspx?JobDetail=157628&JOBBOARDID=89&JobSearch=1

 

 

 

 

REFLECTING ON LEARNING

As an early childhood professional I hope to create an anti-bias environment for the children and families that I work with.  I hope to create an environment for families and children so that they know that they all are important.  I want to implement their social identities within the curriculum and planning.  As an early childhood professional, I want to create an environment that is respectful and responsive to the needs of the children and the families. I want to be an advocate for the social rights of children and families, so that they will all be treated the same.  Regardless, of their race, gender, abilities, or cultures all children deserve and should have the same equal rights.  The information and knowledge that I have learned from this course and the previous courses have taught me the value of understanding and promoting diversity within the educational setting.

 

I would like to thank all of my colleagues for the support that they have given through suggestions and advice as I journey through my professional career.  I would like to thank them for the positive feedback and interaction during blogs and discussion board posts.  I would like to wish all of you good luck as you begin to end your journey at Walden in the next few months.  I wish you all success in your personal and professional goals.  I hope that we all continue to implement the education and knowledge that we have obtained and become effective anti-bias educators.

Good Luck!

Impacts of Early Emotional Development

The area of the world that I chose is Eastern and Southern Africa.  I chose this area because I wanted to learn more about the conditions and well-being of the children that live in this area.  I wanted to learn more about their environment was affecting their developmental domains.  I wanted to gain more insights how children in this area thrived or faced challenges when it comes to their emotional development.

The challenges that the children in this region of the world are confronted with are measles, poverty, starvation, disabilities, polio, lack of Vitamin A supplements, and worms.  On the Day of the African Child 2012, UNICEF calls on families, communities and governments throughout the continent to protect children with disabilities from discrimination, violence and neglect, and to provide them with access to all the services they need to grow up healthy and live up to their potential (UNICEF, 2012).  In this area of Africa, children with disabilities are the most excluded group. With the lack of proper medicine and antibiotics, children die because of pneumonia.  Pneumonia claimed 1.3 million lives in 2011 alone, and was responsible for nearly one in five global child deaths (USA, November 13, 2012).  If the medicines and antibiotics were supplied then maybe lesser children would have died.

 

These experiences may have an effect on children’s emotional well-being and development because it will cause them to be delayed in certain areas, have healthy relationships, and become productive citizens as they become older. Living in these conditions will also have an impact on them having the inability to form their own identity and gain self-concept and self-esteem about themselves.  Most likely they will continue to live in poverty and face the same challenges if there are funds and support provided to this country.

The insights that I gained from reading and exploring the regional area of the living conditions of children gave me a better understanding of the challenges that children face.  From reading this website I was influenced to think about my own career path. In life we should not take the simple things for granted.  I know that children all over the world suffer.  However, there are career paths to take that make me want to be an advocate for children globally.  Children should be able to enjoy life and not be stereotyped or be ignored because of who they are.  Globally children deserve to have proper health care, live in clean and sanitize environments, eat healthy foods, have proper shelter, and be able to thrive in all developmental domains.  I knew that certain areas of the world and the conditions for children were severe, but when you read articles it makes you want to be a part of a change of the lives of young children. Personally, my heart goes out to young children who struggle and have to deal with childhood illness and malnutrition.  Professionally, I know that I can take the steps to help make the lives of these children a lot less stressful.

References

UNICEF. (2012). Day of the African Child: UNICEF calls for the social inclusion of children with disabilities.

USA. (November 13, 2012). Pnemonia still number one killer.

 

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

    My reaction is that sexualization in early childhood is that is has definitely surfaced in the appearance and vocabulary of young children.

 
Children are more technology evolved and they see young children with makeup and sexy clothes on.  They see models and teenagers acting provocatively and they want to become a part of this culture.  Sexualization is a growing trend in the early childhood field and amongst young children.  In my opinion, they want to be grown to fast and by wearing the sexy clothes, makeup and big girl earrings they feel a sense of worth.  Children these ages will go through normal sexual development as they develop into teens, but the modern technology has exposed sexualization to a new level. Sexualization can have a negative impact on a child’s social and emotional development.  Children tend to react to children who dress a sexy way.  This can later affect the child’s self-esteem.

  Three years ago, I had a little girl in my class whose mom would let her wear revealing clothes.  Her mom also made the notion that she did not want her daughter to plat because she did not want her clothes to get dirty.

     The second example is a little girl in class would always wear skirts and would get mad when we told her to sit appropriately, sit with her legs clothes.  She would not play with the little girls but enjoyed bossing the boys around in class.


    Recently, I had a relative to call me and tell her that another parent had confronted her about her child.  The girls are seven and the parent told my relative that her little girl was bringing makeup to school and they were changing their appearances by the time they made it to school.  My relative told the parent that she would handle the situation and that both girls were makeup would not be an issue again.

      As a early childhood professional, it is valued to be aware of sexualization.  As professionals we need to find the appropriate strategies to deal with this topic.  I believe that is important to have dress codes in classrooms that will help omit sexulaization in the classroom.