Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

After viewing the life stories presented in the media segments, I am reminded how important the early stages of develop are and the important role adults we play. Almeta Richards describes her journey from Head Start to where she is now in life. As I listened to her story it reminded me of myself. Not knowing my role in life thinking one thing but only to realize I had plenty to offer and give. Her professional views were just as significant. She knew and understood that the change would begin with her.

She goes on to explain why parent involvement is important. Head Start is about empowering families. There is so much information available that families can utilize to become self-sufficient. Meaning they have the power to become strong vital part of their community as well as being a part of their child’s continued development. Parental involvements give parents the opportunity to give back and be the next in line to make a difference for the future. Head Start has all the tool necessary and available to prepare parents for their children’s and others to come for a successful educational career.

Parental involvement is critical to a child’s development especially in the early years. It not only benefits the children but it also provides opportunities for parents and family as well. Almeta is prove of these benefits. She stated out as a Head Start mom, working her way up to being a program direct and now being able to share her success with others on a local and national level. Hearing this story was truly an inspiration to me. It only deepened my desire to serve, work, and be an advocate for young children and their families.

Reference:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/hs/about/stories/pfs.

Quality Programs for All Children

Over the next five years I hope public opinion will have a huge impact on the educational system. First, the public needs to know and understand why public opinion is important. Educating the public on current issues is critical. It’s easy to give a survey and ask people to answer questions but not really knowing the meaning related to the questions being ask. People have to be aware of the issues before we can ask their opinion. Encouraging other to become more involved in the process opens the door for positive change. As we begin to encourage others and they become more involved and began to understand the issues, our influence opens the door to them voicing their opinions. We have so many issues that will affect the educational system but we’re mainly looking at issues that children and their families may face and not the issues of those who work closely with our children. These issues also affect the healthy development of our children. Public opinion can be a major tool that will help us change how we chose our educators. Passing a certification test just like requiring students to take standardized test is not the answer. You have many that may qualify because they have book knowledge but will they possess the human characteristics that are needed to ensure that all children are safe and in an environment that is centered around their needs. Public opinion will can have a profound impact on the educational system. So many efforts have been put in place to limit voicing our concerns, but the public has many opportunities to voice theirs. If we continue to encourage and educate the public on important issues our efforts are not in vain. The opportunities are there we have to get the public to take advantage of them.

Blog Assignment: What Resonates With You About Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy?

Why did you choose this specialization?

As I have studied early childhood education and being a parent there are so many things that spark my interest. Growing up I always knew working with children was what I wanted to do. When I became an adult the desire turned into a passion. As a parent I have had the experience of both regular education and special education. I have always believed that every child deserves the best education they can receive.

Why are advocates essential in the early childhood field?

I have already completed my masters in early childhood studies Teaching and Diversity in Early Childhood Education and wanted to add this certificate program because I believe advocacy and public policy will allow me the opportunity to examine the early childhood field at each level and analyze policies that are set in place. I will also be able to be the voice that young children need to help ensure that these policies are in the best interest of the children.

Advocacy is an important role, especially in the early childhood field because we are the voice of reason for those who can’t speak for themselves. Becoming skilled in this area increases my chances of being more effective in my efforts to create a learning environment that is centered around the individual needs of each child. Every Educator in this field must be skilled advocates in order to have a positive effect on change. This is a great opportunity for me to gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools I will need to be the best advocate and influence on changing policies.

What do you hope to learn about public policy and advocacy?

My first goal is to learn as much as I can about public policy and advocacy. Second I want to engage with other professionals in the field so that we can share what we have learned and use this knowledge to serve young children, their families, and the profession. Third I want to ensure that every child has access to an education that is based on their individual need so that they all become successful adults.

Time Well Spent

Working with young children has always been my passion. I can remember when I was just a child myself the joy I found in interacting with other children and my desire to nurture and protect them. As I continue on this journey my goal is to be the best early childhood educator I can be, always searching for ways to help young children achieve academic excellence. This program has taught me how important my role is in the lives of young children. The well-being of the families and children we serve is critical to how well they develop. This course has also taught me the many opportunities available that will allow me the opportunity to promote social change. I have also learned how to be effective in my efforts to promoting change by being a strong leader and understanding the skills I need lead. My Goal as an Early Childhood Professional is to ensure all children receive a quality education that is based on their needs and ability.

As we near the end of this journey I would like to say thanks to my Professor and fellow colleagues for all the support and feedback given throughout this course. Without our interactions I would not have been able to excel to my full potential. Be able to education through the eyes of others gave me a better understanding of my services in the field. Again thank you and I wish all you continued success.

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Throughout this course I have had the opportunity to explore many early childhood organizations on the local, state, and national level. This has helped me understand and realize there are many possibilities and opportunities available to me in the early childhood field. This week I have explored organizations on the international level which expands my options.

Save the children was one of the first organizations that captured my attention. So many young children for many different reasons lack the necessary means to grow, develop and have a fair chance at a successful future. We often take things for granted or may not think how important they are until we don’t have them. Imagining what a child’s life would be like without the basic necessities is very disturbing. Save the children is an organization that invest in the lives of young children. They believe in transforming children’s lives at a young age to change the course of their future. Every Child has the right to grow up happy and healthy (Save the Children, 2011). Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future (Save the Children, 2011).  In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. By transforming children's lives now, we change the course of their future and ours (Save the Children, 2011). UNICEF is another organization that invest in the well-being of all children. They work around the world for the rights of young children and has done so for over 70 years. Child rights begin with safe shelter, nutrition, protection from disaster and conflict and traverse the life cycle: pre-natal care for healthy births, clean water and sanitation, health care and education (UNICEF, 2011). UNICEF believes, all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential - to the benefit of a better world (UNICEF, 2011). ISSA is the third organization that caught my attention. They connect non-profit organizations and professionals who are working in the early childhood development field. Connecting professionals and organizations is very important. Together they are able to collaborate and provide families with valuable information that is critical to their child’s development. ISSA aims to ensure equal access to quality care and education for all young children from birth to 10 years old (ISSA, 2011). There are so many opportunities available in the early childhood field that will allow me to be beneficial in the lives of young children. Because of my unawareness of these opportunities I had limited my thinking on my career choice. Now that I know and understand the options available to me I can explore the career choice that I am passionate about and still serve the needs of young children. Specialist, Program, Early Childhood Development
Location:	US - NE - Omaha
Division.:	Finance

The Program Specialist is the on-the-ground Save the Children staff member providing training, technical assistance, and management support to program partners to ensure quality program implementation and results for children.  Save the Children programming is focused on children and families for the prenatal through age ten (P-10) continuum of child development and education.  Early Childhood Program Specialists focus on prenatal through age five and school-age Program Specialists focus on elementary school-age children.  Under the supervision of the Deputy Program Director and working as a member of the state team and in collaboration with the national program team, the Program Specialist oversees and supports program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation at assigned partner sites.  Specific duties and responsibilities are outlined below.

Required Background and Experience Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development or related field. Master's degree highly preferred  Minimum of three years relevant experience in the area of infant/toddler development.  Experience as a trainer/mentor/coach. Experience with home visiting programming, working in rural communities with limited resources, and working with families who are economically challenged is preferred. Experience in working with or supporting professional/paraprofessional home visitors. A strong foundation in relationship-based work and supervision. Required Knowledge, Skills and Other Competencies Knowledge of early development with emphasis on infant/toddler development and early language and literacy Knowledge and experience using reflective practice. Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated capacity as a team player and relationship builder Demonstrated organizational and management skills related to program implementation Experience developing and delivering training and technical assistance in-person and remotely Proven experience working effectively with limited-resource communities Strong written and oral communication skills including through the use of technology Effective time management and program accountability Working knowledge of financial and sub-grant management Ability to be flexible and adaptable to dynamic changes in the work environment Willingness and ability to travel extensively within the state, regionally and nationally as needed

Senior Specialist, Early Childhood Development
Location:	US - DC - DC Home Office
Division.:	International Programs

Save the Children requires an experienced, dynamic Senior ECCD Specialist to provide cutting-edge technical assistant to our country offices to promote high-quality, evidence-based early childhood care and development programs. The Senior ECCD Specialist is an integral member of a team of education and child development experts based both in the region and in our US Headquarters and a key player to reach our overall goal of helping children learn and develop to their full potential.

Skills & Experience: 5-9 years of experience managing and providing technical advice to early childhood development and education programs in developing countries. Solid strategic knowledge of early childhood care and development programs. Experience advising countries and partners to develop ECCD strategies and programs Experience delivering ECCD programs through Education and other sectors, such as HIV/AIDS, health, livelihoods and children protection, and facilitating cross-sectoral collaboration. Commitment to Save the Children’s values and understanding of the organization’s strategies and programs. Strong program design, monitoring and evaluation skills. Strong interpersonal skills, including demonstrated ability to provide technical assistance and conduct dynamic training and facilitation. Ability to represent Save the Children effectively with governments, donors, implementing partners and school/communities. Self-motivation and the ability to handle multiple deadlines and activities with minimal supervision. Excellent writing and documentation skills. Fluency in spoken and written English. Proficiency in Spanish desired. Master’s degree in education, child development, international development, social work or other related degree desired. Willingness and ability to travel between 30-50% of the time.

Vice President for US Programs
Location:	US - DC - DC Home Office
Division.:	U.S. Programs
The Vice President for USP must have the following attributes, experience and education: A seasoned manager with the proven ability to manage and grow large and complex organizations with multiple stakeholders Master's Degree related to Management, Public Policy or related field Minimum of 15 years in senior leadership with nonprofit organization, preferably focused on children in need Extensive experience managing and directing field operations as well as monitoring programs. Extensive experience developing and implementing advocacy and public policy programs Knowledge of domestic funding sources and demonstrated skill in raising money and generating funds to support US programs / product development efforts on a large scale. Ability to convey Save the Children’s vision and generate commitment to Save the Children ideals and programs from a wide variety of external donors, as well as internal staff Proven ability to work collaboratively and closely with Senior Management colleagues as well as a Boards of Trustees. Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and collaborate with an integrated, interdisciplinary team of professionals in a goal-oriented environment. Entrepreneurial, high-energy, yet pragmatic leadership style to excite and motivate a team Ability to hire, train, motivate and retain a strong management staff to help him/her build a fundraising organization Well-honed strategic thinking skills and the ability to be flexible and adaptable in order to revise strategies as necessary Must possess highest integrity, sound judgment, and a demonstrated respect for diversity in all forms. S/he will model a balance of self-confidence and humility; will argue persuasively for his/her view but in the face of new information, business realities, and compelling logic will be open to modification and compromise. Willingness and ability to travel extensively in the US as well as internationally

References:

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

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

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

Jobs/roles in the ECE communiy: National/Federal level

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER)

The Division for Early Childhood

The three organizations above are ones that appeal to me the most because each of them support quality in education. NIEER also supports excellence in educational research. The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. DEC is an international membership organization for those who work with or on behalf of young children (0-8) with disabilities and other special needs and their families. 

Job Title: CYS Coordinator

Department: Department of the Army

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Successful completion of an undergraduate Degree that included or was supplemented by major study (at least 24 semester hours) in the fields appropriate (child development, early childhood education, home economics (with early childhood emphasis), elementary education or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled.

OR

A combination of education and experience - courses equivalent to a major in a subject matter field ( at least 24 semester hours) appropriate to the position (see above), plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described above.

In addition, candidates must possess:

1. Twenty-four (24) months of professional experience in managing at least 2 CYS programs (FCC, SAS, etc.) to include one year of responsibility of a center based child or youth program facility. This experience must be equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower level to include the following:  experience working with regulatory, personnel, funding and budgeting proponents. Knowledge of management analysis, personnel development, and APR and NAF funding and oversight relationship to CYS programs.

2. Ability to plan and organize work, analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data and recognize solutions.

3. Comprehensive oral and communications skills and analytical writing skills. Ability to present ideas and proposals to a variety of audiences.

 Undergraduate Degree that includes or is supplemented by major study (at least 24 semester hours) in the appropriate fields (child development, early childhood education, home economics (with early childhood emphasis), elementary education or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled.

When having a combination of education and experience- courses must be equivalent to a major in a subject matter field (24 semester hours) appropriate to the position

Advocacy Coordinator
The CASA Program for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, Inc. - Statesboro, GA

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Bachelor’s Degree in child development, psychology, sociology, social work, education or a related field.
Extensive experience may be substituted for degree.

2. Two years experience required (volunteer or paid) in at least several of the following areas: social services, child advocacy, volunteer supervision, training, non-profit management, volunteer CASA or guardian ad litem, child welfare, education, mental health, or parenting.

Educational Consultant

Curriculum Global Consultants, LLC - Atlanta, GA

Curriculum Global Consultants is a full service educational firm whose mission is to provide services in the areas of curriculum development, organizational & school content development, process improvement, consulting, and work-site analytics.

PHD or EDD (Required)

Background in educational research and a history of report writing.

Will consider candidates without terminal degree IF qualifications and writing experience is stellar

Required experience:

•Education, Research, Data Analysis, 8 years

Required education:

•Doctorate

                       

References:

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.naeyc.org/

◦The Division for Early Childhood. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.dec-sped.org/

National Institute for Early Education Research. (2011). Retrieved from http://nieer.org/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three organizations that appeal to me are the national association for the education of young children (Naeyc), Georgia dept. of education, and Georgia professional standards commission (GPSC). I chose these three because these will be the basic starting point that will help me gain information I will need to help me form the foundation of my advocacy work for social change. They hold important information that relates to the early childhood field and are well established organizations that I will need as support on my journey.

In my surrounding area there are several jobs available in the early childhood field. When I started my journey I was certain I wanted to be a classroom teacher because I felt this was where I would be the most beneficial to young children. Throughout my course work at Walden University I have come to understand and realize there are other opportunities available that will be just as beneficial to young children without me being inside the classroom. There were a few jobs available that struck my attention. The first one was a child care program specialist job with the Department Of Health And Human Services Agency: Administration for Children and Families. Basic qualifications for this job require that you poses one of the following:

Ø   Degree in behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position

Ø   Combination of education and experience -- that provided you with the knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

Ø   Have four years of appropriate experience that demonstrates acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

Minimum qualifications at the GS-09 level, require at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal Service that included:

Ø  Assisting in developing, collecting, maintaining, and disseminating information related to social services programs and policies.

Ø  Assisting in a variety of documents

Ø  Assisting with the evaluation and assessment of social services programs.

 

 OR have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a combination of the required experience and education for this grade level.

The second job I found that was interesting was Field Program and Community Director position, with Jump Start.  The skills and training needed for this position include  a Bachelor’s Degree preferably in early childhood education related field; Master’s preferred, At least 5-7 years of professional experience in program management,  at least 3 years professional experience with managing direct reports experience with development work preferred, and knowledge of the education field.

 

http://www.naeyc.org/

http://www.hhs.gov/

http://www.jstart.org/

http://www.naeyc.org/

http://www.gadoe.org

http://www.gapsc.com/