Time Well Spent

Last September I took a huge step forward for myself when I began this journey. I did not expect to grow and learn as much as I have. Three learnings form this journey that I carry forward with me as I continue to develop more into the early childhood professional I aspire to be are: 

• Families are vital. We need to value and cultivate these relationships to the full extent. No matter the barriers encountered, take the time to learn from them to better support the young child in your care. The early years happen so quickly but supporting every parent you work with will lay a foundation for many other professionals to grow upon. 
• Equity and equality are very different. I need to strive at all times to ensure all young children are support in a manner that allows for each child to be able to participate to his/her full extent. This may mean that a child needs more support than another. 
• Early childhood professionals need others to support and collaborate with one another. This is done in many ways and allows for each other to view through another lens. Learning through someone will bring forth the perspectives of any bias and how to ensure every person is treated in a manner that is best for all. Growing with my colleagues throughout this program has allowed me to reflect upon my own bias and also to learn with others. 

These quotes are ones that inspire me not only professionally but also personally. Kindness and compassion are very important and play is the core of who I am and what I do. 

Photo Credit: coconutcoveplay.com

Photo Credit: bored teachers.com

A long term goal for myself, is to develop myself as a mentor for other early childhood teachers. I will seek mentorship training as well as continue to grow in the classroom for further experience. This program has shown me the importane for teachers who are able to be fair and also passionate each day. 

Thank you colleagues of group 2. Each week we were able to persevere and grow our breadth of knowledge. This journey was different for each of us but completing it is just the beginning for many of us as we may seek a position that is worthy of our passion in the early childhood field. Do not forget how strong you are and your dedication to yourself and use this to influence and encourage others as you have done for me these past 8 weeks. 

Dr. Embree, I appreciate your time and dedication throughout this course. Your guidance and encouragement week after week led each of us to this final point. A year ago when I embarked on this journey, you were my first instructor and to bookend my accomplishment with your instruction I am thankful for inspiring early childhood professionals who are able to inspire and support others. 

I will leave each of you with one of my favorite insights from a young man who has inspired me to be better each day. 

Photo Credit: kid president.com

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Delving deeper within the early childhood field is exciting. Widening my breadth of knowledge or other organizations internationally has allowed me to understand the full scope and impact this field has with so many other nations. Each of these organizations are utilized within the United States but also abroad which is fascinating how this field crossing oceans and boarders to ensure all young children are cared for and provided quality education.

Photo Credit: IASWECE.org

International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education (IASWECE) is an organization that I was not aware of until searching for international organizations for this blog. This approach to early learning is more holistic and whole child centered and boasts "An atmosphere of loving warmth and guidance that promotes joy, wonder, and reverence supports such healthy development"  (What is waldorf early childhood education, n.d., para. 1). The international employment opportunities listed on this website are for kindergartner teachers in Italy, China and Switzerland. The requirements for being a teacher for these listings includes at least an undergraduate degree  Waldorf credentials  as well as experience with this type of education style, and last a passion and joy for teaching young childrenIASWECE operates in North America, Central and South America, Europe, Australia , Asia, and Africa. Searching through the website I found there is acutely a Waldorf Training Center here in Washington state and I would be eager to learn more about this approach. 

Photo Credit: unicef.org

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) "works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence"(What we do, n.d., para 1). This organizations presence is so widespread and reaches so many young children and also combats varying challenges that are often unique to the region it is serving. As this is such a vast far reaching organization the employment opportunities were plentiful so I narrowed my search to focus solely on early childhood development. I choose to focus on a placement as a consultant to aide in setting up a preschool in Uzbekistan which requires a graduate degree or more as well as a decade of experience in the early childhood field with analyzing or developing policy and great communication skills. 

Photo Credit: reggiochildren.it

Reggio Children is an organization that operates internationally and is based on the premise of the Reggio Emilia Approach. This approach to learning is "based on the image of the child, and of human beings, as possessing strong potentials for development and as a subject of rights who learns and grows in the relationship with others" (Reggio Emilia Approach , n.d., para. 1).  As this organization is worldwide but based in Italy, I had to translate the employment opportunities. While neither of the two listed interested me, as they are both not within the early childhood field, I will highlight the position of Senior Administrative Clerk with the  requirements of an undergraduate degree, preferably in business or accounting, as well  as experience in the field and computer skills.  I did browse the American chapter of this organization and there were may jobs available from director to teachers within our home county. 

References

Reggio Emilia Approach. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reggiochildren.it/identita/reggio-emilia-approach/?lang=en

What is Waldorf Early Childhood Education? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.iaswece.org/waldorf-education/what-is-waldorf-education/

What we do. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://unicef.org/what-we-do

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

Thinking globally for impacting the field of early childhood what we could all strive to do. While our daily contributions locally are attributing to this, it is important to not limit ourselves for expanding further and using our influence for the betterment of young children and other professionals.

Photo Credit: armymwr.com

Child & Youth Services (CYS) offers programs for military members families such as Child Development Centers (CDC )for childcare to Teen Centers for recreation, and other programs to cover the middle years for school-age children. CYS has a great effect on the military community services and provides high-quality and affordable care for young children. Child & Youth Services (n.d.) explains "at CYS, we have the most important clients in the world" military families and their kids". Seeking employment for one of the many programs is completed through USAJobs. Through this website you can view many opportunities for employment worldwide. 

One position that stood out to me is CYS Coordinator. This job is summarized as "Applies extensive, professional knowledge to plan, implement, and supervise a comprehensive program that promotes positive growth and development of children and youth. Provides program oversight and accountability for the performance of staff and the safety and well being of children and youth IAW Department of Defense (DoD), Army and local policies and standards. Ensures staff follow risk management procedures (i.e., abuse prevention, identification, and reporting procedures; etc.)" (CYS Coordinator NF-05, n.d.). As with many of the positions with CYS, a background as well as a preferred undergraduate degree with early childhood is a qualifying factor. Preferred experienced with CYS or other accredited programs as well as leadership roles.

Photo Credit: https://blog.himama.com

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the pinnacle of the early childhood field. From standards to publications to conventions, this organization is one that every early childhood professional should be familiar with and even refer to on a regular basis. I hope to one day become a member.

Current job postings were more administrative with a Book Director and a Sales Coordinator, which neither interest me as both are not fully within my passion when it comes to being an early childhood professional. One position I would aspire for with in NAEYC would be a contributing author either within YC: Young Children or on the blog. For this assignment I would need to be credible as well as knowledgeable about the full scope of issues, trends, and other varying topics that are all current and relevant for other professionals. Earning a higher education can attribute to this but also maintaining previous employment that can promote myself as an expert professional could aide in being prepared for this position.

Photo Credit: NHSA.org

National Head State Association (NHSA) offers a programs that all children are welcomes to  learn and develop within as well as encompassing the whole family. The Head State Model (n.d.) is explained simply as developed over the decades has been build on evidence-based practices and is constantly adapting - using the best available science and teaching techniques to meet the needs to local communities".  

While the current job openings list was vacant, I did explore the internship section. If I were in the area  of these internships I would strongly consider one to further myself as an early childhood professional. NHSA's Internship Program (2019) presents itself as "designed to introduce college students to the daily workings of a nonprofit advocacy organization, including national and grassroots advocacy, research, communications, and more". The two internships that I would be highly interested in would be the Government Affairs or the Effective Practice Intern and are described as: "The government affairs intern will have the opportunity to attend congressional briefings and hearings, participate in team meetings and discussion, and will participate in bi-weekly professional development lunches" and the effective practice intern's "will gain valuable understanding of the high-quality early care and education services that Head Start provides, policies that impact these services, and how NHSA can support the field to improve these services. Interns will have the opportunity to communicate with the Head Start field at a national level to understand current challenges and concerns for addressing the immediate and constantly changing needs of individual children and families" (NHSA's Internship Program, 2019). Each of these would provide me with a wealth of knowledge and experience to apply to many area of the early childhood field. 

References
Child & Youth Services. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.armymwr.com/programs-and-services/family-assist/child-youth-school-services
CYS Coordinator NF-05. (n.d.) Retrieved from
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/540860300
NHSA's Internship Program. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.nhsa.org/nhsas-internship-program
The Head Start Model. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.nhsa.org/why-head-start/head-start-model

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Photo Credit: http://headstart.gbaps.org

The Head Start program is one that tis always near to my heart. The mission of serving families and providing a high quality whole child learning environment encompasses much of my passion for this field. I had several siblings attend this program and I also had the opportunity to intern in a Head Start in New York. The knowledge and experience I gained in this short twelve weeks is still something I carry with me in my present position.

While none of my local programs are currently hiring, I do know a bachelor's degree or higher is required by many programs to be a lead teacher. If the degree has a concentration of early childhood  then you are a prime candidate. Knowledge of knowing how to plan and implement curriculum is important for this position. 

Photo Credit: facebook.com

While many of us utilize the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), it is important to become involved with the state level programs. While living in New York and North Carolina, I was able to attend yearly conferences to grow my breadth of knowledge and I look forward to doing the same here in Washington. The values of bettering early childhood professionals in our own state and communities is a powerful message that still holds the national values and brings them home to make an impact locally.

Currently WAYEC is currently not hiring at the moment. I am sure experience in the early childhood field is important as well as higher eduction.

Photo Credit: lynnschools.org

Child Find is a program that is known by varying names dependent upon the community/location but this program offers free screenings for young children who may have varying developmental concerns. This program is very important for any early childhood professional to support a family who may have concerns because early intervention is often the key to future success for every child.

While I was unable to locate any openings in my local area, I did  locate other forms that listed requirements and Frederick Public Schools Special Education Early Childhood/Child Find Services Coordinator  seems to be the most thorough with requiring immense experience as well as education. 

While I currently love my position as a preschool teacher in a private setting, I know my heart yearns for me to help other early childhood professionals progress in a manner that reaches more young children. Occasionally I will do some job searching while watching television and recently I came upon a position that spoke to my heart and I knew it is what I want to do in the future. The opening was for an Education Specialist/Teacher Trainer. The description detailed a collaboration amongst myself and teachers to build valuable curriculum and also train teachers on classroom skills. Another aspect of the position is to ensure young children with varying abilities are supported in a manner that allows for full participation. 

I am still quite young within the early childhood field, I know I want more experience in the classroom prior to stepping into this role. The listing did not require any more education that I have obtained thus far and there were not any extenuating certificates needed. I know I would need a dispositions and passion for wanting to help others to succeed and this is something that has been building in my throughout this my graduate journey. I often share my knowledge with my colleagues because I want everyone to be able to offer each child his/her best. 

Diversity, Development, and Learning - Farewell

One hope that I will carry with me as this course draws to an end is to have the ability to support all young children and the families I will be working with and learning with in my classroom. I want each child to know I see him/her and I am here for him/her and no matter the differences that other see first, I only see a child that I can learn with.

One goal for the early childhood field is a sense of equity. All too often families must choose care solely based on the costs, availability, or accommodations. Every young children has the right to a high quality equitable program and it is now that the field of early child education needs to start discovering pathways to implement this.

Nigel, Theresa, Margaret, and NaKeisha,
The weeks have been long but the insightful interactions have been truly rewarding. Learning with each of you these past eight weeks has offered me a better understanding of what it is to be an anti-bias educator. Through our discussion posts and our blog interactions, it has been a true pleasure learning with each of you. Best wishes as each of you continue on your journey. Thank you.

Strategies for Working with Diverse Children - Farewell

As I continue on the path to be an anti-bias early childhood professional, I hope to be able to garner an environment within my classroom that all young children feel welcome and accepted. I also want for each child to know I will support him/her in all the endeavors of the classroom. I want equity for each person not only in the classroom but also within the community so by fostering this environment of acceptance and support within the classroom, the young children can carry this forth into the daily interactions with others. A young children is only as strong as the support system behind him/her so I want each family to feel a sense of welcoming and support from me. I want them to know I see the struggles and I am here to aid as much as I can, if they are willing to allow.

Mallory and Sarah,
Thank you both for making this course challenging and thought-provoking. I was worried with only a few of us in the course that posts would become stale but week after week you both brought forth new ideas and insights that allowed me to further my learning not only with you but through you. I hope you both the best as you are nearing the end of a this journey. I know each of you have a true passion and heart for the field of early childhood education and development and I am excited for the future of all the young children and families you will be learning and working with.

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

I chose the nation of Uganda. This nation is one that has fascinated me because I worked alongside quite a few nationals when I served in a combat zone. Each person was always upbeat and positive despite what I felt were deplorable and substandard conditions. Learning more about this nation has offered me an insight as to why, even in a war zone, life can be better for other nationals.

Sanitation, education and health/well-being are the major challenges for young children within Uganda (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 6). Sanitation is the need for clean drinking water and living conditions that are not soiled to the point of causing bacterial issues for everyone living in the area. While much has been done to ensure young children have th opportunity and access to education, it is important to note "While 95 per cent of children have access to primary education in Uganda, low public investment in education and rapid population growth have resulted in declining education indicators" (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 16). While sanitary living condition need to improve for healthier, the well-being aspect is difficult as violence is still very present. "Gender-based violence and violence against children are widespread in Uganda and need to be addressed urgently as part of a child protection system that works on both prevention and response" (Muthy & Ntabdde, 2019, p. 17). Each of these factor rely upon one another so when one area begins to improve then the others can too.

Health is the core of how a person lives. Without clean and sanitary drinking water the young children are not able to avoid illnesses which in turn causes other struggles for the child and the family. If a child is being abused, this can have severe emotion issues for the child from low-esteem/self-worth to even the health of the child being compromised overall. When a child feels helpless then the biology of the child suffers. If a child is not able to learn or gain knowledge to better him/herself, then the cycle will continue.

Reading through the report, there has been so much that has changed over the years to support this nation and its people. Clean water initiatives as well as education about vaccinations have offered this nation the stepping stone for growing stronger and healthier. While the violence within this nation is disheartening, it is also cultural which is no excuse but for foreigners to come into the areas and experience this it is difficult. Language and cultural barriers would be the most difficult for helping educate others about violence. While here in the United States, we take advantage of many programs and supports to be healthy, clean, and safe, others do not have this. This is something I will always keep in mind when working with young children who immigrate for other nations. Understanding that not only the culture shock but also the mental shock of support and care.

Reference
Murthy, J., & Ntabadde, C. (Eds.). (2019). UNICEF Uganda Annual Report (pp. 1-36, Rep.). Uganda: UNICEF.

Creating Art

As I always create one of these for each of my students each year I felt this was the best way to highlight the content and learning of this course.

Created through WordArt.com

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

The idea of the sexualization that is taking place for young children is astonishing to me. This is truly not a new topic either as I can recall when the JonBenet Ramsey case occurred it was sensationalized on the news and tabloids how she would dress up for pageants. When I began my associates degree I had an instructor who would use the term "prosta-tots" to describe very young girls who are dressed in a very adult manner. My heart goes out to these young children because they have truly became an avenue for their parent(s) to dress them in a manner that is not appropriate at all, and even unsafe in some ways, and also by exposing him/her to material or media that is not acceptable for even most teenage children. My son, who is fourteen, still does not have a facebook account and I monitor his phone, internet, video game, and television activities because of the content that I know is being conveyed and how I have listened to many of my very young students discuss in class.

Just a few weeks ago my nephew, who is eight, recently read the sign of an adult toy store and quickly wanted to know what kind of toys do adults play with.

While having a moment of 'free dance' within circle time, a Disney song is playing but a couple of the young girls in the class are bending over and placing their hands on their knees in order to pop their bottoms out in the same manner as many dancers do in music videos.

A few years ago a popular dance show promoted a group of very young girls dancing in a very sexualized manner and even costumes. You can find the full video on YouTube as well as comments about how great of dancers these young children are.

Photo Credit: https://the-end-time.org/2010/05/15/sexualizing-the-young-the-single-ladies-little-girls-dancing-controversy/

Young children are always observing, listening, and recreating the scenarios they have witnessed. From violent video games to crude humor in children's television shows. The exposure to overly sexualized ads and other forms of media, young children do not have an escape from these increasingly provocative portrayals of other children. This is turn causes quite a few issues for young children. Girls lack great amounts of self worth simply because she does not look like others or dress in a manner that seems to be how the media portrays all young girls. If a young child is not part of the dominant group then withdraw and depression can begin at a very young age.

I volunteered my son's field day for his middle school and I was floored by what seemed as a lack of dress code. Shorts and tops were quite skimpy in terms of what I would expect a child to wear to school. While I know these teenagers are not young children, the same sexualization is occurring constantly as a child grows. I think parents should be aware and also quite involved with the media and toys a child is using. Simply handing a child a device to occupy the time is not a way to assist a child because of the content being delivered to young children through shows or ads. While I will often compliment a child on how she is dressed or how her hair is done, I think this is something I will curtail with my class this coming fall. I do not want a child to think that they're worth is solely based on the appearance he/she presents with in class. I want to focus on the qualities of the child's character.

"We Don't Say Those Words In Class!"

 A few years ago when my nephew was about four-years-old, he was standing  in line at the donut shop with his mom and he made the audible observation of "Why does that man have a ponytail like a girl?!" about the man standing in front of the two of them. My sister quickly reacted with a "Hush!" follow by "We don't talk about others outline like that.".

A message that could have been communicated to my nephew is that it is never okay to observe others or even ask questions. Also, taking the time to discuss how many men have long hair, even our brother growing up, so simply because a man does have a ponytail it does not mean he is a woman. Everyone is allowed to look or dress as he/she feels or wants to.

An anti-bias educator it would have be vital to approach the discussion in a non-reactive manner. A discussion as to why the child felt this way should be explored by any intentional teacher. This could lead into a discussion of how many people do the same things in varying cultures or simply because the person likes it. Trying to make real and relevant connections is another way to aide a child as an anti-bias educator. Providing text and photos for the children to view and understand in a manner that is able to be processed.

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

When I think of the difficulties I encounter with stereotypes or prejudice, ageism and ableism are two that great impact with my work with young children.

 I will often do more for a young child, especially one who may have difficulties from a varying disability, then I would for another child. I often think of children as not fully capable in a quick moment but when I reflect upon the incident I know the child is fully able to complete the task on his/her own. I had a student this year who had limited mobility with the left side of his body so I would often help him with his jacket when it came to this side instead of truly encouraging him to try his best before offering minimal support for him to put his coat on.

This coming fall I will be in a classroom with 3 year-olds and I have not had too much experience with this age group. I will have to not think of these young children as unable simply because of the age. I will have be very observant in the beginning of the year to ensure I am treating each of these children in a fair manner that does not demean them. While ageism is often only referred to when encountering the elderly population, the same attitude can be seen when working with young children.

Both of these can leave me with a sense of, 'why can you not do this yourself?' but it is actually me who is hindering the child and placing the idea that he/she cannot do something. I need to listen to the child and only support when truly warranted.

Gender stereotyping is a new concept to me as I have never thought much about it until my recent courses. I know there is quite a bit that happens in communities and this presents itself within the early childhood setting. While I reflected the other day with a colleague how I did not have a boy put on a dress this year, this was just different for me as in the past I have always had at least one child explore this and a discussion would be had about how simply because he is wearing a dress he is not a girl as there are many men who wear robes or other types of garments similar to dresses. I want to ensure I am honoring the child as well as portraying a positive attitude about males who dress in a nonconformist manner.