Time Well Spent

 

The three deeply felt learning’s from this program that I would like to share is the

opportunity to explore my career paths, how to build a successful community of practice that will lead me to my goals and the chance to collaborate and get perspectives from other leaders, educators and future advocates. My long term goal is to continue to put the needs of children and families first and to share resources, insight and knowledge to everyone that encounter. I would like to send a farewell message to Dr. Teri and my colleagues by saying continue to support, motivate and inspire all educators, children and families, advocates and leaders who help shape the lives of every child in the early childhood field. I wish all of you the best and full of success in the present and in your future.

 

Thanks for all of your time, support, feedback and encouragement.

 

Tammie Marion Images that reflect my learning experience in the course

 

Being attentive to every child                                 Equality
 

Understanding Diversity                                                   Collaboration

 

 

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

As I explore international career opportunities, I researched the Academy for Educational Development. The reason that I chose the Academy for Educational Development is because we share the same values and mission of allowing all people and children of all cultures, ages, and genders, abilities, capabilities or disabilities a chance to prosper and grow to their highest level possible. The mission we share is to improve the lifestyles of children and families development through integrated solutions (Academy for Educational Development, 2011). The career path that I would like to conquer within the Academy for Educational Development is a senior technical officer, social and behavior change communication, Jordan Health Communication Program in Jordan Amman. The candidate Provides social and behavior change communication (SBCC) technical assistance to a USAID-funded, 5-year, multi-million dollar health communication program in Jordan. The responsibilities is to provide technical oversight and assistance to the project in the areas of social and behavior change communication (SBCC), capacity strengthening, community mobilization, and advocacy. Leads and contributes to the development of SBCC strategies for a variety of focal audiences. Leads and contributes to the planning, design, and implementation of SBCC activities at community and institutional levels. Develops and tests materials; working with, and providing technical direction to creative agencies. Designs, drafts, tests, finalize, places, and monitors mass and other media in support of program activities. Develops and improves upon tailored training curriculums for a variety of focal groups and implementation of cascade trainings with partners. Serves as a technical resource in SBCC for staff, partners/grantees/subcontractors. Provides training, support, and direction to strengthen approaches, materials, and activities. Oversees and provides technical support toward the process of documentation of best practices and develops and distributes case studies and project briefs to highlight SBCC activities. Drives and provides assistance toward the development of project deliverables, work plans, and reports. The qualifications for the position is Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent in International Communication, Social and Behavior Change Communication; Social Marketing; Public Health, Health Communication; or Social Sciences. Masters degree or PhD preferred; Minimum 8+ years relevant experience in designing and managing health communication campaigns and activities; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience; Experience and knowledge of family planning programs preferred; Experience working in a USAID or other donor-funded project preferred; A solid understanding and appreciation of USAID and USAID project processes, procedures, rules and regulations; Strong written and verbal communication skills; Strong intercultural supervisory and team building skills and experience; Ability to work independently with initiative to manage high volume work flow; Relevant computer software skills (including, at a minimum, the standard applications in MS Office) (Association for Educational Development, 2011). I chose this position because I will be able to utilize my education, leadership skills, work experience in healthcare and knowledge of effective communication to be able to help lead and contribute to the development, implantation, planning and strategies to build a stronger technical system that will help the community.    My second choice on international career opportunities is with Save The Children. I chose Save The Children because of the values to work as a team, motivation to protect the children, improving the quality of life for children, integrity, being accountable for children and themselves and collaboration to work together globally to build strength and relationship to make a difference for all children (Save The Children, 2011). The career choice for me within Save The Children is Coordinator, Billing and Donor Reporting in WestPort, Connecticut. The reason that I chose this career is because of my twelve years experience as a medical biller within a children’s hospital setting. I would be able to help with the coordination of finances within the revenue cycle, assist with billing issues, review contractual adjustments and obligations, communicate and build a relationship with the clients, coordinate records and the different process that is needed to keep the billing cycle flowing. The position responsibilities are Prepare financial reports and invoices accurately and timely on a monthly basis. Ensure internal controls in the billing and contract/grant setup processes. Liaise with Contract/Grant, Program, and Finance (i.e., Manager, Accounts Receivable) staffs to effectively resolve cost/billing/reporting issues. Ensure reconciliations and adjustments for agency’s awards are processed monthly, Communicate effectively with internal and external clients, Maintain grant reporting format and frequency in various automated and manual systems, and Maintain paid invoice files relevant to the portfolio, and other job-related tasks as assigned (Save The Children, 2011). The required skills needed for the position is a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following or related fields: Accounting, Business Administration, and Finance, or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Three to five years’ billing and grant reporting experience, Excellent communication and organizational skills with a customer service orientation, Analytical thinker and mathematically oriented, Strong problem solving skills and writing skills, Knowledgeable of revenue accounting and an understanding of its impact on financial statements (Save The Children, 2011).   My third choice is the United Nations Children's Fund. I chose the United Nations Children’s Fund because of their commitment and dedication to early childhood education, nutrition, poverty prevention, child protection, HIV/AIDS awareness, gender equality and policy advocates (United Nations Children’s Fund, n.d.). I want to explore career opportunities within the United Nations Children’s Fund as a Health Specialist in Assam, India. The reason that I chose this career is because I want to give back and provide support to children and families who face socioeconomic issues, disease prevention, lack of nutrition, inequality issues, children and family protection, and early childhood education funding. The responsibilities of a Health Specialist is to contribute to the overall effort of Country Programme implementation providing technical, strategic and policy advice to Government counterparts at the state-level within the framework of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)’s Reproductive and Child Health Programme Phase 2 (RCH II). He/ She will also be responsible for technical assistance in planning, implementation, and monitoring of high impact interventions for improved child survival, maternal health, systems strengthening, at state-level and in focus districts, with particular reference to the vulnerable and hard-to-reach (United Nations Children’s Fund, n.d.). The qualifications for the position is MBBS with an advanced degree in any of the following disciplines: Public Health, Medicine, Health Research, International Health, Health Policy & Management, Environmental Health Sciences, Family Health, Biostatistics, Socio-medical Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Education, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Educational Interventions in Health Care, Nursing or a field relevant to international development assistance in Health. Five (5) years of professional work experience at the State/National level in policy-cum-programme development, monitoring & implementation of primary health care programmes including experience in field-based management and implementation of young child survival and development as well as maternal health initiatives. . Knowledge of the technical support required in health related emergencies and humanitarian preparedness. Demonstrated experience in Health Policy analysis and influencing is mandatory. Managerial and analytical skills are essential attributes. Experience of working in the UN or other international development organization will be an asset (United Nations Children’s Fund, n.d.).

 

References

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm 

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/

 

 

 

 

 

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

The three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me are as follows:

 

National Association for the education of young children.

http://www.naeyc.org/resources/research/overview 

I chose the National Association for the Education of Young Children because of the applied research to make a stronger connection between early childhood research, practice, and policy. The research will assist with a variety of communication resources for educators, policy makers, and students. The research will help support the development, access and interpretation of certain knowledge that will enhance their lifestyles. The job opportunity that I would like to explore at the National Association for the Education of Young Children is Communications and Information Manager. The skills and experience that I would need to be a successful candidate and employee is B.A. in Communications or related field and 3-5 years experience in developing and writing communications is required. Experience in the field of education, early childhood education, human service, and/or association experience a plus. Candidates must have effective oral and written communications skills, the ability to identify, analyze and resolve problems, must be able to multi-task, work in a fast–paced environment, have strong MS Office computer and database management skills (National Association for the education of young children, 2013).

 

National Education Association 2003-2013

http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm 

I chose the National Education Association because of the dedication, commitment and promoting the purpose of early childhood education. The National Education Association brings together many state affiliates to provide the tools and resources as well as funding to help promote growth opportunities, quality education, teaching and diversity, cultural responsive teaching, bullying prevention, rights for children and no child left behind act. The job opportunity that I would like to explore at National Education Association is a Senior Research Analyst. The position will require that I have Extensive knowledge and practical experience in conceptualizing, designing and conducting survey-based and secondary analyses on topics pertaining to K-12 and higher education. Training and experience in advanced statistical methods, such as demographic modeling, economic estimation techniques, forecasting, multi-level regression analysis, discrete data analysis, meta-analysis, etc. Training and/or experience in designing complex samples and computing appropriate tests of significance for complex designs. Extensive knowledge of key education policy issues, research literature and data sources relevant to public K-12 and higher education. Expertise in analyzing large data sets using SAS, STATA, or SPSS. Proven project management skills and ability to allocate time and resources toward the completion of multiple projects with overlapping timelines. Demonstrated ability to synthesize and interpret quantitative research documents for professional and lay audiences. Proven oral and written communications skills. Minimum Education Requirement: Ph.D. in Sociology, Economics, Statistics or related discipline, including advanced graduate studies that provide a solid foundation in research methodology and statistics. Minimum Qualifications: Five years of progressively responsible experience in education research involving the application of advanced statistical techniques in the analysis of complex data sets; experience in heading major research projects; experience writing for professional and scholarly journals and in public speaking, with proven ability to communicate complex ideas to professional and lay audiences (National Education Association 2003-2013).

 

National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education

https://sites.google.com/a/naecs-sde.org/www/aboutus

I chose the National Association of Early Childhood Specialist because of the advancement in improving instruction, curriculum, and administration of programs to meet high quality standards. I also chose this organization due to the collaboration and shared ideas to overcome the issues and trends in early childhood education. The organization supports policies and legislation that can have a negative impact on the education, health, and welfare of children and their families. The employment opportunities that I would like to obtain within the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education is State Early Childhood Specialists. The reason that I chose this position is to assist children and families at state levels and to devote my time, passion and be committed to diversity, collaboration and inspiration to all children around the world. This position holds a wide variety of positions within their respective state education agencies. These positions typically include fiscal responsibility, programmatic decision making, and assuring program compliance with state policy. Among these responsibilities are many programs with federal ties: Title I, Even Start, Head Start Collaboration, Federal Class Size, Special Education, Homeless, and Schools of the 21st Century. Additional responsibilities often include state-funded preschool programs; at-risk programming; school-age child care; school administration and improvement; curriculum and assessment in the early grades; and data collection about the health, education, and well-being of the young children in the state. There are no special job requirements for this position (National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education, n.d.).

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Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three local and state agencies that I chose to explore opportunities are

 

Division of family and children services

http://dfcs.dhs.georgia.gov/

The position that I would like to hold at Division of family and children services is a

 Social Services Protect and Placement Specialist.  The reason that I would like to be a

 Social Services Protect and Placement Specialist because there are so many families and children in need of protection, a voice, housing, families, food, and clothing. I want to protect and assist children and families in anyway. I also want to be part of saving some of the families and children that are being abused and neglected. The skills that I would need to be successful and competent in this role is Case management experience in child welfare of foster care,

Case management experience that involves working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and/or communication of the goal of behavioral changes,  and law enforcement experience in areas related to DFCS (e.g., family/domestic violence, investigations or interventions involving children or substance abuse.

Master’s degree in social work from a School of Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work (www.cswe.orgbased ) in an approved accredited college or university

‐or‐

Bachelor’s degree in social work from a School of Social Work accredited by the Council on Social Work (www.cswe.org) based in an approved accredited college or university

‐or‐

Behavioral Science degree (any level) from an educational institution accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (www.chea.org) and/or the US Department of Education and one (1) year of social services work experience or a DFCS internship that involved a caseload

‐or‐

Behavioral Science degree from an educational institution accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (www.chea.org) and/or the US Department of Education  

 

Georgia department of education

http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/Pages/Home.aspx

 

The position that I would like to hold at the Georgia Department of Human Services is Family Engagement Specialist because I would like to provide learning and technical support and resources to families, school staff, children and the community. I would like to be in partnerships at local, regional, state and national levels to support family engagement activities. The qualifications I would need for this role is Bachelor’s degree in education, communication, management, planning, public administration, business management, or a field directly related to the area of assignment and four years of experience in providing family engagement professional learning and technical support activities. Experience working with public and/or private agencies/organizations to incorporate family engagement in activities, services, or programs. Excellent oral and written communications skills and excellent presentation skills.

 

Children's Advocacy Centers of Georgia 

http://www.cacga.org/

 

The position that I would like to be in at Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia is a children and family advocate to be a part of the healing process of so many innocent victimized children and families due to sex trafficking and sex exploitation. The reason that I want to help is because this is an issue that have been going on for so many years and many young children are being taken advantage of due to being trustworthy, vulnerable, homeless, and not having a support system. The qualifications that is required for a children’s and family advocate is Two or more years experience working with families. Bachelor’s degree in social service or related field, from an accredited college or university. Knowledge in family systems and child development and experience with crisis intervention.

 

 

Reflecting on Learning

My most passionate hope for your future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families with whom I work or will work is to be the best that I can as far as competent, resourceful, supportive and understanding to each families situation. I hope that I can fulfill the commitment of being the best teacher wherever I go and to be the most respected, anti-bias, intelligent and compassionate person that all children and families will encounter. I want to give thanks to all of my colleagues for their support, ideas and feedback throughout the course. I wish everyone the best in success in their career path.

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

The country I chose was Mongolia. The challenges that the children and families face is that they are without quality healthcare, education or jobs. The other challenges that the children face is a high risk for malaria, HIV and AIDS due to lack of healthcare resources, demographics, poverty and unhealthy environments (UNICEF, 2010). There are more than 35% of the population below the poverty level and children ranging from newborn to age 16 that are living in poverty with single mothers. These children are taking on responsibilities as adults at home, which are causing many of the issues in the education field. The children are not able to attend school due to their responsibilities of trying to survive at any means necessary. The children are forced into the streets at an early age (Children Poverty Research and Policy Centre, 2012).

I learned that children all across the world are dealing inequalities and if the priority of children is given by government officials and policy makers that this can help mend the gap on the inequality in education across the board and around the world. The goal is provide equal quality care, resources, access to affordable healthcare and education for the children of all ages. 

Reference

Children Poverty Research and Policy Centre. (2012). Mongolia. Transition and Poverty. Retrieved on January 21, 2012 from http://www.childhoodpoverty.org

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (2010). Mongolia. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/eapro/media_3719.html

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

My reaction to the topic was not surprising because I see sexualization everyday and in my community in which young girls as early as age 5 dancing like Biance Knowles, wearing short dresses or skirts and exposing other body parts. It is sad because as I was growing I never seen young children behave in such a manner. I see that as time changed along with technology such as use of internet, facebook, twitter, television ads, music, and cellphones, that children are influenced in by so many forces. This topic demonstrates that sexualization is hitting every race, ethnic group, economic status, and gender (Levin & Kilbourne 2009). The message that commercials, music, movies, and games are sending is outrageous because the younger children are the future and this type of behavior is being viewed as acceptable even by some parents.  The reason that I say this is because for example small children are able to listen to certain explicit songs on the radio while driving in the car with parents, who make the child feel it is ok to repeat and demonstrate what they hear and see. I see parents dressing to sexy in front of the children and the children especially little girls want to dress like mom. From my experience of witnessing mothers dress too explicit and hang out with their kids is a bad example. There are boys that see their fathers go from woman to woman and even laugh about with their sons, giving them the idea that it is ok to have multiple sex partners. Girls want to be popular and it seems that if they see that dressing inappropriately for their age and conducting certain behaviors is getting that attention, than they are all for it. I believe boys want attention in another way; boys want to be viewed as heroes and bad boys.  

I believe that when the boys are influenced by video game violence and see how girls express their interest in boys that conduct negative behavior and get all the attention, boys do whatever they can. Early childhood professionals can take preventive action, however educators cannot do alone. Educators need the parents to be involved in monitoring, education, communicating and demonstrate a positive lifestyle and environment for the child to understand what is appropriate (Levin & Kilbourne 2009). The educator can assist in communicating with children on the consequences of unsafe sex, violent activities, drug and alcohol abuse and soliciting their body for acceptance and approval of someone else.  

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf