Time Well Spent

Our passion to create a safe and nurturing environment for children may stem from what we can recall to having or lacking from our own childhood (Laureate Education, 2011). As early childhood educators we are continuously growing and learning more about both the children and ourselves (Laureate Education, 2011). This journey has taught me so much about me as a professional and helping me to become more of what I am and what I would like to become, such as:

1.   Leadership roles have a great influence on the team as a whole. A leader’s influence can determine the strength, support, or respect of the team. It is up to the leader to build that foundation of trust can positively impact how productive the end will be.

2.   Being aware of cultural awareness and biases are very important in creating our classroom environment. We may understand how important it is for us to have diversity within the classroom but we may not understand how we ourselves may have different perspectives of a family which can result in have false perceptions of them. We must observe and analyze our own behaviors towards others in order to create an anti-bias environment.

3.   Having a Community of Practice is a necessity. Having the commitment of others together as a team promotes more success and dedication towards a goal.

Consequently, I will like to continue my long-term goal of owning and operating Successful Beginnings Childcare Center. This has been my dream for more than 10 years but I have been afraid to pursue it. I would like to have a child development center that understand how important it is to educate children at the preschool ages and also an environment where parents can feel at ease while leaving their children.

I would like to thank each and every one of you for sharing your experiences, thoughts, and creative criticism which all served as a support system to me. Also to all my instructors who pushed me to be greater. Even though we have never met one another physically, I feel that we all share a special bond because we have spent two years with one another in which we have shared things that we have gone through in our lives. I think that we all serve as a great community of practice that I hope we will all continue to support one another and I thank God for putting each and every one of you ladies in my life. We made it and I know that we all will do great things.

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reference

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). [Video Profile]. Retrieved from http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6990/01/mm/ec_pres/index.html

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

A community of practice impacts individuals in various ways. When people form a group based on the same interests it creates a strong, dedicated, and very structured group of team members.

1    International Child Research Institute: International Child Resource Institute is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of children and families around the world (ICRI, 2015). ICRI believes to be successful it is necessary to promote community collaboration and the goal of empowering the village to raise the child (ICRI, 2015).

a.   Job Opportunity: Administrative Coordinator: The Administrative Coordinator provides office services by implementing administrative systems, procedures, and policies; monitoring administrative projects; maintaining suggestion program. The Coordinator maintains administrative workflow by studying methods; implementing cost reductions; developing reporting procedures (Monster, 2015).

b.      Experience Needed: Coordinator is required to work 40 hours a week, have excellent communication skills as well as a passion for connecting children and for working with and serving a wide variety of people and also hold a 4 year degree (NAEYC, 2015).

c.   Reason: ICEI’s main focus is on early childhood care and education, children’s rights, empowerment of women and girls, maternal/child health, and grassroots community development (ICRI, 2015). ICRI envisions a world in which all children and families are able to fulfill their greatest potential (ICRI, 2015).

2.   OMEP: OMEP is an international, non-governmental and non-profit organization with Consultative Status at the United Nations and UNESCO (OMEP, 2015).

a.   Job Opportunity: World Treasurer: The World Treasurer contributes to the overall success of the organization by effectively managing all financial tasks for the organization by developing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with internal financial and accounting policies and procedures (hrcouncil.ca, n.d.).

b.   Experience Needed: Degree or college diploma in Accounting, Commerce, or Business Management/Administration (hrcouncil.ca, n.d.).

c.   Reason: OMEP defends and promotes the rights of the child to education and care worldwide and supports activities which improve accessibility to high quality education and care (OMEP, 2015).

3.   International Step by Step Association: The International Step by Step Association is a vibrant network that connects professionals and non-profit organizations working in the field of early childhood development. Established in the Netherlands in 1999, ISSA’s community today stretches across the globe with members in close to 40 countries, primarily Europe and Central Asia (ISSA, 2015).

a.   Job Opportunity: Project Manager: The Project Manager performs a wide range of duties which includes planning, implementing, and overseeing of a project from the beginning to the end (hrcouncil.ca, n.d.).

b.   Experience Needed: Hold a four year degree, able to communicate effectively, and have at least 2 to 3 years of planning or management experience.

c.   Reason: ISSA’s overarching goal is to promote inclusive, quality care and education experiences that create the conditions for all children to become active members of a democratic knowledge society. (ISSA, 2015).

References

hrcouncil.ca (n.d.). Gtting th right people. Retrieved October 5, 2015 from http://hrcouncil.ca/hr-toolkit/right-people-job-descriptions-project-manager.cfmm

International Child Research Institute. (2015). Retrieved October 5, 2015 from http://www.icrichild.org/

International Step by Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved October 5, 2015

from http://www.issa.nl/ http://www.issa.nl/

Monster. (2015). Administrative Coordinator job description. Retrieved October 5, 2015 from http://hiring.monster.com/hr/hr-best-practices/recruiting-hiring-advice/job-descriptions/adminstrative-coordinator-job-description.aspx

NAEYC. (2015). Promoting excellence in early childhood education. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/

OMEP. (2015). Retrieved October 5, 2015 from http://www.worldomep.org/en/

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

Communities of practice groups work to achieve a collective vision. My chosen communities of practice collaboration will strive for all young children to thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential. (NAEYC, 2015).

1.   NAEYC: The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research (NAEYC, 2015).

a.   Job Opportunity: National Early Childhood Coordinator: As a member of the Sciencenter education team, the coordination will nationally be collaborative while working in museums with Head Start teachers. The coordinator is also responsible for developing and delivering professional development for preschool teachers and programs for preschool audiences. In addition, the coordinator is to also deliver field trip and afterschool programs and assist with summer camp as needed (NAEYC, 2015).

b.      Experience Needed: Coordinator is required to work 40 hours a week, have excellent communication skills as well as a passion for connecting children with science, and for working with and serving a wide variety of people and also hold a 4 year degree (NAEYC, 2015).

c.   Reason: NAEYC programs are commitment to providing a high quality program for young children and their families (NAEYC, 2015). They have an obligation of ensuring that all curriculum is developmentally appropriate and views health and safety of children and staff as a priority.

2.   ACEI: The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) is a 501 c 3 charitable organization dedicated to promoting the optimal education and development of children in a changing world through various programs and projects that align with ACEI's mission (ACEI, 2015).

a.   Job Opportunity: Director of Development is responsible for developing and executing fundraisers, develop and maintain relationships with other resources and donors, and overseeing the organizations special events.

b.   Experience Needed: Bachelor's or master's degree and at least 3 years of development experience. Should be able to  communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and proficiently use a personal computer;

c.   Reason: This program has a vision of making quality education accessible to every child in every nation in order to prepare them to become responsible and engaged citizens (ACEI, 2015).

3.   Child Care Aware of America: Child Care Aware© is the nation's most respected hub of information for parents and child care providers. A program of Child Care Aware® of America, Child Care Aware® helps families learn more about the elements of quality child care and how to locate programs in their communities. Child Care Aware® also provides child care providers with access to resources for their child care programs (Child Care Aware of America, 2015).

a.   Job Opportunity: Executive Director is responsible for managing, developing, and implementing strategic plans for the organization.

b.   Experience Needed: MBA, and at least 5 years of management experience.

c.   Reason: I chose this program because they believe that they are the nation’s leading voice for child care that helps to ensure that families in the United States have access to high-quality programs. The organization also leads projects that increase the quality and availability of child care, undertake research, and advocate child care policies that positively impacts lives of children and families (Child Care Aware of America, 2015).

References

ACEI. (2015). Association for children education. Retrieved from https://acei.org/

Child Care Aware of America. (2015).Retrieved from http://childcareawareusa.org/

NAEYC. (2015). Promoting excellence in early childhood education. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/

Local and State Levels

Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly (Wenger, 2006). With that in mind the following organizations were appealing to me:

1.   Bright from the Start: Bright from the Start is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia's children and their families. Bright from the Start oversees a wide range of programs focused primarily on children ages birth to school age and their families (Bright from the Start, 2015).

a.   Job Opportunity: Child Care Services Compliance Consultant: Under general supervision, reviews, monitors, and ensures compliance with state child care licensing rules and quality indicators. Provides technical assistance and support to facilities, vendors, and trainers to assure that compliance with regulations and policy is achieved and improved (Bright from the Start, 2015).

b.   Experience Needed Agency Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and/or related field, such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, and Human Services, etc. from an accredited college/university and two years of professional experience in Early Childhood Education and/or related early childhood field. 
OR 
Master’s in Early Childhood Education and/or related early childhood field, such as Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, and Human Services, etc. from an accredited college/university (Bright from the Start,  2015).

c.   Reason: Mission to assume the responsibilities of school readiness and as well as early learning experiences and progress in school performance and goal to increase the number of Georgia's children and families that will become accessible to quality care and to the learning programs (Bright from the Start,  2015).

2.   Wesley Women’s Center: A Center designed for women of all backgrounds to come together and improve their lives and the lives of their families. Wesley's day shelter provides a safe haven, lunch, and optional motivational programs. Services also include educational and spiritual classes, a computer lab, library, commercial kitchen and meeting space. The Family Advocacy Project, which is housed in the Women's Center, offers a food pantry, career clothing closet, and emergency rent and utility assistance. (Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc., 2015).

a.   Job Opportunity: The Women's Center Director advocates on behalf of women and families in need, often partnering with other non-profits to meet all the needs (Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc., 2015).

b.   Experience Needed: Bachelor's or master's degree in social services, psychology, criminal justice or a related field; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; Proficiently use a personal computer; Must have own transportation, a valid driver’s license, and vehicle insurance.

c.   Reason: This is a great program because it not only encourages the involvement and education of children but also push their parents to educate themselves with the Adult Education Classes. Also, providing motivational programs shows that this organization understands the importance how a person environment influences them.

3.   Hodge Memorial Daycare Center

a.   Job Opportunity: Center Director is responsible for setting the tone for the facility, managing the curriculum, overseeing physical facilities, hiring staff and managing the overall image of the center. They sometimes also ensure compliance with all local and federal laws governing child care, both in regard to the physical environment and the staff, and manage the financial affairs of the child care facility (Study.com, 2015).  

b.   Experience Needed: Bachelor's or master's degree in Early Child Care or related field, and 2 years of supervisory and teaching experience.

c.   Reason: I chose this school because it is a nonprofit organization and focuses on providing affordable quality day care for children (ChildcareCenter.us, 2015) and that I have 8 years of experience with a nonprofit organization. I notice that it was not much detail information, such as a website other than Facebook,  so as the Director, I would try my best to show the program how to get receive the best services using minimal resources.

References

Bright from the Start. (2015). Georgia department of early care and learning. Retrieved from http://decal.ga.gov/

ChildcareCenter.us (2015). Information for Hodge Memorial Day Care Center, a Child Care Learning Center in Savannah GA. Retrieved from http://childcarecenter.us/

Study.com (2015). Child Care Center Director: Job description, duties and outlook. Retrieved from http://study.com/articles/Child_Care_Center_Director_Job_Description_Duties_and_Outlook.html 

Wenger, E. (2006).Communities of practice: A brief introduction. Retrieved from http://www.ewenger.com/theory/

Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, Inc. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.wesleyctrs-savh.org/

I could not only just pick two colleagues because I feel that each and every one of you has played a big part in my progression within this program. Working within these groups has showed me a great example of collaboration and I feel that we all have worked cooperatively together. Learning from experiences that you all may have had in the past has helped me to be a better decision maker in my present. I wish you all the best of luck and I hope to continue to see your thoughts in your blogs. I know that you all will be successful and will continue to have the passion of advocating the importance of education in young children. I am very satisfied for have this pleasing opportunities of being able to work, learn, and grow with such a pleasant group. 

Adjourning from Groups

Many groups, though not clearly, eventually disband. For groups whose projector task has come to an end, there is an adjourning stage. The group members reflect on their accomplishments and failures as well as determine whether the group will be disassemble or take on another project. To mark this stage, some groups hold a celebratory dinner or simply say thank you and good-bye. (O'Hair& Wiemann, 2012, p. 257-258). 

Sometimes working with groups we tend to develop relationships where we establish so much trust, sometimes from the amount of time we spend working together, that we begin to share personal experiences and begin to look for advice from some of our group members. These relationships originate into friendships which are the hardest good-byes for me. I think that my feelings would be the same rather I was working with a high-performing or clearest established norms groups because it depending on the relationships within the group that I have established.

One group that I have been a part of that was the hardest to leave was when I was a nursing student at Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, Ga. This group was so hard for me to depart from because I had spent over 40 hours a week for a full year with the same group of people. We had been through our ups and downs together, we supported one another in our time of need, begin to know more about members of each other’s families, and we also had experienced the loss of loved ones, and birth of new ones with one another. Even though it was a relief to finish the program it also took some adjusting once we graduated because we did not see one another like we did before each day.

When we departed the ritual we had was a pinning ceremony. In this ceremony the nurses were acknowledged for their accomplishments and struggle that they may have come across in order to succeed throughout the program. We were are pinned and pledged to vow and always stay dedicated to make health a priority.

Working with the colleagues at Walden has been a new experience for me because I have never solely communicated with a group of people only by internet. Even though we do not converse physically, or shall I say face to face, I feel like we are connected and familiar with one another when seeing their names. When adjourning from this group, I feel that we will do what is commonly done which is to physically graduate together at a ceremony. It would be nice that we all participate if able so that we may get to know one another a little better by meeting face to face which can also lead to relationships that will last past the program. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it helps the group to reflect on what worked or what did work which help the group can make better decisions on what they will and will not do differently the next time.

. Reference

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

           

           Sometimes employees wear many hats and have many responsibilities because their employers or supervisors may think that they are capable of handling things but sometimes we can get overwhelmed which may in turn cause conflict. For example, on top of having the normal teacher responsibilities where I am employed we have dual roles such as being a parent, health, community outreach, safety, or curriculum  coordinator in which we have to plan activities for each age group, have meetings, or plan events once every three months for the children, families, and the community. Every role is planned and implemented well but on top of that our janitor has recently retired and we currently only have one who works at our other site.

Teachers are now to clean all main bathrooms, including their classroom bathrooms, take all trash to a dumpster that’s about 2 blocks away, mop and sweep halls, and perform other janitorial duties that are not a part of the classroom. This is where the unproductive conflict, conflict that is managed poorly and has a negative impact on the individuals and relationships involved, has come in (O'Hair & Wiemann 2012, p.220). One strategy from NVC that I think will have a positive impact is the principle of having empathy. The supervisor over the site did not have empathy for the roles that are already being done and that the extra duties are not shared fairly.  This will cause her not to be judgmental as to her thinking that we are capable of picking up the slack from the extra duties and still continuing to do the other things that we do and not be overwhelmed.

Furthermore, I feel that the human relations approach, the human needs of organizational member share ideas with others and to feel like a member of a group, will also be effective (O'Hair & Wiemann 2012, p.312).  For example, every other Friday the teachers and supervisors can have a group meeting to voice their opinions or any concerns that they may have. We can then strategize solutions as a whole and come to an agreement of what should have to solve any problems.

We have an assistant secretary who takes fees, inputs children information, answer phones, and opens the door. One of my colleagues mentioned that the extra duties that they are asking us to do will cause us to work overtime whereas the assistant is done with her work by 12pm every day and has 3 hours left in which she should help out with some of the responsibilities. Another suggestion was for us to have a suggestion box where we can communicate some of our problems by just writing them down and putting them in the box to be addressed. I hope we all can come to a medium and everyone can calmly address their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation.

Reference

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.