Time Well Spent

I want to begin my wishing everyone a huge CONGRATULATIONS!!!! We did it!!!! The road has been long, but the journey has been well worth it! I must say that at one time (I was pregnant with my daughter and experiencing many complications), I did not think that I would finish. However with encouragement from my family and strength from God, I re-enrolled and began classes the same day I gave birth!!!! I'm beyond excited and proud, as we all should be!!!!



This course and M.S. program has taught me MANY valuable lessons, both personally and professionally.

1) I am stronger and determined then I could EVER imagine! Resilience builds character  This course has taught me the true meaning of hard work and dedication.

2) A community of practice can make an everlasting and huge impact on the Early Childhood field. When a group of people, with similar interest, gather together the possibilities are endless.

3) To always push my mind to the limit. I can achieve any and everything that I set out to do. The only thing and person that can stop me, is me!


I have ALOT that I aspire to accomplish. One long term goal is to earn my Ed.S in Early Childhood Education. After earning my next degree, I aspire to teach at a 4 year university.


I would like to thank Dr. Davis for all of the feedback and encouragement! I have enjoyed this course and I have enjoyed the challenge! To all of my fellow colleagues CONGRATS once again! I thank you all for the engaging "conversations" through blog assignments and discussion boards! I wish EVERYONE the best in all future endeavors! God Bless!!!!



 Inspirational Quotes

Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.-Chinese Proverb


The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.-B.B. King

Education's responsibility is to replace an empty mind with an open one. -Malcolm Forbes

Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play.
Every individual makes a difference. - Jane Goodall


References
http://www.positivityblog.com/index.php/2007/04/20/21-inspirational-quotes-on-education/

http://www.songs4teachers.com/inspiration.htm

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: International

*World Organization for Early Childhood Education- This organization was created in an effort to advance and advocate on behalf of the well-being of all children throughout the world, regardless of race, gender, religion and national or social origin. Members extend across more than 60 countries.

* Association for Childhood Education International is dedicated to promoting the education and development of children in an ever evolving world through a variety programs and projects. ACEI's motto states "Bright futures for every child, every nation"

* Division for Early Childhood is an international organization which extends memberships to those who work with or on behalf of young children with disabilities and other special needs. The overall goal of this organization is to support policies and evidence-based practices for development of young children with special needs.

http://www.omep-usnc.org/

http://www.acei.org/

http://www.dec-sped.org/

I chose to research these three organizations because each has a goal to aide in the development of children, regardless of what country they reside within. The Early Childhood field extends beyond the borders of the United States into several countries. Even though we may speak different languages and have different cultural and religious beliefs, we are all bound by the passion we share for educating young children.

Employment Opportunities

Executive Director for DEC (http://www.dec-sped.org/About_DEC/Professional_Opportunities)

• ·         a successful track record of organizational, project, and staff management  
• ·         demonstrated ability to identify information technology needs and oversee their implementation to support an
• ·         ability to access organizational resources to monitor, evaluate, and analyze legislation and policy initiatives and their impact on DEC and/or its membership
• ·         proven track record of skills in marketing, public relations, and communication strategies
• ·         experience in methods of revenue generation congruent with DEC’s mission and primary outcome
• ·         implementation of a range of evidence‐based professional development opportunities  appropriate to the field
• ·         experience in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education or related field

Creator of Early Childhood Development Handbook  Volunteer-online (http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1360680399987)

• ·         University degree in Education or Social Sciences with specialized training in ECD;
• ·         3+ years experience developing ECD curriculum for non-native English speakers;
• ·         Strong analytical skills, excellent writing skills and communication skills; and
• ·         Experience working on ECD programs in Southeast Asia would be considered an advantage.

Program Officer- Conrad Hilton Foundation International (http://unjobs.org/vacancies/1359425198375)

• ·         Graduate degree in public health, international development, public policy, early childhood education or a related field.
• ·         Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience and a practical understanding of grant making and/or the nonprofit sector in program development and/or management.
• ·         A passion for the Foundation's mission and international program areas, particularly Children Affected by HIV and AIDS.
• ·         Significant international field experience, preferably in children affected by HIV and AIDS, early childhood development or a related area.
• ·         Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills with high attention to priority and detail.
• ·         Excellent written and oral communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• ·         Strong conceptual and critical thinking abilities.
• ·         Willingness and capability for domestic and international travel as needed.
• ·         Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database experience. Familiarity with GIFTS desirable.

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)- is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children. The organization seeks to improve professional practice, supports EC programs to achieve quality care, and create groups and individuals who are committed to the field of Early Childhood Education.

National Child Care Association- the purpose of NCCA is to promote the growth of and protect  the interest of quality early childhood care and education.

National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators- this organization seeks to promote the professional growth of member, advocate on behalf of improvements in the ECE field, and also serves as a communication network. .


Each of these organizations appeals to the Early Childhood educators/professional development in some form. In addition, each organization seeks to correlate the education of staff to the overall success/development of young children (quality care).

Data Collectors (National Institute for Early Education Research)

Applicants should be graduate students, have a BA or be upperclassman undergraduate students with a focus on child development, early childhood, psychology or related field. 

Knowledgeable about child development and developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching practices (e.g. Teacher) preferred. 

Experience in classroom settings and/or working with children highly preferred.

 Must be available to work 2-3 times per week during data collection period; days are flexible and must be available to attend intensive trainings that vary between 2 days and a full week. 

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate an excellent academic record (GPA should be 3.0 or better).

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT (Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute)

Master's degree in education, special education, instructional design, educational technology, educational media, or related discipline with coursework in curriculum development or learning theory; 

                                                                       OR

a Bachelor's degree in the assigned discipline and two years of experience in teaching, educational testing, or instructional design and curriculum development; or equivalent combination of training and experience. 

Three years of experience in program planning and administration, consultation, or related work, preferably in an early childhood or education system at the local, state or federal level

http://www.naeyc.org/

http://www.nccanet.org/

http://www.naecte.org/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local & State

There are various organizations and community of practices throughout Scotland County and North Carolina. As an ECE professional, the following organizations appeal to me:


Scotland County Partnership for Children and Families (Board Members)


Scotland County Child Care Association


North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education



Each of these organizations or C.O.P's are centered around the development of young children. Scotland County Partnership for Children and Families strive to serve the children  families, and child car of Scotland County. In order to become a board member one must be elected and must either be a parent, child care center owner, family child care home provider, or an employee of a local business (includes but no limited to, local Health Department, Department of Social Services, community college, or any business owner). Memebers must be willing to serve for one year, attend monthly meetings, update rules and regulations (as needed), approve funding for activities, and volunteer during various SCPCF child-centered events.

Scotland County Child Care Association is a vital part of the ECE community of Scotland County. Members must be owner, directors, or teachers within child care centers or homes within Scotland County. Members meet as scheduled, in order to discuss various methods and ideas to implement in classes and homes. In addition, the group serves as a support system for local child care providers. Meetings are also held to discuss any changes to state laws, sanitation rules, and health/safety laws.


North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education is a state wide organization that mandates rules and regulations for the centers and homes in North Carolina. State consultants are assigned specific counties. The purpose of NCDCDEE is to ensure that childcare center and homes stay in compliance of all child care rules and regulations.



Job Opportunities:


Early Childhood Instructor (Richmond Community College)

Applicant must have a Master's degree with 18 hours within the specified field.

Prior experience (5 years preferred) teaching or working within the Early Childhood field.

Willing to instruct students on campus and/or online

Familiar with Microsoft Office Programs

Familiar with Black Board learning system

Work full time (40 hours per week), days and time vary depending upon course




Early Childhood Division Director (Onslow County Partnership for Children)

 Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Human Services or related field is required plus a minimum of three years related experience. A Master’s Degree is preferred.

Proficiency in budgeting, public relations, staff management, grant writing, and utilization of community resources is helpful. 

 Must be able to communicate and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.  

 Must have proficiency in Microsoft Office and a good working knowledge of computer program/software.

 Prior work experience with Smart Start and Child Care Resource and Referral is highly desirable.

CHILD CARE QUALITY CONSULTANT 

Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or related field, plus experience in early childhood program services.  

Familiarity with childcare regulatory policies/procedures, ITERS-R & ECERS-R.

Excellent communication, organizational, public speaking, training & computer skills required

Week 8: Thank You

I have truly enjoyed this course! I want to thank all of my colleagues and Dr. Darrargh for making this course an enjoyable learning experience. I have gained so much insight into what it takes to communicate with families, children, providers, and others whom I will come in contact with through my career. I would like to wish all of my colleagues the best as you all embark on various professional journeys, as well as the end of this journey to obtain our Masters of Science in Early Childhood Studies, Only 3 more courses!!!!! Best wishes!

LaQuasia Cousar

laquasia.cousar@waldenu.edu
laquasialcousar@yahoo.com

Week 6

Throughout my 25 years of life, I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of people for various reason, in various settings. While some groups have been more pleasing to work with than others, I still learned a valuable lesson and manged to complete the task at hand. As I think back over the many groups I have been affiliated with, I would have to say that it was hardest for me to say goodbye to my coworkers at my last job, which was a childcare facility! Even though we did not have the perfect working  relationship, we all had formed a family like bond. In spite of our differences, we all knew that our common goal was  to provide the best care possible for the children and families that we served. We all had worked at the center for 3 or more years, so over that length of time we had developed friendships. Even though I am no employed there, I interact with these women often as my current job calls me to  provide services within childcare facilities in Scotland County. My former co workers and myself actually had a while to prepare for my "goodbyes". They all knew that I was months away from graduating and that afterwards, I sought to find a better paying job that allowed me to help even more children in our community. 

Although we all knew I was leaving, we did not know a specific time, therefore I was unable to have an official celebration or last day with my co workers and students. I wished that I would have been able to have some sort of closure. It's sad because whenever I go back to the center to do an assessment or for a Reading is Fundamental visit the children get excited and ask if I'm back to stay. 

I have been apart of this Master's program for a year and a half. After this course, I only have my 2 specialization courses and my capstone. That's roughly 5-6 months left. As I prepare to adjourn this phase in my life, I will likely exchange "professional contact information" with my colleagues. Adjourning is important because it brings closures and will also allow members to remain in contact or connected with one another. 

Conflict Resolution

Pregnancy is a wonderful and joyous experience. In my case it also was full of uncontrollable emotions. About 9 months ago, I was 7 months pregnant with my daughter. I had already decided on her name, but her father asked if he assist in her naming. Reluctantly, I told him yes. My family had already feel in love with her name so they were a little upset that her first name would be changed. When I thought we had finally decided on a name, I posted on Facebook that our daughter's name would be "Ashtyn Omega Ratliffe", immediately my family and others stared commenting on how that did not like the name and it was ugly. I rudely told them that they could all shut up and when they had children (or more children) that they could name their own child. I also rudely told them that Andrew and I made our child and since they had no part in her conception their opinion did not mean anything to me (my choice of words were different but hey I was emotional :) ).  Something as small as my daughter's name caused confusion and conflict in my family. I ended up not speaking to my sister for a week and blocked her from my Facebook page. Eventually we all apologized and began speaking again. After all of this, her father ended up saying that he did not tell me that he wanted to name her "Ashytn". Apparently my pregnancy affected my hearing as well, so that entire disagreement was for nothing.

After reviewing this weeks resources, I realized that this situation could have been handled much differently. First, I should have respected my families opinion and we could have agreed to disagree. I knew that her name would be decided upon my myself and her father so I should have never let the opinions of others upset me. Had I been respectful,my family would have reciprocated the behavior and we all would have responded in a rational manner. Secondly, I could have said how I felt but in a less defensive and rude manner. I can honestly say that I was an emotionally unstable pregnant woman, but I should have learned how to better handle my feelings.

By the way we ended up naming our daughter "Andrea Omega" and everyone loves her name, as well as her!