Time Well Spent
The most important thing about being a teacher of young children is a willingness to learn about a child by being with a child and responding to a child.
Leadership is one deeply felt learning opportunity that I experienced from this program. Everything rises and falls with leadership. A great leader spends a great deal of time outside the office walking around, watching each teacher's reactions to the children, listening, and taking mental notes to what each teacher is drawn to and what each one struggles with.
Another deeply felt learning opportunity that I experienced is an anti-bias curriculum and language diversity. There is not enough training on how to integrate an anti-bias curriculum into the classroom on a daily basis and always seems to be overlooked. The learning environment must have a sense of community as teachers must take into consideration the different cultures, languages, values, and traditions. By doing this, a cultural pluralist environment will evolve and children can work toward a common goal, yet still have their own identity.
A third deeply felt learning opportunity is the passion that I have for the early childhood profession. My passion and motivation for being in the early childhood field is intrinsic and this is why I have been in this field for thirty-four years. According to Laureate Education, Inc. (2013) the passion to create a safe and just world for children is there. I have the energy, knowledge, and passion, which draws staff to me, which in turn, motivates them to to catch the passion for their job. I want all my teachers to have the deep passion that I feel for the children in my care.
One long term goal that I want to fulfill is to create SUPER CHILDREN giving them a safe place for growth of the mind, body, and spirit while making a difference in their life. I also want to actually develop an anti-bias curriculum and train other teachers how to integrate this curriculum into everyday activities.
I would like to thank all my peers and Dr. Darragh for the support, advice, and inspiration throughout my Master's courses. I have enjoyed learning about everyone's work experiences and what they plan to do with their degree. Remember that your positive energy and vision must be greater than anyone's and everyone's negativity, and I feel that all of you have the enthusiasm to touch the life's of your staff, children, and their parents. Thank you for the stories of your successes and the times that were not so successful. My hope is that everyone will continue to be advocates in the early childhood field and make a difference in the life of a child. My wish is for everyone to smile and laugh; two things that children naturally share and pass on to others as we shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do. Good luck to everyone and thanks!
100 years from now...it will not matter what my bank account was, the type of house I live in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a CHILD. -Anonymous
I teach with my heart and my soul and not my mouth alone. -Jaime Escalante
It takes a village to raise a child. -African Proverb
Laureate Education, Inc. (2013). (Producer). Merging, Vision, passion, and Practice. [Video].
Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally
The first international organization that I researched was the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This organization was formed to promote policies that will improve economic and social well-being of people around the world. According to OECD (n.d.) we compare how different countries' school systems are readying their young children for modern life. I chose this organization because I will be able to interact with other international organizations across the world while making a difference. The research will be exciting and I will learn best practice from others. The job that I would apply for would be the Thomas J. Alexander fellowship which is a one year fellowship program. If I received this job, I would have to relocate to Paris. I would analyze policy issues related to education and collaborate with others in organizing conferences and workshops. I would need an advance university degree in education, psychology, social sciences, economics, or a related field. I would also need to learn how to speak French. The job description for this position encourages fellows who have a doctoral degree and familiar with quantitative research methods and has published work in a scientific journal to apply.
I researched the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This organization interests me because it "works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values" (UNESO, 2011). This organization focuses on two different global priorities; Africa and gender equality. I have a contact in Africa, Eric Atmore, who is an Associate Professor in South Africa. He has published many articles concerning early childhood education and poverty. The job I found working for UNESCO is Education Roster. This position also requires an advance university degree and a knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian. The job description states that this position requires consultants who are recognized specialists or authorities working in an advisory or consultative capacity. The site lists many different fields that a person could work in and I would choose to work with cultural and linguistic diversity in education and early childhood care and education. This position asks that all applicants have a relevant professional experience at the national, regional, or international level.
A third organization I researched was the International Step By Step Association (ISSA). This organization began in 1994 and is an early childhood reform initiative in fifteen countries in Central Europe and Eurasia. The goal is to improve the lives of young children and families through a learning community active in national and regional reform programs. According to Klaus & Ghent (2014) since its establishment ISSA has developed a number of pedagogical tools and guides designed for teachers and other early childhood stakeholders emphasizing inclusion, diversity, and the values required in open, democratic societies. I would love to be able to develop curriculum for these young children and expanding the program as far as we can go.
Klaus, S., & Ghent, L. (2014). First steps: A brief history of the step by step program. Retrieved from, http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/first-steps-brief-history-step-step-program
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (n.d.) Retrieved from, http://www.oecd.org/home/0.2987_201185_1_1_1_1_1.00.html
United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Retrieved from, http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/
Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level
I researched the Division for Early Childhood (DEC). According to DEC (n.d.) this organization was started in 1973 by a group of volunteers who were advocates for young children with special needs. DEC is one of 17 divisions of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), which is the largest professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children with disabilities and gifted children. The mission for DEC promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. DEC is an international membership organization. I chose this organization because of the exceptional children they advocate for. Having a disability, no matter how small, can be traumatic for the child and his family. Even being gifted can make school difficult for children. I found that this organization bridges the gap between research and practice while offering guidance to parents and professionals. One job opportunity that is actually opened that I would be interested in is Instructor, Early Childhood Education. This position would give me the responsibility to participate in the planning, implementing, and evaluation of educational programs and courses. I would need a Master's degree in child development and be sensitive to and understanding the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students. I would need to be a leader and have experience teaching on this level. Salary is open, but I would have to move to sunny California if I received this job.
Another organization I researched is The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). Their mission statement is to conduct and communicate research to support high-quality, effective early childhood education for all young children. According to NIEER (2015) such education enhances their physical, cognitive, and social development, and the subsequent success in school and later life. I chose this organization because I am an advocate for high-quality care in all early childhood facilities and feel that these facilities should have someone to help stimulate national and state discussions of early education policy. To partner with other organizations to help develop a national research agenda to deliver important information about early education in a way that is not confusing for the director, teachers, and parents is important. The job that I found is Data Collector. A data collector would train others to administer standard preschool evaluation measures, child assessment as well as classroom observation instruments. The education needed is a BA with a focus on child development and experience working in a classroom setting. This job stresses that the candidate must demonstrate an excellent academic record, and that Spanish speakers are needed.
A third organization that I was interested in is Zero To Three. I have used this website for many years and find it invaluable for my needs. Zero To Three is a national center for Infants, toddlers, and their families. According to Zero To Three (2014) it is the nation's leading nonprofit for advancing the importance of the first three years of life. This organization was established in 1977 and its multicultural and diverse environment encourages the exchange of ideas. The job I found here will also send me to sunny California and the job title is Senior Training Specialist. The position will have me being responsible for project activities including content development, training, and facilitation. I would also train trainers and contribute to high quality written content, research and facilitate workshops, and collect and organize data. I would need a Master's degree in early childhood education with extensive knowledge of infants' and toddlers' development and behavior. Also a minimum of eight years of experience in the field and at least four years of experience as a trainer is needed.
Out of these three jobs, I would enjoy working at Zero To Three the most. I like to train teachers and develop new curriculum and programs, and I understand the importance of the first three years of a child's life.
Division for Early Childhood. (n. d.). Retrieved from, http://www.dec-sped.org
National Institute for Early Education Research. (2015). Retrieved from, http://www.nieer.org/about/vision
Zero To Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and families. (2014). Retrieved from, http://www.zerotothree.org/
Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels
One organization that appeals to me is a local group from Butler Community College. They have started a student organization called Butler Community College Association for Early Childhood Education (BCCECE). This organization is also for other early childhood professionals. I am an alumni of this college and still keep in touch with many instructors. The group meets at different centers every month with guest speakers that talk about new trends and other issues in the early childhood field. It is a great organization to network and find teachers for the center and this is one reason I chose to be a part of BCCECE.
Another organization is our local Early Childhood Directors Organization. This organization is for directors, assistant directors, and retired directors. It is also a great organization to network and learn about current trends. We also meet monthly, have guest speakers, and have a licensing liaison to the health department. This organization is beneficial to both my professional and personal life as I have made some great friends, and mentors, and have learned strategies for different issues.
A third local organization that appeals to me is Child Care Aware of Kansas. I network with this organization with it's many programs. I have had a Community of Practice develop from my contacts at Child Care Aware and am thankful for the knowledge and extra resources I have received from this. In turn, I can share with the other organizations that I am a member of.
One job opportunity that interests me is teaching at a university. With early childhood education becoming more important to the community, area universities are now developing programs that teach and support early childhood education. I would love to be able to share my passion so others can get excited and want to join this filed. Another job opportunity I would love to explore is to consult with other centers in setting up their own centers.
Skills and experience that I would need would be actually working in a center as a teacher and director. I feel that everyone needs to experience all parts of the daycare. The education that I would need, I am doing now. Because of the changing trends and issues, I will always be reading, researching, and being a part of CoP's. I feel that I have the skills needed to fulfill either one of these jobs; communication skills, social and cognitive skills, and my passion for early childhood education.
Good-Bye and Thank-You!
I would like to thank everyone for their support and confidence in the discussions and blogs. I appreciate the feedback and ideas that were shared. It is nice to know that I am not alone when I have an issue to resolve and I enjoyed sharing my insights. I also hope that I have helped in a small way through my discussions and blog. I am sure this course has helped all of you as much as it has helped me to communicate more effectively in both my personal and professional life. My wish is for everyone to use what they have learned from Walden University as they pursue their goals. I personally have another four courses to get through before I finally graduate with my MS in Early Childhood Education. I hope to "see" some of you in the next course; good luck and best wishes to all.
My contact information is as follows so feel free to use it!
Jill Grimes
Trinity Daycare & Preschool
2402 N. Arkansas
PO Box 4449
Wichita, KS 67204
316-838-0909
jillosaurs@juno.com
Adjourning; Saying Good-Bye
I have been involved in many meetings and break-out committees in my career in early childhood education. Some were unproductive, some were very productive. I find the hardest group that I had to say good-bye to was the most successful group because we all had the same vision, organizational skills, and were very professional. We did goof off sometimes by sharing stories, personally and professionally, but these stories never interfered with our goal. Some of us in this group had worked together before and knew the norms, but the norms were still always explained to the rest of the group. I have also been in groups who did not have a clue what they were doing or where to start. This type of group usually did not meet their goals and, me being me, would take over on the side with like minded people and get results. It was not difficult to say goodbye to this group! When I do work in a group that is high-performing, I hate for it to end. The people in this type of group had the energy, knowledge, and personality to get things done in a professional way.
The adjourning stage has some rituals that should be done before everyone leaves. Tying up any loose ends for the project is a must, as well as doing an evaluation, either as a group or individual. Spending time reflecting on what was successful or a failure, and identifying areas for development is important. I feel that the adjourning stage is important for closure that benefits everyone involved.
I have "known" many of my colleagues since I started working on my Bachelor's Degree. I have read about your visions and goals, personal history, and situations at work in your blogs, the student lounge, and the discussions. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life and I am hoping many of us can still stay connected even though we all lead busy life's. We have come this far in our education, and there is still so much more we can learn from each other.
Conflict Resolution
The conflict I am going to write about happened a few days ago. The parties involved were myself, a mom, and a step-dad who has never been in to pick up the child before even though the child has been in my center for over a year. Mom is a laid back type of person just like her daughter. At the time they came in to pick up "Kimberly," the two year old class had just walked in from outside and stopped in the bathroom for potty break. Step-dad rounded the corner and saw one child hit his step-daughter. He did not know at the time that his step-daughter had just pushed the other child off a small step that all the children were sitting on. He came into the office demanding to know what I was going to do about this situation and that I must hire more teachers for supervision. At the time I had two teachers with seven children, way under our teacher/child ratio. I explained to him the developmental stages of a two year old and what his step-daughter had done to the other child, and no, that it does not make it right for the other child to hit her back. He cut me off so fast and stated that if this happened again he would call his lawyer. I apologized and stated that since he feels this daycare/preschool is not meeting his step-daughter's needs, that today could be her last day and gave him the daycare lawyers name and phone number just in case he needed it. He backed down quickly, saying how wonderful "Kimberly" was doing here and that everyone was doing a great job. He thanked me, said see you tomorrow, and left; mom said nothing the entire time. I have not had any issues with the family since then. My center is a small Christian center with only sixty-two children. I believe this step-parent felt he could intimidate me with the "lawyer talk" and did not expect me to reply with my "lawyer talk." He did not take the post-it note with the lawyers name or number.
One strategy that I have learned about is the use of the 3 R's. I am always respectful with everyone and felt that I was responsive to this step-parent by maintaining eye-contact and a respectful tone of voice. I did not want to sound defensive or make this step-dad look bad when he was addressing this issue. I wanted him to understand that I emphasized with him and the situation. I also did not want him to think that I was "all powerful" and knew everything making him feel small. When people can recognize and have empathy for their own emotional reactions, they have a better chance of being able to make a conscious choice on how to respond to any given situation.
Another strategy that I have learned this week through The Center for Nonviolent Communication is that other people may attempt to use fear, shame, or guilt to get what they want and need from others. I believe that the step-dad was trying to "put the fear in me" by mentioning his lawyer. I also got a bit defensive and that is why I mentioned my lawyer which I should not have done. I could have done a better job on observing and concentrating on what he was saying even though he was verbally "attacking" me. If I would have done this, I would have been able to meet the family's needs in a more professional manner.
