Thank You & Good Luck

At least three deeply felt learnings from this program 1. I have learned that having a Community of Practice can provide you with a support system and ears to run your ideas by. You will get honesty opinions about your ideas because this group of people share the same interest and maybe they have the same passion as you do. 2. That I have to learn new ways of getting parents involved in the program. 3. Never give up on my dreams and find different ways to de-stress so that I will not burn out in a field that I love. At least one long-term goal 1. One long term goal that I have is making my challenge into reality. A farewell message to your Instructor and colleagues It has been a pleasure working with my classmates throughout our program. I have learned so much from them. I feel that they were an important Community of Practice for me. A few months after starting my program I was diagnosed with arthritis and chronic pain. I say this so that my classmates know that they helped me in to keep going. We never know what another person is going through but in some of my classes we did share personal information and just knowing that others were having their own struggles kept me going. I felt that I was also given a great amount of support from my Instructors also. Thank you all! It has been a wonderful experience and I wish you all the best in your future.

I saw the above photo posted on Facebook and it is something that we all need to remember to keep our passion for the Early Childhood field alive.

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them 1. Save The Children: I chose save the children because of how they started out in the US in 1932 provide clothing, school supplies and hot lunches to school children in Harlan County, Kentucky and by 1938 they had expanded to Europe and was providing clothing, food, blankets and medicine to children displaced by World War II in Austria, England, Finland, France, Germany and Italy. They have no boundaries, they provide for children all over the world and their goal is to make sure that children have what they need and to provide children relief and a sense of security after a major disaster. http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6229507/k.C571/History.htm 2. Free The Children: Free The Children is an international charity and educational partner that believes in a world where all children are free to achieve their fullest potential as agents of change. Since 1995 Free The Children has provided 45+ countries with programming and building projects. 55,000 children with education. 650+ schools and school rooms built. $16,000,000+ worth of medical supplies around the world. 30,000 women with economic self-sufficiency. 1,000,000 people with clean water, health care and sanitation. This is why I chose Free The Children. http://www.freethechildren.com/ 3. UNICEF-Early Childhood: UNICEF works with governments, civil society, communities and other stakeholders to design and implement inter-sectoral evidence-based ECD programmes and policies that help young children reach their full potential by supporting families and communities, and by increasing access to quality early childhood care and education. I chose UNICEF-Early Childhood because they understand that in order for a child to develop to their full potential you have to offer services to the whole family. If a family is not thriving then their children will not thrive because of worry and fear about their family. http://www.unicef.org/earlychildhood/ Three job opportunities that interest me and the skills and experience that is needed for them. 1. Associate Faculty, Child Development Early Childhood Education Requirements: Master's degree in child development, early childhood education, human development, home economics/family and consumer studies with a specialization in child development/early childhood education, or educational psychology with a specialization in child development/early childhood education OR bachelor's degree in any of the above AND Master's degree in social work, educational supervision, elementary education, special education, psychology, bilingual/bicultural education, life management/home economics, family life studies, or family and consumer studies 2. Foster Care Counselor Requirements: A Master's degree in a social services discipline is required Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Other degrees will have to be evaluated further to determine if they meet the qualifications. One year experience counseling adolescents in a clinical setting Experience with the Foster Care System is preferred Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Basic computer knowledge Ability to maintain a flexible schedule You must have your own vehicle to use for work purposes as well as have liability insurance 3. Family Intervention Specialist Requirements A Master's degree in a social services discipline is preferred A Bachelor's degree in a social services discipline is required Degrees that can be considered include: social work, drug and alcohol education or counseling, psychology, criminal justice, guidance counseling, or marriage and family therapy. Other degrees will have to be evaluated further to determine if they meet the qualifications. Experience in a clinical counseling or case management setting Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously Basic computer knowledge Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

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

At least three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them. 1. Early Learning-White House http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education/early-childhood I chose this site because it gives information on all the programs and initiatives that have been started/continued by President Obama. 2. Early Learning http://www.ed.gov/early-learning I chose this site because it gives a lot of good information on the budgeting for early child care and it also gives information for each state. It also gives you resources that we can use in this course. 3. The National Institute for Early Education Research http://nieer.org/ Conducts and communicates research to support high-quality, effective early childhood education for all young children. Such education enhances their physical, cognitive, and social development, and subsequent success in school and later life. Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you. 1. Professional Development Coordinator Professional development coordinators help teachers and programs assess, plan and achieve personal professional development goals. Professional development coordinators must possess good written and oral communication skills; be able to collaborate, plan and partner with other agencies and institutions providing professional development opportunities; be able to provide professional development opportunities on a wide variety of topics; know how to provide follow-up support; and document and evaluate services provided. Professional development coordinators also advocate for policies, standards, practices and efforts necessary for ensuring and retaining a well-educated, compensated, and skilled early childhood workforce. 2. Early Childhood Consultant Consultants provide information and assistance to child care programs, business and industry, communities, elected public policy officials, and state and federal agencies to help them develop programs, regulations and public policies that will enhance or improve the quality of child care. Early childhood systems consultants need a foundation in early childhood education/child development and child care administration as well an in-depth understanding of the funding bodies and agencies/systems supporting child care in the area being served. 3. Family Specialists/Counselors Family specialists/counselors include a wide variety of early childhood professionals who help families access the resources they need to care for their children. Family specialists/counselors need to have a basic understanding of child and family development, child care licensing regulations, knowledge of community resources (private and public) and the ability to communicate this information to parents. Family specialists/counselors may provide services in the child’s home, the child care setting or in an agency office.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels List at least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them 1. South Central Los Angeles Regional Center One of our goals is to ensure that individuals who are eligible to receive services (consumers) are assisted in living the highest quality life possible in their communities. These agencies are known as Regional Centers and assists people of all ages with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism and other similar disabilities. We provide intake, assessment, diagnosis and lifelong service coordination. SCLARC believes special needs deserve special attention. We are committed to the provision of culturally sensitive services which enhance the inherent strengths of the family and enable consumers to lead independent and productive lives. http://www.sclarc.org/ I chose SCLARC because they work with special needs children and their families, they also will be part of my Communities of Practice. 2. Community Care Licensing It is the mission of Community Care Licensing to promote the health, safety, and quality of life of each person in community care through the administration of an effective collaborative regulatory enforcement system. In 1973, the Legislature enacted the Community Care Facilities Act to be administered by the Department of Health. The purpose of the Act was to establish a statewide system of community care (separate from health care) for persons with mental and developmental disabilities, and socially dependent children and adults. The Act required the Department of Health, together with care providers (Advisory Committee on Community Care Facilities), to jointly establish new regulations for licensing non-medical out-of-home care facilities. Today the CCL Program remains a Division within CDSS. However the nature of community care has changed significantly and now includes care for persons whose needs require the management of severe behavior adjustment problems, serious mental disorders, and significant medical needs. In order to give emphasis to the different populations served the CCL Program is now governed by three separate licensing Acts and a fourth statute that was enacted in 1990. http://www.ccld.ca.gov/Default.htm I chose CCL because I am interested in how centers are licensed and the licensing requirements for centers that are geared towards special needs children. 3. Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide access to quality early childhood education programs for children in Los Angeles County. We believe all children deserve the best start in life, and high-quality preschool programs provide them with a solid foundation for success. While access and affordability are core commitments of LAUP, our dedication to improving the overall quality of preschool is what gives the LAUP model national potential. http://laup.net/ I chose LAUP because in my current agency one of our programs is an LAUP program. The standards that LAUP has for classrooms/centers that they fund are the same high quality standards that I feel all centers should have and also they are the standards that I will have when I open my own center. 3 Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you 1. Family Services Coordinator The following job summary is for descriptive purposes only. Actual job description and job title is subject to change Job summary: Under the direction of the Family Services Manager, the Family Services Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that program services are provided to families by linking families with the services of Health, Disabilities, Nutrition, Social Services and Mental Health activities of the program. This position supervises and provides technical assistance to the family community engagement staff and works within an interdisciplinary team setting with other Head Start staff using case-management protocols that integrate service areas, to address identified concerns for children. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a field related to Social, Human or Family Services is required. This position requires at least two (2) years of related experience with emphasis in family services, training and knowledge of family dynamics, human relations, psychology or social work. Supervisory experience required. Experience dealing with sensitive family situations in a non-threatening and professional manner. Thorough knowledge and ability to keep up-to-date on State/Federal regulations and Head Start Performance Standards and practices. https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit2/?id=6700291&t=1 2. LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST The Child Care Licensing Program Analyst is responsible for a full range of licensing duties which may include: develop and implement orientations/training programs; review applications; recommend license approval/denial; perform on-site facility evaluations; investigate complaints in licensed and unlicensed facilities; recommend and prepare administrative actions to deny, revoke, and suspend facility licenses. Desirable qualifications: ability to work independently and as part of a team; exercise good judgment; communicate effectively and clearly, both verbally and in writing; valid CA driver's license and ability to travel. Work hours and schedules may vary. Must be able to use laptop in the field. http://www.ccld.ca.gov/PG526.htm 3. Education Manager The Education Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the educational and school readiness aspect of the Early Childhood Education program. The Education Manager directly supervises the Education Specialist and second level supervision of Site Directors who oversees the performance of 200 teaching staff. The Education Manager is the key liaison staff to represent the education unit within the PACE ECE Management Team. It is necessary for the Education Manager to work on integrating the educational services to all the other content areas to include, but not limited to health, nutrition, mental health, disability, family services, and enrollment. Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following: Development, Education, Educational Administration, or related discipline. Post-graduate degree in relevant field highly desirable and preferred. Minimum of 5 years management and supervisor experience in an educational setting (preferably in early childhood education or specifically Head Start or State Preschool) Demonstrated ability and experience to plan, organize and control substantial resources. Demonstrated ability and experience in organizational development and team building. Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as presentation and public speaking skills Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point as well as the use of Internet and E-mail to conduct research and communications is required. Must maintain CLASS Observer Reliability and ECERS Standing Must work towards CLASS & ECERS Trainer Certification https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit2/?id=5576061&t=1

A Note Of Thanks

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of my fellow classmates for all of your support and encouragement and positive words. It has truly been a wonderful experience. I wish you all the best in your specialization classes and in your future careers and goals. I hope to see some of you in the next set of cases.

 

 

Team Work

In my experience with being a part of a group the hardest one to leave was the high-performing group. It was the group that I took most of my ECE classes with in junior college. We were a team; we went from class to class as one and often were in other classes together. We inspired each other we planned activities and created lesson as a team. In our last together the teacher (who had been our teacher for most of our classes) gave us all a book that she had placed all of the activities, articles and games that we had all created over the classes into. It is a treasure that I still have many years later. I imagine that I will adjourn from my group of colleagues that I have formed while working on my master’s degree by continuing to follow their blogs. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it shows that the group has completed the goals that it had set. Once the goals are meet it is time to move on to new goals.