Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

 

Child poverty is not just a single situation for one child and one family, but a phenomenon of children (plural) living in poor quality. Child poverty is specifically found among children who are from poor families or children whose parents are deceased or not present.

Child poverty is present in numerous countries. I carefully examined child poverty in Mexico. I selected Mexico because many of my students and or their families are from Mexico and it is important to understand where they have come from in an effort to embrace their culture and past. During my study of UNICEF’s page located at (http://www.unicef.org/socialpolicy/index_childpoverty.html), I found three insights that:

1.    There are a number of areas in which Mexican boys and girls suffer disadvantages.

2.    About 25% of Mexican children (10 million approximately) lived in conditions of food poverty in 2005; in other words, they lived in homes where income was insufficient to purchase the basic food basket.

3.    According to international standards, 8% of the children in the country (3.3 millions) were in families who had less than one dollar per capita expenditure in 2005

References

UNICEF. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/socialpolicy/index_childpoverty.html

Sharing Web Resources

The wonderful web resource that I am sharing is the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) located at https://www.nbcdi.org/

What Did I Find On the Website?

The institute’s website offers their voice and resources to support care, education, and health of black children and their families. Specifically you can find information regarding Policy, Early Care and Education, Health and Wellness, Family Engagement, Literacy and Child Welfare.

What Caught My Attention This Week?

Last week I focused on the identifying who NBCDI is (their mission and vision). This week, I began exploration of the information regarding policy. What I learned is that the following should be the questions that should drive the public policy agendas of every early childhood professional:

1.              Is this good for Black children and families?

2.              If yes, how can we support it? 

3.              If not, how can we make it better?

Those were ahas for me as those questions should drive the heart of what I do.  Asking myself those questions as an early childhood professional will help me to respond the changing demographics and diversity that presents us today. In order to support this issue and trend, we have to make the best decisions to support every child; considering language, culture, ethnicity, and all other differences. 

Reference

National Black Child Development Institute

http://nbcdi.org/
(Newsletter: http://nbcdi.org/support/sign-up-for-nbcdi-newsletters/ )

Getting Ready—Expanding Horizons and Expanding Resources

Part I

Expanding Horizons

The best way to begin a course is to start by examining new resources. This week I had the opportunity to begin to increase my range of knowledge and skills base in early childhood development. I started doing so by exploring the World Forum Foundation (worldforumfoundation.org). It is always good to understand the mission of an organization. The World Forum Foundation began with its vision in 1998 to support children, impact the lives of children and their families positively, and to share information around the world on the best services for children and families. Their vision definitely corresponds with their mission which states:

The mission of the World Forum Foundation is to promote an on-going global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings (worldforumfoundation.org).

In addition to exploring and analyzing the World Forum Foundation, I had the opportunity to listen to one of their podcasts at http://www.podcastchart.com/podcasts/the-global-leadership-summit-podcast. I was so please to see the variety of podcasts presentations. I selected The Global Leadership Summit because my work in this program and in my work as an early childhood professional is centered on me as a leader promoting positive change in our diverse society.

Part II

Expanding Resources

To expand my early childhood website resource bank, I had the opportunity to select one website from United States –based  and outside the United States and e-newsletters and web resources. I selected National Black Child Development Institute hhtp://nbcdi.org/ (Newsletter:http://nbcdi.org/support/sign-up-for-nbcdi-newsletters/). I was selected this website because I currently serve children and families were the population is predominately African American. Having a resource such as the National Black Child Development Institute is a great resource for me. Their initiatives include: policy, early care and education, health, family engagement, literacy, and child welfare. Their mission and vision is very impressive:

MISSION

For more than 40 years, the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) has been at the forefront of engaging leaders, policymakers, professionals, and parents around critical and timely issues that directly impact Black children and their families. We are a trusted partner in delivering culturally relevant resources that respond to the unique strengths and needs of Black children around issues including early childhood education, health, child welfare, literacy, and family engagement. With the support of our Affiliate network in communities across the country, we are committed to our mission “to improve and advance the quality of life for Black children and their families through education and advocacy.” (hhtp://nbcdi.org/).

VISION

NBCDI envisions a society that ensures a successful future for all children (hhtp://nbcdi.org/).

References

World Forum Foundation. "A foundation whose mission is to promote

an on-going global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings." http://www.worldforumfoundation.org/wf/about.php

World Forum Foundation Radio. Includes links to podcasts of

conversations with early childhood professionals.
http://www.podcastchart.com/podcasts/world-forum-radio/episodes/world-forum-radio-george-forman

National Black Child Development Institute

http://nbcdi.org/
(Newsletter: http://nbcdi.org/support/sign-up-for-nbcdi-newsletters/ )

Time Well Spent

All I can say is WOW! This is our very last class. We did it! I can remember starting this program. I was excited and happy to be starting this new chapter in my life. My mother was an early childhood professional and she championed me on until her recent demise. I have had a lot of personal struggles during this program, but being in this program I learned the following:

1.    Keep progressing towards your goal.

2.    I am a change agent and I am working hard for the greater good of all.

3.    As a professional, organization is key.

One long-term goal that I have is to begin my doctoral program in Early Childhood Education at Walden University and to become an Educational Researcher. The early childhood field is a vital area in the education field, but throughout this program and from the research that I have read, I noticed that research is not that massive in this field. I want to be an early childhood guru. In order to become that, I must constantly read and research.

Finally, I want to say a BIG Thanks to our instructor, Dr. D. You have been very encouraging and available. Being a student in an online community can be very frustrating at times because you often need immediate attention. Dr. D, thank you for helping me feel like I was in an onsite classroom setting.

Congratulations to my classmates!!!!! Yay! We did it! I enjoyed learning with you! Each Discussion and Blog post helped me to extend my learning. THANK YOU and BLESSINGS for a GREAT FUTURE…………

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me are:

1.    United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/

2.   Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

3.      United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/

I chose UNICEF because this organization promotes humanitarian work.  The organization also offers assistance to mothers and their children. I chose Save the Children because this organization because the welfare of children is their number one priority. They promote the rights of children and they offer assistance in an effort to improve the lives of children better education, profitable opportunities, crisis aid, and health care. I chose UNESCO because this organization promotes education, peace, security, and culture in an effort to protect human rights.

The job opportunity that interests me at UNICEF is the Chief Advocacy Position. According to UNICEF the following are the skills needed: The Chief, Advocacy will lead a team of highly skilled communication staff to deliver on the key outputs defined for UNICEF’s advocacy priorities, in very close coordination with the other sections in the Division and within the context of the Cause Frame work with other Divisions, Country and Regional Offices and National Committees.

The job opportunity that interests me at Save the Children is the Advocacy Advisor Position. According to Save the Children the following are the skills needed: This is a demanding role in which you'll build alliances and partnerships with relevant NGO's and UN partners, including NGO working groups/coalitions to enhance our advocacy impact; contribute to the development and implementation of activities to meet our advocacy benchmarks/strategy, and be a credible and effective representative for Save the Children.

I searched UNESCO, but did not identify jobs that were of interest to me.

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

 

Three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appeal to me are:

1.   Association for Early Learning Leaders

2.   National Childcare Association

3.   National Association of Early Childhood Educators (NAECTE)

I selected these organizations because their mission and vision in the early childhood education field is a reflection of my personal and professional mission and vision which is to be equipped with knowledge, skills, and best practices to ensure quality child care programs for young children. Most importunately to not withhold effectiveness but to share with early childhood educators.

A job opportunity that interests me within these organizations is the role of an early childhood professional developer.

In order to fulfill that role, I must possess the following skills and experiences:

1. Is knowledgeable and experienced in early childhood  best practices.
2. Is passionate about early childhood education.
3. Is able to create and present in-field training sessions to support  early childhood educators
4. Has in-depth knowledge of education best practices and extensive experience with various assessments and curricula.
5. Certified in the early childhood field. 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

As I explored roles in the ECE: Local and State Levels; I found it interesting and exciting as I am in the homestretch for completing my Masters of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. I feel this was the perfect educational activity to help me to escalate the professional ladder in Early Childhood Development. Most importantly, this assignment helped to further identify roles where I can be an agent of change for young people and their families.

Three local and state organizations that appealed to me were El Camino College Childhood Education Center, Gardena Valley Christian Preschool, and Kindercare Learning Center. I selected these three early childhood education programs because I have visited the facilities, observed the programs, and considered them to be a choice the parents would consider as their number one choice. All three are considered high quality programs.

Jobs opportunities (including skills and experience needed to competently fulfill each of the roles) for each facility that interest me are as follows:

El Camino College Childhood Education Center

Executive Director – 

Has a passion for early childhood education.

Has a vision to be a pioneer in improving the welfare of children.

Has a passion and a vision for executing a vision. 

Has experience working in an educational setting that values and sustains a strong public-private partnership and a high level of community engagement and impact.

Center Director - 

Previously served as a childcare provider.

The ability to make the best hiring decisions and knowledgeable in dealing with all childcare-related issues, including interaction with parents.

           

Gardena Valley Christian Preschool

            

Director - 

Previously served as a childcare provider.

The ability to make the best hiring decisions and knowledgeable in dealing with all childcare-related issues, including interaction with parents.

           

Kindercare Learning Center         

Site Director - 

Previously served as a childcare provider.

The ability to make the best hiring decisions and knowledgeable in dealing with all childcare-related issues, including interaction with parents.

Assistant Director - 

Kind, patient and loving.

Spends the majority of her days working with young children.

A strong leader, with the ability to manage a diverse group of children. 

An effective communicator.

Interacts with both parents and children on a daily basis.

Skilled at CPR, first aid and other routine emergency treatments.

Very organized, detail-oriented, trustworthy and responsible.

Program Specialist – 

Has a  passion for educating, caring, and nurturing children.

Ability to remain calm and show patience and understanding with children.

Effective communication skills with team members, visitors, and parents.

Excellent customer service skills, including: establishing, building and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction.

Use opportunities to expand knowledge and expertise relating to the Early Childhood Program Specialist position.

An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.