Time Well Spent

It’s so amazing to have come to the end of this insightful program. Indeed, it was a time well spent. I’ve learned so many things in this course one of it, is about passion. I can say I have the better understanding of what passion means in this course. It was really interesting to see people sharing what they have contributed to the lives of young children in this field.

Talking about positive agent of social change is something that we are called to do as advocates. We are to stand for the well being of children wherever we are.

During the program I like the way we were all learning together and working together it was so amazing and encouraging.

My long goal is to be that professional that is out there working as an agent of positive of social change in the lives of children. I can say that this program is quite rewarding. God is using us to build lives. We just need to be careful of the kind of foundation we are laying.

I thank God Almighty, all my instructors and colleagues to have made this degree possible for me. I appreciate all your insightful comments and inspirational posts. They have strengthened me. I see us like a big family. I will definitely miss the class! I wish you all the best in all your endeavors. God bless you.

It takes someone special to be an educator; a person who cares for others, and aims to help students grow to their fullest potential. The best teachers are capable, dedicated and hardworking, along with having an interest in making a substantial difference in the future of children. Deciding to study early childhood education is a unique calling and career.

“Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression”. - Dr. Hiam Ginnot

Reference:

http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/12-motivational-education-quotes-to-inspire-you/

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

  There are a lot of organizations in early childhood but I decided to choose the followings because of the work they are doing and impact they are making in the lives of the children. Also for the opportunity they have for the professionals to grow in their carrier when working with them.

UNICEF

UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. UNICEF has the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. That makes them unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young.

Mission Statement:

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behavior towards children.

UNICEF insists that the survival, protection and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress.

Purpose of the Position

Under the overall guidance of the Deputy Representative, the incumbent is accountable for developing overarching vision and major strategies to advance UNICEF's education vision and goals in line with the MDGs and Education for all goals and beyond 2015. While retaining a focus on elementary education for children aged 6 - 14 years under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), the programme covers a wider gamut - starting from early childhood education through elementary and secondary education. Child friendly schools and systems are being promoted and capacities of teachers strengthened to ensure children's right to learn. Convergence with other programmes to combat child labour and child marriage, and universal access to improved water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, is also ensured.

Job opportunity- Chief Education, P-5, New Delhi, India

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Advanced university degree in the combination of the selective disciplines relevant to the following areas: Education; Primary Education, Economics, Social Sciences, or a field(s) relevant to international development assistance.

Ten years of relevant experience in the planning and management and monitoring of education programmes in large and complex developing country situations critical.

Experience of interfacing with strong state systems useful.

Experience of operating in a SWAP environment with large scale education systems an asset.

Experience in managing a sectorally focused education programmes whose critical goal is leveraging change and promoting social inclusion by creating and deploying robust and irrefutable evidence base important.

Ability to negotiate with internal and external stakeholders with confidence and sensitivity and to lead multi-subject team of specialists critical.

Experience of working at the policy level within the framework of a Right based approach.

Track record of social policy experience to advance equity and efficiency useful.

Fluency in English required and knowledge of another UN language will be an asset.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Has highest-level communication skills, including engaging and informative formal public speaking

Creates and encourages a climate of team-working and collaboration in a multi-cultural environment

Consistently achieves high-level results, managing and delivering projects on-time and on-budget

Has high-level leadership and supervisory skills; provides others with a clear direction; motivates and empowers others; recruits staff of a high caliber; provides staff with development opportunities and coaching

Sets, develops and revises organizational strategy and develops clear visions of the organization's future potential

Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources

Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups. Actively nurtures good relationships with people across all organizational levels and boundaries, and with government leaders and stakeholders

Identifies urgent and potentially risky decisions and acts on them promptly; initiates and generates organization-wide activities

Negotiates effectively by exploring a range of possibilities

Save the Children

Save the Children INVESTS in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, they give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. By transforming children's lives now, 
they change the course of their future and ours.

Mission Statement:

Save the Children protects children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence in all regions of the world. In the United States, they provide critical services in the aftermath of disasters and emergencies. Our programs focus on the most vulnerable children while aiming for the safety and well-being of all children. Working with governments, international organizations, and local community partners, they strive to create lasting change with improvements in policy and services that protect children whether in a natural disaster, conflict, or development setting.

Job Opportunity:

Head Start Teacher

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for the general and day-to-day operations of a Head Start and/or Early Head Start center with more than one classroom. This includes assuring regulatory and legal compliance with Federal, state and local regulations, communicating with parents and the community, and supervision and monitoring of staff.

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for overseeing and providing educational, relational and social experiences for preschool children to foster growth and development in all developmental domains. Receives content area supervision, training and technical assistance from content area managers/specialists/coordinators.

As a front line representative of Save the Children, the position holder is required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that s/he comes in contact with, and represent the Agency values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.

Responsibilities

· Plans and implements classroom activities based on the individual needs of the children


· Plans daily activities jointly with other teachers to reflect curriculum areas, individualized instruction, and component integration.

· Conducts classroom activities according to the appropriate level of the child and in accordance with the daily schedule.


· Provides for constant supervision of all children during all activities indoors and outdoors; provides a safe environment by setting up a protective classroom and outdoor play area.


· Provides a balanced program of open learning and structured activities.

· Ensures that the child development, disabilities, curriculum, and performance standards are strictly adhered to in all programs.

Family Activities


· Conducts and documents home visits.


· Conducts parent-teacher conferences as needed or requested.


· Plans family activities and encourages family involvement.

· Maintains classroom discipline using developmentally appropriate techniques.

· Maintains documentation as required by Agency

· Participates in an individualized continuing education plan including CPR and First Aid.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

· An associate, baccalaureate or advanced degree in early childhood education;

· An associate degree in a field related to early childhood education and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children;

· A baccalaureate or advanced degree in any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education, with experience teaching preschool-age children or;

· A baccalaureate degree in any field and has been admitted into the Teach For America program, passed a rigorous early childhood content exam, such as the Praxis II, participated in a Teach For America summer training institute that includes teaching preschool children and is receiving ongoing professional development and support from Teach For America’s professional staff.

 Some experience working with preschool-age children in a classroom setting. Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. Great problem solving and time management skills. Ability to follow directions and take initiative. Ability to work collaboratively with Assistant Teacher, other staff and community partners in the provision of high-quality services to children and families. Ability to relate sensitively and communicate effectively with children, staff, parents and families. Ability to work with children with disabilities. Must keep all information on families strictly confidential.

· Satisfy criminal background check, including fingerprinting (if required), TB screening test and initial health exam prior to first day of work.

· Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start Program.

· Ability to drive with valid Driver's Licence and good driving record.

Knowledge Universe

Knowledge Universe is a leading global education organization with a network of more than 2,000 locations worldwide, employing over 30,000 education professionals, operating early childhood education centers, international schools, colleges, large on-line schools and school management systems, which together touch over 300,000 students daily.

Mission Statement

• To educate and develop people throughout their life

• To be the leading global education company and provider of superior educational offerings, under brands that are recognized for delivering impact and value to local environments.

Job Opportunity:

Early Childhood Teacher - Multiple Opportunities

SUMMARY

Plans and implements activities that promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of children. Responsible for the care, hygiene, learning, developmental activities, specialized programs, and redirection of children. Communicates directly with parents. Maintains classroom records, cleanliness, and orderliness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Meets expectations for delivering customer acquisition and retention, quality program, financial management, and operational compliance, and demonstrates expected behaviors. Provides care and support to children.

· May share lead responsibilities with Teacher I and Assistant Teachers

· Engages with current and prospective parents and family members and is responsive to their needs

· Complies with KLC and all governmental regulations regarding the care of children

· Understands responsibilities as a mandated reporter

· Keeps the Director informed of any necessary information regarding the care and safety of children

· Completes timely and accurate documentation according to KLC and other licensing or regulation requirements

· Assists and accepts responsibility in other daily center duties that might be temporary in the event other personnel are not available

· Attends and participates in all staff meetings, center events, and parent/customer meetings as requested

Requirements: Skills, Education / Knowledge, Experience

EDUCATION / KNOWLEDGE

· Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and/or CDA required

· Degree in Early Childhood Education or related area highly desirable

EXPERIENCE

· 2+ years of early childhood education experience desirable

· 1+ years of experience working with assigned age group desirable

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

· Excellent organizational skills required

· Ability to be flexible in assignment and work hours required

· CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain desirable

· Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, ability to drive center vehicles desirable

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Excellent verbal, listening, and written communication skills required


PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in the center environment. Centers are dynamic with a high level of activity. Work may also be performed at community sites for field trips.

· Incumbent must be able to lift 40 pounds

· Stand up to 95% of the day

· Assume postures in low level positions that best allow physical and visual contact with children

· Must be able to sustain a high level of energy

· Bend to perform various tasks numerous times throughout the day

· Stoop, sit on the floor

· Have the agility to move from a seated position to a standing position promptly to respond to emergency situations

· Perform all activities with children, i.e. jump, dance, walk, run, etc. for extended periods of time

· Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor the environment and children's well being


Both indoor and outdoor environment are typically found in a childcare facility. Depending upon activities and season, may be required to be outdoors for regular, prolonged activities.

· Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor the environment and children's well being

· Must be able to excel in an ambiguous and continuously changing, competitive environment

· Incumbent will need to be flexible and be able to respond quickly and appropriately to changing situations

· Work hours may vary to meet the needs of the children

· Incumbent will be faced with a variety of issues on a daily basis and will be engaged in multiple tasks and must respond quickly and appropriately to frequently changing needs of children



Reference:

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/

https://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH07/ats/careers/requisition.jsp;jsessionid=67B8FD9262EE5ADD005D2A392EC13314.NA10_primary_jvm?org=SAVETHECHILDREN&cws=1&rid=2755

http://www.kueducation.com

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

NAEYC is the first nation leading voice for high quality for early childhood education for children from birth through age 8. It is the largest organization working on behalf of children. NAEYC Position Statements state the Association's position on issues related to early childhood education practice, policy, and/or professional development for which there are controversial or critical opinions.

Mission Statement

NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

Job Opportunity-

Early Childhood Education Journal Editor

NAEYC is seeking a Journal Editor to assume a major role in our Publishing Department.  This position requires identifying, editing, and writing excellent content for a peer-reviewed, research-based professional journal. Responsibilities include reviewing manuscripts submitted for publication to ensure that they address the most current research; meet our high standards for clarity, readability, and accuracy; reflect the principles of developmentally appropriate practice; and meet the professional development needs of a diverse audience. Essential functions include reviewing submissions and providing comments/suggestions to authors, contributing and managing editorial content, writing and editing, and researching and oversight of contracts and projects. In addition, the Journal Editor will contribute to the Publishing Department’s growth and evolution in writing, editing, and repurposing content for our digital audiences.

Candidates must have a BA degree in early childhood education (ECE) or a related field, 10 years of related work experience with significant autonomy, including teaching in an ECE setting, developing and delivering professional development, writing, and developmental editing.  Successful candidates will have extensive knowledge of child development and best practices in the care and education of children from birth through age eight and of the state and Federal policies applicable to early childhood settings. Also essential are excellent editing, writing, proofreading, and organizational skills, and experience in overseeing the production process for periodicals and other publications including print and digital products and professional development guides. Experience in managing the editorial process, including coordinating and reviewing the work of others is essential.  Excellent MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills, the ability to use or learn InDesign, Photoshop, Adobe, and other publishing software is also required.

This position reports to the Chief Publishing Officer.

Salary $70-$75k with excellent benefits.

To Apply: Send resume, cover letter, 3 professional references, and work samples as one document to Journal Editor/HR by November 30, 2014.

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) is affiliated with the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, a Research I institution.  NIEER supports early childhood policy development by providing independent research and analysis. The Institute’s work includes large-scale, multi-state evaluations of the effectiveness of PreK programs, randomized trials of alternative programs and policies, research syntheses, and national and international evaluations of early childhood programs.

MISSION STATEMENT

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) 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

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 2-3x 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).

Mission statement

 It’s to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong START in life.

The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for more than 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. They champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority.

Mission Statement:

The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

Job Summary

The Policy Associate is a key member of the Children’s Defense Fund- California (CDF-CA) team and works with colleagues and partners to advance CDF-CA’s work on behalf of children, primarily focused on providing policy, advocacy, communications, and outreach support to the California Children’s Health Coverage Coalition. Specifically, the Associate will work with the health team to maximize state and national investments in children’s health programs particularly Medi-Cal, ensure the Affordable Care Act is implemented in a way that meets the needs of children, and expand health coverage to all California children. The position requires regular travel to Sacramento, and periodic travel to Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and Clinton, TN. This is a full-time position based in the Oakland office; however, candidates from Sacramento willing to work remotely from a HOME OFFICE will be considered.

·      Commitment to CDF’s vision, including demonstrated interest in improving the lives of children and/or low-income individuals.

·      At least 2-3 years of relevant work experience in policy analysis, community organizing, political/issue campaigns, public speaking, outreach and/or coalition building.

·      Familiarity with state and federal policies that pertain to children and families.

·       Knowledge and experience with health policy, including the Affordable Care Act and Medi-Cal.  Familiarity with policy around trauma, child poverty and education is a plus.

·       Strong understanding of the policy making process, particularly at the California state level.

·      Excellent research and analytical skills.

·      Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences (advocates, press, and federal, state, and local policymakers and their staff) – including exemplary writing skills and strong public speaking skills.

·      Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

·      Ability to prioritize among multiple projects in a demanding environment.

·      A proven track record of working well within teams.

·      B.A. required, graduate degree in related field strongly preferred.


·       Spanish-speaking a plus.

Reference:

http://nieer.org/about/jobs

http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/#sthash.UBOhkHsr.dpuf

http://www.naeyc.org/

Profile of a Volunteer

My husband and I’s philosophy in life is that God has created us to be of help to people around us in one way or the other and this is also what we are telling our children. This is part of what have been pushing me to see how I can have positive impact in the lives of the people around me. What came to my mind for this assignment was the time my husband and I volunteered other members in our church to sleep in a parking lot of a mall inside cardboard boxes, to raise money for a particular member’s family that are in a refugee camp in order to come to Canada. Sleeping on the street overnight made us to appreciate the grace of God in our lives by providing house for us to live. I later understood that it was a privilege not a right for us to have somewhere to sleep.  We were biting by mosquito, beaten by rain, exposed to cold and also the noise of the vehicle passing was something else. It was a great experience to know what the homeless people are passing through. Our aim is to inspire and motivate all those around us so that together we can generate positive change in the thoughts and actions of others. This actually encouraged others because they didn’t believe we could sleep on the street for the cause. They came around to join us to pain a building also to raise money which was as a result of the step we first took.

I was able to understand that if we don’t make a move to advocate for a cause, it would be very difficult for us to make changes in the lives others. When other people see what we are doing and the effort we are putting to make changes, I believe they would be motivated to join us. I really appreciate it at the end of the day to experience what it is for somebody to be sleeping on the street. As an advocate we have to be passionate about making changes in the lives of others in order to have effective advocacy. It’s what drives us to do what we are expected to do.

Not everyone today believes in the possibility of changing the world. Many people are beaten down by life and its injustices. We as young people live in the present but think of the future. We do not feel weighed down by the past or pre-occupied by the uncertainties of the future. We believe in building a more just, responsible and equal society as we feel it is the responsibility of each and every person.

Social Media Advocacy

Social media is a form of internet way of implementing different social networks in order to communicate with people. It communicates information on the issues to members and the public. In advocacy using social media can help to reach more people that will be interested in the advocacy effort. It’s amazing to be a member of Walden University Early Childhood Organization (WUECO). The members are there to share their success, interests and something that will inspire and motivate others in this field. Facebook has improved the speed and efficiency at which information could be communicated.  

Facebook, blog and you-tube are the social media tools that I feel would lend themselves to effective advocacy. The blog assignment we do every week is one of the ways to educate and inspire others. Personally I’ve been able to learn and inspire through the blog assignment every week in one way or the other. You-tube is also an avenue to create people’s awareness about advocacy. This could be done may be by putting some of the advocacy information we give on you-tube e.g workshop, interview, campaign and so on. These could motivate others to join us in making changes in the lives of the children and families. Technology is rapidly changing and enhancing the landscape that grassroots advocacy campaigns operate in. The explosion of participation on social media web sites such as Facebook and Twitter makes it easier for associations to effectively recruit members and the public into their advocacy efforts.

I’m just wondering you think about social media as a tool to promote advocacy efforts.

Reference:

http://www.csae.com/Resources/ArticlesTools/View/ArticleId/81/Enhancing-Grassroots-Advocacy-Through-Social-Media

Advocacy Through Advertising

I found the following advertisement messages to be so powerful in early childhood education

This advert is definitely talking about how important is physical activity in children’s development and it’s also talking about diversity that we are all equal.

The message in this advert is so powerful! Play brings joy. And it’s vital for problem solving, creativity and relationships bring joy. It’s important for problem solving, creativity and relationships. It’s both important for adult and kids.

Refernce:

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/11/15/the-importance-of-play-for-adults/

https://www.google.ca/search?q=advertisement%2Bearly+childhood+education&biw=1173&bih=537&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=nq4vVL6DG8ngaPWsgrAG&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=XL-z3Ebj2BJwkM%253A%3B3fRY5KjchCCo7M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fimages.canadianlisted.com%252Fnlarge%252Fearly-childhood-education-college-textbooks_8561064.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fnewmarket.canadianlisted.com%252Fbooks%252Fearly-childhood-education-college-textbooks_3726655.html%3B378%3B450