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