Time Well Spent

     During my journey in the master's program at Walden University three deeply felt learning's from the program that have changed the manner in which I interact with children, their families, and staff for the better are as follows communication, respecting and embracing diversity, and understanding my role as a leader and advocate for the community that I serve.
     Communicating takes on a form of it's own whether it is verbal or non-verbal, expressing ones self to get your message heard, show emotion, or collaborate with others to reach an agreement. In the early childhood field I have learned that listening to others with an open mind and working together to find solutions together as it relates to child rearing, organization policies, and barriers that may occur respectively. I have learned to listen, be heard, and listen again to have a clear understanding of the message, "Listening is a multidimensional process of recognizing, understanding, accurately interpreting, and responding effectively to the messages you hear" (O'Hair, Wiemann, Mullin, & Teven, 2015, p. 152).
     Respecting and embracing diversity is accepting and appreciating other cultures and how their language , traditions, and attire contribute to the early childhood field by enriching the lives of children and my own. Diversity is more then the surface of a culture, it is a way of life. I have encouraged staff to practice removing their personal opinions as it relates to the manner in which they respond to parents that may carry their four year child on their hip or allow their three year to suckle on a pacifier, that is their choice. Our position is not to judge or criticize, but to support and understand.
     I have learned about who stakeholders are and what my responsibilities are to stakeholders. I realize now that children can effect a program as stakeholders, because their development and growth depends on our ability to teach them and recognize when they may need extra academic assistance to be successful. I also understand that the community in which I serve is invested in some aspect and each stakeholder deserves quality.
     One long-term goal that I am preparing for in my career is to become an administrator within my current organization, possibly overseas. I am aware that preparation for this position will take time, and as a director, I am experiencing my share of positive experiences and not so positive experiences in the field. I am learning through each experience that my approach and the manner in which I handle these encounters may effect others who have the ability to decide or make recommendations in regards to my abilities to perform as an administrator. I will continue to provide a quality early childhood development program to the best of my ability that includes the environment and teaching staff until I can reach my goal.
     I would like to acknowledge my instructor Dr. Johnna Darragh, I appreciate each feedback comment that you have provided during this course. I also appreciate the fact that you respond to my discussion posts and personal emails in a timely manner. I feel that you really care about my progress. I can not imagine the number of students you may have during each quarter along with your personal life and continue to remain sane, all while online! I truly respect your position as an educator and the knowledge that you provided. Thank you!
     To my colleagues, I want to thank you for responding and providing supportive and inspiring feedback during this course. We really have a connection even though we are from various walks of life. I have gained professional insight from each of you and I thank you tremendously.
I wish you all good health and much success!

Two quotes from my favorite advocate: Marian Wright Elderman - Activist, Author

     "Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time" - Marian Wright Elderman

     "You really can change the world if you care enough" - Marian Wright Elderman

References

Marian Wright Elderman Quotes (Author of The Measure of Our Success). Retrieved from

 

     https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/73926.Marian_Wright_Elderman

 

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real communication (3rd ed.).

 

     New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.



 



 

 

My contact information:

 

Shelita Pierce

 

shelita.l.pierce.naf@mail.mil

 

Please send me an email to keep in touch!

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

     I began my career in early childhood education while my family and I were stationed in Wurzburg, Germany. This was our home for three years; during the first year I was home sick and the only thing that kept me from going home often was the duration of the flight! I do have a fear of flying, but I always say a prayer before, during, after take off. If I can recall I believe we traveled 26 hours before landing in Germany. I would however, take a leap of faith as it relates to expanding my experiences and knowledge base regarding social change and participating in an organization that is focused on helping to improve the quality of life of children and families in various locations around the world and in parts of the world I have never seen except in magazines or television. Mostly, though to have a hands-on opportunity to be a part of God's work along side other's that have a genuine love of people.

     Three international organizations that appealed to me in which I would be interested in becoming a member of are as follows:
1) Organization: Save the Children

Position Title: Child Protection (CP) Advisor - This position requires the Child Protective Advisor to encourage staff to take the initiative to present interventions and focus on violations of children's rights that protect them from abuse.
I am interested in this position because this is my focus as it relates to my course work Capstone Project. I am passionate about children and their well- being, because they need a voice that has speaks in volume for them when their life is at risk. There are laws in place for a reason and I would be privileged in enforcing those laws that are broken against children and families.

Mission Statement of Save the Children is to "invest in childhood everyday, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we are dedicated to ensuring every child has the best chance for success. our pioneering programs give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Our advocacy efforts provide a voice for children who cannot speak for themselves. As the leading expert on children, we inspire and achieve lasting impact for millions of the world's most vulnerable girls and boys. By transforming children's lives now, we change the course of their future and ours"(Save the Children).

Qualifications/Skills needed: The candidate must have 8 years experience in child protection, MS/MA/ME level in Social Work, Human Rights Law, International Relations, Development Studies or similar, or equivalent field experience. Knowledge of Inter-Agency standards and guidelines in child protection such as Separated and Unaccompanied Children, and experience in working through systems of community participation as well as monitoring and evaluating child protection programs in emergency, transition and development. Language in Arabic or Kurdish.
Job Opportunity: Iraq Kurdistan/12 months Full-Time/Closing Date: August 18, 2016

2) Organization: United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

Position Title: TA Child Protection Emergencies Specialist (Children Associated with Armed Groups), P-3 Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria (364 days) - This position focuses on reintroducing children and women back into their communities after serving in combat and detailed to commit suicide attacks. Their communities not only will not accept them, but are known to attack these individuals violently by force of intercourse and marriage. I am interested in this position, because I could never imagine my daughters, sister, mother, nieces, or myself "for that matter" having to encounter such violence against our will and to have no one to advocate for the rehabilitation that is surely needed for these children and women. I believe that it would take an ample amount of patience and time for this process as all parties will have hesitation for fear of reoccurring violence on both sides. Either way I would be up for the challenge, because I am a woman and it would be an eye opening experience to actually witness how women and children are forced into this life and allow me to have an appreciation for my way of life.

Mission Statement of UNICEF is "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).
 Qualifications/Skills needed: The candidate must have an advanced university degree in Social Work, Psychology, Social Science or related field. Excellent training and communication skills. a minimum of 5 years experience in implementing child protection reintegration programs for children, work under difficult conditions, and fluent in English.
Job Opportunity: Nigeria/Temporary Appointment - 1 year/Closing Date: August 16, 2016

3) Organization: CARE

Position Title: Youth Workforce Development Advisor - This position focuses on designing, and implementing youth vocational, workforce and provides assistance to the Government of Somalia's Ministry of Education around national policy for workforce development. I am interested in this position, because I enjoy working with children of all ages, and I volunteer on the weekends at the youth center as a counselor. we have a program titled "Hired" where children may apply for jobs within the military organization and they have to prepare their resume, and participate in an interview with the potential supervisor. The children are paid limited stipend for 5 months of detailed work. I believe this keeps them out of trouble and hopefully gives them confidence to apply for other jobs in the future. This position would also help me decide which path I would like to pursue as it relates to the age group I will serve in my own future and at the same time work with children from abroad.

Mission Statement of CARE is "CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice" (CARE).

Qualifications/Skills needed: The candidate must possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a field related to education or youth development related, Master's degree is strongly preferred. A minimum of 6 years experience managing workforce and curricula development initiatives, evidence of productive and positive working relationships with colleagues, experience working with institutions with a focus on serving the needs of youth, lead programming aimed at improving workforce readiness for at-risk youth, and develop youth vocational skills programs to provide youth meaningful livelihood goals. English and Somali
Job Opportunity: Somalia - Mogadishu/up to 30% travel/Full Time-Active/
Closing Date: August 7, 2016

Among the three positions I have selected the Child Protection Emergency Specialist would benefit my personal and professional experience, because it relates to current events in this world. To think that children are subjected to such horrors in their young lives is disgusting and I would fight to protect them from the people that brainwashed them into the life and the community that is fearful of them by retaliating against them with the very thing they are afraid of; violence. I do possess the capability, education, and desire as well as some knowledge of military life to perform this occupation.

References

 

 

CARE. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.care.org/

 

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpl4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

 

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





 

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

     Job opportunities available in national organizations in the field of early childhood development offer great potential for one to gain experience through multitasking and collaborating with sister  organizations that share ideals to meet goals and accomplish success in preventing child abuse and poverty. I have learned that the sky is the limit after researching organizations known to me! I found a number of great jobs that I would love to have, because these positions and organizations represent what I am most passionate about and that is providing a safe environment for children, building community relationships, and public speaking.

     Three national organizations that appealed to me are the following:
1) DARKNESS TO LIGHT - this organization appeals to me, because it represents the change in society that I want to see occur and that is to STOP child abuse! This organization has established programs such as, "Stewarts of Children" where Online Training is available for persons seeking to improve their knowledge base as it relates to child abuse prevention. there is also a program titled, "Partner in Prevention" where fellow organizations have proven their desire and to use preventive strategies and become qualified to meet the "Darkness to Light" satisfaction or approval as an advocate in stopping child abuse, "A Partner in Prevention is an organization...that has committed the time and effort to educate themselves on how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse" (Darkness to Light, 2013, p. 1).

JOB OPPORTUNITIES - Facilitator - currently available, as a facilitator you train volunteers, staff, offer training to the community.

SKILLS AND EXPRIENCE needed to competently fulfill this role would be to role model the core principals and have the ability to teach others on the subject matter in various environments, 'Good presentation, listening, and communication skills are all critically important in being an effective facilitator" (Darkness To Light, 2013, p. 1).

2) ZERO TO THREE - this organization appeals to me, because it is nationally known and trusted by families, teachers, and administrators offer informative research material and documentation related to young children, their development, and well being, "embracing our values, every member of the ZERO TO THREE community contributes to a healthy and positive culture, a more successful organization, and better outcomes for infants, toddlers, and their families" (ZeroToThree, 2016).

JOB OPPORTUNITIES - Program Manager, Training/Technical Assistance - currently available, this position interests me, because one may serve as a trainer and manager to experience all spectrums of the facility's operation, "Work closely with the Center's leadership team and other staff to ensure that training and technical assistance activities are successfully completed" (ZeroToThree, 2016).

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE needed would be a Master's degree in early childhood development or related field preferred, ability to travel, written and oral communication skills, and collaboration as well as working with a diverse community.

3) NAEYC - National Association for the Education of Young Children appeals to me, because I am familiar with their organization (experienced the accreditation process and successfully accomplished NAEYC Accreditation certificate), it is nationally known and when you hear NAEYC mentioned, one thinks quality early childhood environment. I would be humbled to be an employee of this organization, because NAEYC cares about families, children, teachers, and management as it relates to quality child care.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES - Community Manager - currently available, this position interests me, because one has the ability to build community relationships and serve as a representative to educate in regards to best practices and diversity, (NAEYC, 2016).

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE needed would be a Bachelor's degree in the relevant field, excellent writer and communicator, Can-do-attitude, and knowledge of early childhood education.

References

 

DARKNESS TO LIGHT. (2013). End Child Sexual Abuse. Retrieved from

http://www.d2l.org/site/c.4dICIJOkGcISE/b.6035035/k.8258/Prevent_Child_Sexual_Abuse.htr

 

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2016). Retrieved from

https://www.naeyc.org/

 

ZERO TO THREE. (2016). Early connections last a lifetime. Retrieved from

https://www.zerotothree.org/about/our-mission-and-vision





Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

     Imagining myself employed in different positions locally in the Washington, D.C, Maryland, and Virginia area; where I live, that fosters the well-being of children, families, and the early childhood field as a whole is inspirational, because I have experienced others who hold at least one of these positions during instances of reporting child abuse allegations against staff/parents during my career working with children. For instance, I have learned not to question young children after an allegation, because their story can become confusing to them; therefore, we leave the questioning to the police investigators. It always amazes me when the investigator returns and I can find footage immediately based on information given by the child, especially a when a two year old can communicate what happened to them! The investigator is trained in these matters and this is something that appeals to me. The following 3 local organizations that I found and appeal to me are:

1) Manager, Compliance Investigator
          This position is interesting, because the candidate will be responsible for collaborating with school principals, staff, and children, by ensuring that safety policies are maintained by everyone. Trains other investigators on investigative techniques/trends and ensures that all investigations are handled in a fair and timely manner. The mission of the Child Welfare organization in which this position is offered is as follows: "Connecting child welfare and related professionals to comprehensive resources to help protect children and strengthen families" (Child Welfare). There is one position available in the Washington, D. C. area, and the skills that I will need to fulfill would be to educate my knowledge base as it relates to the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations and a Master's degree is preferred.

2) Action in Community Through service (ACTS) - Behavioral Intervention Program (BIP) Group Facilitator
          This position is interesting, because the candidate will interact with victims of abuse and perpetrators of abuse. you may work individually or with another facilitator during group sessions. This position serves as an educator in prevention of violence and tracks participants status by assigning homework and challenging them to maintain self-control. The mission of the ACTS organization in which this position is offered is as follows: "Provides relief, fosters hopes and promotes self-sufficiency for our Prince William area neighbors in crisis due to hunger, homelessness, and interpersonal violence" (ACTS).This position is no longer available in the Virginia area. The skills that I will need to fulfill would be to complete at least 32 hours of domestic violence training to include the Virginia Standards for Batterer Intervention Programs and at least 3 months of weekly observation of batterer intervention groups under the supervision of a certified staff, and maybe take a Spanish course.

3) NAEYC - Executive Director for Bright Beginnings Child Development Center
          This position is interesting , because it focuses on serving homeless children, infants, toddlers, and preschool aged that live in homeless environments by providing a safe and nurturing environment within the facility to help children develop and grow while parents focus on seeking a safer living environment in the Washington, D.C. area. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining NAEYC Accreditation, training staff, recruiting, overseeing and ensuring to maintain operations within budget, and have the ability to communicate with persons of all levels of life specifically the homeless, and develop partnerships within the community. The mission of Bright Beginnings in which this position is offered is as follows: The mission of Bright Beginnings is to 1) provide children with a safe, nurturing educational environment, 2) prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn and 3) support homeless parents to stabilize their home lives and become self-sufficient. This position is available in the Washington, D. C. area. The skills I will need to fulfill would be to educate my knowledge base as it relates to homeless shelters and transitioning environments and the effects these environments have on children and the families, complete my Master's degree, I would have to research and become familiar with the curriculum used by Bright Beginnings, and be confident in researching and maintaining funding resources.

These three positions relate to working with young children and their families and I possess characteristics as well as education and experience needed; however, each position prefers that the candidate has a Master's degree. Amongst the three positions, the NAEYC - Executive Director for Bright Beginnings Child Development Center interests me the most, because I am currently knowledgeable and qualified for this position with the exception of homelessness and its impact on families and young children.

References

http://actspwc.org/careers/

http://careerforum.naeyc.org/jobs/8241804/executive-director

https://www.childwelfare.gov

 

https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201660_04/MS_MECS/EDUC_6990/Blog%20Links%20Board/embedded/Blogs_Rubric.doc