Time Well Spent!

Here we are again at the end of yet another journey, except this one of course is our final and last one together.  And while it is a tremendous accomplishment, and we should all feel a great sense of pride, I still can't help but feel it is bittersweet.  To pinpoint just three specific learning's from this program is extremely difficult, and that is because I feel what I have learned is endless, as well as indescribable.  But what I do know is that because of what I have learned throughout this program, I am a definitely a better person, and even more so a better professional in this early childhood field.

So to you Dr. Teri, as well as my distinguished colleagues, I say it has truly been a great, as well as inspiring experience.  An experience that I shall never forget, and most importantly has touched me in a way that I never thought it would.  When I first began this program almost two years ago, I never could have ever imagined that I would feel so connected and inspired by a group of individuals that I have never physically met, or for that matter would probably never meet.  But yet it still happened, with some of you the connection was stronger than others, but still the connection was made.  And now we are at the point where we must say our farewells once and for all, and it is a task that is far more difficult then I could ever have imagined.  So to all of you, I want to say farewell, and I wish you all the luck in the future in whatever path you choose to take, and I know each and every one of you will succeed triumphantly and do great things in the field.


As I now reflect on all I have learned and gained throughout this program there are definitely some things that do stand out, especially when it comes to importance of establishing long-lasting relationships with other colleagues and professionals in the field.  And that is because I have learned it it these strong individuals that not only keep us connected and grounded to this vast and wonderful field, but they are also the ones who help us see things that we might not seen before, or for that matter maybe see things in a completely new and different light.

                           Always walk through life as if you have                                                         something new to learn, and you will.
                                       Vernon Howard
                                                     
Another aspect of learning that really stood out for me throughout this program was the extreme importance of sustaining our passion for this field.  And that is because it is this passion that drove us in the first place, and it that same passion that now as enabled us to successfully complete this program.  For me both personally and professionally that passion lies with my strong beliefs and convictions of making a difference in the lives of all the children, families, and potential early childhood professionals that I will meet and work with throughout my career.  Even though there has been a lot of positive changes in the early childhood field, I still think there is still a lot of work to be done.  But what I discovered through my journey here at Walden is that this is definitely other professionals who feel as I do, who also have that same drive and passion, and together united we can accomplish great things in the early childhood field.

If I was to commit to one long-term goal, it would be stay focused on my challenge of incorporating the Cultural Diversity that is missing from a lot of the curriculum's in not only Head-start schools, but in all Pre-Schools here in California.  It has been through this challenge of working with one small Head-start school that I realize just how much impact one person can have, so just think how greater impact we can have as one united front.  And through the course of our weekly discussion forums with you Dr.  Teri, as well as my distinguished colleagues, I discovered just how similar a lot of our challenges were, and in some cases even the passions that drive us.  So for me a spark has definitely been ignited and I will pursue this challenge, with the hopes of truly making a difference in this field.   

  
 
    My Loving Family
                                                         

                                                                  





                                         My Work Family



                                                                    

Jobs / Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

For this weeks Blog assignment I chose three  international organizations that I felt resonated with me, as well as inspirational when it comes to the early childhood field.  And that is because these are the kinds of organizations that help to make a difference not only for the children and families they service, but also for the contributions they offer us as educators in the field of early childhood studies.





http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/

I chose this organization, "Children's Defense Fund" because of not only what they stand for, but also because of their endless efforts to be a voice for all children in America.

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.  - See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/#sthash.nIKVVyjz.dpuf

 CDF Mission Statement

CDF 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. 

Overview: 

Established in 1985, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Minnesota is the only policy organization in the state to focus solely on the needs of children. CDF–Minnesota targets all Minnesota children, particularly children being raised in low-income households who suffer greater barriers to full participation in society as a result of being born into poverty. CDF–Minnesota pays particular attention to the needs of our most vulnerable children — children of color, children from low-income families and children with disabilities.

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.  - See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/#sthash.nIKVVyjz.dpuf

Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

http://www.fpg.unc.edu/


I chose this organization because of the information and knowledge  they have to offer the early childhood field.  The kind of knowledge that is based on research that is acquired in hopes of helping to better the advancement of child development, which includes the welfare of children and their families.

CDF 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. 

- See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/#sthash.nIKVVyjz.dpuf

Our Mission

The mission of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute is to cultivate and share knowledge that enhances child development and family well-being.

Advancing knowledge. Enhancing lives.

 

Since 1966, the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute has helped to shape how the nation cares for and educates young children. About 300 researchers, implementation and technical assistance specialists, staff, and students work on over 80 projects related to young children, individuals with disabilities, and their families. Our dedication to research and outreach is embodied in our motto: Advancing knowledge. Enhancing lives.






Voices for America's Children

http://www.voices.org/ 




For my third choice I selected an organization that I felt had so much to offer, especially when it comes to the advocacy and the improvement of life for all children and their families living in America.  Another aspect that really stood out for me in regards to this organization is their focus and advancement of Equity and Diversity for all children in today's society.    


Voices for America’s Children is the nation’s largest network of multi-issue child advocacy organizations. Our nonprofit, nonpartisan network spans almost every state, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We lead advocacy efforts at the community, state and federal levels to improve the lives of all children, especially those most vulnerable, and their families.

Focus on Six Policy Goals to Advance Our Vision and Agenda

• Equity and Diversity: All children achieve their full potential in a society that closes opportunity gaps and recognizes and values diversity. This goal also informs the work of all other core goals.
• Health: All children receive affordable, comprehensive, high-quality health care.
• School Readiness: All children and their parents receive the services and supports to enable them to start school prepared for success.
• School Success: All children have an equal opportunity to attend an adequately and equitably financed public school meeting rigorous academic standards aligned with the needs of the 21st century workforce.
• Safety: All children are safe in their homes and communities from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence and risky behaviors; and contribute to community well-being.
• Economic Stability: All children live in families that can provide for their needs and make investments in their future.  

 References:


http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/


http://www.fpg.unc.edu/


http://www.voices.org/ 

CDF 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. 

CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown. 

- See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/#sthash.nIKVVyjz.dpuf

CDF Mission Statement

CDF 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. 

CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown. 

- See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/#sthash.nIKVVyjz.dpuf

CDF 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. 

- See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/#sthash.nIKVVyjz.dpuf

CDF 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. 

CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown. 

- See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/#sthash.nIKVVyjz.dpuf

CDF 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. 

CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown. 

- See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/#sthash.nIKVVyjz.dpuf

CDF 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. 

CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown. 

- See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/#sthash.nIKVVyjz.dpuf

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. 

- See more at: http://www.childrensdefense.org/about-us/#sthash.nIKVVyjz.dpuf

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

For this weeks Blog Assignment of posting three national/federal organizations or communities of practice I chose three different organizations that appealed to me based on what they have to offer, not only for the children and families, but also for us as educators and professionals in the early childhood field.  And for me personally I definitely feel if an organization is able to foster the well-being of children, families, and us as professionals in this field of early childhood studies based strictly on the work and services they provide in the ECE Community, then these are definitely worth while organizations that should be recognized.




Save the Children                            

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

Who We Are

Save the Children is the world's leading independent organization for children. Our vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Our mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves. We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation. 

So it is because of this that I chose this particular organization, and my agency was fortunate enough a few years ago to have "Save the Children" visit one of our Head-starts here in Yucca Valley California.  And I was very impressed with this organization, as well as their commitment to helping children and families all around the world.   I am also providing the link to the segment that aired on, "The Today Show", which highlighted this visit, as well as the importance of early childhood education, specifically Pre-school.


The Today Show Retrieved from:  http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/44670244#44670244  




The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

                                      

http://www.naeyc.org/  


NAEYC's mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources (NAEYC Bylaws, Article I., Section 1.1).

Goals

NAEYC expresses its mission in terms of three broad goals:

1. Improving professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education.
2. Supporting early childhood programs by working to achieve a high-quality system of early childhood education.
3. Building a high-performing, inclusive organization of groups and individuals who are committed to promoting excellence in early childhood education for all young children.

Vision Statement

NAEYC's efforts are designed to achieve these ends:

• All children have access to a safe and accessible, high quality early childhood education that includes a developmentally appropriate curriculum; knowledgeable and well-trained program staff and educators; and comprehensive services that support their health, nutrition, and social well-being, in an environment that respects and supports diversity.
• All early childhood professionals are supported as professionals with a career ladder, ongoing professional development opportunities, and compensation that attracts and retains high quality educators.
• All families have access to early childhood education programs that are affordable and of high quality and actively participate in their children's education as respected reciprocal partners.
• All communities, states, and the nation work
  As a members of "NAEYC", I think most of us can appreciate just what this organization does and continues to do on a daily basis, in regards to the field of early childhood studies.  And not only for the children and families, but also for us as educators and professionals in the field.        
  

  
As members of  "NAEYC"  I think most of us can stand by this organizations beliefs and commitment to the improvement and well-being of not only the children and their families, but also for the programs, as well as us as professionals, in this early childhood field.





The World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP)

 

http://www.omep-usnc.org/ 

Making a difference for children
at home and around the world!

Welcome to the OMEP-USA website. We are part of an international, non-profit, non-governmental organization with members in more than 70 countries.

We are college professors, preschool teachers, primary-grade teachers, school administrators, social workers, psychologists, doctors, nurses, policy makers, administrators, journalists, physical therapists, librarians, lawyers, policymakers, college students, volunteers, parents, grandparents, advocates, and activists.

Our goal is to ensure the well-being, rights, and education of children (birth – age 8) and their families in the U.S.A. and around the world -- today and in the future.

OMEP is the oldest and largest international organization focusing on early childhood. OMEP has Consultative Status with the United Nations, UNICEF, and UNESCO.
As an educator and professional in the field this international organization is definitely one that appealed to me first and foremost because of their goal of ensuring the well-being, rights, and education of children ages 0-8 and their families in the U.s and all around the world.  What also appealed to me was the fact that the members of OMEP consisted of various individuals working in and affiliated with all areas of education.




References:


http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm


 http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/44670244#44670244   


http://www.naeyc.org/ 


http://www.omep-usnc.org/ 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

For this weeks assignment of exploring roles in the E.C.E Community I chose three local and state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me based on what they provide as an organization, as well as how they inspire me as a future adult educator in the field of early childhood studies. 
                    
Kids N Care                     








http://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/stuServe/kids.php

The first organization I chose is Kids N Care.  This particular organization is one that I am very familiar with and have been working with for many years as an advisor for their Cares Plus incentive Program.  Kids N Care is an organization that provides many resources for children and families in San Bernardino County.  Programs such as, Cares Plus, Child Care Adult Food Program, Licensed Providers, Resource and Referral Program, &Training Subsidized Programs.  They also provide yearly stipends for early childhood educators that work in the field and participate in the Cares Plus Program.


First 5 San Bernardino

http://first5sanbernardino.org/Default.aspx

The second organization I chose is First 5 of San Bernardino, this is also an organization that I have been affiliated with over the years  as a site supervisor and teacher trainer for Head-start. I have had the pleasure of working with First 5, as one of the delegates for our agency.  This organization offers many resources and services for children ages 0 to 5 and their families in the county of San Bernardino.  They also offer many resources and opportunities in regards to education for early childhood providers and educators in the county.  In my opinion they are definitely an organization that stands by their vision and mission for the children and families in the community.
  
Our Vision
 
All children in San Bernardino County are healthy, safe, nurtured, eager to learn and ready to succeed.

Our Mission
 
Promote, support and enhance the health and early development of children prenatal through age five and their families and communities.



The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)


http://acei.org/


For my third choice I selected the organization entitled, "The Association for Childhood Education International".  This charitable organization is dedicated to the promotion of of providing optimal education and development for all children.

Mission:

Our mission is to promote and support the optimal education, development, and well-being of children worldwide, and to influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society. We have consultative status with the United Nations.





References: 

Kids N Care 
http://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/stuServe/kids.php


First 5 San Bernardino
http://first5sanbernardino.org/Default.aspx


The Association for Childhood Education International(ACEI)
http://acei.org/ 

 

 

Hello Everyone,

I am so very excited to once again be working with so many familiar faces, as well as some new ones.    I just want to wish everyone Good Luck as we take the final steps towards completing our ultimate goal of attaining our Master's Degree.  Here we go!

Final Blog Assignment

A Final Note of Thanks and Support:

As we reach the end of another journey together, I want to take this time to say thank-you to each and everyone of you, my distinguish colleagues.  I greatly appreciate the continued support and guidance you provided me each and every week, and I hope I was able to do the same for some of you too.  I also want to wish all of you continued success, as you venture on the path towards future success in the field of early childhood studies.  And without a doubt I truly feel that each and everyone of you are a major asset to this field, and will continue to do great things in the future.  And not only for this field, but also for the children and families we work with everyday.  Thank-you and once again good luck!! 
 

Stage 5: Adjourning

For this week's discussion assignment I talked about my experiences of becoming an acting Supervisor for the first time, and also the challenges I faced from becoming a leader of a very dysfunctional center.  A center that was right on the verge of being dismantled, due to numerous issues, and concerns, which in my opinion all really seemed to stem from a lack of leadership, guidance, and most importantly trust.  But in the end, I also talked about some of the greatest experiences I had, not only as a Supervisor, but also being part of a truly amazing team, that also became a very strong and united team.

And it is my experience with this group that I now look for the fifth stage of  Tuckman's Stages, that were developed by Bruce Wayne Tuckman in 1965, adjourning stage.  "In the "adjourning" stage the project is coming to an end and the team members are moving off into different directions.  This stage looks at the team from the perspective of the well-being of the team rather than from the perspective of managing a team through the original four stages of team growth" (Abudi, 2010). t

I definitely feel that this team, or group, has been the hardest one to say goodbye to that I ever had to in my life.  And I think that is because of what we went through together, all the challenges and obstacles we faced, making our team the united and dedicated front we became in the end.  I think when you go through a experience such as this, it makes all the accomplishments and rewards you receive in the end all that more special and appreciated.  And I also feel that groups that go through these kinds of experiences, grow very close, sharing a unique bond, that will definitely remain even after they have moved on or have gone their separate ways.  "Performing will keep in touch with each other as they have become a very close knit group and there will be sadness at separating and moving on to other projects independently" (Abudi, 2010).

It is also reflecting on these kinds of past experiences of groups and team development that I now imagine and consider how I will adjourn from you, my group of colleagues, as we near the end of our master's degree program.  I also feel this adjourning stage, will also be extremely difficult, especially since we have really become such an important part of each others life, both personally and professionally.  We have shared some of the same challenges and struggles, we have faced as we enter a new chapter in our lives, as student's with the same common goal, the goal of successfully completing our master's degree in early childhood studies.  And even though we might not ever physically meet in life, I know I can honestly say in the end, when it is time to finally say goodbye, I know it will be very difficult.  And that is because we shared so much of ourselves, both personally, and professionally, and we really have become an important part of each others lives, whether we believe it or not.  And I know I can honestly say that I have really learned a lot from each and everyone of you, especially when it comes to teamwork, and sharing one common goal.  The goal of trying to make a difference in the field of early childhood studies...

References:

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

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