Final Goodbyes

                                                      BLOG ASSIGNMENT:

“We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate . The world is all gates, all opportunities.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

As I sit back and reflect on my journey through early childhood I must at admit it has been an interesting ride. I have learned about organizations and job opportunities I never knew existed. I also learned that in order to be successful you have to at times step outside of your comfort zone and learn to build relationships that can lead to valuable resources that may assist you in the long run. Reading the comments for the blog and discussion assignments from my colleagues has really been motivational and resourceful. One week we learned about the characteristics of a leader and what it takes to become a leader allowed me to do a self-check and what it is I am doing and what I need to do. One of my long term goals is to work more on the administrative side of early childhood and be my own executive director of an organization in the urban community.  I want to be a resource connection to someone to help them to become successful and to make a change. Since I am unable to upload a video I just want to thanks all of my colleagues  and Dr. Myers for the encouraging words you have given me these past 8 weeks and throughout my journey. I will you all the best in all your endeavors and success. I pray that God will continue to bless you and protect you. Remember that you are able to allow anything to work in your power as long as you are able to think of a plan, write it down to make it clear, and execute it. Feel free to reach me at anytime 901.606.8773 or taterbug1908@gmail.com

Love You All

Rena T.  

p.s... WE DID IT. WE ARE FINALLY DONE (for now)

Jobs/Roles ECE internationally

The first resource I looked at was the United Nations Children's Fund. The reason this particular source caught my eye is because mainly is it allowing you to step outside of you comfort zone and see the same issues that we face for early childhood is the same issues others are facing and maybe even worst are then we are. This site shared information that we all must be aware of. It shared information concerning health issues, protection, and child survival just to name a few. It makes you think how well off we really are in the United States. I search the job posting and they only had a few jobs listed in the states and several listed internationally. The one that caught my attention was the Child Protection Specialist ( social and legal). The reason this position caught my attention was basically by the title itself the protection of a child. Here is the criteria:Purpose of the Position

Accountable for formulation, design, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of Child Protection programme(s) to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of the programme management, delivery and accomplishment of programme goals and objectives.Key Expected Results 1. Programme Planning, Development and Management.
Enhance effective sectoral or inter-sectoral planning, development and management by leading, guiding, coordinating and supporting the timely completion of the Situational Analysis and its periodic update through accurate and complete monitoring and analysis, and the timely preparation or finalization of sectoral input. Provide substantive advice, recommendations and input in the formulation of country programme documents and plans of actions relating to Child Protection programme.
Take primary responsibility for the development of the sectoral work plan and technical decisions as well as for programme management, implementation and monitoring of assigned sectoral activity, in compliance with the defined programme strategies and approaches.2. Promotion of UNICEF Global Goals.Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and policy dialogue through active engagement in communication, networking and participation at every opportunity inside and outside UNICEF, leveraging the strength of UNICEF mission, goals and programmes.3. Knowledge Management.
Promote knowledge management by exchange of knowledge, information, situation analysis, experience or lessons learned; promote knowledge sharing and technical input or recommendations on major programme directions and on introduction of new initiatives in the country.4. Rights-Based and Results-Based Approach.Promote the quality of rights-based Child Protection [programmes through participation in the formulation of programme goals, strategies and approaches. Bring coherence, synergy and added value to sectoral or inter-sectoral management processes using a results-based management approach to planning and design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.5. Sectoral Work Plan Development, Implementation, and Monitoring.Take primary responsibility for the development of the sectoral work plan and technical decisions as well as for programme management, implementation and monitoring of assigned project/sectoral activity, in compliance with the defined programme strategies and approaches. Support maintenance of information system for monitoring gender/sex disaggregated data.6. Programme Delivery, Evaluation and Reporting.Ensure programme, sectoral or inter-sectoral, efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation. Participation in major evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sector review meetings with government counterparts. Ensure the preparation of annual Child Protection sector status reports.7. UNICEF and Government Accountability.Coordinate with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability. Certify disbursements of funds, monitor and submit financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.8. Communication, Collaboration, Networking and Partnership.Ensure exchange of information, experience, identify new strategies and courses of action to accelerate/improve delivery of services and achieve Child Protection programme requirements and objectives. Conduct field visits to monitor programmes and collect information. Conduct periodic programme reviews with Government counterparts and other partners.Collaborate with Communication and Programme Communication groups to ensure development of effective communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and social mobilization efforts.Overall coordination with Regional Advisers and HQ Officers. Collaborate with other Programme/Project Officers to ensure the integration of the sectoral programme with other sectors.Collaborate with the Operations and Supply Sections and Government authorities to establish and maintain sound internal controls supportive of Child Protection programme planning and implementation, to coordinate financial and supply management requirements as well as to ensure accountability.Interact with Government and other partners, NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the different stages of Health programme/project implementation to follow up on agreements and recommendations. Provide technical support and guidance on appropriate technical, financial and institutional capacity building measures to achieve Child Protection programme goals. Qualifications of Successful Candidate Advanced university degree, preferably in the social sciences, law or other relevant field.*Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience at national and international levels in child protection, including international work experience and/or field work experience. Background/familiarity with Emergency.Fluency in English and a second UN language (IP).*A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.Competencies of Successful Candidate Communicate effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment. Set high standards for quality of work and consistently achieve project goals.Has good leadership and supervisory skills; coordinate group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.Translate strategic direction into plans and objectives.Analyze and integrate diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.Quickly build rapport with individuals and groups; maintain an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.Identify urgent and potentially difficult decisions and acts on them promptly; initiate and generate team and department-wide activities.
Demonstrate, apply and share expert technical knowledge across the organization.The Skills and experience I am lacking for the position is minimum 5 years of relevant work experience at national and international levels in child protection, including international work experience and/or field work experience. Background/familiarity with Emergency.Fluency in English and a second UN language (IP).

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The next site that caught my attention was Save the Children. I personally feel that at any chance children didn't ask to be here but since that are the joy of our lives we should be able to allow them all the opportunites in the world to be successful. This is more of a 3rd world site so the had similar characteristics as the United Nations Childrens Fund. What I like about this site is that they give you an opportunity to save a child life so that they can have a chance. I really didn't look for any job opportunities with this site because the site alone help my interest.
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My third and final site International Step by Step Association. One thing that got me with this website was the philosophy of the organization.
ISSA promotes open society values in education and society, equal access to quality education for all children, strong family involvement, and community participation to help every child reach his or her full potential. We believe that children learn best when they are active participants in the learning process. ISSA’s programs encourages children to express their ideas creatively, to help one another, to develop critical thinking skills and to practice responsible living by learning to make choices. We recognize that each child is unique and seek to meet his or her individual educational needs in the classroom. We build on the principle that parents are the primary educators of children and we strive for active parent participation and community involvement in the education process. ISSA aims to encourage democratic ideas and principles and actions within young children and their families. These principles are crucial to developing a life long love of learning, which engenders success in an open and free society. I feel that the philosophy alone is saying alot of what they stand for and in a way I see my similar philosophy within theirs as for as the care and concern for the children. I like their whole concept on wanting to encourage children to express their ideas creatively and to develop critical thinking skills and to practice them. That is one thing we are not allowing our children to do today without putting some type of label on them like their bad or they have ADHD, or ADD, or etc. They had no job opportunities on this site.

Exploring Roles: National/Federal Level

When it comes to exploring my roles on a higher level I have found some organizations that really sparked my interest. The first sight that I search again was NAEYC. I feel that this particular sight has a lot of resourceful information from local to national level and even federal. One position I found on this site was Associate Executive Director of YMCA. This job entitles :

The YMCA of Metropolitan is celebrating 160 years of charitable service to the Washington Metropolitan area. The Y has a strong commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Anchored in more than 10,000 neighborhoods around the country, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The Y is a cause driven organization that offers tremendous opportunities to make a difference. We invite you to join us in this amazing work- to develop your skills, to realize your leadership potential and discover a career that is so much more than a job. We are currently recruiting for two Associate Executive Director to support the Child Care and Youth Development department. The first AED position is located at our YMCA Fairfax County branch in Reston, VA. The second AED position is located at our YMCA Capital View branch in Washington, DC. The experienced AED will have an expansive career in Child Care Services from infancy to teen. This is a managerial position with oversight over multiple sites, and programs. The ideal candidate will have worked as a regional, district or executive director in an academic setting. This position reports to the Vice President of Operations.
Responsibilities: The AED will lead childcare, school-age, camp, outreach, youth and family programs. The AED will supervise several direct reports, will serve as the staff liaison to the board of director’s committees, will build collaborations with school administrators and manage the departments’ budget. The AED will ensure that the program provides the highest quality in programs and services for members, parents, and program participants. The AED will strengthen and cultivate relationships to assist with branch fundraising goals; provides the leadership, documentation and administrative oversight to the child care program. This indivdiual will grow the program’s enrollment, and oversee the licensing and accrediation process. The requirements entitle:

A successful AED will have four or more years of administrative and/or operations management, including oversight of Child Care department. Candidate must have a proven track record of successful leadership, fiscal management, staff recruitment, effective staff supervision, and staff development. A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Recreation, Psychology and/or Sociology with a concentration in Human Services. We offer an exciting, fun, inclusive, growth oriented work environment with competitive compensation and an extensive benefits package that includes, tuition reimbursement, childcare discount, strong health benefits package, 8% employer paid retirement, complimentary Y membership, parking, and continuous professional development opportunities.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a drug free, equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We offer an exciting, fun, inclusive, growth oriented work environment with competitive compensation and an extensive benefits package that includes, tuition reimbursement, childcare discount, strong health benefits package, 8% employer paid retirement, complimentary Y membership, parking, and continuous professional development opportunities.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a drug free, equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
How to Apply: To apply submit your cover letter, resume, salary requirement to: resumes@ymcadc.org, type “AED” in the email subject line. Resumes accepted until position is filled. Priority consideration given to resumes received by June 1, 2012. For other YMCA career opportunities visit our website www.ymcadc.org.
The experience I would need to fulfull this position would be possibly the years of experience. As I continue to read this position I fill that the only other thing would be me living in the DC area.
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Other organizations that I found but really didn't find any employment posting however the information that is on their sight is resourceful and I feel that it could shed alot of information on how to get active in the early childhood field and that is ACEI( association for childhood education international), SECA ( southern education childhood association).

Exploring Roles In The ECE Community

As I began to explore my opportunities in the ECE Community I came across several advances for my career. I first checked the NAEYC website and I found a position as a Head Start Administrator in San Antonio, Texas. The descripition included: Under administrative direction, is responsible for providing overall leadership in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all component aspects of the Head Start Program. This position requires a high degree of knowledge about Head Start Performance Standards, and all component aspects of the Program. Responsible for liaison, coordination, and staffing for the Head Start Policy Council. Exercises direct supervision over assigned staff. This position is a "grant funded" position and has no disciplinary appeal rights to the Municipal Civil Service Commission. This position is likewise subject at-will employment status and can be terminated at any time for any reason. The educational requirement included: Qualifications: •Master's Degree from an accredited college or university •Five (5) years experience in program development and budget, including three (3) years of supervisory experience. •Any applicant selected for this position must have a background check completed with results satisfactory to the City of San Antonio and successfully complete the City of San Antonio’s two-phased Cash-Handling Certification Training. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: •This position requires a valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License or the ability to obtain a valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License within thirty (30) days after becoming a resident of the State of Texas. Use of your own personal vehicle may at time be required and proof of Liability Insurance will be required. •Head Start program oversight experience. •Knowledge of the Head Start Governance and Municipal Government processes. •Knowledge of Federal and State rules and regulations pertaining to grant funded programs. •Masters degree in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, Social Work, or a related field. To fulfil this position I would need to a Texas licenses, need to complete two-phased Cash-Handling Certification Training, and knowledge of the Head Start Governance and Municipal Government processes and knowledge of Federal and State rules and regulations pertaining to grant funded programs.


Another site I visited was a site for educators seeking employment at universities. On this site I found a position for Early Childhood Professional Development Coordinator and Lecturer at Tufis Univeristy. The descripition include :The Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development invites applications for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Professional Development Coordinator & Fulltime Lecturer, beginning August, 2012, with a two-year renewable contract. We seek an exceptional teacher, collaborator, and leader to prepare, mentor, and support students and professionals engaged with young children, their families, and their schools, as we advance our commitment to equity in early childhood in urban education settings.
Specific areas of expertise might be teacher development/inquiry; technology, science, arts, or math literacy; curriculum development; special education; inclusive classrooms; dual-language learners; child care and educational policy; early intervention; infant mental health; or equity issues in education.
Duties: working with the Director of Early Childhood Education to develop, administer, and monitor pre-service and professional training for early childhood professionals, including state certification programs; collaborating with multidisciplinary faculty and community partners; developing revenue streams to support this work; advising students; and teaching two courses each semester. The educational requirements include: A masters degree in early childhood education or a related field (e.g., Special Education, Elementary Education, Child Development) as well as demonstrate commitment to urban education issues and the integration of theory, research, and practice. The successful candidate will have experience with young children 0-8, including service delivery/practice and classroom teaching. Teaching experience at the college level (undergraduate or graduate) is required. Experience supervising early childhood development professionals and developing programs for professionals working in early childhood fields is required. Understanding classrooms and the role of large, urban community organizations in the education and care of young children is necessary. Experience with professional certification processes, multi-agency collaboration, or service learning is desirable. The skills I need to development for a university level is more class room experience and curriculm developing.

My final interest came from an site for early childhood job seekers and this position was for a Regional Manager in Seattle, Washington. The descrupition include: Child Care Regional Manager Position in Seattle, WA Have you been a Regional Manager, overseeing several child care programs or a successful Director of a large program and wondering what your next career move might be? If so, this position might be the perfect opportunity for you! Bright Horizons is hiring a Regional Manager to join our Bright Horizons Family in Seattle, WA. As the Regional Manager, you will work closely with the leadership teams of multiple centers to create a rich environment for children, families and staff to reach their full potential. The educational requirements include:  We are looking for the following qualities/skills in our Regional Manager: • Passionate about ECE, children, families and teachers • Exhibit strong skills in both written and oral communication • Attention to detail with focus on goals and results oriented • Excellent follow up and takes initiative • Strong fiscal management skills • Spirit of teamwork and professionalism Educational Background and Experience: • Degree, BA or MA in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred • Experience with managing multiple child care centers strongly preferred • Ten to twelve years experience as a Center Director or comparable management supervisory experience. The skills I need to develop more knowledge of the NAEYC Accrediation process, gain experience of the Client Sponsored Child Care, and managerial skills.

My Final Goodbyes

I am preparing my blog as my heart begins to feel heavy only because we have come to the end of another interesting but yet fulling class. I must say that this is been an eye opening experience for me these past 8 weeks and without you guys comments, support and motivation I wouldn't been able to make it. I thank you. I want to wish all of you guys well with great success. We are done with our core courses and now its time for our specialization areas and soon graduation. I want you guys to always put your best foot forward in whatever you do and to keep God or whomever you serve 1 st in your life. If you need anythign please don't hesitate dropping me a line via-email.

Team Building

I remember when I was in the academy for the Sheriff Department for 8 weeks with a total of about 36 individuals. On the first day or orientation I didn't know what to expect I just look at it as I am going to do these 8 weeks graduate and have a good paying job. Little did I know that each day each week me and my classmates became closer and closer to each other. We began forming study groups with each other to ensure we all past the test, workout session so that those that was physically meeting the requirements met the requirements and even began eating and going out together. You can say we were one big happy family.
Out of all the groups I have been involved in I would definitely say that my academy class was the hardest to leave. Even though after graduation we were going to the same place but we would no longer see each other like we did for 8 weeks and we had the greatest class counselor ever. On our last day we did a team bilding and even though we had already bonded well it made the team bulding exercise even better. On graduation we all cried tears of joy and we have our class counselor a token of our appreciate. Right before graduation we all sat in  a circle and we talked about the ups and downs of academy and how at the end we all made it.
I feel adjourning is essential to teamwork because it tells you your strengths and weakness what you can achieve as a team to continue or to get stronger.

Nonviolent Communication

Its funny that we are suppose to blog about htis particular topic of nonviolent communication. I can recall a recent situation in my personal life when I was having just a small heated conversation and both of us were going back and forth and no one could hear no one because of the yelling. I suddenly realized and ask myself why are you yelling because this is not a way to solve a situation. So I just hushed and allow the other person to continue vent because at this point that is what they was doing because I began to listen. I think allowed them to get whatever it was off of their chest and I remember in order to have a civilized conversation you have to respect, respond, and reciporate.  Once the other person observed my actions they were able to calm down and we were able to began an adult conversation. By the end of hte conversation we both listen to each other views and we were able to agree and disagree without being disagreeable.
I believe that the only thing that changed the disagreement was one had to show respect for the other so both parties ended up respecting each other.
The question I have for my colleagues is what other way could this been avoided.