To say that I am sad to see this journey would be a lie. This has been long but so worth it in the end. I am thankful to be done but have learned so much along the way. I have learned and passed on many great things on this journey with Kids.

The first thing, I can be the biggest advocate for children. I can do so much more for them than help them develop who they are and will become.

The second thing is I truly understand more about children and families. My job is not just dedicated to the children, but their families. We have to connect with the families because even though the child may be with us more hours of the day than their parents, their parents are still first in their eyes and in their world. I cannot over step the boundaries the parents have laid for them.

Lastly, and one of the most important things I learned from this program is how to be an effective leader and communicator. Communication was already big on my radar for people and life, but now I understand how to do it better. It is like that book, “The 5 Love languages.” You have to understand your love language and others love language in order to understand them and truly show them love. Well the same goes for communication. You have to understand how they communicate and hear in order for you to be effective. Just because you say it does not mean, it was heard.

My long term goal, is to stay in this field for a lifetime. I know that may seem funny, but with how things are changing and moving, who knows where I will be tomorrow. I love this job. I want to make a difference, and I want to stay working in the ECE field.

I want to tell everyone who has helped, guided me and went through this journey together, thank you from the bottom of my heart and that we are DONE!!! I am so glad that I did it and went through it with you all. You guys helped me grow, understand things better/differently and I appreciate it.

Good Luck to you all!!! God Bless!!

Wanted to include a wordle but couldn't so here are my words:
Thanks
Gratitude
Early Childhood Forever
Completion
God Bless

Taking Professional Responsibility for Consequence

UNESCO or the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This international organization appeals to me. They support many different areas. Their main focus is education and development of children around the world. They want peace for all. The job opportunities they offer is about 5. The position is international and located around the world like Italy, Paris and Baghdad just to name a few. Positions that would interest me is Programme Assistant, and Programme Specialist. One position is more of an assistant doing things like secretarial stuff.

https://en.unesco.org/about-us/introducing-unesco%20

The Academy for Educational Development seems like a group that I want to be a part of. I once lived in England and will support this one. The organization “has earned success through different core values, being passion, respect, results integrity, innovation, diversity, and excellence. They have full and part time jobs.  I didn’t really see where they had job opportunities, but it did have a place to contribute. Little information was available but I did like the as an organization.

http://academyforeducationaldevelopment.orghub.net/

Save the Children is another international organization that appealed to me. They feel that every child deserves a future. As far as job opportunities, you can always donate. You can participate in events or even be an advocate for children, through their website.

If you decide to participate in an event there are many across the county to participate in like the NYC half mile, Miami Marathon, and Disney wine and dine, just to name a few.

Sponsoring a child is another way to get involved.

Didn’t really see how to work for them but they offer many ways to get involved and chances to save a child.

https://www.savethechildren.org/

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

When it comes to national and federal organizations that appeal to me and that I would want as part of my community of practice. I would say that the first would be the National Head Start Association. I think that what they do is great. They are an “organization that gives every child an opportunity to succeed in school regardless of circumstance” (National Head Start Association, n.d.). With them there are several ways to get involved but it does not really seem like they are job opportunities unless you reach out to one of their local branches. They are an organization that is located all over the country. However, ways to get involved is through becoming a member, donation, partner, network, or market. A membership allows you to be involved through advocation, learning and leadership opportunities through conferences, and exchanges through the magazine they provide, and finally, as a member you will be receive weekly newsletters. Through their advocation you are helping head start find opportunities for children. You are working within Congress, etc. In some of these ways to get involved, you do not have to have experience you just have to have a desire to be involved and make a difference for children. For others, you can be an alumni or have a child who attended a Head Start program.

https://www.nhsa.org/

The second organization that appeals to me is NAEYC, or The National Association of Education Young Children. It is a wonderful organization that works on the development of young children and those that work with them. They have been a great resource and tool for in my career and in my education. They are also an accreditation program. Career opportunities do exist with them. All he positions are in the Washington D.C. area, so that would mean a relocation for me. They had several positions available. The jobs vary and so do the experiences. I reviewed several jobs that are currently available they the qualifications range from an associates degree to a bachelor’s degree with experience in the area you are applying for.

https://www.naeyc.org

https://www.naeyc.org/about-us/careers/jobs

Finally, they last national/federal organization that I would like as part of my community of practice that appealed to me was Zero to Three. They are an awesome organization that lends a help to those in the area of early childhood and to those who have children in this age group that need help in any area. They do have job opportunities and allow others to post job opportunities. I saw a job for a Program Manager-PLAY for instance. The job qualifications are Master’s or Doctoral degree in psychology, social work, or human services and experience. They job is located in Colorado. Even though I can not do this, I still love them, and what they offer. I have used them in my career and educational pursuits. I will continue to use them in the future and suggest them to others.

https://www.zerotothree.org/

https://careercenter.zerotothree.org/jobs/11301759/program-manager-play?utm_source=813876&utm_medium=recentJobs&utm_campaign=mainLanding&utm_term=

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community

For me my whole life has centered around the military. So when I look to my local and state organizations I search for ones that will also help my military community/families. One of the organizations I have chosen to be a part of my communities of practice is the Military Child Education Coalition.

The Military Child Education Coalition is a fantastic organization whose mission is “to ensure inclusive, quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, transition, deployments and family separation” (Military Child Education Coalition, 2018). I have worked with them in the past and will easily work with them again. They supply great information to the families and children.

You can become a member of the military child education coalition, donate, or even volunteer. They do have employment opportunities in various parts of the country. Applications are available through their website. If I was interested in a job with them I would need a degree from an accredited college, teaching, training or counseling, preferably be a military parent or souse, have some leadership qualities, to list just a few.

https://www.militarychild.org/

 

Another organization that appeals to me is the Exceptional Family Member Program. They are an organization that mostly deals with military family members with special needs. That covers a wide range of disabilities. I was once a part of this organization. They men and women who run this program are phenomenal individuals. They truly have a passion for their families and the work they do. They offer education, programs, etc. for families with special needs. As a member of this group they offer things like Paint with a twist, family retreats, day trips, and more. They understand that not every environment is inclusive to families with special needs, but the families still deserve lots. They offer education and resources to those families as well. Being labeled as someone with special needs can be very difficult and they offer these families great resources to better handle the new changes that may come in their lives and opportunities to embrace it. Again, I have to stress that have special needs has changed in definition in so many ways. It is not what we typically think. A family could have a child with ADHD, who functions normally, but has this diagnosis, then there are the extremes of families who have a member with cerebral palsy, or down syndrome, etc. This particular organization is there to help everyone under this umbrella. There are no real job opportunities, only when someone leaves. They welcome volunteers. I love working with them though. To work in this organization, I believe you need to have a bachelor’s degree and needs to have hours related to the social sciences. I would also need to be able to handle public speaking.  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1409983582582101/

Finally, another group that I want in my community of practice is the SLO or the School Liaison Officer. This particular group or organization is the link between families and the school life. They offer information, resources and referral opportunities to families who just move to new locations. They also are the link to families then the school/school board. One of their job duties is to offer transition assistance to families and the schools during deployments and other changes occurring in military schools and the families. They are a great resource to turn to when trying to navigate through the educational system, especially when moving to a new location. I have used them when I first moved back to Florida and to enroll my kids in school. So many rules and new changes I did not know existed for them or my family. When I have a concern or a particular problem with the school, I can call them, and they will do what they can. They attend school board meetings and sometimes are the voice of their families.

Job opportunities for SLO’s are only open when someone leaves that position or unless the military installation feels another position needs to be created to service the base in a better way. The SLO has to be a great communicator as they will be the link between parents and base leadership. They are there to assist military families in the education process for school aged children. They also must coordinate with local school system and assist in school related issues.

https://www.dodea.edu/Partnership/schoolLiaisonOfficers.cfm

 

Closing of a Class

I just want to wish everyone in my class the best as we continue on this journey. I just want to say thank you for all those stopped by my blog and made posts. Also thank you to those fellow classmates who are going through this journey with me. I appreciate your time, input, and experiences. I appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow with and from you. Thank you for the support and words of wisdom. They really have helped me through my journey. Whatever it is that this class leads you to, I hope that it helps you accomplish your dreams and know that You can make a difference. Good luck to you and may God continue to guide your steps!!

Adjourning

            When you work in a group sometimes the hardest and best times are when you say good-bye and the project is over. I see it like a job you have been working at for years. It is bitter sweet. Groups “adjourn or disband when a project or task comes to an end” (O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin & Teven, 2015, p. 249.

            In the past when I have worked in a group, it was bitter sweet. I was glad it was over but am gonna miss the good things. I tend to be a bit of a control freak and want things to get done on time, etc. So as a result, I will take on more than is fair or I should as a result. And no one is gonna stop me because that means less they have to do. So really, I am hurting only myself. I am a people pleaser, so me to say no is hard. Even in my current job, I have been told that things happen to me because I allow them to. They are right, I don’t know any other way. I see it as, which battle to choose, this just isn’t one of them. And, there are worse things I could do or complain about.

            I think that groups where communication was hard, and expectations were not laid out ahead of time is easier to adjourn. Even if the expectations were laid out but not met, those groups in my opinion are not hard to leave. They do leave an impression though and are ones that you never forget but still glad that you will not be a part of it any more.

            While I enjoy working with others, but because I tend to move and leave so often, all groups really are bittersweet to me. However, the hardest pairing I have had is the one with my sister. I just recently lost her and now I am left with memories with her. At times we made a good team. In this particular case our pairing/grouping was just 2 people but when we got together we made suck an impact. I love and miss my sister a lot. When she would leave or I was the one leaving it was always hard to say goodbye. Not all groupings are work related.

            In the past when we had to have “termination rituals, or final get-togethers” (O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin & Teven, 2015, p. 249), they were pot lucks, parties, or dinners. It seems like if things have to come to an end, it is best with food. I am all for that.

            As we adjourn from this master’s degree program, I hope that all my colleagues would finally meet and walk across that stage to collect our diplomas with dignity and grace. It will be a great moment to relish in our accomplishments. I did not walk across the stage when I graduated with my bachelors’ so for me personally, it will be an extra special moment. Dinner afterwards would be great too. Some kind of celebration, I hope.

            I believe that adjourning is an important part of teamwork because it is what solidifies the process. It is what gives it closure. When we don’t get that and just walk away, it could leave uncomfortable voids. However, by having adjourning and participating in a termination ritual then you know the job is done and we are free to move on with no regrets or questions.

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J.  (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Nonviolent Communication, Conflict Management & Disagreements

I am no one special. Just like many, I encounter disagreements on a daily basis. Recently I encountered a disagreement with my mom during a very stressful time in our families lives. In her way to deal with the emotion she lashed out at me and got very angry. Because it is my mom, I was very torn about how I should move forward. I have known people in the past to just cut them loose regardless of who they are. Without going into details, I will say that I am very warranted if I so choose this route, however, it is not me and goes against my beliefs. So, I have chosen to evoke the strategy of Forgiveness. It is hard. “Forgiveness does not condone, excuse, or allow me to forget their transgressions or behavior, but it does allow me to reduce the reaction I choose to engage in” (O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin, & Teven, 2015, p. 235). This strategy puts me in control and still allows me to live my life in a way that pleases me. I am choosing a nonviolent conversation to have with my mom. I am sure the relationship will be different from now on. I am sorry if you cannot relate, but I ask that you do not judge my decision, especially since I have not given total details. I have always said that I love my mom and will not always like her decisions but will always love her but the last disagreement we had crossed the line way more than any of you can comprehend. Also through the third side positioning, I sympathize with how she feels and understand that her behavior is based on how she is dealing with a personal family matter, however, I am going through it too, and as a way to collaborate with my mom, I will do what I can when and how I want to from now on (The Third Side, (n.d.). This may not please her but I have to do what pleases me.

          I have shared this situation with several people to include colleagues I trust and admire. They are in disbelief but understand my positioning. They also agree with my decision. I don’t want to stop communicating with my mom but see that I first have to forgive, perhaps walk away like a timeout, but still can communicate but in my time and terms. This is a hard decision for anyone to make. Emotions are high and can play into my decision. I have consulted several people as to what my path should be and this seems to be the best solution for my mind, spirit, soul, and emotions.

          When we disagree, we should take time to reflect, consult with someone and just talk it out with someone else. Their insight and outside perspective can be very helpful as to what should be your next step. I am glad that I have supportive people around me to help, cause I know if I had to make this decision alone it could be bad, wrong and regrettable. Nonviolent conversations are great but if emotions take over, it could no longer result in nonviolent. While we would all like to make compromises sometimes the opportunities are not always there. In every situation, the best solutions may not be the same each time.

References:

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed). New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

The Third Side. (n.d.). The third side. Retrieved from http://thirdside.williamury.com/