When I consider this time well spent growing as a professional in the field of early education, I am humbled by the realization that after 17 years in this field I still had so very much to learn and so very far to grow. That realization encourages me to want to continue to broaden my perspectives and deepen my understanding of trends and issues in the field.
The Capstone Project opened my eyes to the importance of supporting families as they strive to foster emergent literacy and language skills. Related to that is the concept of inclusion and involving families in their children's education. My role as supporter and link to resources for families has now taken a much more prominent position as I assess my responsibilities as a preschool director and teacher.
I have a new understanding of the importance of recognizing and celebrating differences as a means of supporting children's identities. My approach to my classroom goals has been profoundly affected by this concept and I feel empowered to help children discuss and appreciate differences rather than pretending differences don't exist.
I have a new perspective of my role in relation to our staff. Self reflection has helped me identify areas needing improvement and I understand the impact I can have in supporting staff as they learn and grow and develop their own voices of advocacy.
My goal is to stay informed, read scholarly articles, and get involved in professional organizations such as NAEYC and CECA. I have the desire to teach in the public schools, if not preschool then kindergarten. I plan to make some observations of kindergarten classrooms and network with kindergarten teachers to determine if I want to follow this path. I also want to continue a relationship with Reach Out and Read-KC and Little Free Library as a means of advocating for access to books for low-income families.
Thank you, Dr. Davis, for all the constructive feedback, for encouraging me, and for helping me grow professionally. Thank you for expecting quality writing which motivated me to use the Walden links to polish my writing skills and more proficiently use APA format.
Thank you to all my colleagues. I have been inspired by you, learned from you, and felt validated by your supportive responses. I wish you all the best in the future. God Bless!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
Job/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally
My Capstone project focuses on literacy so I decided to take a look at international efforts to support literacy.
International Alliance for Child Literacy (IACL) was developed to improve childhood literacy in the Caribbean and Latin America (International Alliance for Child Literacy [IACL], 2013). The organization partners with parents, community organizations, and schools to develop learning environments that are culturally relevant, provide books and educational materials, and provide follow-up support after the materials have been put in place. In addition, they help establish school libraries and literacy programs.
Considering potential job opportunities within this organization, I would be interested in consulting with teachers in the schools to find ways to make learning materials and classrooms culturally relevant and to support them as they implement literacy programs.
Children's Hope International Literacy & Development (C.H.I.L.D.) collaborates with other non-government agencies to support physical, emotional, and educational needs of children in underprivileged areas of the world (Children's Hope International Literacy & Development [C.H.I.L.d], 2013). Specifically, I was interested in the Adopt-A-School program which provides books, supplies, clothes, two meals a day, and upgrades school libraries. Criteria for being a beneficiary of the program is that the school has to be located in an impoverished area and have less than 200 children enrolled.
International Step by Step Association (ISSA) connects early education professionals and organizations internationally in an effort to support equal access and quality education for all young children (International Step by Step Association [ISSA], n.d.). They advocate for education policy reform and provide educational services for families and children in need. The early childhood programs they have established support whole child development through project and thematic based learning with an emphasis on peer learning and opportunities for decision making. The project approach to learning is a method I support and would feel comfortable implementing if I were employed by this organization. ISSA also established Community Learning Centers to support families by providing training for parents to help them facilitate their children's learning.
United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has developed their Education For All (EFA) initiative which works to strengthen education opportunities from early childhood through young adulthood by promoting equity, access, and quality education for all people. UNESCO works with governments around the world to effect policy change regarding relevant and quality education. UNESCO (2011) did offer a look at employment opportunities in the education branch of their organization which is where I would like to work if I was considering a job with them:
UNESCO works to improve education worldwide believing it to be key to social and economic development.
International Alliance for Child Literacy (IACL) was developed to improve childhood literacy in the Caribbean and Latin America (International Alliance for Child Literacy [IACL], 2013). The organization partners with parents, community organizations, and schools to develop learning environments that are culturally relevant, provide books and educational materials, and provide follow-up support after the materials have been put in place. In addition, they help establish school libraries and literacy programs.
Considering potential job opportunities within this organization, I would be interested in consulting with teachers in the schools to find ways to make learning materials and classrooms culturally relevant and to support them as they implement literacy programs.
Children's Hope International Literacy & Development (C.H.I.L.D.) collaborates with other non-government agencies to support physical, emotional, and educational needs of children in underprivileged areas of the world (Children's Hope International Literacy & Development [C.H.I.L.d], 2013). Specifically, I was interested in the Adopt-A-School program which provides books, supplies, clothes, two meals a day, and upgrades school libraries. Criteria for being a beneficiary of the program is that the school has to be located in an impoverished area and have less than 200 children enrolled.
International Step by Step Association (ISSA) connects early education professionals and organizations internationally in an effort to support equal access and quality education for all young children (International Step by Step Association [ISSA], n.d.). They advocate for education policy reform and provide educational services for families and children in need. The early childhood programs they have established support whole child development through project and thematic based learning with an emphasis on peer learning and opportunities for decision making. The project approach to learning is a method I support and would feel comfortable implementing if I were employed by this organization. ISSA also established Community Learning Centers to support families by providing training for parents to help them facilitate their children's learning.
United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has developed their Education For All (EFA) initiative which works to strengthen education opportunities from early childhood through young adulthood by promoting equity, access, and quality education for all people. UNESCO works with governments around the world to effect policy change regarding relevant and quality education. UNESCO (2011) did offer a look at employment opportunities in the education branch of their organization which is where I would like to work if I was considering a job with them:
UNESCO works to improve education worldwide believing it to be key to social and economic development.
The
Education Sector aims to help build a sustainable world with just societies
that value knowledge, promote peace, celebrate diversity and defend human
rights, achieved by providing Education
for All (EFA). It aims
to foster partnerships to strengthen countries’ capacity to offer quality
education for all. The Education Sector monitors progress by publishing an
annual Global Monitoring Report tracking the international community’s progress
towards the six “Education For All” goals.
Education: An advanced university degree in education, culture, science, social and human sciences, communication, business administration or related field.
Languages: Fluent English or French (the two working languages of UNESCO) and a good working knowledge of other language. Knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Spanish or Russian is an additional asset.
Prior Experience: Junior level (P1/P2 or NOA/NOB): 2 to 4 years of experience; Middle level (P3/P4 or NOC/NOD): 4 to 10 years of experience; Senior level (P5 and above or NOE): 10 to 15 years of experience (including management experience).
Values: Integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity and a strong commitment to UNESCO's mission.
References
Children's Hope International Literacy & Development (C.H.I.L.D.). (2013). Retrieved from http://www.child-international.org/education.htm
International Alliance for Child Literacy (IACL). (2013). Retrieved from http://www.theiacl.org/#!our-programs/vstc7=transforming-classrooms
International Step by Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html
United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/careers/professional
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)