Time Well Spent!

In this the time that I have spent in this class I have truly been exposed to a lot. One of the things I have learned in this class was the structure of a community of practice. In learning about the community of practice I also learned how to be a good leaders. The week that we learned about the leadership I was amazed to learn that  a leader may have to change their characteristic based on the group or project they may be working with. Two of my favorite styles of leadership was: democratic leadership and servant leadership. These two styles would work well with my community of practice.

Some of my deeply felt leanings from this program are many in number. One of the leanings  that I really appreciate was understanding that our lives are filled with different relationships. When working with children we have to learn to appreciate the relationships that are around them. In appreciating these relationships it is important to also build relationships with the parents of these children. This is important because this allows you to show the child that they are important and also allows you to build trust. Another important learning was the importance of adjusting to the diverse community we live in. This is so important as early childhood professionals because our classrooms reflect different cultures which causes us to have a different approach in the classroom. Lastly, when I started my classes in advocacy I enjoyed learning who are advocates and there roles in the community. I learned that we are all advocates in different ways. Some may be advocates in their homes as parents and also on our jobs as colleagues or managers.

My main goal upon leaving here is to incorporate what I have learned and apply when my community.
I appreciate all the information that I have been exposed to and I enjoyed the experiences I gained from my colleagues.

    

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

These three organziations' that I chose were:

1. United Nations Children's  Fund-

UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. We have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. That makes us unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young.

Positions that are available:

Regional Director, D-2, West and Central Africa Region, Dakar Regional Office, Senegal-
Qualification:

• Advanced university degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Public Information, Media, Communication, HR, Financial Management, Business or Public Administration, or other relevant disciplines to UNICEF’s work.
• Fifteen years of professional work experience with increasing responsibility in formulation of policy in international or national administration; experience in external aid administration desirable; 12 years of working experience in developing countries.
• Experience as a UNICEF Representative highly desirable.
• Experience/familiarity with emergency and security.
• Good knowledge of international relations, international technical cooperation programmes, programme administration, and project management in the UN context.
• Good knowledge of current trends, issues, programme modality, policies, principles, and practices of the technical cooperation activities related to UNICEF’s work.
• Thorough understanding of UNICEF programme policies, goals and strategies, guidelines and approaches.
• Expertise to formulate vision, exercise leadership, and communicate effectively throughout the organization and the UN system.
• Expertise to deploy public relations and enhance UNICEF’s image in the public and with governments in the Region.
• Expertise to deploy networking and to build alliances with all relevant regional networks and organizations, such as donors, NGOs, institutions, mass media and the film industry for fundraising and special events.
• Thorough knowledge of UNICEF’s financial regulations, rules and fundraising strategy. Expertise to develop, cultivate and manage effective HR and work environment.
• Previous experience as a Representative highly desirable.
• Blend of experience in headquarters, regional and field postings an asset.
• Fluency in English and French

2. Save the Children-
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.

Interesting Position:
Coordinator, Early Steps to School Success (ESSS)

Qualifications:
This positions did not list 
The the qualifications.

3. Internation Step by Step Association-
International Step by Step Association (ISSA) is a membership organization that connects professionals and organizations working in the field of early childhood development and education.

ISSA did not have positions available but they did have opportunity for membership.

ISSA Provides Its Members With:

• Professional development and capacity-building
• Information-sharing and networking
• Technical support in design and implementation of ECD programs
• International advocacy
• Participation in joint projects
• Publications
• Annual conferences and other events

References:

 International Step By Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/

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

 

This week’s blog is focused on sharing national/federal organizations or communities of practice. In this assignment I will also share positions within these organizations that are of interest to me.

1.       National Association of Early Childhood Specialist in State Departments of Education (NAECS-SDE)- http://www.naecs-sde.org/

The Association promotes high-quality services to young children and their families through improvement of instruction, curriculum, and administration of programs. Members of the Association have an opportunity to share ideas and to work together toward the solution of common problems. This organization is my first pick because I understand the importance of early childhood education and also the curriculum that is being used for our children. I also support this organization because they also promote family involvement in early childhood development.

This organizations does not have positions available but they do have committee’s that you could be a part of. One of the committee’s that I would love to be a part of is the Public Policy Committee. This committee’s role is: The function of the Public Policy Committee is to address issues which are of interest and relevance to the general membership. Issues may be addressed by reviewing policies and position statements from other organizations for possible endorsement, developing position statements for the Association as recommended by the membership or Executive Committee, or other actions which would support an informed and active membership. The Past President will be a member of this committee.

2.       National Education Association (http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm)

Our mission is to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. This organization was interesting to me because the advocate for early childhood professionals. This is so important as an early childhood professional because they provide many resources and materials that will help to better me in my profession.

This organization has one postion that is of interest to me. This position is Organizational Specialist. This positions role is: The incumbent serves as a member of the Center for Organizing (C40) reporting to the Manager (Training, Conferences, and Affiliate Support).   The essential functions of this position involve the development, delivery, and assessment of training to state affiliates and assigned constituency groups. This position collaborates with other Center staff to ensure that all trainings focus on organizing to grow membership, increase member engagement, and promote the habit and culture of organizing to build affiliate capacity and strengthen affiliates. The position minimal requirement is: Bachelor's degree or equivalent.  Minimum Qualifications: Experience as an employee on an Association staff or an advocacy organization with primary duties in one or more of the following areas: strategic planning, crisis management, collective bargaining, public relations, communications, and organizing, and/or legislative/political action.  Other Requirements: Writing samples (training, facilitation, organization development, reports, etc.) may be required at time of interview.  Must be able to work weekends and late evenings.  Extensive travel (over 90 overnights per year) is required.  Must possess a valid driver’s license.

3.       National Foster Parent Association (http://nfpaonline.org/)

This organization is very dear to me my community of practice is geared to support foster parents and also foster children. This organizations primary goal is to be a voice for all foster parents. This organization does not have positions available. They do advocate for future foster parents. They give lots of information for current and perspective foster parents.  

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three different organizations I chose where:

1. South Carolina Early Childhood Association

They have two main focus which are to:

 Increase awareness of the needs of children birth through eight by providing opportunities for better coordination among parents, teachers, health workers, religious and social workers, and others concerned with the childbirth through eight. Aid teachers by promoting workshops and conferences; and establish health and educational standards for nursery schools, kindergartens and other child care centers.

On the SCECA's website they had one positon open which was "Macfeat Laboratory School Lead Teacher". This position is located a Winthrop University whcih is located in Rock Hill, SC. The job requirments are:

·         Master’s degree in early childhood education, child development or closely related field

·         Thirty six college semester hours (undergraduate or graduate) in the field of early childhood education, child development, early childhood special education, or elementary education from an accredited institution  (see http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation for acceptable institutions)

·         Successful teaching experience with three, four and/or five year olds

·         Teacher licensure or certification in early childhood, early childhood special education, or elementary education preferred

·         Knowledge of current issues and trends in early childhood education

·         Evidence of effective interpersonal and communication skills

2. South Carolina Parenting Education Network

This organizaiton mission is to "To provide a central resource for parenting educators as

well as agencies and individuals seeking parenting education training".

This organziation does not have any positions available but they do give information on how

to become a membe. To become a member you will need to fill out a application and also 

write an esay answering this question: Why do you think parenting education is

important? 

3.  Bair Foundations

This organization is local and very dear to my heart. Thier mission is The Bair Foundation will

provide Christ-centered quality care and services dedicated to the treatment, restoration, and empowerment

of children, youth and families.

There available postions are:



This position requirment is:

 Master’s degree in a Social Services or related field and five years of experience working with children placed

outside the home. Two years of prior supervisory experience preferred.

I have already applied for this postion because I would love to gain some experience in this type of work.


Resorces:

Bair Foundation: http://www.bair.org/en-us/joinourteam/careers.aspx

 
South Carolina Early Childhood Association: http://www.sceca.org/


South Carolina Parenting Education Network :http://www.scpen.net/

Capstone Class Introduction

Hello All,

I am so excited about meeting the new people in this class and also meeting back up with others that are old colleagues. This is the time that we can put what we learned to work. I can't wait to hear some of the interesting things that you all have learned along the way and how it is being used in your daily lives as EC professionals. This is the first week and I am eager to hear from you.


McKenzie Gray

Profile of a Volunteer

The organization I chose to talk about is "A Child's Haven". They are located in Greenville, SC. There

purpose is to provides therapeutic intervention and prevention services for families and their young children who experience developmental delays as a result of abuse, neglect or poverty. When you choosing a voluteer I chose to an organzitation that I had never heard of before and that was local. On there website that has a section their that says voluteers. In this section it did not list an one voluteer but the did list the areas that a voluteer would be needed. Some of these areas are:

Tuesday Evening Childcare 5:30-7:30

Donations Sorting

Provide Children's Meal - Tuesday & Thursday Evenings

Host a donation drive

This organzation holds a annual "Holiday Happy Hour". This is a time when all families, workers and voluteers come together and celebrate the holidays. At this time you have the opportunity to sponsor a child or a familiy that is apart of this organzation.

I really enjoyed learning about this organziation.

website:
http://www.achildshaven.org/who-we-are

The organization I chose to talk about is "A Child's Haven". They are located in Greenville, SC. There

purpose is to provides therapeutic intervention and prevention services for families and their young children who experience developmental delays as a result of abuse, neglect or poverty. When you choosing a voluteer I chose to an organzitation that I had never heard of before and that was local. On there website that has a section their that says voluteers. In this section it did not list an one voluteer but the did list the areas that a voluteer would be needed. Some of these areas are:

Tuesday Evening Childcare 5:30-7:30

Donations Sorting

Provide Children's Meal - Tuesday & Thursday Evenings

Host a donation drive

This organzation holds a annual "Holiday Happy Hour". This is a time when all families, workers and voluteers come together and celebrate the holidays. At this time you have the opportunity to sponsor a child or a familiy that is apart of this organzation.

I really enjoyed learning about this organziation.

website:
http://www.achildshaven.org/who-we-are

Using Social Media to Get Connected

Provide a brief overview of your past and present experience with social media.


I don't have a lot of experience with social media. I have experienced more information of blogging since being at Walden. I see how a blog allows you to share information in an informal way that reaches a global audience. I also use facebook to stay connected to the world around me. I see how people use facebook as a networking tool that allows one to express themselves and get a response from may different people. This is a good way to have a forum. On facebook you can advertise and hold a forum on this site and anyone that is on facebook can be apart. Another tool that I have recently learned to use if YouTube. I notice that people  use this place as a free networking tool that also reaches many.

Describe what social media tools you feel lend themselves to effective advocacy.

I feel that out of those media tools listed about I would probably use blogging as a way to reach people pertaing to the issue of childhood obesity. I feel that blogging allows you to film yourself and to give people access to the information that you have shared.

Identify how you might use these social media tools to educate and inspire others in your advocacy work.

I would hold forum and also marketing comericals that can direct watches to other researches that have been done by me and others that have research the issue of childhood obesity.

Ask your colleagues for their suggestions and/or their help with using social media as a tool to promote advocacy efforts.

What are some social media that you have used that could benefit my advocacy position?

"Advocacy Messages"

When completing this assignment I decided to find advertising campaigns that also include some form  of imagery. In advertising our campaigns as advocates we have to remember to target all types of audiences. Some people are not able to read and they should not be left out of the information that is being shared. That is why I feel as advocates we have to keep all people in mind and remember that everyone is not like us and we have to meet people were they are. As an advocate I believe one of the great attributes are to me a servant. In serving putting people before us.

I chose two video campaigns that visually catch attention of parents.

 

Available in standard IAB sizes.

"Kiss on the Head"
Download Right click to save

"Unwatch"
Download Right click to save

"Talk to My Kids"
Download Right click to save

In these ads it catches the eye of the target populatoin and it then gives them a reference to were they can go for more information. I feel that the visual catches their eyes and then they are able to choose if they would like to learn more.




Reference:

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/ads

"My Own Capacity"

Which issues impacting young children and their families and/or the field of early childhood fuel your passion?

The field that really fuels my passion is infants and toddlers and also foster care. I feel that I have a direct passion for this age range. I specifically appreciate this age range because this is the most influential time in a child's life. In this time a child can learn so much from speaking to walking. Also they learn how to build relationships. I want to advocate for families with children this age so that I can be a point of contact for information and resources they can use in ensuring that there children get a good start. I also love with a passion fostering children. I know for sure that I will foster and also have a children's home for foster children. Fostering children is something that I have desired as a young child. I feel that the love I received must be shared with others.

What special skills do you have that will contribute to your advocacy efforts? How will you incorporate these skills into your work?

I feel that the skills that I am learning in this class will be the skills that I combine with the passion I have for the issue associated with fostering children. In this class I have learned how to find issues pertaining to early childhood development. I have learned different strategies to address the issues and I have also learned how to research previous research pertaining to the issues that I will address as an advocate. All of these things are important to understand as an early childhood advocate. Another skill that I feel is important is to socialize with people in the communities around us to listen for issues that are pertaining to early childhood development and with that choose the direction of advocacy I can go in.


What resources do you have at your disposal that can benefit your advocacy work?

Two resources that I will use is: Zero to Three's website and also NAEYC resources that are made available on their website. Through out my journey at Walden I have learned many things pertaining to different subjects in the early childhood field.

What knowledge, skills, dispositions, and/or talents do you possess that will contribute to your advocacy work?

The one thing that I feel will help me in my advocacy journey is the desire to help the people around me. I feel that as a advocate I only task is to help address that issue of choice to ultimately makes someone life better.

In what ways do you hope to grow in order to be a more effective advocate?

I would love to learn about more advocates that are addressing the issue of fostering children and the effects of foster children.

My Role as an Advocate

What motivated you to start advocating for very young children?

When entering into my educational journey at Walden I initially started out in another specialization. When I learned what an advocate was I got excited because I though "I am already doing this". Once I realized that Walden offered a specialization in Early Childhood Advocacy I decided to change my specialization. My true passion is to advocate for issue that are going on in this field. I also just want to be a mouth for our children. In doing so the spirit of advocacy was ignited and I hope to eventually grow in this field.


Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level?

I feel that their are many issue that go on in early childhood development that are on a micro and macro level. I feel that advocating for things that are on a micro level can help assist with the macro issues. For example children in poverty is a macro issue that is affecting children across that globe. Advocating with an organization that helps fund schools supplies to our local communities and also help to educate the parents of low income homes can eventually help to address that nations issue of children in poverty.

What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues?
I think the only thing it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues is to have the passion and a desire to do something about the issue pertaining to early childhood. Advocates on all levels are either a person of a group of people that are so passionate about issue that are going on and they want to do something about it.

What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues?
I think that getting local and statewide organizations to help fund you as you choose to be a state leader is helpful. I feel that grants and other governmental programs that my be offered are also helpful in funding you as a state leader.

What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others?
I feel that the proof is in the pudding. What I mean is when you are trying to mobilize others to either join your initiative are to just help others that are affected by the issue you are advocating I feel that information is key. I feel that it is important as an advocate to research the issue that you are advocating for and that proving that the tactics or resolutions of these issues are proven to be successful. No one is going to follow someone if they are not sure of their authenticity.

What advice would you give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families?
My advice would be to research the position that this person is aspiring to go into. Maybe take the time to shadow someone that is already in a similar role. I also think that it would be important for this person to develop a network of people that also support this cause  to assit them. Even though this person is the point of contact in leadership it is important to also have people around that are supporting this effort and don't mind helping this cause.

"Personal Advocacy Reflection"

"Personal Advocacy Reflection"

This may sound weird but my inspiration person that was an advocate of fostering children was Josephine Baker. When I was little my mother would always have us to watch different history movies about African- Americans. I remember picking up a movie about Josephine Baker. I saw a beautiful picker of her and I said mom “I want this one”. When I got it how I remembered watching the movie and one major part caught my attention. When she became older in her fame she started adopting children. She not only adopted her race but she adopted all nationalities. This really inspired me to adopt and foster one day. I remember in the movie she had a beautiful long table and it was full of children of all nationalities. This really inspired me. Now I am an advocate of children and also ones that have been fostered. Seeing how she adopted many children made me feel that I could to. Also another organization that inspired me to foster and advocate for foster children was that Holt foundation. They are a Christina foster network that was started to help children find homes for adoption. Now it is worldwide and is helping children around the world. I love to see stories of how people take one concern and turn it into a movement. I feel that is the bases of advocacy. Learning in week one that advocates are normally people that are passionate about an issue of policy that causes them to want to do something about it. I know that one day I will have a foster care network that will also help children around the world.

Hello Advocates!

I am very excited about the new information we will be learning in the class. I am also excited about sharing this new information with you all. Even though this class is small there is an abundance of information that flows through all of you. I hope that in any way I can contribute things to this class that you all can take with you in your future endeavors.