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/