Time Well Spent...

Throughout this Capstone journey, I have learned so many valuable lessons, on building a strong foundation, on challenge in which I am so passionate about. I have worked in the early childhood field for over 16 years. In that time, I have completed many courses, towards furthering my skills as a professional.

One important lesson I learned while in this course was how to create a worddle of words, that were powerful, and resonated most in my life. Those words were a reflection of things I had observed in young children and families, feelings I experienced, and goals that are not yet completed, but are on my list to accomplish.

The next lesson I gained from this course, is how to take a challenge in which I was so passionate about, build a team of strong individuals, that will work in collaboration with myself, to advocate for a solution.

Finally, the most important lesson, which resonated most to myself, was finding out the type of leader, I am currently, and finding out the type of leader, I wish to become. Finding your strengths, admitting areas to work on, and setting goals to improvement, will only enhance my skills as an early educator, as well as making marketable, for higher positions in the future.

My long term goal, will be to continue advocating for; Play-based learning, not only in preschool children, but possibly within primary schools as well.

I would like to thank Dr. E, for her strong encouragement, positive, and helpful feedback through each application and discussion. To my colleagues, I have enjoyed getting to know each member on my team, through Blogs, and discussions. I appreciate the peer support, I recieved as well.

Good luck to each of you, and I hope to meet you all, as we walk the stage towards new beginnings in our lives. Please stay in touch!

Contact Information: Cynthia Wright Mickens

cinjean22@yahoo.com

 

cynthia.wright2@waldenu.edu

 

cmickens@verneremail.org

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

In this week’s blog application, we were asked to locate International organizations, involved in the early education filed.

The first organization I found was; Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI). This particular organization is of interest to me because;  they share new approaches to the education of children and ensuring that these approaches are delivered in ways that enhance children's individual skills and abilities and provide opportunities for success in life. They participate in global education coalitions and childhood well-being campaigns that advance policies and drive funding levels for education and other social services, thereby impacting vast numbers of children internationally.

At this particular time, ACEI only has volunteer and Internship positions available. You can apply for either program at:

Please send to ACEI via fax or email:
• A cover letter that indicates why you are interested in the internship, briefly describes your qualifications, and indicates the timeframe during which you would be available. You should also indicate whether you are seeking a full time or part time internship.
• A resume or C.V.
Fax: 202-372-9989
Email: mallen@acei.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (Michelle Allen, Operations Manager)

The next International organization, International Early Childhood Education (ICF International), was launched in India in 2007 to tackle some of the major challenges facing early childhood education in India, including a lack of:

·         Updated national early childhood education standards

·         A national licensing and accreditation system

·         Child care resource and referral system

·         Professional development system

ICY International is looking for individuals who may have degrees as an; analysts, engineers, technologists, communications specialists, scientists, project managers, and more. The interesting part about ICF not being too specific to certain positions, is that they offer a Professional Development program, which offers trainings, and resources, to enhance your skills in any career.

ICF provides:

From assisting utilities with energy-efficiency campaigns to managing natural resources, ICF is at the frontlines of innovation and solutions for a healthier planet.

Whether developing threat prevention strategies to protect the traveling public or helping child welfare programs more effectively reach at-risk groups, ICF strives to improve quality of life worldwide.

In the field and at home, ICF assists U.S. defense agencies with all aspects of operations, recruitment, training, logistics, and leadership development http://www.icfi.com/careers.

UNICEF organization was my final choice. UNICEF partnerships in early childhood development to promote wider investments in young children, the scaling up of critical programs and the broader fulfillment of children’s rights. 

I chose UNICEF because they provide so many resources to children all over the world. UNICEF has not only provided funding for education in 3^rd world countries, but also water, housing, and farming resources.

UNICEF also provides resources involving”

·         Child protection and inclusion.

·         Child survival.

·         Education.

·         Gender equality.

·         Relief funding/National disasters.

Employment:

For warehouse employment:
Individuals interested in employment in the Supply Division warehouse in Copenhagen should have a command of English and be in good physical health. Possession of a Class B Forklift certificate is advantageous. Female applicants are encouraged.

http://www.unicef.org/supply/index_employment.html

 

 

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

 For this week's Blog. On roles and jobs within the Early childcare community, I have chosen the following agencies, which are located in my current home town.

 

  The first agency I located is; Smart Start of Buncombe County. I chose Smart Start, because of their positive involvement with educators, children, and families. Smart start believes that;

 

Learning begins at birth;

•       All children deserve the best opportunities for learning and development;

•       Families and communities play a critical role in children's learning; and

•       Collaboration is essential to accomplish our vision http://www.smartstart-buncombe.org/index.php/about

 

The job opportunity that was currently available through this agency, was for a Finance & Contracts Manager. However, this job was currently closed, as they are beginning the interview process, from applicants that have applied.

 

The next agency I researched was; Caring for Children: A Program of Eckerd. Caring for children offers community-based services, that will support families in finding childcare programs, as well as provides children and families with therapeutic services, mental health services, and residential services http://caring4children.org/resources/employment/.

 

I chose this agency because, there are not many agencies, which will work closely with families in helping them to find quality care for their children, as well as support children and families through abusive crisis situations, financial hardships, and providing therapy and resources, to help children and families learn how to cope, after they overcome such traumatic experiences.

 

The current job opportunity through this agency is for a ; CFC teaching parent. CFC teaching parents:

 

•         Teaching Parents are responsible for delivering treatment services to and managing emotionally disturbed, undisciplined, delinquent, and per-delinquent youth in a 24-hour residential facility using the Teaching-Family Model.

•          Responsibilities include all those items and responsibilities of a parent, including the provision of material needs, physical needs, spiritual needs, emotional needs and disciplinary needs.

•         Meal preparation. Administer and document all medications.

•          Provide transportation for residents with an agency vehicle.

•          Assist in completing all documentation necessary to fulfill all state and other requirements.

•         Participate in Child and Family Teams.

•         Facilitate an ongoing relationship with residents and their families https://eckerd.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/413.

 

Job Requirements :

Education – High School Graduate, BA/BS degree preferred.

Experience: At least two years experience in a Human Services or related field of study.

Skills – Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.  Skilled ability in computer systems including PC software, spreadsheets, Word, Internet, and other business applications.  Keen desire to work with troubled children and make a difference in the child's life.  Detail oriented, able to manage multiple assignments independently.  Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and practices related to residential child care.  Ability to maintain good rapport with community partners and supports, other employees, and demonstrate constructive problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands: Working conditions are the same as those in a homelike environment; office environment in the home; and, meetings in community-based settings.  Sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds.  Operating a personal computer are a routine part of the job.  Incumbent must be able to travel to outlaying offices and offsite meetings.  The work schedule is 24/7 with shift coverage by Alternate Teaching-Parents, and fluctuates according to the demands of the position.

Other – Must meet state criminal background check requirements.

Travel - Must be able to meet requirements for Eckerd’s Auto Insurance and be able to drive for business purposes.  Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid NC driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

The last agency I chose was; Community Health Improvement Process (CHIP), located within my local Department of Social Service building. I became interested in the CHIP program, because they  offer programs on:

•         Healthy Living (Physical activity, healthy eating, and clinical weight management)

•       Tobacco (cessation and prevention)

•       Preconception Health

•       Early Childhood Development

•       Clinical-Community Connections http://www.buncombecounty.org/Governing/Depts/Health/Chip.aspx.

 

The position offered through this agency is for a; Investigative Assessment & Treatment Social Worker (Investigations/In-Home/Foster Care Social Worker). Some of the responsibilities include; Providing direct services to children, their parents and other caretakers ensure child safety in compliance with state and federal statutes regarding child protective services by assessing the risk and safety of children in response to actual or suspected child neglect, abuse, or dependency; developing and monitoring service plans with families and provide or refer services as needed; and making recommendations to the court, including services needed, progress and barriers to permanent plan.(#1958) .

Education required for this position would be; an  MSW or BSW; NC Pre-Service training; and prior Child Welfare experience. 

 

References:

Smart Start of Buncombe County. Retrieved from  http://www.smartstart-buncombe.org/index.php/about

Caring for Children: A Program of Eckerd. Retrieved from http://caring4children.org/resources/employment/.

Community Health Improvement Process. Retrieved from  http://www.buncombecounty.org/Governing/Depts/Health/Chip.aspx.

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels. EDUC 6990-6

I am an early educator, who has worked with young children for over 16 years. Through my journey in Walden University’s Master’s program, I have gained so much insight in working children from diverse backgrounds, to building strong partnerships with families, and community organizations. For this particular blog assignment, I was asked to seek out 3 community organizations, and jobs of interest, that foster the well-being of children, families, and the early childhood field as a whole.

The first organization that caught my interest is called; A Caring Alternative, LLC. Caring Alternative, LLC, uses solid evidence based, trauma focused models, and interventions, with children that have experienced displacement from homes due to abuse/neglect, behavior challenges, and other severe mental health issues. This organization also runs foster care programs within 7 counties in North Carolina, as well as Day Treatment classroom programs, within the county I currently live.

 I am interested in a position with this organization, because I am ready to explore a career, with working with children in a mental health environment. I am willing to gain the training, and experience needed, to successfully facilitate the proper treatment and therapeutic experiences, which will ensure these young children will find placement in a stable adoptive family, as well as return back to their biological families in a safe and healthy manner. In order to qualify for employment with A Caring Alternative, LLC, I would need:

·         Provisional and Licensed Clinicians.

·         Must be deeply committed to high quality of care for the client.

·         Some available positions require travel on a daily basis in the local community in order to provide skill building and supportive counseling and to assist the consumer to develop critical daily living and coping skills.

In addition to these qualifications, I am required to have a valid driver’s license, and clean driver’s record.  And I must poses a clean criminal background record.

The next organization, I looked into was through the United Way, Dallas Texas, as an Education Impact Specialists. Although I am hundreds of miles from Texas, this job caught my interest because the program consists of basically four different positions in 1. The four parts of the position focuses on home visits services with youth in high risk/high targeted communities, providing online resources, and referral services, implementing training for assessments Instruments, and assisting in the development of plans for early childhood comprehensive systems throughout Dallas Texas.

Qualifications of this particular position require:

·         Strong communication/documentation skills.

·         Solid understanding of child development, education and social service programs and systems for children and families

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·         Experience in roles where relationship management is key to success

·         Experience in project and contract management

·         Motivated, driven and an independent worker

·         Solid understanding of basic research practices

·         Detail-oriented

In addition to these qualifications, I will need an; Undergraduate degree, preferably in child development, early childhood education or a related field. And a Minimum 1-3 years in social services or non-profit project management, development and implementation .I chose to look into this job because, of the flexibility, in working within the community. I am a face-paced thinker, and mover. I enjoy working as a mentor, and helping fellow colleagues, in developing curriculums, and conducting assessments, that are used appropriately, in measuring the growth and development, of young children.

My last career selection was through and agency by the name of; Right to Play, located in New York City. This program encompasses all of the values, and beliefs that I hold, and has been imbedded in my soul throughout the years of receiving higher education, “Children learn best through play, and real-life experiences”.  The Right to Play organization believes, children should have high-quality early learning opportunities, supporting school readiness and lifelong achievement by harnessing the power of play as a tool for learning, exploration, and development. The education level for this position is; an Associate’s degree in Program managing, or Early childhood education.

Duties for this position include:

·         CONDUCT NEEDS ASSESSMENTS AND SUPPORT PARTICIPANTS TO DESIGN AND DELIVER INTENTIONAL PROGRAMS THAT MEET CBO NEEDS (15%):

·         SUPPORT DESIGN AND DELIVERY OF HANDS-ON, DYNAMIC WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS, CHILDCARE PROVIDERS, PARENTS/CAREGIVERS, FAMILY WORKERS AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (25%):

·         PROVIDE ON-GOING COACHING, GUIDANCE AND SUPERVISION TO PARTICIPANTS (35%)

·         MONITORING AND EVALUATION (15%

·         MONITORING AND EVALUATION (15%):

 

 

 

Nearing our Journey: Reflecting on Learning

Throughout this course, I have learned many valuable resources, a skills that will help me expand and grow as a professional early educator. I have chosen to embark on a new journey, which will involve being out of the classroom, and working more in the community with young children and families.

My hopes for the early childhood field, is that all children and families continue to receive quality care, fairness, support from school, and the community, as well as support in learning that will enhance growth, and developmental skills.

I would like to thank Dr. Kein, for providing so many great resources, media segments, example scenarios, and activities, that help expand my knowledge in learning to work with children and families, that are differently abled,  who may encounter –isms in their daily lives, and also how to support families through such challenges.

To my colleagues, I have enjoyed the discussions, the personal stories, and experiences, which were provided through our blogs. While having the pleasure of learning with each of you, I suddenly remembered that many of the challenges I have encountered as an early educator, while working with children and families, were “normal”, and through patience, nurturing, strong advocacy, and perseverance, our main goals in the end, are to help children and families succeed.

Good luck to you all! Many of you I will see in our last semester, on our final journey towards obtaining our degree.

 

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

For this week’s blog assignment, I chose to research implications in Papua New Guinea, which may impact children’s emotional development. It took me a while to choose my area, however after viewing blogs, an online articles, I was interested in learning about why women are dying from child birth, and abuse, and why the children make up over half of the region’s population.

Currently the UNICEF and the Government of New Guinea has organized a campaign to; End Violence against Children (UNICEF, 2014). While researching the website and one of the many blogs prepared by UNICEF, there was a young lady by the name of Natasha Boropi that told her story and witness of abuse by her father who was a polygamous, as well as an abusive alcoholic.

During Natasha’s five minute speech on child violence, she recalled personal experiences she faced in her home. She spoke about her father marrying many wives, getting so intoxicated that he would chase her siblings, and herself out of the home with a bush knife, she would run to her grandparents for safety (UNICEF, 2014).

Natasha also speaks about the unsafe living conditions in New Guinea, such as boys abusing drugs, and women being abused (UNICEF, 2014). Because of the challenges going on in Natasha’s environment, and her fathers’ lack of physical, and emotional support, Natasha was forced to drop out of school.

As I continued my research, I ran across an article entitled; Papua New Guinea, as I mentioned in my introduction, this particular article talks about how over 500 women die each year from child birth due to anemia, pelvic disease, and prolapse to the uterus. The children make up over the region’s population, and are looked at as “the source of group strengths, descent, identity and other kin-related values” http://www.unicef.org/png/children.html.

Implications children face in this region are; early debut of sexual activity, low and inconsistent condom use,  high levels of sexually transmitted diseases, poverty, gender inequality and violence, and economic enclaves where informal sex trade is growing. As many as half the primary school-age children are out of school. Half of those who enroll drop out before grade six. Many of the schools lack basic facilities such as safe water and toilet facilities as well as furniture and teaching aids http://www.unicef.org/png/children.html.

As an early educator, having to read about the challenges young children face in this region, really expresses the importance of strong government support and funding. Funding to help improve living conditions, as well as securing the opportunities for the success of children’s academic futures, through funding school materials, providing meals during school hours, providing training to teaching staff, and having the funding to obtain staff.

When children do not feel safe in their home environment, they do not sleep well, they lack trust. Unsafe living conditions may include lack of water supply, food, inadequate shelter, lack of parental guidance and support, in turns rolls over to how children perform in school, this may affect their behaviors in a negative way, lead to retention, drug use, at an early age, and possible drop out.

 

 

References:

Speaking out to # ENDviolence in Paupa NewGuinea. Retreieved from http://unicefeapro.blogspot.com/2015/06/speaking-out-to-endviolence-in-PNG.html

Papua New Guinea. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/png/children.html

 

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Sexualization of early childhood is a sensitive topic for many families, and early educators. I think that young children are being exposed to a lot of sexual images, TV, movies, and children are being exposed to sexualized material every day. There are commercials with negative languages, violence in shows, and some children movies, and provocative scenes from movies/TV shows, etc. These messages that young children are getting starting from such an early age are so unhealthy and demeaning.

 

 

 

Three examples that illustrate the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment in my opinion are; Shows such on children’s dance, that have children dressing and dancing older than what they appear, competition shows such as pageants, that depict young toddler/children, as young adults, smearing pounds of makeup, heels, and huge dresses on the young children, and types of music our children are exposed to that talk about body parts, and so forth.

The implication this may have on children's healthy development: is that children are being exposed to too much sexual and violent content, which affects how they play with others, how they view others, as well as themselves, and possibly persuade young minds on thinking this type of behavior is appropriate before adulthood.

A healthy goal to help limit the amount of sexualization in early childhood, would be to partner with families. Families and teachers need to be on one accord about what the child is being exposed to, and having an open mind to discuss any challenges or issues with the child, in terms of sexualization concerns in the classroom. " Rather than their gender anatomy, young children typically focus on the external and cultural aspects of their gender identity- that is, they believe that how thy dress (appearance) or what they like to do (behavior) is what makes them a girl or boy" ( Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 91).

 

 

 Reference:

 

 

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and

ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC