TIME WELL SPENT!

Hello all, we have finally made it and came to an end with this journey. It went by so quickly; I didn’t even realize it. How it started for me … I completed my bachelor’s degree and wanted to stop there. Eventually, I got a job as an after-school teacher and I started to like it. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. Detoured a little because my mom never wanted this for me. She wanted me in the nursing field. I did attempt this path and realized it was not for me. I then tried social work and I started to like this a little, but then realized it would be a little challenging to get a job. I then applied for other jobs here and there. I stay for the money, but it wasn’t my passion.

Next, I applied for a teacher assistant position and loved it. I loved it because I realized how excited I was to be at work, being around the kids, preparing small task that made them happy and watching the little smiles on their faces as well the faces of their parents or guardians. From this point, I told my mom I want to be a teacher like her and this is what I will do for my masters. she was not too pleased about my decision, but I was of age to make my own decision.

It was also a drive I got from watching my son and how he was struggling in school with teachers not finding the time to help him. It gave me that passion to want to help other children who teachers neglected in these aspects “no child left behind.” So today as a teacher, I didn’t regret these decisions and I know it is the best decision I have made when it comes to my career path. Although, it took me 9 years to figure this out, there’s a saying that goes “better late than never!”

One of the most important things I learned from this program is my experiences, communication and strength. It helped a lot to shaped me, my characteristic and give me a better vision for my future. I became a little more open minded and I am able to identify with others much better to provide that needed support even in challenging situations.

Children are the future and we need to keep this in the back of our minds as educators. Let us make a great impact on them so they can have a better and brighter future. One hand cannot clap and it takes more than one person to help build the children of our tomorrow the way they should grow.

One of my long-term goals is to continue to assist children with their needs and be able to find a solution. It might not all be peaches and cream, but it is and will be worth it to try and fail than not try at all. Nevertheless, as I am writing these last few words, I wish everyone a bless, safe and prosperous journey in all they continue to do from here on.

To my instructors, thank you for all you have done in trying to get me on the path of my career and profession all in one. You have been such a great help in strengthening my weak areas and making my strong areas even stronger. It was a pleasure having you apart of me for the past 8 weeks and continue to do a great job with the future classes to come.

ECE JOBS AND ROLES IN THE COMMUNITY…

​​Save the Children 

Save the Children was the first global movement for children to have rights. It is an organization that helps and protects children that have situations or circumstances of wars even even the Covid 19 impact. They are also supporting children by advocating and assisting them with their learning abilities that are needed. Some job opportunities that are available within this organization are supporting the children in different programs and giving resourceful information on programs and training for children with trauma or disability.  Having a position of a lead Associate your job would be very rewarding because you are able to work and meet different families each day fulfilling work in groups and communities of different cultural backgrounds. 

Early Childhood Development Specialist

Working in this organization you will have the opportunity to report to the ECD Advisors, or team members. You will also be able to work with other Programme Division and higher offices.

International Step-By-Step Association (ISSA)

It is an international learning community that assists the early childhood field to acquire existing knowledge, while practicing new approaches. In order for early childhood professionals to meet the needs of children and their families, changes must take place. As we know, practice makes perfect and will allow new ideas to flow along the way. 

Having to work in one of these organizations would be an honor because you will be working with the early childhood systems learning the different, but yet new strengths and challenges to make it better for the ECE community. You will also be able to obtain stronger effective communication skills and have a larger connection for more resources. 

References

Save the Children. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.savethechildren.org/ 

https://www.issa.nl/

Early Childhood Development Specialist – Cross-sectoral Results Management and Measurement (P-4), FT, # 00103423, Nutrition and Child Development – ECD, New York HQ

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community…

Build Initiative, are in partnership with state and community leaders across the country. They promote equitable, high quality child and family serving systems for young children who are thriving and learning at their pace. 

NAEYC has a number of useful resources in the organization that provides and promotes high quality in early learning. They are always connected and are in tune with current events and other educational opportunities for the public also. 

Zero to Three provides research resources for children from a very tender age to three years old. The organization is in tack with their program and services  for these young and little ones. People from the early childhood field, social services and many other fields all stay connected to maintain a brighter future for these children and their families to be great and have a great life.

Job opportunities in these fields would be a great one to have because you will be able to know more about children, their families and have lots of useful information to complete research in the education field. They are not just one sided, but very multicultural and look out for all different cultures. They understand the needs and assignments of others and from other people’s views. 

The skills and experiences you will need are building a community related through outreach, relationship building and responsive engagement, excellent teamwork skills, collaborative, effective communication skills in written and verbal aspects. 

References 

(Buildinitiative.org)

https://www.naeyc.org/

https://www.zerotothree.org/about/our-history

ECE Community…

I selected the (CEC) “Council for Exceptional Children” because it is a national, non-profit, organization that helps to improve educational outcomes for children with disabilities, gifts, and/or talents. (The Council for Exceptional Children, 2021). It allows ideas to enhance children’s learning daily. There are resources, professional development, and advocacy through the library articles, programs for parents, students, teachers, etc.

The (CPR) Council Professional Recognition field of early childhood education organizes and supports the professional development of early childhood teachers and promotes services to young children. These associations help teachers grow professionally and keep up with early childhood issues with the hope of making a positive change. (Council for Professional Recognition, 2021). The site has resources for jobs in the early childhood education field and other organizations that help with finances and workshops on different diversity topics. It also has a variety of library information that teaches leadership for future educational purposes.

The (NAFCC) National Association for Family Child Care was created to help encourage children in the education department from birth to teenage years. Through the organization, educators can get all the necessary support and professional resources needed. There are also lots of grants, awards, and scholarships given to help educators learn more as needed. (NAFCC, 2021). This organization has training and workshops for people that are children-centered with their learning needs, skills, and family care. 

Job opportunities that interest me would be anything in the Professional Development category when it comes to dealing with children. I enjoy advising, coaching, mentoring, and observing people around me or in my circle. The fact that I get to reflect on my own life experiences or others and help others is something that I take seriously as a part of my career in the early childhood field. (Council for Professional Recognition, 2021). I want to uplift others with my passion and continue learning about myself and those I am in contact with. It will help me in the long run of my teaching career to improve unknown skills. 

References 

Council for Exceptional Children. (2021). Retrieved from https://exceptionalchildren.org/ 

Council for Professional Recognition. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/ece-organizations/ 

National Association for Family Child Care. (2021). Retrieved from https://nafcc.org/

Learning Reflection…

An explanation of my most passionate hope for your future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families with whom you work or will work would be to continue to feel energized and passionate about teaching despite all the negative growth and development in the field. My passion is to help children achieve better education for their future endeavors. Having a committed passion for the early childhood profession, which demonstrates in all aspects of my work with, and on behalf of, children, families, and the early childhood field continues to enhance my committed passion to certain concepts, that expose children, their families and the early childhood field to a better outcome of their lives. Once I have this level of understanding for the children, their families, and the field, it would place me in a greater position of my Professional passion, dream, aspiration, and goals for children, their families, and their development.

I also want to stay embracing diversity in the classroom with great determination to improve Early childhood education. I am willing to make a difference to advance my career not only as a teacher but to become an advocate to the children, their families, and the community at large. I want to be able to motivate others to help them in areas they may be struggling with and be a positive force in the lives of children and their families. I will use my dreams, aspirations, and faith to benefit, encourage, and inspire others, and have a burning desire to help children and their families. My motivation comes from me wanting to see others happy and comfortable enough to achieve and be successful. I became a teacher because I wanted to show compassion, diversity, and make a difference not only for myself but also for the children of today. I am inspired and very optimistic that I can and will be the one to make the difference and also be the difference in and out of my classroom. I will support innovative thinking and celebrate each child’s individuality to the best of my ability. 

I want to be able to encourage and positively influence the next generation of children and families. I aim to become an early childhood teacher, but supporting diversity in children and their families will be my main focus. As a teacher, I will be able to show them that they can succeed no matter what life throws at them because children should not be pushed aside; because they are incapable of learning due to a language barrier or disability. I will keep being the motivator towards my goals, to help ensure teaching is inclusive of all children, no matter their first language, cultural background, skills, or upbringing. According to Derman-Sparks, 2010, “It is our job to listen and learn as well as talk and initiate the search for common ground solutions to specific differences (Derman-Sparks & Olsen Edwards, 2010). This will give me a better vision of where I might be in a few years and I will be able to set out both short-term and long-term goals, striving to achieve them all. 

Typing my final blog for this class, I want to first thank Dr. Bird-Pickens for all the positive feedback she has given me to improve my assignments every time.  With these, I was able to get better every time and I know it will also help me along the way for the other course and times ahead. To my colleagues, thank you as well for the opportunity to gain so much more knowledge over the past 8 weeks. It is always a pleasure getting to know new individuals and building relationships, partnerships, and even friendships along the way. I know we do not know each other on a personal level, nevertheless, the journey was still a good one in getting to know you virtually. As we continue on this journey in the education field for our younger generation, I pray that all our hard work, dreams, goals, and aspirations carry on with us to the end. Continue to strive and advocate as strong educators. This is just the beginning and not the end of the road. 

Reference 

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J.O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Emotional Impact … UNICEF

UNICEF means the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, and it is not only in the United States of America but worldwide. Doing my research, I’ve come across countries where children matter in heart and first hand. I decided to do Haiti because of the advantages at a disadvantage with this country. Compared to a human, when you are poor or down, others above you tend to treat you as worthless because you have less to offer. There is a saying my grandmother always told me “never kick a dog when he is down. He just might become the underdog.” I feel like it’s the same thing for Haiti and other third-world countries. You never know when they will one day rise to the occasion. 

I love and enjoy helping others, and if I can get the chance to help another country become wealthy. I would to the best of my ability. Facing hardship in a country is not the easiest thing to do. It is difficult and causes a lot of strain on that country, economically, physically, etc. Supporting Haiti in whatever ways possible would be a good start to level up. Even if it means through fundraisers such as clothes, foods, hygiene products, whatever little still is better than nothing at all. They are humans and have a daily life just like us who think we have it all together, but we are in poverty in lower levels of our countries dealing with other challenges such as mental illnesses and storms, leaving us homeless and hungry. 

Haiti has been hit with so many earthquakes leaving their families and loved ones without food, clean water, and children aren’t able to have a proper education. This is a sad situation with limited resources and helps to lend to this country. It’s such a small country but requires a lot of help to get off the ground positively. Reading about the earthquakes, it was mentioned that the buildings are not that stable and any day they can collapse. Educators are trying their best to put children in the right stands of receiving a good education even if it means teaching in the streets in little groups. The fact that these people, especially the younger children have to be suffering from this kind of trauma can have a toll on them and their developmental aspect in life. 

As a mother, educator, or just a human being in general it’s okay to have feelings and a mindset towards children, their feelings, emotions, and their living situations. We are not with them when they leave our care so we might not know anything beyond what we know and see when with them. However, paying attention to their background or situations should be in their best interest. 

Reference 

UNICEF (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/

Early Childhood Sexualization

My reaction to the ideas shared in this reading is as an individual I cannot keep things away from children but at the same time sheltered them to the best of my ability. It’s good to have them know and understand things taking place in today’s society but to a certain degree. You do not want to expose them, and before you know they are learning way too much for their age. Yes, they will be exposed to the world and society images on their own, but I feel like this is where the adult or a parent should give them the foundation from a tender age. As children struggle to understand what they learn, frightens and confuses them. (Levin & Kilburn, 2009). This is true, so this is why we have to be careful what we as an adult expose ourselves to have our kids follow. 

I observed the sexualization of early childhood in my personal experiences because at home I have an 8-year-old sibling. I also have a 20-year-old sister who is into makeup fashion and everything else that comes with today’s society. However, my 8 year old having to see her spend hours in the mirror would observe her. When she is finished she would sneak into her room, take her makeup kit and start to portray my sister’s image. To me, it would be like she has no clue of where to put what so I laughed at it. Low and behold, when we did see my 8-year-old sibling, she did her make-up better than I would have. She was able to do this because she spent hours and days just looking at what and how my sister did it and was able to do what she saw. This I don’t like much because it is now exposing my 8-year-old sister to the image of society. Yes, they look cute, and we might not pay attention because we are telling ourselves they are young and don’t know better, but kids take things with them forever. 

Examples I have encountered in television, the Internet other types of media, are showing how it is to have a certain sex appeal in size, makeup hair, and what to eat to maintain such. Not realizing they are damaging children from a young age or body shaming them lowers their self-esteem and confidence in life. It can also cause depression, school/ people withdrawal, feeling like they don’t belong, etc. For example, when children have a dramatic play, they tend to want the prettiest dolls and would go towards dressing them in the pretend bedroom for going out on dates, with friends, etc instead of dressing them in cooking attire or cleaning attire. They already have the image in mind that this is the difference because of what was already instilled in them from what they have seen at some point either at home or from the media, internet, or television. According to Hains, (2014) says that “princess culture focuses so strongly on physical appearance that it teaches girls that how they look is incredibly important.” 

I believe that early childhood professionals can tackle this problem and reduce the negative effects on young children by having consistent conversations with them to see exactly where their mind is. By doing this, you will know and monitor how to go about the sexualizations they are faced with or other areas they struggle with. We can also reassure them that they might be different, but at the same time, they are beautiful and wonderfully made by God. Changing them to please the world/society if they are not themselves would not be the right thing to do. It’s ok to be yourself and love who you are and the body you are in. If they don’t like you, it’s because they don’t like themselves either. We can also provide counseling sessions daily with a therapist to make sure they are not dealing with any negative symptoms, such as feeling neglected, suicidal, or dealing with peer pressure. 

References: 

Hains, R. (2014). What’s the problem with pink and princess? The marketing, not the moms. Retrieved from https://rebeccahains.com/2014/03/29/whats-the-problem-with-pink-and-princess/ 

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction] So sexy so soon. The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved

Impact On Professional Practice

Experiencing racism as an early childhood professional can increase a lot of hatred and mixed emotions in dealing with children of the same race that discriminates against you. Racism can make a person feel less of themselves and seen as an outcast because of low expectations. According to Shonkoff et al., 2021, the discrimination with “-isms” can lead to negative emotional and mental well-being in children and their families. Being an early childhood professional and having to work with children and their families can affect their mental, social, emotional, psychological and developmental life. With this it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety situations lasting a lifetime.

         Early childhood professional plays a big part in when it comes to preventing different forms of discrimination against children in their care. Children will experience different kind of discrimination, which tends to affect their developmental and emotional well-being (Saleem et al., 2020). When children are faced with discrimination as an early childhood professional we should address it as quick as possible not leaving it as dust under the rug causing more chaos. 

References

Saleem, F. T., Anderson, R. E., & Williams, M. (2020). Addressing the “myth” of racial trauma: Developmental and ecological considerations for youth of color. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 23(1), 1-14. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10567-019-00304-1

Shonkoff, J. P., Slopen, N., & Williams, D. R. (2021). Early childhood adversity, toxic stress, and the impacts of racism on the foundations of health. Annual Review of Public Health, 42, 115-134. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-090419-101940

OBSERVING COMMUNICATION!

I had the opportunity to observe an encounter with my neighbor next door. While washing my car in my driveway, I observed my neighbor’s son and the father who are Muslims. The little boy was yelling at his dad for unknown reasons at this time. I always play music when I am cleaning my car. The music was on, and I couldn’t hear why the little boy was yelling at his dad. However, I was almost done, so I turned my music off and locked up the car. To my surprise, the little boy was yelling at his dad because he did not want to get his homework done when the father wanted him to get it done. He wanted to play a little outside before he became focused. I said hello to the father, and I went into my house, still having a listening ear outside. Not realizing I had left my cell phone on the porch. I returned outside, and I saw the little boy still had not gone inside to complete his homework. I called him by the fence, and I said “Chase, if you get your homework done I think your dad would not mind you playing outside all day.” “He just needs you to get it done before your mom gets home, and you have to get lashes.” He is a sweet child, but kids are kids. With that conversation, he went inside. I wasn’t sure if he got any work done, but at least I spoke with him, and he went inside. That was a start for him being respectful and realizing that something had to give.

I think tones, body language, and approach have a lot to do with how children communicate with you. I notice this a lot with my son and siblings. If I speak to them aggressively, they shut down or get even angrier, but I lower my tone and try to get on their level. They are more receptive to what I am saying or have to say. Sometimes when you realize you are not going to get a message across. “Active listening and emotional competence are essential in communication because it enhances communication effectiveness” (Laureate Education Inc., 2011).There’s always someone else who might be much better at the job than you. It’s not that you want to be a pain in the butt to anyone, but you want them to be aware of rights and wrongdoings. When it came to Chase, the dad was saving him a butt whooping by telling him to get his homework done before the mother got home. He was so strong-minded that he wanted to get what he wanted to get done first, not realizing he was being saved from the consequences later on. This had shown that the father had done his part, and me having to step in I had also done my part. I think he did his part well when he decided to go inside after our little chat over the fence. I hope he got the homework completed. Kids will push your buttons at a time to see how much murder they will get away with publicly and in private. 

When it comes to supporting and parenting styles, my mother is always there to guide me since I was younger and had my son. Sometimes the way she deals with my son, I would say “how come you never let me slide like this, and you allow your grandson?” She would say “I  didn’t know better then, but I know better now.” I always found this hard to believe. I got most of the lashes growing up, and my siblings now are another get-away with murder situations. I would also say that I am grateful for the lashes because they made me into the strong individual I am today. Who knows, without the lashes I would not have been able to still stand this firm and strong as an African American female in today’s society. Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) state, “relationships and interactions with children, the routines and curriculum all tie in to create an anti-bias learning community. Getting to this will take time and hard work, every step we take counts.” 

Reference 

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NationalSparks & Edwards, 2010.

Creating An Affirming Environment

An ideal learning environment for me would be safe, organized, structured around the children, welcoming, and fun. I enjoy doing lots of hands-on activities with my students. They are not only learning words but also seeing the actual images of the topic covered. It can also be an environment for us all to have better communication. We can learn about each other and have/ share different or similar experiences. Their Social, physical, mental, psychological, and developmental skills can be enhanced. In this mindset, I would be as positive as possible, creating boundaries, and an anti-bias setting, especially when there will be a class of multicultural kids in my care. 

There will be different areas of interest such as Library, Arts and crafts, sand and water, Math, science, word wall, Blocks, dramatic play, sensory wall, and circle time. According to Derman-Sparks & Edwards (2010) states that “when we look to design our spaces, we should make sure materials support the home life of the children, families, and staff.” This should be so that the children can have that home and comfort feeling free without a force. 

A Break Down of the Area/ Space! 

Library Area– Low-level shelves (eye level and hand reach) soft toys (muppets), cozy throw pillows, and blankets.

Building Blocks Area– Blocks of different sizes, colors, textures, and shapes, different vehicles such as police cars, dump trucks, ambulances, planes, boats, street signs, maps, people, animals, roads, rugs, trees, houses, buildings, sun, clouds, raindrops, snow and community helpers (Doctors, nurses, teachers, etc).

Dramatic Play Area– Multicultural dolls, Multicultural clothing, jewelry, bags, phones (cell and landlines), money, foods, drinks, dishes, sink, stove, Kitchen, tables, chairs, notebooks, crayons, markers, and aprons. 

Art Area/Center– Paints, paper, crayons, markers, chalk, dry erase boards, large play-doh, plastic scissors, glue, feathers, quilt, paintbrushes, ribbons, string, pom poms, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, construction papers, oak tree papers, and poster boards. 

Word wall Area– word of the day( sunny, rainy, snowy, etc), new word learned (transportation, respect, etc), days of the week, and months of the year. 

Science Area– Leaves, Goggles, magnets, magnifying glasses, fish tank, wind-mills, thermometer, rocks, water, and science books.

Sensory wall– Different textures, shapes, and sizes of sponges. Soft, hard, ridges, rough, smooth, bumpy, etc. 

Circle time Area– Learning the days of the week, months of the year, what’s the weather like identifying old and new words, singing songs such as ABC, wheels on the bus, rowing your boat, and feelings. Playing “I spy” and asking different questions about their weekend and what you want to share? 

I would also include a parent corner to share with the class on event days as their culture, foods, etc… They will have access to research centers and resources of any kind. We will have a family fun day and night, cultural day and night, weekly outings, and monthly community givebacks ensuring that every family and their child feels welcome, safe, and comfortable which will help to create a crucial foundation for mutually respectful relationships (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). 

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).