Time Well Spent

I love what I do.

Me

The highlights of my job.

My husband who proofread all my work.

My children who have supported me from the beginning.

Let me start by saying, this was one of the hardest classes that I have ever taken. It was not hard because of the content, but because I had to take a look at myself and aske what I wanted to contribute to the field of early childhood education. When I did that, I was able to decide on my capstone challenge. One thing that I learned was how to define a scholarly paper. The Internet is full of information. Some of it I know is not accurate, but the author makes it sound informative. It took a while, but I finally got it. Second, I had to learn to be patient and accept constructive feedback. At times I felt that Dr. Teri was being “knit-picky” when I read the feedback that she gave me on my papers. Now I know that it was to get me to a point of understanding and creativity. I was doubting my potential and ability to do a great capstone project. I know that I was doubting myself, but she saw something more in my writing and my ideas. Finally I know that my gift to the early childhood field requires me to leave the classroom setting. I know that my journey continues in a different setting. I someday want to own and operate a learning center that works with at-risk children and families.

I want to thank Dr. Teri for challenging me to go beyond my comfort zone. Because of this course I discovered things about myself that I didn’t know I could do. I appreciate all the feedback that you gave me that helped me be successful in the course. I want to thank my colleagues for contributing to the research that I did on this project. I have interacted with most of you throughout my journey and it wwill feel strange not longing on and commenting on the discussion board. I hope that this blog will keep us connected. Good Luck to everyone in their future endeavors. I have grown close to some of you and I pray that God blesses you with the desires of your heart. I will always remember the time spent together at Walden University.

One of my favorite quotes is “To Teach is to Learn” (Joseph Joubert). We all learn from each other. We are never too old to learn. I began my college journey late in life (I am 45 years old). The children that I teach are a part of me and I love them dearly. They have taught me how to be patient and love in spite of. You all have taught me how to be supportive and a team player. I hope our journey continues. My email address is angelalowery56@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you all.

International Jobs/Roles

TA Child Protection (MRM) Officer P-1
Amman, Jordan

Purpose: Child Protection Officer (P1) will support the implementation of an effective monitoring, reporting and response system in accordance with the MRM objectives.

Duties/Responsibilities: Support the development of MRM implementation activities and coordination.
Contribute to the design and implementation of UNICEF MRM activities in Jordan
CO

Collect, verify and analysis information on violations committed against
children in Syria from reliable sources in Jordan.

Verify and analysis the reliability of information collected by UNICEF partners

Document interviews and manage the data collection in an MRM database

Responsibilities: Refer individuals of victims to relevant service providers and establish an adequate
response system

Identify the needs and opportunities to strengthen child protection actor network
supporting Syrian children

Education: University degree in social work, Social Science, Law or related technical field
Advanced university degree referred

Work Experience: Familiar with issues affecting children and women

Previous professional humanitarian work experience

Good analytical, negotiating and communication and advocacy skills

Computer skills

http://www.careers.unicef.org/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_posting_apply?PARAM=cG

I chose this job because it is my passion to ensure the well-being of the children in my care. That is my first priority in my profession.

International Teachers Plus

Mission: To help students achieve their full academic potential and access an innovative and balanced international education for lifelong benefit to themselves, families, and communities.

Teaching positions available overseas in UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain at International Schools.

Qualifications: Must be a certified teacher from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South
Africa.

Must hold a bachelor degree from a recognized university with a Master’s being an asset.

Minimum 2 year teaching experience

http://www.goabroad.com/providers/international-teachers-plus/programs/teaching-posit.

The mission that I have created for my child care center is: To help children and their families reach their full potential and gain the necessary skills needed to function after leaving our care and services. Their mission is similar to the one that I plan to work towards as a director.

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Mission: Respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace

Ethic Advisor
France-Paris

Duties: Provides advice and guidance to management and staff on professional ethics standards and on
specific policy and practice issues

Ensure compliance with the Organization Rules and Regulations

Qualifications: University degree in law, social sciences, public/business administration or related
field

Work Experience: Minimum 10 years of professional experience in public/private or international
institutions in the field of corporate ethics. Experience in policies and practices in
the areas of ethical standards, ethics, and compliance programmes, code of conduct, and
accountability

Skills: Good skills in the administration and management of financial and human resources.

Good knowledge of current best practices relation to corporate ethics and business conduct/
practice

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/

I chose this job because I have managed a staff of 10 in a retail business for 10 years. I had to manage the finances/payrolls of the business. I had to make sure that all rules and policies were followed. I had to display good communication skills because I worked directly with the public.

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

As I began to research organizations that interest me, I discovered that there were a great deal of organizations that fight for the cause of my challenge which is children living in domestic violence and child abuse environments. Below is a list of some that caught my attention:

Every Child Matters Education Fund
Mission: Provides opportunities for focusing attention on children’s issues including the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
http://www.everychildmatterseducation.org

Child Witness to Violence Project (CWVP)
Mission: To identify young children who witness acts of significant violence.
To help young children heal from the trauma of witnessing violence by providing developmentally
appropriate counseling for them and for their families.
To provide consultation and training to the network of caregivers in the lives of young children
in order that they may more effectively identify and respond to children who are exposed to
violence.
http://www.childwitnesstoviolence.org

Children of Domestic Violence (CDV)
Mission: To help those who experience domestic violence as children reach the full potential and break
the cycle of violence.

Each of these focus on the well-being of children. Their missions shows that they understand that hundreds of children are violated every year. Their goal is to find a way to support those affected by this tragic act.
http:www.cdv.org

Job Opportunities:

National Black Child Development Institute
Mission: To improve and advance the quality of life for balck children and their families through education and advocacy.

Vision: NBCDI envisions a society that ensures a successful future for all children.

Job: Director of Professional Services, Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color (COSEBOC)
Director of Professional Services

Qualifications: M.A. or M.Ed. in Education or related field required
5+ years experiencce in designing, delivering, and managing professional development
services for educators
Track record in providing high quality, expert training, and facilitation
Understanding of technology and its impact on the field of education

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ability to manage both staff and contractors effectively and proactively. A history of being a team player and have a sense of humor. A flexible nature. A committment to the advancement of the COSEBOC mission and vision.

New Home

National Association for the Education of Young Children
Mission: To serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental service and resources.

Job: Community Impact Coordinator-Read On

Job Summary: Will work with the community impact manager for Read On Greater Phoenix on the ongoing development and implementation of the project focusing on increasing early language and literacy skills of children in high need communities.

Qualifications: Associates degree in Social Services discipline or related field or equilvalent.
3 years experience in Social Services
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Reliable Transportation
http://www.naeyc.org

National Head Start Association
Mission: To coalesce, inspire, and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education.

Vision: To lead. To be the the untiring voice that will not be quiet until every vulnerable child is served with the Head Start model of support for the whole child and the community.
To advocate. To work diligently for policy and institutional changes that ensure all vulnerable children and families have what they need to succeed.

Job: Alumini Advocacy Associate

Responsibiities: Identify Head Start graduates and families and develop relationships with alumini
in key states.
Maintain a database of alumini and a website containing their stories.
Plan and execute alumini events.

Qualifications: Familiarity with the Head Start Program.
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of work experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to be comfortable and assertive working
with large and small groups.
A high level of energy, ability to multi-task, and a sense of humor.
Strong attention to detail and superior organization skills.
Familiarity with social media.

Home

All of these jobs have the same mission and goals that I have set for my own child care facility. They each want to help the children and their families reach their full potential.

Roles in the Early Childhood Community

Child Victim Advocate
Agency: Family Service of the Piedmont, Inc

Mission: Family Service of the Piedmont is a not for profit agency whose mission is to promote healthy lives and relationships for children, families and individuals, through early intervention, treatment, and support in times of crisis and transition.

Qualifications: The ability to respond appropriately to the cultural differences present among the organizations service population and staff is required.

Ability to work in partnership with other team members

Ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.

Ability to forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.

Conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.

Ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the practitioner and to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served.

Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift light objects as needed.

Working knowledge of child abuse investigation and prosecution procedures, child development, and the dynamics of child and family abuse.

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, human service, or related field.

Reference: http://www.guilfordnonprofitsjob.com

Center Director
Childcare Network

Mission: We are committed to providing our parents with high quality services at affordable price. That’s why we are “The Workiing Parent’s Best Friend”.

Qualifications: Prefer at least one year of pre-school management experience.

BA Child Development, Early Childhood Education or related field.

Must be a team builder, excellent customer service/communication skills.

NC Administrative Credentials (prefer 2 & 3).

Knowledge of More@4.

Knowledge of USDA and food program.

Flexible and energetic.

Able to juggle multiple duties.

Detail oriented

Ability to resolve conflicts

Computer proficient

Must pass a criminal background check

Reference: http://www.careerbuilder.com

Child Protective Services

Mission: To keep the child in his/her own home when the child is at risk, to develop an alternate plan as quickly as possible.

Duties: Intervene in the crisis, if required

Apply Family Preservation and Support Services for some families

Assess or identify problems, gather facts and clarify the problems

Plan and provide services, set goals, identify resources and timeframes

Document the case

Terminate the case or transfer it to another program

Reference: http://dss.cahwet.gov

Child Support Case Manager
Agency: Department of Social Services

Mission Statement: Fighting crime and protecting crime victims

Improving the well-being of children

Protecting the environment

Fighting for consumers, workers, investors, and taxpayers

Promoting a positive business climate

Providing great legal services to state government

Defending the rights of all

Qualifications: 3 years of experience working with the public in person or by phone giving information about services and programs and solving customer problems/complaints. Experience must include the use of personal computers and typical software such as word processing.

A Bachelor Degree may substitute for the above experience. To receive credit for a degree, you must submit a photocopy of your transcripts.

Reference: http://www.agency.governmentjobs.com

I chose these organizations and job opportunities because they will allow me to work directly with the family and keep the well-being and best interest of the child my priority. These jobs will also allow me to continue to be an advocate for the children in my service.

Our Journey Ends

First of all I want to send my condolences to the families who lost their babies on Friday’s outrageous act of violence. How in the world could anyone gun down innocent children that were still babies. The only thing on their minds was learning their ABC’s and waiting on Santa Claus. If you didn’t feel anything then you are heartless. I had to hug my own children and let them know that I love them and I would give my life if it meant saving theirs. I think that is what the adults that were killed were doing. We all vow that the well-being of the children in our care is our main priority. Now is the time to show. If you have children don’t take the moments that we have with them for granted. Things could change in a blink of an eye. Love them like there is no tomorrow.

I would like to thank all the connections that I have made on my journey towards my master’s. I feel that I have met people who love what they do and are doing it for the right reasons. I can’t explain how I feel at the end of each course, but know that I have learned from each of my classmates. I appreciate the comments that you left me and I wish you all luck in your future endeavors. Be Blessed and have a safe holiday.

Adjourning From Groups

Good-byes are always hard; especially if you know that you may never see that person again. AI worked in a textile plant for 10 years. It was my first job in that type of setting. My previous job was in retail. When they announced that they were going to close it wasn’t a shock to us. We knew that the day was coming. Those who had seniority had the opportunity to retire or receive a severance package before the closing day. I was fortunate enough to work until the last day, which made it even harder to say good-bye. The connections and friendships that I made were very special and unique in their own way. Some of the people who started out with me said I wouldn’t make it, but I made it to the end. The mechanics that serviced my machines meant the most to me because they are the reason why I made it to 10 years. They had the patience to teach me things and help me when I fell behind. They taught me shortcuts that no one else knew about. When we had to go our separate ways it was hard because they were close to me. I had a baby during my time spent there and they took care of me during my pregnancy. The last week that we worked we all decided to get together and go out for dinner. That was the time when we shared our stories and said our good-byes. I am so thankful for the social media (facebook).I have managed to reconnect with some of the people who I worked with. When someone takes the timeout of their schedule to show you things just because, it is special. If it had not been for Dan and Woody, I might have lost my job. Believe me, working there was no easy task. The work was intense at times.

The hardest group that I have ever had to say good-bye to is the children that I have spent a whole year with. The time spent with them has been adventurous. Sometimes you want to love them to death, but then there are those not so good days. Nonetheless, they begin to feel like your babies and you hate to see them go. It is important that at the end of the year, you begin the transition. You don’t want them to feel like you are leaving them. I have always had an end of the year celebration in my class after the end of the year celebration for the center. This is something that consist only of my children and families. We celebrate the activities, laughter, and skills learned while they were with me. We sing, dance, and even open gifts. I read a letter to them so that they will know how I feel about them and that they will always be a part of me. Yes! Tears are shed; especially by me. Good-bye is a permanent word, so I chose to use See you later or Until we meet again. We do meet again. I make sure I check on them from time to time. I try to do it after I know they have adjusted to their new environments.

It is important that we adjourn from things because it gives us the chance to express our emotions. It lets the other people know how we feel about them and that we appreciated and enjoyed the time spent together. Sometimes we need to have closure in our lives. If it comes a time when I have to adjourn from the group that I am in, I hope that it will be a celebration. I want to have a lasting impression on the lives that I have touched.

Resolving Disagreements and Conflicts

This assignment is so appropriate for me because I have really been going through a difficult time with one of my parents. I am a teacher that loves to reward children for their accomplishments and achievements. I feel that a child needs to be rewarded when they have done good. This gives them something to work towards each time you set a new goal for them. One of my parents does not want me to give her child any stickers because it leaves a spot on their clothes. When I am giving stickers to the other children, he really wants one. He is a very smart child that loves to learn new things. He is one of my best helpers in the class. He works well with the other children and helps them answer questions. He is only two, so I know he doesn’t understand why he can’t have a sticker. He says, “My mommy said I can’t have a sticker because stickers are bad.” Ugh!!! There is a part of me that wants to give him one anyway.

This week I shared with my parent what I have been learning about NVC and the 3 R’s. She said, “That is what is wrong with teachers now. All they want to do is teach from a book and tell the parents how to raise their children.” She is so difficult that I have started to let my co-teacher deal with her. Now she tells my director that I am ignoring her and not acknowledging her in the classroom. How can I please this woman? I am about to step out of my professional role and talk to her as “Angela”. Then what will she have to say? If I do that, then I will be getting close to her level because getting on her level is impossible.  Trying to talk to her hasn’t worked and not talking to her hasn’t worked. My next strategy will be to take pictures of her child and video him doing something that he loves. Also I think I am going to take a picture of him when I am rewarding the other children and can’t give him anything. If any one has any suggestions I am so willing to listen.

Me As a Communicator

It is funny that I communicate with people everyday, but when I took the assessment I realized that I may have some hidden issues that I didn’t realize I had. I feel that I communicate well with my friends and family and also the families that are in my service. I was surprised when one of the test said that I can be verbally aggressive. I disagree with that. I do admit that when push comes to shove, I will speak my mind. I don’t think that I would intentionally attack someone with personal attacks on their character. The funny thing is, the two other people got the same score. So, that lets me know that I have to check myself in that area.

This week I learned that I am quick to assume things about people just because they remind me of someone else. I am guilty of assuming that if one person in the family doesn’t like something then the rest of the family members probably won’t either. This statement reminds me of my youngest son. I am allergic to onions. If I eat them, I cannot breath and will need medical attention. My youngest son said he doesn’t like onions. Well, I have never seen him eat an onion, so I can only assume that he doesn’t like them because he knows I can’t have them. I use onions to cook with at home, but I cook my food separately or before I put the onions in. I asked him to try the onions, but he will not. I have friends who are teachers because their mother was a teacher, but that is not their passion. When I looked at the picture in the discussion, I assumed she was a cleaning lady because I have encountered other women who look like her who were custodians.

If I let this kind of thinking enter into my professional life, what kind of relationship will I have with my families and students? I have to be sure that I know my children before they come into the classroom. I want to be able to have a good rapport with them and ask the necessary questions to find out who they are. All of this comes under the ability to communicate. As for my personal life, we have family meetings once a month to talk about things that are going on with us. We spend the whole day together doing things as a family. We have open communication in my home. I have made sure that my children can talk to me about anything. AND THEY DO!! Sometimes I am not prepared for what they tell me. Regardless of how we communicate, it is a part of life. Whether we have good or bad communication skills, we have to use what we have in this world. Throughout this course I hope that my communication skills will improve. I am on the journey of learning about myself and how to create a better me.

Cultural Diversity in the Workplace

As I think about the diversity that exists in my workplace, I think about the difference in religion, political views and in marriage. Religion is a topic that I always try to avoid because it is the one thing that can be argumentative. We all believe that our religion or faith is the best. I am a Baptist. When I moved to another city I was skeptical about the churches that are here. I would drive 2 1/2 hours every Sunday there and back so I could go to my home church.  After a while it became tiresome and the gas prices didn’t help either. Some of my colleagues invited me to visit their church. I found some of them to be boring, scary, and too long. When they invited me back I didn’t want to tell them the true reason why I didn’t want to go anymore. They would give me bible verses to read and try to explain why I was reluctant to go back. I found that it is better for me to listen and not comment when they are talking about their church. I don’t feel it is appropriate to argue over God’s word. I am respectful to their beliefs, but I don’t try to force my beliefs on them. I do invite them to our service, not because I think it is better but because I feel they need to be in some church. It doesn’t matter if it is mine or someone else’s church. As a child I can remember my mother slamming the door in the faces of the Jehovah Witnesses that would come by on Saturdays. I can’t say that I remember any coming to my home since I have moved here. If they do, I pray that I receive them in a better fashion than my mother did.

This election year has been one full of surprises. When President Obama was re-elected I have seen some of my colleagues show me who they truly are. They have made sarcastic comments about the next four years and him as a person. These are people who claim to be Christians. I have seen pictures lying around with him looking like Dumbo. No one knows who drew them or how they got there. We are not allowed to express our political views in the workplace by wearing clothing, buttons or stickers. I am an African-American woman, but that is not the reason why I voted the way I did. I feel that every one should be given a second chance. I have discussed the election with my colleagues and we both have exchanged our thoughts on it. It is important that we stand up for what we feel is the right thing even if our views are different. We have to be mindful of the things that we say and do so that no one will be offended. We can all talk about our views as mature adults, but when we see the conversation taking a turn for the worse we need to move on. I will not apologize for how I feel, but I will not criticize someone because their views are different.

I still consider myself a newly wed. I have only been married for two years. I was in a previous relationship for 10 years. Now I ask myself “Why?” Those are 10 years that I wasted, but it was a lesson learned. My friend has been with her boyfriend for 18 years. They live together and share all the expenses. I have often asked her why aren’t they married yet. She said, “It is not me. It is him.” She really wants to be married. When I decided that marriage was going to be one of my issues I decided to ask him the same question. His response was, “Why should I buy the whole cow when I can get the milk for free.” I wanted to knock him to the floor. Both of them have two different views about marriage. I tried to use myself as an example. I have kept myself out of their affairs because when you try to help it always seems to backfire. I direct them to other people who are qualified to answer their questions. I love her and I want so badly to tell her that he is never going to marry her. Not because I don’t like him, but because I have been there.

Communicating Messages

I recorded a 30 minute television show entitled The Big Bang Theory. I chose this series because I thought it was an old show from years ago. The cast members were dressed in Retro outfits. The ways in which they were communicating made me think that they were friends, but disagreed on a few things. The show only showed one woman the entire episode. I wondered whether or not they were having a conflict over her because she looked as if she was flirting with each of them. The entire cast kept going back and forth to one another’s apartments. It seemed as if they were confused and indecisive throughout the show. The show had a cast member from another country that reminded me of someone who wanted to always look good. He was dressed different from the other members. They looked as if they were always trying to help each other or getting into trouble.

When I turned the volume on I realized that my assumptions were not too far from what was happening. The girl, Penny, was friends with them all  but she dated Howard. Rajesh that is from another country wanted a girlfriend and always made sure his hair was nice and clothes were straight. Sheldon was weird. He was the smart one. He used big words and analyzed everything. When I watched it without volume I thought he was always getting into trouble. Leonard and Howard were the two who were the closest to being “normal”. If I had been watching a show that I was familiar with my assumptions would have been more accurate. The Big Bang Theory was predictable because of the setting.

It is important not to assume or judge something or someone by the way they look or act. We need to listen to people. I do an activity with my children to show them how important it is to have our five senses. When I did this activity it reminded me of how I teach them about the sense of hearing. I found myself squinting my eyes as if I was trying to hear. I did come to the conclusion that I will never watch that show again.