Time Well Spent

“Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”

John F. Kennedy

 I was so scared when I started this program and now I am excited and nervous in completing this program. I want to say "Thank you" to all of the Professors at Walden University for their continued guidance and support throughout this time. I want to say "Thank you” all of the classmates that I have shared this time with over the past two years. I look forward to the next chapter of my life looking forward to giving the same support and guidance to early childhood professionals that I have received.

 This project has been a lifelong journey. In the past few weeks, it is the end of this chapter of my journey and the beginning of a new. There are many issues of concern in early childhood. In trying to meet the challenges, my focus is on professional development. In preparing educators to meet the needs of the children, will influence child outcomes in the future. A well-trained, knowledgeable workforce is an essential part of quality early care and education (ECE) program. Most state and local policies require minimal credentials, and the in-service training provided to teachers may do little to advance their knowledge and practice at any point in their careers (National Institute Early Education, n.d.).

I am drawn to professional preparation and ongoing professional development (PD) in the early childhood education it is essential to providing high-quality services to children and families.  Professional Development is the continued learning and support activities designed to prepare individuals for work with young children and their families. It is ongoing experiences to enhance early childhood professionals in their work. These experiences lead to growth and improvements in the knowledge, skills, practices, and dispositions of professionals. Professional development encompasses education, training, and technical assistance (NAEYC, 2011).

 My professional short term goal is to take the information and knowledge gained from my capstone project and implement it this fall with staff. My long term goal is to retire.

“Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else”  Fred Rogers

National Association Education Young Children (2011) Early childhood education professional development: training and technical assistance glossary. http://www.naeyc.org/. Retrieved May 10, 2014, from http://www.naeyc.org/GlossaryTraining_TA.pdf

 National Institute for Early Childhood Research (n.d.) Critical Issues in Early Childhood Professional Development. Retrieved from http://nieer.org/publications/critical-issues-early-childhood-professional-development

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

I found these jobs posted on USA Jobs. If I was going to work anywhere in the world I would like to serve our families stationed around the world.  

Job Title:CYS SCHOOL LIAISON/TRANSITION SPECIALIST

Department:Department of the Army

Agency:Army Installation Management Command

Hiring Organization:IMCOM-EU

Job Announcement Number:EUNAF141135690

SALARY RANGE:                $70,000.00 to $90,000.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD:   Wednesday, June 04, 2014 to Wednesday, June 18, 2014

SERIES & GRADE:              NF-1701-05

POSITION INFORMATION:           Full Time - Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:05

DUTY LOCATIONS:           1 vacancy in the following location:

Sembach, Germany

WHO MAY APPLY:            All interested and qualified applicants eligible for employment under U.S. conditions World Wide.

SECURITY CLEARANCE:  Not Applicable

SUPERVISORY STATUS:  No

JOB SUMMARY:

There when you need us! Child, Youth & School Services recognizes the challenges of our Soldiers and their Families. By offering quality programs for children, youth and students, CYS supports the Army Family Covenant by reducing the conflict between mission readiness and parental responsibility.

Job Title:CYS Coordinator

Department:Department of the Army

Agency:Army Installation Management Command

Job Announcement Number:EUNAFJJ141130397

SALARY RANGE:                $90,000.00 to $95,000.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD:   Friday, May 30, 2014 to Friday, June 13, 2014

SERIES & GRADE:              NF-1701-05

POSITION INFORMATION:           Full Time - Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:05

DUTY LOCATIONS:           Few vacancies in the following location:

Grafenwohr, Germany

WHO MAY APPLY:            US Citizens and Non Citizens

SECURITY CLEARANCE:  Other

SUPERVISORY STATUS:  Yes

JOB SUMMARY:

There when you need us! Child, Youth & School Services recognizes the challenges of our Soldiers and their Families. By offering quality programs for children, youth and students, CYS supports the Army Family Covenant by reducing the conflict between mission readiness and parental responsibility.

 Job Title:DIRECTOR CDC NF4 / CDC / RFT/ WORLDWIDE

Department:Department of the Navy

Agency:U.S. Marine Corps

Hiring Organization:IWAKUNI MCCS

Job Announcement Number:10138

SALARY RANGE:                $45,000.00 to $55,000.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD:   Tuesday, May 20, 2014 to Friday, June 20, 2014

SERIES & GRADE:              NF-1701-04

POSITION INFORMATION:           Full Time - Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:NA

DUTY LOCATIONS:           1 vacancy in the following location:

Iwakuni, Japan

WHO MAY APPLY:            Open to All Sources

SECURITY CLEARANCE:  Not Applicable

SUPERVISORY STATUS:  Yes

JOB SUMMARY:

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) is looking for the best and brightest to join our Team!  MCCS is a comprehensive program that supports and enhances the quality of life for Marines, their families, and others in the Marine Corps Community.    We offer a team oriented environment comprised of military personnel, civilian employees, contractors and volunteers who keep the organization functioning smoothly and effectively.  As a service-oriented organization, we never waver in our commitment to our Corps.  

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

Office of Head Start http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/hs/about/careers/OHS%20Central%20_%20Regional%20Offices/Program%20Specialist%20-%20Various%20Locations%20%20-%20%20District%20of%20Columbia.html

Program Specialist- https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/367413200

NAEYC- http://www.naeyc.org/about/careerforum/jobseekers-

Child Development Center Director - Joint Base Anacostia Bolling Navy Child & Youth Programs http://careerforum.naeyc.org/jobs#/detail/6201519/1,false

National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators http://www.naecte.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=29&Itemid=42

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

MiAEYC- The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children is committed

to improving the education and welfare of children from birth through age eight.

MiAEYC works for young children, their families, and early childhood professionals.

MiAEYC supports the professional development of its members through quality training, materials and services. About 3,000 early childhood educators and suppliers of children's services belong to MiAEYC in 16 affiliate chapters and 3 local chapters.  http://www.miaeyc.org/

CMAEYC-Affiliate of MiAEYC and NAEYC

The vision of Central Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children is one of leadership and quality.  CMAEYC strives to empower and support early childhood professionals to be respected leaders in the community. CMAEYC participates in coalitions that address common concerns and works collaboratively with allied organizations to address common goals.  CMAEYC sets high standards and is identified as providing and advocating for quality services.  CMAEYC supports the professional development of those who work with young children by supplying quality training, materials, and membership services.  CMAEYC includes all who wish to contribute and encourages those who have not yet participated.  CMAEYC values the contribution each brings to the process.

CMAEYC Value Statement

CMAEYC values excellence in service through an organizational commitment that demonstrates leadership, respect, and integrity toward all we serve.  http://www.cmaeyc.com/

Michigan Head Start Association

MHSA is the unified voice providing advocacy and leadership linking the Head Start community of parents, programs, and partners.

The Michigan Head Start Association is a private, nonprofit corporation organized in 1967 and incorporated in 1988 as the only state organization dedicated exclusively to the concerns of Head Start. The association provides services and support to the Michigan Head Start community, representing more than 38,000 children and their families, 39 Early Head Start, 67 Head Start and two Migrant and Seasonal Head Start grantees statewide.

Education: MHSA provides high-quality training and professional development opportunities for Head Start directors, staff and families.

Advocacy: MHSA provides a voice for the Michigan Head Start community in Washington, D.C., and in Lansing.

Communication: MHSA connects Head Staff staff, parents and supporters into one community and promotes Head Start in Michigan and beyond.

Collaboration: MHSA partners with a variety of organizations interested in supporting Head Start, early childhood education and child well-being. http://michheadstart.org/about-mhsa

Congratulations!

I want to say "Congratulations" to my son in law Roger for his 20 years of
 service in the US Navy.  "Thank you" to all service men and woman and their families or your commitment and dedication.

early childhood wordle

http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/7801660/early_childhood

So true!