Reflecting on Communication in the Early Childhood Field

I want to say "Thank you" to my classmates and a special "Thank you" to Dr. D. for her patience and understanding! Week one begins with excitement and nerves in meeting a new professor and classmates. There is always the hope of a classmate from a previous course. Our group had some great discussion and I appreciate the sharing of experiences.  This  past 8 weeks was very unusual with challenges of balancing work, school and personal. September was very busy with the start of the 2013-2014 school year and my oldest sons wedding. I need to say "Thank you" to my family and staff throughout this time they have been a great support system to me encouraging me to continue my dreams!

My awesome children!

 

 My son and his beautiful bride.

 

Team Work

• Stage 1: Forming- I joined this group called early childhood development some 23 years ago. I have met some of the most wonderful people with the common goal of what is best for children. I have worked on many projects and hope to continue to work on more.
• Stage 2: Storming- I have shared my ideas learned new ideas and to problem solve with and from others. I accepted my responsibilities in each different role. In hopes of being successful in this group.
• Stage 3: Norming- This is the time that working as a group has been a natural where we have learned to trust each other and work for the common goal. This is where we have seen progress in our efforts.
• Stage 4: Performing-Over my many years of working in this group I have had the opportunity to on many projects this shows by the team working as a well- oiled machine.
• Stage 5: Adjourning- I feel that retirement will be my adjourning time with this group. Over the years I have had the great fortune of celebrating many victories while continuing to work through many challenges.
• Working in my most recent group of early childhood professionals has been the with the wonderful group through Walden University. I have formed new relationships shared experiences and worked towards a common goal to teach in the field of early childhood. I feel at this point that there is not a "good-bye" it is a "until we meet again".
• .

Conflict

Since this school year began I have had an on going issue with a staff person. She has continued to compare me to her past supervisor. In face to face communication I expressed that I was not that supervisor and that supervisor chose to support and supervise in their own way. We have had this discussion many times over the past 3 months. Since taking this course I chose to take a different form of communication. I wrote an email stated the same concerns and expressed my feelings. I then offered her support in compromising part of our conflict. She replied back that she understood and that she was willing to work with me in my way of supervising.
From this
to this!