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!

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!

Who am I as a communicator?

I chose a staff member/friend and my daughter to evaluate me. Both had similar answers to mine. It was nice to see consistency. I was low in communication anxiety, moderate in verbal aggressiveness scale and people oriented in listening styles. 

Communication and Culture

There can be many barriers to effective communication age, gender, race, ability, or culture. Differences may cause anxiety or stress  in situations. It is important to be open and honest and gain an understanding through communication.  Generally I speak differently with different groups of people. I speak differently with staff, parents/families and children. Communication needs to be considerate of individuals and situations.
 My three strategies:
1.Keep the message simple, but deep in meaning.
2. Demonstrate respect for cultural diversity in all communication with children, their families, staff,  and others
3. use communication to develop and maintain effective relationships, make efforts where language barriers exist, to communicate in the most effective way possible.


References:
http://sielearning.tafensw.edu.au/MCS/9362/Sterilisation%20disk%203/lo/7373/7373_00.htm
http://blogs.hbr.org/2011/08/eight-ways-to-energize-your-te/

Thought for Today:

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Communication Skills and Styles

I watched a show called "Good Luck Charlie". In the opening scene it seemed to be a mother son relationship by facial expressions and body language. It appeared as though the mother was asking the son to do something and he dismissed her and then walked away.

The next scene seemed to be a brother sister relationship it was difficult to figure out what was happening.
The next scene was a young daughter- father, the father appeared to be a tad upset as he was talking to the little girl. She then climb up onto the couch and gave him a hug.

It was a mother and son discussing that he should be put his laundry away. His phone rang and he ignored and walked away.

They were a brother sister and the sister asked if she could use his apartment for a slumber party to get away from their Mom.

The Dad was upset his former employee left and started the same business. The young daughter comforted Dad with a hug.

I was shocked as to how much disrespect was shown toward the mother. I am concerned as to what youth is watching on the Disney Channel.

Competent communication

I attended a Creative Curriculum training this past week. The presenter was

Kendra Curtiss-Tomaski, MA

kcurtiss@midmich.edu

Ms. Curtiss-Tomaski has been an Early Childhood Education adjunct instructor at MMCC for nearly 20 years. She has held a variety of positions in this field and is a Conscious Discipline Trainer. She brings professional experience to her teaching role in the classroom. Ms. Curtiss-Tomaski is currently the Early Childhood Director at Clare-Gladwin RESD.

I did ask her if I could use her in this blog. She replied "Thank you" and "yes".

Kendra was warm and welcoming. Throughout the presentation Kendra was prepared, knowledgeable and shared her personal experiences. She walked the room and  made eye contact with group. She asked questions and listened to the responses of the group. She showed respect to the group and in return the group was respectful of her. They were attentive and participated in the training. Kendra showed great qualities in communication throughout her presentation.

I enjoyed the review of Creative curriculum and  was impressed at the skills that Kendra showed in being a competent communicator.  I will used this experience in the future in doing my own presentations with staff and families.

 

Professional Hopes and Goals

I have wanted to understand and meet the needs of the children and families that I serve. With new information I look forward to beginning this school year and sharing what I have learned. I believe that understanding our children and families is much bigger than what I have done in the past!
I have staff meetings prepared to introduce materials to gather information.

I want to "Thank" my classmates, group, family, and Dr. Schonleber  for all of their help and support over the past eight weeks.      

 I have been working on my new home! and have had a great summer with family.

 

 

 

                                  

 

Family Reunion 4 of my children

 

 My daughter's new puppies

 3 weeks old

Milford Criterion 2013 our home town. My son finished 3rd with family cheering at the finish line!       Very proud Mom!

I look forward to the next class. One more step to the finish line.

Masters Degree

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Syria

 

The five ways that I would prepare my self to be culturally responsive towards any family

1. To learn the family primary language.

             Arabic is the official language. . The Syrian dialect is similar to Jordanian and Egyptian and varies little from Modern Standard Arabic.

2. To learn the families ethnic relationship.

The majority of the country is Arabic and Sunni Muslim. This makes for strong cultural unity. The most important observation in the Islamic calendar is Ramadan.

3. I would want to know who cares for the children and what their goals are for their child.

    Children are considered a blessing and highly valued. A great deal of affections is shown toward children. There is a special bond between mother and son. (Especially with the oldest son).

4. I would want to learn about family eating habits and foods that the family eats.

 Wheat is a staple food. Dairy, fruits ( figs, dates, plums & watermelon)  and vegetables are eaten. Lamb and chicken is eaten and prepared specially “halal”. Some dishes include  hummous  , a puree of chickpeas and  tahini  (ground sesame paste);  baba ganouj,  an eggplant puree; meat rissoles; stuffed grape leaves;  tabouleh  (a salad of cracked wheat and vegetables);  falafel  (deep-fried balls of mashed chickpeas); and pita bread. Olives, lemon, parsley, onion, and garlic are used for flavoring. Food is an important part of holidays and celebrations.

 

5. I would ask the family for family pictures and information that they would like to share with our program.

: http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Syria.html#ixzz2cGJw16pp

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

I heard this song on the radio. I think this says so much!



"Same Love"
Macklemore

(with Ryan Lewis)
(feat. Mary Lambert)

When I was in the third grade I thought that I was gay,
'Cause I could draw, my uncle was, and I kept my room straight.
I told my mom, tears rushing down my face
She's like "Ben you've loved girls since before pre-k, trippin' "
Yeah, I guess she had a point, didn't she?
Bunch of stereotypes all in my head.
I remember doing the math like, "Yeah, I'm good at little league"
A preconceived idea of what it all meant
For those that liked the same sex
Had the characteristics
The right wing conservatives think it's a decision
And you can be cured with some treatment and religion
Man-made rewiring of a predisposition
Playing God, aw nah here we go
America the brave still fears what we don't know
And God loves all his children, is somehow forgotten
But we paraphrase a book written thirty-five-hundred years ago
I don't know

And I can't change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
And I can't change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
My love
My love
My love
She keeps me warm
She keeps me warm
She keeps me warm
She keeps me warm

If I was gay, I would think hip-hop hates me
Have you read the YouTube comments lately?
"Man, that's gay" gets dropped on the daily
We become so numb to what we're saying
A culture founded from oppression
Yet we don't have acceptance for 'em
Call each other faggots behind the keys of a message board
A word rooted in hate, yet our genre still ignores it
Gay is synonymous with the lesser
It's the same hate that's caused wars from religion
Gender to skin color, the complexion of your pigment
The same fight that led people to walk outs and sit ins
It's human rights for everybody, there is no difference!
Live on and be yourself
When I was at church they taught me something else
If you preach hate at the service those words aren't anointed
That holy water that you soak in has been poisoned
When everyone else is more comfortable remaining voiceless
Rather than fighting for humans that have had their rights stolen
I might not be the same, but that's not important
No freedom till we're equal, damn right I support it

(I don't know)

And I can't change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
My love
My love
My love
She keeps me warm
She keeps me warm
She keeps me warm
She keeps me warm

We press play, don't press pause
Progress, march on
With the veil over our eyes
We turn our back on the cause
Till the day that my uncles can be united by law
When kids are walking 'round the hallway plagued by pain in their heart
A world so hateful some would rather die than be who they are
And a certificate on paper isn't gonna solve it all
But it's a damn good place to start
No law is gonna change us
We have to change us
Whatever God you believe in
We come from the same one
Strip away the fear
Underneath it's all the same love
About time that we raised up

And I can't change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
And I can't change
Even if I try
Even if I wanted to
My love
My love
My love
She keeps me warm
She keeps me warm
She keeps me warm
She keeps me warm

Love is patient
Love is kind
Love is patient
Love is kind
(not crying on Sundays)
Love is patient
(not crying on Sundays)
Love is kind
(I'm not crying on Sundays)
Love is patient
(not crying on Sundays)
Love is kind
(I'm not crying on Sundays)
Love is patient
(not crying on Sundays)
Love is kind
(I'm not crying on Sundays)
Love is patient
Love is kind

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

     The definitions and the examples given by Dr. Sue are very enlightening. I am off work for the summer so unfortunately I have been watching daytime TV. The guest co host on an ABC talk show an American comedian of Korean ancestry. The one of the hosts of the show introduced her and said her name wrong. She bounded back with a comedic response of I am Italian. There was more banter back and forth. In thinking about this? Comedians cross the lines of microassault, microinsult and microinvalidation for laughs. On this morning show I would say the host was not intention in her comments. Though I feel that the comedian shares similar feelings with Dr. Sue. I am wondering if that is part of the reason she became a comedian.  To help cover some of the pain. She makes jokes and laughs at her family ancestry. She imitates her mother's Korean accent. In watching other television it seems as though in sitcoms this happens a lot. I was shocked as to how much.

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). "Microaggressions in Everyday Life. Retrieved from http://www.courseurl.com

 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

During this past week, I was in Virginia taking care of my daughter recovering from surgery. My granddaughter happened to be there. Throughout the week, I was working on home work. She asked what I was doing. Before I read this assignment, we had discussions about culture and diversity. She is nine years old. We discussed culture, diversity and acceptance. In thinking about her situation, many children of divorce add another chapter to culture and diversity. She has rules at her mom's house and her dad's. Each household celebrates different family traditions.  On top of that, both of her parents remarried adding an addition piece to their family culture. She is a military child she has moved once from Oklahoma to Virginia. I feel that the military has its own culture having to move and adapt to new places and people. Part of this military family she has very close friends that are Native American Indian and Mexican. In talking to her, she sees no differences they are like brothers to her.  I think how you are raised acceptance comes much more easily for children in this type of family.

 

I talked with my son, he is twenty-two and a staff person, she is a mid-fifties African American women. Both defined culture as ethnicity, holidays and traditions. Even with differences the general definition was the same. Both work in education, my son is going to school for secondary education. My staff person has worked in Head Start for many years.  I feel that with their education and trainings they shared similar thoughts with each other and with what my thoughts were until I started this course.

I look forward to teaching others about “deep” culture and help others to understand it is not the surface things we see.