Time Well Spent

Wow! I can't believe that I am at the end of this journey. So much in life has changed since I started this program almost two years ago! Crazy to think of all the events that have happened in my life in the last two years, and somehow I managed to stick with this program and complete it. I have moved twice, gained a niece, got engaged and married, took on a new teaching position, and took up coaching basketball. Even when life got super chaotic and I so wanted to take a break or give up on this program, I kept trucking through. When people thought I was completely crazy for taking on so much, especially this past fall/winter with teaching, coaching, planning a wedding, and trying to complete my masters, I still found urge to get through this!

Throughout this program I have learned so much about the early childhood field that I have never known before. I have been teaching high school students for the past 6 years, so this was completely different from me. I learned the importance of early childhood education has in a child and how it influences their future in so many ways. I learned that we need to be advocating and supporting early childhood education because it is such a vital part of a child's development. Finally I learned that if we want change to happen in our society, we need to start teaching our children, and we need to start making changes because children learn by modeling (Berger, 2012). If we are modeling good behaviors then that's what the children will learn (Berger, 2012).

My long-term goal for myself is to become a supporter and an advocate for early childhood education.  I want people to realize that early childhood education plays such an important role in our children's future, and the way standards are ever changing in our country, the need for early childhood education is even more important. Early childhood education teaches our children so much and prepares them for the future in so many ways. Although I plan on teaching Family and Consumer Sciences, I know the knowledge I learned from this program will be a great tool in my child development class, and in my personal life as my husband and I look to start a family.

In farewell, I want to give you all a BIG HUGE THANK YOU! I never expected to learn so much from other people. At first when I thought I was going to have to rely on other people for this program, I was really unsure if I was going to like it. Man was I proven wrong! I feel like even though we never met in person, I feel like I got to know some of you on a personal level, and got to see glimpse of your lives and learn from that, so thank you for that! To my wonderful professors throughout this journey, thank you for all the support and feedback throughout, for pushing me along and to bring out the best of the work, It wasn't always easy with such a busy schedule, but I knowing you wanted us to succeed was my motivation to get through it. I wouldn't have made it through this program and this crazy thing called life without all of you, so THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! I wish you all the best, and hope you accomplish all your dreams!


Reference:
Berger, K.S. (2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers

Jobs/Robles in the Internationally ECE Community

One organization I found that appeals to me is the Association for Childhood Education International. This organization is appealing to me because it has been around since the 1890s and it advocates for access to education, equity in educational settings, quality education content, and the child's right to education (ACEI, 2015).

Another organization I found appealing is International Step by Step Association. This community I found appealing because it is a group of people working internationally to empower each child to reach her or his unique potential and embrace values of social justice and equity (ISSA, n.d.). I think it is neat that there is a organization that supports all children and wants them all to reach their potential.

The final organization I found interesting was the United Nation's Child Fund (UNICEF). I have done some researching on UNICEF for previous classes, and I always found the organization interesting. It helps children throughout world going through crisis, and helping to make sure the children are getting their needs meet to insure their reach their full developmental potential (UNICEF, n.d.).

As far as jobs, I think working for UNICEF would be a great experience and an eye-opening experience. Looking at some of the job openings they have and where those openings are located, would be a neat experience. In order to take one of those positions, I think I would future need to develop my skills and knowledge related to the early childhood field, work on my communication skills, and end any personal biases I may have towards the group of people I could potentially be working with.

References: 
ACEI. (2015). About ACEI. Association for Childhood Education International. Retrieved from https://acei.org/about-acei

ISSA. (n.d.). Mission. International Step by Step Association. Retrieved from http://www.issa.nl/content/mission

UNCEF. (n.d.). Who we are. United Nation's Child Fund. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/about/

tagline is "Bright futures for every child, every nation," which highlights ACEI's commitment to support and advocate for access to education, equity in educational settings, quality educational content, and the child's right to education. These key areas of focus have evolved from the Association's vibrant and active past. As ACEI's mission to promote child well-being continues to strengthen and evolve with the changing world environment, the organization commits to bridging the gap between global initiatives and local needs. In this era of rapid change and increased connectivity, - See more at: https://acei.org/about-acei#sthash.i7NozimT.dpuf

As ACEI's mission to promote child well-being continues to strengthen and evolve with the changing world environment, the organization commits to bridging the gap between global initiatives and local needs. In this era of rapid change and increased connectivity, ACEI recognizes the significance of promoting international and intercultural understanding through dialogue and mutual respect. Over the years, ACEI members have acted as social change agents, involving themselves in various critical societal issues in their efforts to ensure that children around the world are protected, supported, and educated in ways that allow them to reach their full potential. - See more at: https://acei.org/about-acei#sthash.i7NozimT.dpuf

As ACEI's mission to promote child well-being continues to strengthen and evolve with the changing world environment, the organization commits to bridging the gap between global initiatives and local needs. In this era of rapid change and increased connectivity, ACEI recognizes the significance of promoting international and intercultural understanding through dialogue and mutual respect. Over the years, ACEI members have acted as social change agents, involving themselves in various critical societal issues in their efforts to ensure that children around the world are protected, supported, and educated in ways that allow them to reach their full potential. - See more at: https://acei.org/about-acei#sthash.i7NozimT.dpuf

As ACEI's mission to promote child well-being continues to strengthen and evolve with the changing world environment, the organization commits to bridging the gap between global initiatives and local needs. In this era of rapid change and increased connectivity, ACEI recognizes the significance of promoting international and intercultural understanding through dialogue and mutual respect. Over the years, ACEI members have acted as social change agents, involving themselves in various critical societal issues in their efforts to ensure that children around the world are protected, supported, and educated in ways that allow them to reach their full potential. - See more at: https://acei.org/about-acei#sthash.i7NozimT.dpuf

As ACEI's mission to promote child well-being continues to strengthen and evolve with the changing world environment, the organization commits to bridging the gap between global initiatives and local needs. In this era of rapid change and increased connectivity, ACEI recognizes the significance of promoting international and intercultural understanding through dialogue and mutual respect. Over the years, ACEI members have acted as social change agents, involving themselves in various critical societal issues in their efforts to ensure that children around the world are protected, supported, and educated in ways that allow them to reach their full potential. - See more at: https://acei.org/about-acei#sthash.i7NozimT.dpuf

National and Federal Level Community of Practice

The first national organization I found that appeals to me is the Human Rights Campaign. Since I am focusing on teaching children about how to accept people who are LGBT, this organization could provide some valuable information. This organization represents the LGBT organization and to ensure that their rights are being met (Human Rights Campaign, 2016). It gives a lot of information about some of the basic rights LGBT people are denied, the struggles they go through, and success story. I feel this organization could offer a great insight on some of the struggles LGBT people go through to help show why my project is needed.

Another federal organization that I found interesting is the National LGBTQ Task Force. Just like the Human Rights Campaign, it is another organization that helps fight for the rights if the LGBT population. It the oldest advocacy group for the LGBT (National LGBTQ Task Force, 2016). This organization can also help people in my community of practice see the struggles the LGBT have been going through for decades, and the importance of needing to teach our children about accepting others.

The final organization that I am interested in is the National Association of Education for Young Children. The NAEYC is an organization that ensures that our young children are receiving high-quality education (NAEYC, 2016). This organization interests me because it wants to make sure our children are receiving the best possible education and being prepared for the future (NAEYC, 2016).

I am still not looking for a new job, as I am currently still enjoying what I am doing, but if had to choose a job, I think working for the NAEYC would be a great group to work for. I think ti would be neat to adovcate for young children and feel successful when victories happen regarding early childhood education. In order to be prepared for a job at NAEYC, I will definitely need to start teaching early childhood education first, and interact with young children more. I would also need to work on my communication and research skills in order to prepare for a job with this organization.

References:
Human Rights Campaign. (2016). HRC Story. Retreived from http://www.hrc.org/hrc-story

NAEYC. (2016). About NAEYC. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/content/about-naeyc

National LGBTQ Task Force. (2016). Mission and History. Retrieved from http://www.thetaskforce.org/about/mission-history.html

Communities of Practice

One organization I could join to help me with my project is the Ohio Association for the Education for Young Children. This would be a great organization because it is an organization that is composed of center directors, administrators, teachers, social workers, and family care providers, which could offer many insights into my project of developing an anti-bias curriculum (Ohio AEYC, 2016). I could bounce ideas off of those who are specialized in the field, and take many different opinions into consideration when developing my curriculum.

Another group I could join is the Shelby Country Board of Developmental Disabilities. This organization is in my home county in Ohio, and it services the teachers to many area preschool centers (SCBDD, 2016). I feel this would be another great group to gt involved in because it will allow me to interact with teachers in the area, and see what they are in the need for. It will also allow me to geta baetter idea of what type of personal biases they are seeing in the classroom, and what i should focus my project on.

The final group that I could get involved in is Ohio Association of Child Care Providers. This is another state organization that is composed of directors and business owners of child care centers (OACCP, 2016). I feel that by getting involved in this association, I can interact with business leaders and directors, and propose my project idea to them. They could offer any available insights they may think I need when planning my anti-bias curriculum. 

One job opportunity I found that I am interested in would be a Lead Teacher position at a preschool center in the area. I feel this position would allow me to work on my anti-bias curriculum, as well as developing the teaching skills with preschoolers. In order to get this position I feel I would need to get some more experience in the early childhood field as far as teaching goes, and maybe start out as as an assistant to get to that lead teaching position. 


References:
OACCP. (2016). What is OACCP?. Retrieved from http://www.oaccp.org/?page=WhatisOACCP

Ohio AEYC. (2016). About Ohio AEYC. Retrieved from http://www.oaeyc.org/#!copy-of-about-us/c5ah

SCBDD. (2016). Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities: Vision, Mission, and Core Values. Retrieved from http://www.shelbydd.org/about-us/vision

Reflecting on Learning

Throughout this course I earned so much and have gained a deeper meaning on anti-bias education. I learned that we may not have all the answers or may be the best at promoting anti-bias education, but we can start doing it now (Laureate Education, 20111). By starting anti-bias education now in the classroom, we can learn along with the children and learn what strategies work and didn't work (Laureate Education, 2011). If we we don't start teaching anti-bias education now, and keep putting it off until we think we eliminated all our personal biases, then we will probably never start, because we probably won't ever know enough (Laureate Education, 2011). I hope that I can share the knowledge I learned in this class with children and family that I may work with, and leave a great impact on them, and teach them that we can eliminate personal biases and stereotypes against each other. I hope that families and children become more accepting of the fact that we live in a diverse society, and that we treat everyone fairly.

I would like to give my colleagues a huge THANK YOU! My life has been very chaotic these past eight weeks with teaching, coaching, planning my wedding that is happening in just eight weeks, and taking this class. You all made this class very enjoyable, and I love hearing what you had to say. Your support kept me going over the last eight weeks! So, thank you for all your support, and I wish you nothing but the best as you finish out this journey/program!

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Your commitment to anti-bias work. Baltimore, MD: Author 

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

I chose to look at the Latin American and Caribbean  region. I chose this region because I have had several friends and family members visit this region. My brother even working a medical mission trip for a week in Honduras, and he has told me many stories of the lack of resources people from this region have. While he was in Honduras, they ran a medical clinic (he's currently in medical school) and he often commented on the amount of children they treated. He also told me about how he interacted with the children who were waiting on their parents who were receiving treatment. I know the trip left a lasting impression on him, and he said he would do it all over again if he could go again because these people really need our help.

Looking at some of the challenges that children in this regions of the world are confronting are malnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies,thus impacting their growth and development (UNICEF, 2015). They are faced with challenges of AIDS and HIV, natural disasters like hurricanes, low access to education, and living in poverty (UNICEF, 2015).

I feel these experiences might have a great affect on children's emotional well being and development for many reasons. First is that they may have to deal with parents beings sick, and maybe even caring for their sick parents. This can take a toll on the child because they may be force to grow up quicker than they want too, but also fear the risk of losing a parent. Losing a parents can be very emotional for anyone, but I feel it would be especially hard for a child, because they still rely on the parent for emotional support and care. Another way it could affect children's emotional well being and development is that by the lack of nutrition, the children are getting the right nutrients they need to develop properly. Thus, it could result in certain disabilities or parts not developed properly. This could led children to being teased by others, and lower their self-esteem.

It just breaks my heart knowing that there are countries that lack so many resources, when we have so many here in the United States. The early childhood stage is such a vital stage in making sure our children develop properly and successful, and when you lack the resources for that, it can really affect the child's life. By doing this assignment I have learned that as an early childhood professional, I need to make sure all children have the resources they need to develop successful. If I notice a family or children lack things they need, I can help that child and family in order to make sure the child gets all the needed resources to develop successful and fully.

Reference:
UNICEF. (2015). UNICEF: Latin American and Caribbean. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/lac/

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Looking at the topic of sexualization in early childhood, it scares me the amount of information that our children know. They are getting this information from the media, TV shows, movies video games, books, toy, and etc. Children have always been curious about sex and sexuality from an early age, and we need to remember to give them honest and age-appropriate information (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).  As kids begin to learn information younger and younger, I feel it is going to cause them to grow up quicker, This is why I feel it is even more important that as early childhood professionals we are setting the right example and tone with the children. It is going to be our job to remind the children to be kids and not try to grow up so quickly.

Looking at some examples from my personal and professional experiences when working with young children that illustrate the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment is that one time I had a young girl tell me the kids at school call her fat. She was no where near being fat, but compared to the other girls she was more "huskier" then the other girls. Another example I have seen is parents donating magazine to the center for the kids to use in the art center. The donations of magazines is great, but the magazines may not be age appropriate, thus exposing kids to things they shouldn't be. My final example from experiences that illustrate young children being exposed to highly sexualized environment is how the parents dress. Some parents dress is such seductive clothing, that if the children are exposed to that, they may feel they have to dress that way too, and expect others too.

Some of these examples may have negative implications on children. For example, the girl that was called fat could feel that she needs to lose weight already as a young children. That is the least of the things a young child needs to be worrying about. If this happened in my early childhood classroom I would explain to the girl that she is beautiful and everyone is made differently. I would also explain to her that she shouldn't have to change anything about her. Same goes with the dress. I would need to explain to students that we need to dress modestly when coming to class, and that our clothes should be a reflection of how we want people to treat us.

I actually talked to my friend about this concept because she currently teaches in an preschool center, and she mentioned how children are exposed to the idea of sexualization all the time. From the commercials they see on TV, to watching what their parents do, say or wear, to the games they play on their tablets now days, children are being exposed to these concepts far more than we can ever imagine. My friend often talks about how she is probably going to be a terrible mother because she is going to be strict on her children to limit the exposure. I feel that being exposed to sexualization is going to cause our children to grow up a lot quicker, and thus taking away from their childhood. Childhood is change for children to be care-free and enjoy life, not worrying about the way the dress or how the look.

Reference:
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 from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf