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

1.     Center for American Progress

2. At least six years of relevant professional experience.
3. Graduate degree strongly preferred.
4. Strong knowledge of literature on family structure and stability, particularly as it relates to family economic security, economic inequality, social insurance and assistance programs, and labor market institutions.
5. Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including the ability to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research.
6. Entrepreneurial self-starter and creative thinker.
7. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
8. Exceptional project management experience with a very strong attention to detail and the ability to manage quick-turnaround deliverables as well as long-term strategy implementation, reporting, and metric tracking.
9. Comfort working under pressure and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
10. Ability to work well within a team and independently.
11. Fundraising experience a plus.
12. Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
13. Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

I do not have the relevant work experience requested although I believe the education background I possess along with the intellect will aid me in me obtaining the position

https://www.americanprogress.org/

2.     NCCP National Center for Children in Poverty

Financial Coordinator

Responsibilities

In compliance with Columbia University’s standards and practices, the Financial Coordinator will carry out the tasks listed below.

Perform Finance and Accounting Procedures

·         Invoices

·         Requisitions

·         Purchase orders

·         Change orders

·         Check requests

Pre-Award Support

·         Assist with proposal development, including budget preparation and support documentation

·         Enter proposals in the university’s Research Compliance and Administration System

·         Submit proposals to the office of Sponsored Projects Administration for review and approval

·         Submit final proposals to potential funders

Post-Award Support

·         Provide ongoing financial management and expenditure analysis of the grants

·         Track due dates for all progress reports and awarded research

·         Manage consultant agreements

·         Work closely with the university’s Sponsored Projects Administration office to establish subcontracts

·         Prepare interim and final financial reports for the granting agencies

Administrative Support

·         Serve as the center’s Effort Reporting Coordinator to the Office of Grants and Contracts

Qualifications

·         Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education, training, and experience plus two years of related experience, preferably in Accounting or Finance

·         Organized, self-motivated, reliable, conscientious, and able to solve problems and work independently

http://www.nccp.org/topics/childpoverty.html

3.     Children Defense Fund

There are currently no jobs avaible that interest me at this moment

http://www.childrensdefense.org/library/PovertyReport/EndingChildPovertyNow.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

1.)    Knowledge Universe

http://www.kueducation.com/us

Position: Site Director

Qualifications:

1. Approved trainer, or familiarity with adult education training 
2. Demonstrated ability to partner with leadership 
3. Demonstrated effective communication skills 
4. Participates in recommended training programs, conferences, courses or other professional growth opportunities 
5. High School Diploma or equivalent 
6. Must meet state’s education criteria 
7. CPR and 1^st Aid Certifications, or willing to obtain 
8. Speak, read, and write English fluently 
9. Basic technology skills (e.g. email) 

2.)   Hamilton County Ohio

http://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/hc/

Position: Children's Services Section Chief

Qualifications:

1.       Bachelor's Degree in Social Work , Human Services, or other  closely related fields  (i.e., those fields that involve the provision of direct services and the assumption of case responsibility, with training in social work, psychology, psychiatric nursing, psychiatry, mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, pastoral counseling, and/or marriage and family therapy, etc.), or a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Law, or other closely related field from an accredited college or university, plus a combination of seven (7) years of related direct service and administrative experience.

2.       A criminal records check conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and the FBI is required.

3.)   Cincinnati – Hamilton County Community Action Agency

 http://www.cincy-caa.org/

Position: Early Head Start Childcare Partnership Assessment and Development Coach

Qualification:

1.       A Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Family Services, Psychology, or related field.  Master’s degree preferred.

2.      Three (3) years of social work experience in ECE setting

3.      Experience and training in assisting parents of young children in advocating and decision making for their families. (HS Performance standard) 

4.      Ability to fluently speak English required; Spanish and/or French preferred.

5.      Demonstrated ability to analyze data, design improvement plans and monitor results.

6.      Ability to effectively communicate with community stakeholders and executives.

7.      Proficient computer experience in Microsoft Office. 

8.      Experience working with diverse populations, including low to moderate-income families. 

9.      Ability to multi-task and prioritize duties required. 

10.  Ability to meet the following physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation

      

Final Communications Blog

Over the past year and half my colleagues has been the greatest resource to me. They have provided me with excellent feedback in discussion and blogs, they have challenged me to think beyond the surface. They have been an aid in ensuring I fully understand the subject matter. At this point in my education career I know I have grown as a future early childhood professional. Since I do not currently work in the ECE field most of my experiences are from passing through a facility or past experiences. ECE is an evolving field my peers and Dr. Parrish was able to help me grasp an understanding of the current issues and inequities. I believe since majority of my peers are currently working in the ECE field they had a strong advantage. I have always believed communication is the key to any relationship this course have proven true to this theory. I also learned how ineffective I communicate which is a plus for me as a future professional in the ECE field. I know this course was important to my goals as I need to learn how to build trusting relationships, successful collaboration with effective communication. This knowledge will carry on with me through life.

 I want to thank all my colleagues thus far and future. I also would like to thank Dr. Parrish for always providing a thorough feedback, positive encouragement and understanding life happens. I hope to stay in touch with all of my peers and I wish you all the best success. Thanks for a wonderful eight weeks! Happy Holidays. 

Team Work Week 6

The Development Network is a chapter established within my employer. The Development Network is to encourage networking and developing career goals within the company. I joined the Development Network to learn how to network to advance my personal career. When I joined I learned most of the networking takes places during the events we host. We host varies charity event encouraging volunteering within the community. The greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky chapter won the chapter of the year award. We hosted our own reward event. During this events I was able to meet many new people throughout the company, I even met the CEO.  My peers were so helpful and nice I felt honored to work with them. During the speeches each speaker received a standing ovations. This group of people I worked with some I knew from previous events others it was my first time meeting them. It was amazing because we connected, it felt as though I had known my peers for years. During departure we exchanged contact information and agreed to stay in touch. One person worked in the same department as me, we had great conversation at this event. I knew we would see each other more often now which was awkward for me because I did not know how well our future interactions would go. As I reflect on this event with my peers compared to other groups of coworkers I have performed team task with the Development Network is by far the best group. As excited I am to work with them again I dread the thought of working with teams not as successful as this one. I believe the way a group ends determines the success when they reunite in the future for team work.

Week 5

My direct manager Barb allows me to change my schedule twice a year to accommodate my children schedule. I change my schedule once in the summer then once at the start of the school year. This past week my manager ask me was I working 8:30pm to 5:30pm? I was thinking this is my set schedule I responded. “Are you trying to be funny?” Barb responded. “Excuse me?” She was taken back by my response. I was shocked at how she reacted. She always play with her direct reports with sarcasm. Barb is the very direct but comforting manger. She walked away from me very fast. I sat at my desk plugged my head phones in then began working. Barb was upset with me I knew this because she diverted her attention each time I came around after this incident. Later in the afternoon Barb said. “Deondrea you need to complete these deals before 4pm.” I knew Barb was still upset with me because she does not talk to none of her employees in a demanding manner. I feel in this situation instead of Barb avoiding me after the confrontation she could have expressed her discomfort with me. Instead of me assuming Barb was upset with me I could have expressed my concern with Barb.  What other ways do you feel I could have resolved the conflict with Barb?    

Week 4

After completing the communication assessment I found that the way I communicate differs dramatically from how my friends opinion on my communication. I was previously aware that my male friend felt my communication skills was not perfect with him. I expected our results to be different, I was actually surprised his communication assessment for myself was higher than I evaluated. To know that he thinks highly of the way I communicate is a boost for my confidence. According to my female cousin she evaluated my verbal aggression at a moderate level while I scored myself at a low level. When I communicate with other on a personal level I am either critical or pacifying which is in line with the level I scored myself. Communication is perception this evaluation has taught me although I may believe my communication skills are excellent or poor others opinion differ based on what they have observed.

Communicate Differently?

On Friday I lead our monthly Adopt A Class meeting. There is a total of twenty two volunteers all which I have yet to meet everyone. The volunteers was due to meet in the main lobby at 11:40 am. Kenny is a volunteer I have not previously meet before. When Kenny arrived in the hallway I assumed he was someone else because of his ethnicity. Kenny is Chinese I had assumed his name would be of the Chinese origin. After I gathered my thoughts realizing I was being prejudice against Kenny mentally I proceed to be the leader expected.  While Kenny, Michelle Adrienna and myself were in the car talking Kenny began speaking I turned to face him so I can clearly hear him talk. When it was my turn to talk I faced him while speaking slowly and annunciate each word clearly to ensure Kenny understood me. When I spoke to Adrienna I turned away from her began talking normal.

From my experience when working with individuals of a different cultural groups I communicate differently. I use facial expressions and gestures to effectively communicate. This tactics are effective for me because there is a language barrio that exist. When I use hand gestures and different facial expressions this helps the individual I am communicating understand me. It also helps me understand them because they tend to use hand gestures or use objects as a references. I have adapted this method of communication a few years ago when I began working in customer service.

Week 2

I watched the television show “How to get away with murder” I can tell the lady is the teacher or professor because she is at the head of the classroom pointing at students or calling their names. I am assuming based on how she makes eye contact with individuals. From the facial expression it looks as if the professor is intimidating her students. She has a frown as she speaks while I all the students. The student’s facial expression show fear or discomfort. After watching the show for about 10 minutes on mute I turned the volume on.  The women was a college profess teaching law. She was very directed and aggressive. When she ask the class a question they were trick questions. If the student answered the question correctly the professor had a follow up question leaving the student feeling uneasy. The professor also has a few interns which are her students as well. In the classroom she asked a question the male student answered correctly but she gave him two hours to prove his theory.   Body language and facial expressions in this television show gives an detailed interpretation of how the charterers communicate. If this was a different television show with a family I may have not been able to interrupt their communication in such short period of time. Facial expressions and body language speaks on how well you communicate as well as how well the information is received.

Week 1

As I reflect on my mother communication skills I would agree she effectively communicates. She delivers detailed information, she always makes eye contact with person/people she is talking too. My mother always reiterates what she previously said, she also ask does everyone understand. As a child my siblings and myself use to joke that my mother was secretly a teacher because the way she talked to us. Whenever I am with my mother I always ask her to give directions or explain things to others on my behalf to ensure others comprehend. I want to model her attention to detail as she communicates. She watches the audience’s facial expressions, this tells her who is listening, who is confused and who understands. My mother also keeps a smile as she talks. I was expressing to my mother the frustration I have when I communicate with my nine year old daughter, she responded it takes great patience’s to communicate effectively. She also stated it took her years to learn how to effectively communicate by her job being overseeing a dozen employees these skills are mandatory. I personally believe communication is the key to a successful relationship.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

My country of origin is North America, it has been said my ancestor are from Africa. My great grandmother was born and raised Louisiana and my grandmother was born in Ohio. They brought a southern culture to the Midwest. By working in the child care center engaging children of different ethnicities it is always a challenge at first until you learn their culture. Thailand is a country I am unfamiliar with its culture. To prepare myself for the three children beginning the program from Thailand I will first remind myself to have an open mind. I have to be receptive of any differences I am not already accustomed too. Secondly I was conduct research myself attempt to learn what is considered the “norm” for the people of Thailand. I would need to be aware of the native language, religion, specific practices or rituals. Prior to the children starting the program I would meet with the parent attempt to learn their family structure, some of their personal social identities. Lastly after the children start the program I will gain continue to remind myself to be open minded, avoid stereotypes and ensure that is a language barriers exist have multilingual communications. The children of Thailand will be migrating to another country with a different culture. The American culture will dominate over their culture, this may cause some difficulty with the family. My focus will be to acknowledge their culture to make a comfortable transition and to foster healthy learning environment.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression.

The incident that recently happened in Ferguson, Missouri stirred up much controversy in the world. I was on Facebook about a week after the incident occurred one of my Facebook friend posted his opinion of the incident asking for input. I was used to continuously hearing about the Ferguson shooting, many people expressing their disgrace in regard to this incident. This particular status caught my attention because he stated “we blacks protest it is called rioting but when the whites protest it is called positive protesting” I am on the fence with the black and white racism, I believe it is embroidered. The reason that statues caught my attention is due to a broadcast on CNN reiterating the same theory. I felt that my personal feeling towards the matter were hurtful to my peers. Then it seems as though this type of incident is reoccurring in the United States with zero regard to any change for the future. My emotions were constantly up and down. Recently another shooting occurred in Missouri same scenario I became the bitter citizen feeling black and white racism is still in effect with no validity to an African American life. Black is a color, white is a color. Caucasian is an ethnicity African American is an ethnicity 

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

Tuesday I was in Wal-Mart with my 1 year old son and my 9 year old daughter. As we passed the bikes my son start to fuss because he wanted to ride the bike through the store. I picked him up and proceed to go in the other direction he screamed for about 2 minutes then was quiet. When we reached the household items there was a Asian couple asking a Caucasian worker for help locating a specific item. The Asian couple proceeded to leave the Caucasian worker mumbled “we need to hire they people to help them”. This is an example of microinvalidation and microinsult. I understand the frustration on both parties’ behalf the worker unable to fully understand the customer’s request. And the customer inability to receive the help requested. The worker left the customer powerless with his comments also exhibiting his frustration communicating with the customer. This type of microaggression occurs every day. Although the Asian couple did not hear the worker comments I did. I felt the worker was very unprofessional to make such a rude comment. The worker did not consider the everyday struggle the Asian couple encounters trying to adapt to the American culture and speak English. I actually reported the worker for his comment as if I was the Asian couple I would appreciate someone defending my diversity and understanding the challenge language barriers produce.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Person 1:  I believe diversity is different... We all are not the same but we can get along and come to a common ground

Culture would be background... The way you were raised and or taught to do things.. Whether it's race, community, or dependence. It also brings about how you handle situations, eating, raising families etc...

Person 2:  Culture is a mindset/state of being. Diversity is political driven propaganda, to manipulate a culture..

Person 3: Culture is a group of people who share similar qualities such as religion, language, social habits. Diversity in culture is basically understanding while people may come from the same social demographic the differences in age, race, economic status, educational level, life experiences make each individual unique. How boring would life be if we all had the same thoughts and did the same thing as everyone else day in and day out!

As I reflected on the answers I received from others I realized each person interprets culture and diversity differently. In week 1 culture was defined as the way one perceives the world. Person two acknowledge in terms of deep culture beyond the surface covering ethnicity language relations food and much more. Person one defined diversity in political terms we have not addresses thus far. After receiving many different responses on how to define culture and diversity. I choose two answers specifically, one I felt parallel my own personal definition and the other answer that varied the furthest from my personal definition. The responses validated the difference in each person perception of culture and diversity.

My Family Culture

In  the event I have no choice but to choose only three items dear to my heart representing my families culture I would choose my photo album because it has pictures of all my family members over the years at our celebrations. I would take a small bronze elephant statue because it represents the backbone of our family and lastly I would take a medium sized cast iron skillet. My family is a cooking family every time we have a gathering food is the center. The cast iron skillet is the one cooking dish I need to cook multiple dishes. If I have to limit my three items down to one I would choose the photo album, I can replace an cast iron skillet and a bronze elephant but the photos are memorizes I will cherish for eternity. Photos are irreplaceable, the hold the most value a represent my family culture.

When I Think of Research...

Over the past 8 weeks I learned the in depth process professionals endure to complete research studies in the early childhood education field.  I would consider myself an investigator versus a researcher. I am now knowledgeable of how to actually read and comprehend research studies. I still struggle with distinguishing the difference between independent and dependent variables. I refer back to the definition of dependent variables “a variable can be thought of as something that is subject to variation. In research, that which changes as a result of some influence (Lepuschitz, J.K. 2011)”.  I can clearly identify the extraneous variables in any research simulation, as they will influence the results of the study by affecting the main focus. I believe after taking this course I believe I will be able to develop a research design.

 

References:

 Lepuschitz, J.K. (2011). Introduction to variables. Laureate Education Inc., Baltimore, MD.

Research Around the World

The most current research published by the Early Childhood Australia a voice for young children referenced building partnerships with professionals. The importance of building relationships with professionals beyond the education sector, these partnerships will not only benefit the child but the family as well. It has been identified children lack accessibility to head start and/or pre-school programs do to the parents are unaware of the resources available to them. If partnerships existed between the education sectors, the health sector and community sector this awareness or lack thereof can begin to decline. The community for starters will be able to make parents aware of programs that may be beneficial to their family, as well as inform the parents of resources available whether financial or educational. The lack of accessibility is a trending issue in the early childhood education field currently.

The insight I gained from this web resource is other countries understand the importance of building partnerships. The early childhood education field is the same globally

 

References:

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Research that Benefits Children and Families

I was recently contacted by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, I frequently visit this hospital often concerning my daughter’s eczema and allergies. The Life Research Department notified me due to my recent visit to the emergency room I was entered into a pool of candidates eligible for a research study.  The study was to determine if children with multiple siblings suffer from stress or anxiety which affect their learning ability? I was immediately interested in the study due to my daughter having issues with reading comprehension. I asked a few additional questions regarding the study I was ecstatic to learn the study consisted of a questionnaire assessment, the parent’s participated in the study as well and it was a one day study. I agreed me and my daughter would be participants, I scheduled a date and time for us to complete the study two weeks later.

The study for me was very simple and straight forward. I love the study was a one day trail I dislike the time frame of two hours. The questions I answered differ from the questions my daughter answered which I felt was a plus. The question the researchers asked her were age appropriate and easy for a child to comprehend. I absolutely feel the purpose of this study has a positive benefit to children and their families due to the long term benefits of cognitive development.  My daughter loved the research study she wants to participate in another study. I believe she enjoyed the experience because it was exciting and new to her.  

Personal Research Journey

The topic I choose to focus on is equity and excellence, so far this process has been enlightening as I take baby steps to learn how to interrupt research. I am excited as I feel by the end of the course I will be fully capable of defining equity and excellence as it relates to early childhood development. At this point I have little understanding of how equity and excellence effects the early childhood development and the programs that foster healthy development. Equity and excellence has a broad perspective I have narrowed my focus to school readiness and achievement gaps. These two subtopics seem to be one of the greatest challenges professional and policy makers face. There are many factors that affect the success of children in the early childhood education programs I want to narrow down to the main issues. I feel in order to conquer the issues and trends within the early childhood field we have to be aware of the issues and understand the issue solve the issue to end the trend.

: Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) hosts many different conferences and conventions one being The Convention on the Rights of the Child accepted in 193 countries as the rights of children as individuals. November 20^th is a universal holiday Children’s Day. The UNESCO holds a convention this day with ambassadors from all over the world this day as has a specials honorary guest as well. The Rights of Child gives policy makers and activist the ability to speak on children behalf regarding education. To enforce policy changes and enforce the need for equity and high quality education for all children. Today still there are about 761 million children lacking literacy skills and the Rights of the Child fight to reduce these numbers. The further I search through the website I am learning of new resources for my learning in the ECE field. I subscribed to the UNESCO newsletter to stay afloat with their stories and changes throughout the Nations.

 “As children represent the future, their best interest is our best interest” says Qian Tang. 

References:

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/single-view/news/childrens_rights_are_human_rights/

Sharing Web Resources

The UNICEF website holds a host if information regarding early childhood as a whole. I learned today from randomly clicking on links there is a host of research and data comprised in this site. I ran across an article focusing on freeing child soldiers in Central Africa. I would not expect this to be on the website but it involves children. I believe you can find almost any topic regarding on this website. They have links allowing you to connect with Facebook, Twitter, Bloggers, other educators, volunteers and many others. I did subscribe to the UNICEF E newsletter to later discover there are multiple E newsletters you can subscribe I was only subscribed to the United States E newsletter, today I subscribed to the Africa E newsletter as well. Each newsletter contain information that adds to my understanding of equity and excellence. Each time I visit the site I gain more knowledge on varies topics. I tend to go with what catches my attention unless I am searching for a specific piece of information. The UNICEF website holds a host of information from the current hot topic in the early childhood education field to the latest research study conduct from Australia. I cannot say each time the information on the site is new for that particular week, although the information is new to me. The topic I am researching may have been posted on the E Newsletter I may just now be discovering the article because I am studying the topic. The following website http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/ has been beneficial in my studies this semester and I hope to continue to gain as much knowledge possible from this source.