FINAL BLOG-CAPSTONE 6990

I have learned so much from this journey from my colleagues and professors. This journey has really been surreal. I never thought I would have challenged myself this far. I was determined not to give up and continue with this journey. I never took a break within this last two years. I was determined to keep going. I have learned that if you’re truly want something that you are passionate about you can obtain if you think positive and cut out all negativity. I have learned that early childhood education will be filled with lifelong learning if you are truly passionate. This is a field that is ever-changing and you will need to be flexible, patient, compassionate, open and understanding.

I have also learned from my colleagues to be encouraging in this field you will need support as well as be a support. I know that having a community of practice (CoP) will be a needed asset. My long term goal is to become a board member on the Board of Education. I want to position myself so that I am continuing to be an advocate and being on the board of education in my local county is one of my long term goals. I want to ensure that I am continuing to be a voice for early childhood learning and making my voice heard. 

I would like to thank all of my colleagues and professors for their guidance, contributions, insights, inspiration, and motivation. I wish everyone much success in all their endeavors. I am on the fence about continuing to receive my Doctorate, maybe I will decide by the end of the year. I started this journey in 2013 and went non-stop, I was determined and knew if I stopped I would possibly get complacent. I was determined to finish, this was one of the hardest challenges I have experienced, but well WORTH IT!!!!  I hope to maybe meet some of my colleagues and professors if you decide to attend graduation in July. I wish everyone much SUCCESS!!!!

My email:Jennifer_Holley73@yahoo.com

 

FAVORITE QUOTES:

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.

Maya Angelou

 Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.
 Og Mandino

My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors. 

Maya Angelou

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The organization Academy for Educational Development is a nonprofit human development organization who is dedicated to improving lives in ways that are permanent by advancing integrated locally driven solutions (FHI360, n.d.). This organization provides services to more than 70 countries and all U.S. territories (FHI360, n.d.).  This organization caught my attention due to how the staff consists of experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology creating a diverse mix of capabilities to face today’s interrelated development challenges (FHI, 360, n.d.). I think having a diverse group such as this allows for a great group of people for a Community of Practice.

There is a position available Program Officer III (US Education Policy), National Institute for Work and Learning that caught my attention. In order to perform this job skills and experience needed included understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods, collecting, analyzing, and writing about qualitative and quantitive data, as well as prior knowledge and experience in education policy, teacher education and professional learning, career and technical education, and/or workforce development.

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm

The ICF organization is an organization I stumbled across while I have been searching for employment on INDEED.com. This organization provides professional services and technology solutions that deliver great impacts in areas critical to the world’s future (ICF, n.d.).They have 13 markets in which they offer advisory and implementation services to aid clients in strategy and policy analysis, program management, project evaluation and other services (ICF, n.d.). Those markets include Associations, Nonprofits, Aviation, Climate, Community Development, Defense, Education, Energy, Environment, Families and Communities, Health, Homeland Security, International Development, and Transportation.

ICF International works with policymakers and providers in early childhood,
K–12, postsecondary and adult education to create, implement programs and policies for positive student and teacher outcomes (ICF, n.d.). The ICF’s expertise cover topics that are in the forefront today early childhood education, programming for at-risk youth, dropout prevention, access to postsecondary education, school-to-work training, literacy, and rural education. ICF understands that an educated population contributes to a robust national economy, healthier communities, and the well-being of individuals (ICF, n.d.).

ICF currently has a position available of Early Childhood Education (ECE) Manager, to perform this job skills needed include familiarity with the Improving School Readiness for Head Start Act of 2007, excellent verbal and written communication skills, analytical, problem-solving and decision making capabilities.

http://www.icfi.com

 

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in over 120 countries, including the United States (Save the Children, n.d.). The Save the Children organization is an organization that gives children in the United States and around the world what every child should be provided a healthy start, opportunity to learn and care when disaster strikes (Save the Children, n.d.). I chose this organization due to their overall ability of ensuring the well-being of the child.  The Save the Children organization provides quality education and preschool programs, books, supplies, educational toys and many other necessities (Save the Children, n.d.). This organization provides emergency response to children in times of natural disaster, famine, and war or disease outbreak.

They also provide vigorous health and nutrition programs that save children's lives and ensure they grow up healthy. There is currently a position available Director, Federal Early Childhood Policy this role will manage the overall federal ECE issue portfolio identifying opportunities to advance ECE legislative initiatives. This position requires skills of strong familiarity with the legislative process, including both authorizations and appropriations processes and a demonstrated track record of legislative successes. I would also need to have established networks and contacts within senior Washington governmental and nongovernmental ECE policy circles.  

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

 

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

This week we explore national organizations and federal agencies that appeal to you and why you chose them. Also job opportunities that are of interest and skills and experience needed to competently fulfill the roles.  

The Administration for Children and Family Services Department of Health and Human Services is an organization that empowers families and individuals to increase their economic independence and productivity, encourages strong, healthy, supportive communities that have a positive impact on quality of life and the development of children. This organization was of interest due to they are an organization who is about helping the whole family looking out for their best interest as a whole.

Their Vision children, youth, families, individuals and communities who are resilient, safe, healthy, and economically secure

Mission is to foster health and well-being by providing federal leadership, partnership and resources for the compassionate and effective delivery of human services

There is a position available Program Specialist in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Head Start (OHS) –this position was of interest to me due to it is in the Office of the Head Start and I really want to eventually be in the Head Start program. I think this is where I would be able to learn and grow in early childhood development. Skills needed in this field you would need to be able to provide advice and technical assistance to ACF discretionary Head Start grantee agencies, be able to lead and participate in grant reviews, advice and assistance to grantee in program planning, monitor grant u will provide advice and technical assistance to ACF discretionary Head Start grantee agencies that includes programmatic and fiscal oversight responsibilities for discretionary grant programs administered by grantee agencies.

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values

 

The National Education Association is an organization that recognizes that early childhood education is one of the best investments that our country can make. This organization is a solid organization that has been in existence since 1857.  The NEA believes that every student in America no matter family income or place of residence, deserves a quality education (NEA, n.d.). The vision of NEA is a great public school for every student (NEDA, n.d.). Their mission is to advocate for education professionals and to connect members and the nation to complete the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world (NEA, n.d.).

They currently offer a Manager position which would support the NEA’S strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its three million members toward the promotion of strong state affiliates by providing management, direction, and coordination for all aspects of Campaigns and Elections (C&D) programs in the Center for Strong Affiliates. I would need strong managerial skills, professional skills, and knowledge in state and national campaigns and government relations to assist in the planning and management of resources and programs to states. They also require experience in program planning, team building and affiliate knowledge and understanding.

http://www.nea.org/home/2580.htm

 

The National School Board Association (NSBA) is an organization that represents state school boards association and their more than 90, ooo local school board members. They believe education is a civil right, and public education is America’s most important institution. Their mission working with and through state association, they advocate for equity and excellence in public education through school board leadership (NSBA, n.d.). School board’s vision for public education is their unified framework based on their mission. This organization has developed an “army of advocates” poised to influence key federal legislative issues (NSBA, n.d.). They understand that as public school advocates they need to be unified in messaging and proactive in their delivery.

This organization appealed to me in that they are advocates for education believing that education is a civil right and that it is necessary to the dignity and freedom of the American people. They feel all students should have equal access to an education that maximizes their individual potential (NSBA, n.d.). The only careers available at this time are a System Administrator and Graphic Design, these were not careers that were of interest to me. School boards, elected or appointed by their communities, represent the community’s beliefs and values.  This organization was of interest to me due to they are organization who is about community.    The most important responsibility of school boards is to work with their communities to improve student achievement in their local public schools. School boards derive their power and authority from the state. In compliance with state and federal laws, school boards establish policies and regulations by which their local schools are governed (NSBA, n.d.).

 http://www.nsba.org/about-us/mission-vision-goals#sthash.X79ne2YQ.dpuf

CAPSTONE 6990

The National Headstart Association is an organization that has always appealed to me because of the advocacy for children in early learning programs. When I first started this journey I observed a Headstart classroom where the children were learning through a creative learning curriculum those children were so vibrant and really enjoyed school. The teacher really enjoyed her children and was so very passionate about her work. There were no current positions available at this time at this organization.

www.nhsa.org

 

Zero to Three is an organization that appealed to me when I became a mother twelve years ago I was given information about this nonprofit organization by my OBGYN. This organization offers information for parents offering resources on early child care and day care centers. They offer brochures and guides on information for early learning.  I would often go to this website for tips and help with just being a new mom and not knowing what to expect. They cater to infants, toddlers, and families. They currently have a position of Senior Research Analyst that interests me this position supports research and evaluation projects throughout the whole organization this sounds like an interesting position since this position would have you involved in many things this interests me due to this would be a way to be involved in all aspects of the organization. Skills and experience needed to perform this job include strong knowledge of program evaluation and social science research methods, experience using quantitive analysis and conducting literature interviews.

 

http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/careers/jobs/

 

The United Methodist Family Services (UMFS) is an organization that I found in my quest to find employment they are a nonprofit agency who offers several programs to meet the needs of high-risk children and parents helping them to overcome difficult circumstances helping them to succeed in life. They assist them with social services needs and create partnerships to address them. This organization’s vision is to “create a world where caring, opportunity and generosity are passed on from generation to generation — empowering all children to contribute to society as engaged citizens.” There is a position available for Instructional Specialist this position provides behavior support and management, instructional delivery, and liaison support at the direction of the teacher and the Principal by performing the following duties. Some of the skills needed to perform this job include professionalism, excellent organization, and communication, work as a team player and individually.  

http://www.umfs.org/about/

Thank you to my colleagues in 6165

I would like to thank all of my colleagues and Professor for your words of encouragement and insights as we went through this journey in EDUC 6165:Communicating and Collaborating in the Early Childhood Field. This class was very rewarding and enlightening I really enjoyed this class and look forward to continuing this journey. I wish all much continued success.

BLOG WEEK 6

This week we read about the five stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Consider the adjourning phase for several of the groups in which you have been involved. Think about which aspects of the groups made for the hardest good-bye. Are high-performing groups hardest to leave? Groups with the clearest established norms? Which of the groups that you participated in was hardest to leave? Why? What sorts of closing rituals have you experienced or wish you had experienced? How do you imagine that you will adjourn from the group of colleagues you have formed while working on your master's degree in this program? Why is adjourning an essential stage of teamwork?

During the adjourning stage which the project has come to an end. I think the group of the reunion committee in which I was a part of the planning was the hardest goodbye. I believe this was due to many of the people who were on the committee we had not seen each other for twenty years and we had a good time talking about high school years and the fun we had . I believe high performing groups are difficult to leave especially when you have accomplished something great with this group and you have a feeling of success, proud of what the group has completed. We all felt that the 20 yr. reunion was a success.

Groups with the clearest established norms is considered the usual way of doing things. In groups that I have been a part of the norm has been a gradual process as you move along and everyone knew their specific roles the process moves more smoothly. The group that I was in that was the hardest to leave was he committee of the class reunion. We had all grown close and made reconnections. We made a joke that collectively we hadn’t talked that much in high school maybe here and there but reconnecting brought back old memories. We all just shared and talked about different events and highlights of our high school years. We had a talent show and someone brought a copy of the talent show we actually showed it during our goodbye breakfast.

Closing rituals I wished we had created were when we had our goodbye breakfast I wished we all could have established that we would meet at least once a year so that we would stay connected going forward and continue to work on the reunion year for the 25^th or 30^th year reunion, that way we could continue the reunion process. I believe I will adjourn from my colleagues from experience here at Walden University by continuing to stay connected with them after this journey.

I have enjoyed colleague’s feedback and encouragement. I have met some great colleagues and love the fact that they do not mind sharing ideas, information and experiences. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork due to it shows that you have bonded and made connections with people you have managed to complete a task with. It shows that you all were in the mindset for a common goal and were able to move forward through possible failures and mishaps.

 

Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

In this week’s blog assignment we had to think about any disagreements, or conflicts, we had recently experienced or are currently experiencing at work with a supervisor or colleague, or someone in our personal life. Share at least two strategies you have learned about that might help you manage or resolve the conflict more productively, and why these strategies might be effective. For example, could you suggest a compromise? Could you look for a broader range of solutions to your disagreement? Could you use some of the principles of nonviolent communication or the 3 R's to better help you resolve this conflict.

In thinking about disagreements or conflicts I have recently experienced at work recently we were all told that we had to bid for a schedule there were eighteen schedules to choose and we were told that the schedule’s we bid the schedule that was determined for us would be based on our ranking with the company and performance. We were given a deadline to bid and would know by the end of the month which schedule we were given. When we each got our schedules it was clear that what we were previously informed of was not the case at all, because some people got the schedule at least close to what they wanted and others got shifts that were clearly not based on their performance or ranking.

 Some people were definitely shown some sort of favoritism. Some people have chosen to separate themselves from the situation all together when our schedules take affect the end of the month allowing for themselves not to cause conflict with their managers. I understand that separating oneself from situations is a way to end a conflict which may not allow for a clear win or lose for either parties involved.

I myself would suggest a compromise of sorts allowing for people who were newly hired to have to take the shifts that had later start times versus the people who have tenure with the company to have the shifts of early morning times. I believe by this type of compromising both parties are being satisfied, allowing a win-win and not lose-lose. I know that this would be a cooperative strategy as well where both parties will benefit. The morale of the office would increase and people would be excited about coming to work and being productive.

In relation to being more effective in communication efforts what do you believe are ways to effectively handle conflict resolution skills in work environments?

 

Communication Week 4

For our blog this week, we had to think about the similarities and differences between how you evaluated yourself as a communicator and how others evaluated you. What is the one thing that surprised you the most? Why? What other insights about communication did you gain this week? Choose at least two to share with others through your blog and consider how each might inform your professional work and personal life.

In communicating what surprised me was how I evaluated myself in how I have some anxiety in communicating that influences others. I thought I would have great communication with influencing others. I was very surprised because I always felt that I had great influence and able to steer others in positive directions. In discussions with the class other insights I gained were that in making judgments by viewing a picture of someone we tend make more judgments than if we meet them face to face. We obtain more information by communicating with the person verbally. We should definitely not put as much depth and scope based on a picture of someone answering general questions.

I believe going forward in my professional and personal life. I know that speaking publicly is one of main goals that I need to improve. Listening is one of my greatest assets. I have always been a great listener and being sensitive to ones issues. I have also learned that in being able to communicate it is necessary I am mindful in how I gain the ability to become more of an influence especially in the education sector.

COMMUNICATION STYLES

In this week's blog assignment we were asked the question “Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

Based on what you have learned this week share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.

I find myself communicating with colleagues at work in which I keep communication about the job sometimes sharing family life but always being professional. I think it is important to be professional but socialize in respectful and professional ways. I could communicate more effectively with my colleagues by striking up conversations with others from different departments finding out more about what they do in their particular department. I also believe that being other-oriented will help me at my employer as well staying motivated to develop positive relationships with others who are different from me will help with communicating in intercultural competent ways.   

I also communicate differently with elderly people whom I come in contact with especially in my line of work. I have to be an active listener. Some tend to stereotype towards our elderly, making the assumption that they are all slow and not sharp as they are.  I believe strategies such as eye contact, a hug for comfort helps with communicating letting them feel reassured and that you understand them. I recognize that establishing rapport gives them a sense of comfort you want to be kind and understanding. You also have to be patient knowing that they may need an extra amount of time. In communicating verbally know that you may need to talk slow and pronounce words slowly and accurately. I understand as well that due to their experiences of cultural and historical events they will view life differently. Evidence has shown that we hold stereotypical views of others in reference to their perceived ages (Beebe, Beebe & Redmond, 2011).

References:

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Chapter 4, "Interpersonal Communication and Diversity: Adapting to Others" (pp. 85–114)

 

COMMUNICATION

This week’s blog assignment we had to watch a television show with the volume turned off and then watch it with the volume up. The show I decided to watch is a relatively new show called “Instant Mom” on Nickelodeon that my daughter watches. It is a show about a newly married couple where the father had three children from a previous marriage and he and his new wife have primary custody of the children. The relationships of the characters on the show are a family learning to blend their family with their new step-mom and her mom.  

They are expressing nonverbal behavior such as smiling, hugs, shoulder shrugging. They are also showing frowns at times as well mostly from the parents. I assumed they were not a loving family and were going to show how disruptive the children were and did not like the step-mom. I also assumed the children did not like their new step-mom. This show was truly a relatable show to our culture today it showed how the children were very well mannered towards their step-mom she is a few years younger than the dad she is more “hip” than the dad, she knows the latest slang and styles. I would say my assumptions of a show I know, would be more correct because it’s a show that I have seen and know the characters, how their personalities are shown and what they are typical of doing on the particular show.   

In learning about communication from this experience in watching this show I saw how communication is very much a necessity when you are a parent, adult, child, educator, etc. Children should learn how to communicate especially from their parents, families, and teachers. It is extremely important that they are taught this from a young age and are continued to be nurtured on how to communicate as they grow into adulthood.