Time Well Spent

Three Deeply Felt Learnings from my Master’s in Early Childhood Studies Program

1.       The issues that surround the field for children and families and just how much is needed.  I had no idea about this before starting this course.  I was unfamiliar with this field and had no clue.  It has been mind blowing and heart wrenching at the same time to understand the needs that should be filled. 

2.       The unbias work.  When we learned about microaggressions and unbias work I felt very humbled that there were people out there doing their best to stop bias behavior.  I always make it a point to show my daughter our differences made us unique and special but we are all ultimately the same.  I really enjoyed learning about microaggressions and how often they are used in our society.  I am concerned with how children are raised to single out or hate other groups, and was very touched by this work.

3.       Communication.  I learned so much from our communication class about verbal and non-verbal cues, assuming, and listening.  This class actually saved me from divorce!  I saw how we communicate in a whole new light and take that with me wherever I go.  I hope to continue to learn about communication and the different ways in which we do that now that technology has also become a huge way we communicate. 

A long term goal of mine is to help children and families in my new home of Quebec.  I have found out things about the family system there that make me feel worried but I am hopeful that I can fit in somewhere eventually and start to fulfill these dreams.  I have to start somewhere and I might as well make friends, learn the language, adapt to the culture and have fun with finding out more information so I can figure out a way to help. 

I want to thank my instructors and my colleagues immensely for being patient with me and guiding me through my course.  My instructors with Walden are the best I have ever had, and before Walden I went to a military school.  My colleagues have actually felt like family to me.  I have never had such comradely with classmates before, and their feedback and advice has been a blessing.  Thank you so much for giving me a chance to expand myself as a student, a mother, and as a successful member of the Early Childhood Field. 

This little life is the reason why I chose this field and why I live and breathe each day.

 

“Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them”

― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“Children aren't coloring books. You don't get to fill them with your favorite colors.”

― Khaled Hosseini

“We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future.”

― Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Accept the children the way we accept trees—with gratitude, because they are a blessing—but do not have expectations or desires. You don’t expect trees to change, you love them as they are.”

― Isabel Allende

“Look at children. Of course they may quarrel, but generally speaking they do not harbor ill feelings as much or as long as adults do. Most adults have the advantage of education over children, but what is the use of an education if they show a big smile while hiding negative feelings deep inside? Children don’t usually act in such a manner. If they feel angry with someone, they express it, and then it is finished. They can still play with that person the following day.”

― Dalai Lama XIV

My email address is racergurl214@yahoo.com.  Email me at any time, I am never bothered and willing to help!

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

At least three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you:

Bioethics of UNESCO-

On UNESCO’s website there was a topic of bioethics discussions.  This topic caught my eye because it deals with the “Concerns about the social, cultural, legal and ethical implications of such progress have led to one of the most significant debates of the past century” (UNESCO, 2012).  Being that these issues are already pretty touchy topics here in the United States, I couldn’t imagine the debates that take place discussing these concerns globally.  However, with that said I was impressed and fascinated by the actual conversations that take place on these topics and would love to sit in on them.  I did not see any job availability but to take part in obtaining feedback and providing information from different countries sounds intriguing to me.  I would love to take part in these discussions professionally.  I believe that someone who takes part in these meetings would need to be open to new and different ideas, work together collaboratively, have excellent communication skills, and ask questions to fully understand ideas.

Voices of Youth for UNICEF-

UNICEF has a website dedicated to the youth who want to speak out on and about issues that are plaguing humankind every day (UNICEF, 2011).  I really liked that our youth were given voices, leading also to the present technological advancements, in order to get out what they feel, think, and see.  Some of the topics were in regards to human trafficking, young marriages, and suicide (UNICEF, 2011).  These topics are so huge that we forget that our growing citizens have opinions about them too, and are just as important to talk to about and listen to about them.  As far as working for UNICEF I would really like to be involved in these high crisis discussions with youth to find out what they think and feel.  I’d like to understand their perspectives and also provide them with more information.  This type of job I feel could be online as a mediator in a forum, or be provided through traveling for UNICEF to different schools.  To be qualified for this type of position one would need knowledge of technology and the internet, as well as be confident in public speaking.  I also feel that staying current on events and being willing to welcome and not justify new ideas. 

Volunteerism with Save the Children-

I made a change to this last one whereas instead of looking for employment I was looking only to help without payment in coins.  Volunteering with Save the Children through Global Service Trips can be managed globally and the possibilities of helping children and their families smile and have a great experience outweighs the sacrifices that are made in order to volunteer (Save the Children, 2012).  Honestly there are no skills that are needed to generally help someone but in this case I can say that having a degree in Early Childhood Studies wouldn’t hurt in advocating for the rights of equity, equality, health, overall wellness, education, and so forth.  Save the Children may not have the funds to help every child, but human kind has the availability of people willing to help and who can make a difference.

References

Save the Children. (2011). Global Service Trips. Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.8059849/k.7E16/Global_Service_Trips.htm

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (2011). Voices of Youth. Retrieved from http://voicesofyouth.org/sections/violence-war-and-conflict/pages/the-big-picture

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2012). Bioethics. Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/social-and-human-sciences/themes/bioethics/

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

Three roles in which I would like/love to become a part of the national/federal organization mentioned: 

One of the very first organizations that I would love to work for or join would be CASA http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm.  This stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates.  These advocates go into the legal system and become allies to children who have been through a negative situation and are waiting to find out what will become of their family situation.  This organization appeals to me because as a child I went through a rough divorce and no one ever came to comfort me or ask how I was doing.  I would love to be a trainer for this national organization and also be an advocate myself working with the children.  I believe to fulfill these roles I would need to be a good public speaker, hold my current degree and be a good collaborator.  I also feel that understanding the emotional and social needs of children helps in this position to understand and empathize with what the children are going through internally. 

Another national organization I would like to work for or join would be the National Military Family Association http://www.militaryfamily.org/get-info/support-children/.  This association helps military families through different advocacy routes and for every need.  One in particular is for the children, which is what I would want to be a part of.  Through the children division, children and families are provided resources to comfort them through a parent’s deployment, finding education and care at several military installations, and helping with changing cultures and demographics for the child.  Being former military I understand what parents go through when leaving a child, and I understand how moving and new schools affects children both positively and negatively.  I believe to gain this position one would need education in mental health and early childhood knowledge.  I also believe research skills and travel would be involved. 

One last organization that I would love to work for or join would be the Child Life Council as a Child Life Specialist http://www.childlife.org/.  These individuals work in hospitals and clinics and use play therapy to help children and their families deal with the stresses of seeing the doctor, surgeries, casts, and everything else associated with a visit or stay with the doctor.  This position has always appealed to me due to the advocacy for play and helping children with their emotional stressors.  There is lots of training and internships that go along with gaining a position like this as well as education.  One must also be patient, kind, and respect the privacy of the patients. 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community

•Three job positions that I have noted

The possible job positions that I looked into were in the area in which I will soon be living in Quebec, Canada.  I found three organizations in which I would like to apply.  These three organizations appealed to me because of the opportunities to help and the ability and need for change that I saw in them.  The first was being a member of a school governing board; the second was a daycare educator within an elementary school, and the third was being a member of a board of directors with an association within a community. 

 •Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you

Being a member of the school governing board allowed me a chance to take part in what direction the schools were moving.  Also there is currently a large issue pertaining to whether government officials should still run the governing board or if it should be handed into the citizens of a particular cities hands.  These changes would prove for massive effects however, there would also need to be a community of practice in place for the members to learn from each other and listen to each other. 

The daycare educator position is within an elementary school and this position could be considered a preschool teacher and daycare instructor all in one.  The teacher would need to plan lessons and prepare an overall developing and encouraging atmosphere for the children, as well as visits which require outdoor activities, attending meetings, helping with homework, and training new employees.

Being a member on a board of directors for a fundamental association within the community means that I am able to put input into my views and also what I would like to see regarding the community.  The main aspect about this association is that it advocates for the minority of English language speakers in the community.  I see this as a huge opportunity for myself since my first language is English and I have already noticed the difficulty in gaining information online to plan for my family’s move, so I come with experience regarding the frustration of preparing myself.  I also would like to see the barriers of the two languages to diminish and focus more on living together and not so much on fighting for or demanding. 

 •Skills and experience that you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles

School governing board- I would need experience working with a school district to obtain this position however, if I am able to start as a minority within the community both because I am English speaking and I am a woman, I could gain hands on experience this way.  I also understand that the school board is divided between English and French speaking schools within their district.  The English speaking schools do not have the backing that they need in order to maintain their schools and keep up with new information and technology.  Since they are considered the minority their funding is not heavily participated on and taxes are not always paid directly to them since citizens have a choice of what schools get tax money.  I would need to have developed communication and collaboration skills in order work with other members and other organizations.  I would also need to be open-minded and be culturally competent and free from bias and stereotype.

Daycare educator- This position is mainly looking for education and competence in developing a successful plan for building on children’s development.  I would need to be energetic, free from bias and stereotype, also culturally competent, and prepare for language barriers that may occur.  I would need to understand the culture surrounding the school and watch for early intervention.  This would also be a good time to start developing the English language in those children whose parents wish for this to happen.

Board of Directors- This position would like someone whose first language is English and who has ideas on developing the association further, someone who is willing to make changes and not be afraid of those changes.  Also, someone who could help to stop the divide between cultures and instead bring them closer.  I believe confidence and communication are two large skills needed in this position as well as the ability for outreach and collaboration with other organizations within the community.  A good candidate would be able to persuade others to look at demographics as growth and development instead of intrusion. 

Performing this work really helped me in diving into the area in which I am currently in the process of moving to.  I have done research as much as possible but between school and other things I have not had the ability to actually sit and study the area as much as I would like and as much as is needed to prepare my family and to get set up there.  This assignment has allowed me the avenue of peering deeper into certain issues and developing a plan on making a change. 

My Wordle

I made a Wordle... I'd never heard of it before having to do it for class.  It's an artwork that someone can make using words to describe anything, everything, feelings, etc.  I made one describing how young children have inspired me and how I can inspire them.  Enjoy!

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/5655948/Young_children

Profile of a Volunteer

I wanted to shine some light on a wonderful lady I know.  I'd rather leave her anonymous because the work she performs is in anonymity through several organizations.  She is someone I met long ago through mutual work.  At that time I had no idea she was involved in so many endeavors to help others.  When I realized her passions and how busy her schedule was I could not believe that aside from her full time position (of already helping others) she was dashing to and from meetings with other organizations and volunteering whenever she received the chance to. 

Her volunteer efforts were many, but I can tell you that she fought fearlessly for those who could fight for themselves, especially children and the elderly.  I remember her lunch breaks would be spent working on grants and researching factual information for speeches.  She was able to excuse herself early and come in late to her full time position due to her wonderful advocacy work.  This was helpful in her ventures to advocate, which she often reminded me of. 

I have read the letters and seen her image in the paper in regards to a couple of advocacy works she has done.  However, she always has wanted to remain in the backdrop.  She would tell me that an advocate never makes themselves more noticeable than the people they are advocating for.  It really hits home now and it really makes sense.  I would ask her when she would be done and retire.  She would answer back, when children can go to bed at night without being scared and when our elderly can feel like they did back in the 50’s (referring to leaving doors unlocked and feeling safe).  Sadly, this may never be a truth but we can continue to help just that one more child out there to feel safe and to make it a better tomorrow.    

I took away from this brave, strong, faithful woman, that fighting for someone else makes changes that can continue to ripple.  I took away that my presence on this Earth was not merely to be, but to be here in the now and reach out to someone.  I saw her toil and I felt her anger when things were not up to par in her book.  She did not just sit there and be angry; instead she decided to take those extra steps to make a better and brighter day for children, their families, and the elderly.  She is someone I can think about and look up to.  She is an advocate. 

Using Social Media to Get Connected

My experience with social media has not always been thought of as positive.  In a previous position I held I had many co-workers who I deemed as friends stab me in the back only to watch me spiral down due to rumors.  After that I made it a point to trust no one and I haven’t been able to really let anyone in without suspicion of their intentions.  With the blog writing and Twitter, MySpace, and Facebook, I wonder how these people can be so open with their thoughts and feelings and not get hurt.  Even writing this EC blog for school makes me nervous at times. 

So to carry on with the assignment, social media makes me think of vulnerability.  Although in modern cases I should really be focusing on the many endless people who are able to join in and gain information because of it.  Because of social media, more things are known to more people.  If wanting to research a company before taking part in their services, customers can see reviews from other customers, read about past jobs, maybe gain a price list, and get an overall feel for the company by the layout of their webpage.  Talk about first impressions, they no longer have to occur in person. 

I was looking for a community service organization by my home so my daughter and I could get involved, and we found a local place that I was able to look up and research.  Although the building looked a little scary the website was very bright and informative.  There were links that took me to videos, conferences, ways to help, and to photos of past events.  I thought it was great and really changed my perspective and knowledge of the “lonely” building I had seen. 

I think the best social media tools are webpages that anyone can access.  I want to make the access a point because there is no logging in to see them.  Only because for people like me who don’t watch cable, or maybe also for those who aren’t glued to the radio all day to hear commercials that way, the Internet at least provides a place to research and gain information.  I would say though that I have seen billboards that have gotten my attention that have prompted me to look up what I read.  But since I don’t partake in social media sites like Twitter, the information that is there isn’t gained by me.  However, blogs are always a big hit, if you can figure out how to use them J.    

I know that major search engine sites like Yahoo! and Google are a first go to for me.  Through Yahoo! and MSN news stories are what people see first.  These news stories lead from reading to information to wanting to know more.  I think with trying to advocate there is a good chance that calling the news media or a site like Yahoo! and pleading for your story to be listed has one great chance of getting noticed. 

Colleagues, what do you think about blogs and webpages versus television and radio?  Also, does anyone know how to find different blogs by searching for something in a category like- cooking??

Advocacy Messages

I really liked this advertisement for fathers being present in their child's lives.  Although there isn't a tagline involved, it's the humor in the message that makes it memorable.
http://bcove.me/53pdh287  and another  http://bcove.me/049xpxje.  Too cute!!

This is a link to the ActionHeroAlliance.com that encourages children to eat better and become super heros.  With all of the super hero movies out and action figures available, I believe this campaign really targets kids today.  http://bcove.me/fegc2shf

I also thought this message was inspiring since it brings to light our current look at being beautiful.  The ad says that this woman does not walk runways, but she does walk to a village to save countless children.  http://bcove.me/a7ndbq7v 

I don't have cable so I have never seen any of these commercials or any commercials at all for that matter. 

Here was an ad that I thought was very smart and witty.


I feel that all of these messages provide humor along with their message for hope and change, and in that everyone can smile and think about them throughout the day.  I find that when I see something funny I am more likely to remember it and also reflect back on and want to become a part of it.  If the message makes you feel good, wouldn't you want to join in? 

My Own Capacity

There are a couple issues which impact early childhood that fuel my passion to advocate.  The first is emotional stability in children and the other is child abuse and neglect.  I believe these can tie in together due to the fact that from abuse and neglect brain patterns can develop differently and coping strategies can too.  This can lead to children harboring feelings of resentment, not being able to trust, and feeling frightened in otherwise non-threatening situations.

Some resources that I have to help in my advocacy work are childhood organizations in my area which I could speak to in order to gain alliances and information from.  I also have a local library for research, and a mental health agency nearby which I could also gain research information.  I have websites for which I could use to obtain the numbers and business addresses of my local government. 

In order for me to grow I would like to first state what attributes I have.  I feel that I make friends easy and I ask a lot of questions, which is sometimes annoying but helpful in my understanding.  I feel that I can research easy, as far as gaining information, more thorough research is something I can’t attest to.  However, I would like to grow in the area of the law and the policies.  I am not up to date there and I also have a hard time reading the jargon that goes along with it.  Sometimes I can get very nervous and forget what I was trying to say, so growing in the area of being anxious versus calm would be a good start since advocacy requires frequent meetings with policy makers and their staff.       

My Role as an Advocate

◦What motivated you to start advocating for very young children?

My daughter was my first motivation and always will be.

 ◦Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level?

I believe that we must start small to make a big difference.  Starting at the micro level allows us to gain a better insight into how organizations function and their role in building to the macro level. 

 ◦What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues?

I think it takes dedication, long hours, the ability to create and drive followers, and positive thinking that remains through the bad as well as the good.

 ◦What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues?

Having many people to back you on an issue and a gathering of others who are willing to advocate for the same issues.  This provides many voices to the policy makers who are to be our biggest allies.  To form alliances with policy makers and to be known in the government sector.    

 ◦What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others?

Speaking directly to or sending information to other organizations and agencies making them aware of the issues.  I would also like to see a follow through plan in which other advocates would be able to see our goals and who we would like to talk to. 

 ◦What advice would you give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families?

I would advise them of the determination needed, and the setbacks that can occur in order to reach goals.  As well as sticking to one task at a time, which can be difficult when you feel the ball is rolling.  But I think looking back and reliving the experience of the successes and failures helps prepare us for the next steps in advocacy work and our goals. 

Personal Advocacy Reflection

I was personally able to be an educational advocate for my friend who I was in the military with.  I had previously had a struggle finding resources because when I exited the military I wasn’t given a “proper” civilian transition briefing.  I had no idea what resources were available to me or how to continue school with my G.I. Bill.  Calling the VA only made matters worse due to switching between call centers, untrained personnel, and law changes due to the war.  I finally had to spend loads of time researching and figuring things out on my own.  When my G.I. Bill ran out I felt trapped.  I had 2 more classes till I was to graduate with my BS degree and no way to pay for it.  Again, I had to really hit the pavement to find out where to go, gaining bits and pieces of information as I went.  I finally had the answers with the Vocational Rehabilitation Center and was then able to qualify for benefits to extend the G.I. Bill out to finish the 2 classes I had left. 

A year later my friend became stuck in the same boat.  She was worried and came to me for help about where to turn.  She too had tried the VA route and got nowhere.  I told her about the Vocational Rehabilitation program and gave her the 1-800 number.  From here she was able to qualify and finish out her BS degree.  I felt really good that I was able to find out that information and then relay that help to my friend to help her as well.  I was angry at first that this information was not easier to find.  Education is such a huge part of the military that I was surprised I had to bend over backwards to gain the information.  Other areas that were hard for me to gain access to were buying a first time home as a veteran, employment assistance, and disability assistance.  In fact after I spent months applying for my VA loan to buy my first home, I was told it was good to go.  Only to get a call from my bank a month later saying if I didn’t take action the loan would be dropped.  Take action, what action!?  According to the VA you have to be married to obtain the loan.  No one told me that.  A call to a judge and 2 hours later I was officially a Mrs., and all for a house!  Although I love being an advocate, I would never advise getting married to buy a home ever again!  Ha ha….

When I Reflect About My Collegial, Professional Learning Community

Learning in a collegial environment always provides a great way for people from different areas to get together and share ideas.  I have really enjoyed being able to learn the opinions of other professionals in all aspects of early childhood.  Even colleagues who are not currently a part of the early childhood profession bring in outside resources and information which help to ask and answer new questions.  I also enjoy learning with a group of polite and caring individuals.  That always makes for a pleasant learning environment.  I also noticed that interacting and responding in online courses with other professionals, sets me up professionally in manners of speaking and being cordial in my daily working life.    

I have definitely learned to research into systems to see how they function and work.  To see who they work with and how these organizations come together.  I have learned in this class in particular that one organization does more than meets the eye or more than we read about.  We can affect the way policies are written and we can advocate for policy change.  I will take with me the cost of what changing a life means. 

My hypothetical family situation....

My hypothetical family situation involves a two parent household, both native English speakers, and one 2 ½ year old son.  The mother quit her job just before he was born and started going to school full time when he was several months old.  The father is military and they moved to where they are stationed shortly after his birth.  They have not made many friends.  The mother and father have been talking about having another child.  That is until their son was diagnosed with autism recently.  Now they are worried another child might be diagnosed with autism as well.  Their son had not been talking yet and the parents brought this up to his pediatrician at his periodic well visit.  Their son was given a series of tests and diagnosed as autistic on the spectrum, but more testing would need to be done to find out more information.  The parents wanted to know more information at the time but was told a report would be sent to them.  They felt devastated, shocked, alone, and as if all their dreams for their son had been changed.  The mother had plans to finish school and go back to working full time but she now has to find the help her son needs to make sure he is taken care of.  Her drive to the Children’s Development Center on the local military base is now done once a week for her son to visit with a speech therapist, an occupational coordinator, and a service coordinator.  The purpose of these professionals is to help her son develop to the best of his ability and also so she can learn some techniques to use at home.  His speech has improved but with autism there are many techniques that need to be tried before finding out the correct path of action. 

This is the early stage of finding out about autism.  The initial shock is over but more needs to be known and found out for the parents to feel comfortable with autism.  Is there anything else the parents might consider or want to know to further their knowledge?

The Political Will to Improve Early Childhood Systems

I think there are a few policies right now that are in effect to be changed or implemented that I read about this week.  In my area there are actually parents who are talking with local school districts about better means of transportation rules and regulations for children in grade 3 and under.  Parents are worried about distances from school bus stops to the children’s homes and what may happen in between that distance when children do not have an adult to walk with them.  Right now there is little being done unless the bus driver wants to stop at individual houses which may make for a longer bus ride, but a safer one.  I am all for this alternative. 

These past weeks I was able to learn that kindergarten is not required in all states and that some parents do not see the benefits of it.  This baffled me as I was under the impression that since kindergarten was part of the “school system” whether public or private, that it was therefore a requirement.  Although school systems vary between each state in regards to what requirements need to be met for teacher qualifications, the age to get into kindergarten, the requirements for graduation, etc., I believe that including kindergarten in the mainstream of things should be a norm.  It’s a transition phase that some kids really need in order to get into the flow of how structured classrooms work. 

What really appealed to me this week were the funding strategies and also the inclusion hopes.  Kindergarten is the first in line to the actual school path which children will (hopefully) follow for the next 12-13 years.  Maybe more!    Funding for kindergarten right now is done through the government as well as tax payers.  Some states have issued full day kindergarten and most haven’t but some have offered it as a pay if you want to attend type of thing.  These funding options are again excluding those who cannot afford to send their child to all day kindergarten versus the “free” half day.  This excluding of students may also be a continuation of those who were not able to attend preschool either.  Education is so important to the future of our society, economy, future adults… where down the road was this seen as serious, but not taken seriously?? 

Parent, Family, and Community Engagement

I reviewed three videos from the ECLKC (Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center) website that focused on Parent and Family Involvement.  The three videos and commentary I watched was a father named Gil Vigil, a father of children who attended Head Start, Diana Loyer, a grandmother of two granddaughters that attended Head Start, and Hilda Marshall, a great-grandmother who spoke about her granddaughter being in Head Start. 

These three different perspectives of the opportunities and quality that Head Start brings to children and families were inspirational.  Although Head Start is based on providing care, education, and health to low income families, this program should be available to all children in the sense that it not only helps the children succeed but it also helps the parents grow as well.  Often parents are so busy with working and trying to support the family that they are unable to spend time taking their children to school and helping them along their educational path.  Through Head Start parent and family involvement is highly encouraged and parents can serve on special councils which make policies for the Head Start Community.  The parents are becoming more involved in their children’s future and therefore the children are seeing that their family is proud of them and this encourages them to keep going to do better. 

I believe that hearing the stories of success and happiness from these families allows early childhood professionals to know that striving to change lives really means something to those who we work so hard for.  Helping children and families, and advocating for their rights and needs, goes a long way in the future of children’s lives.  It isn’t just about what we do today or throughout one school year or age, but the effect that takes over long from now.  Gil Vigil in the video spoke about how his daughter and son were in Head Start and are now college graduates.  The gratitude in his words showed how proud he was of his children’s success, and that is really all parents want for their kids- is the chance for success. 

*Note* I grew up with a single mother in the low income financial bracket.  Although my mother worked hard she made time to connect with me and ask questions about my life.  I went to school with a girl who was from a high income family, giving her every luxury she wanted, however they were never available to her emotionally.  Although her higher income lifestyle provided her food and health, she was missing a key element of inner fulfillment.  Programs like Head Start would have been great for her emotional development and would have impacted her future in a more positive way than what ended up happening.  Sometimes I look back and think if I knew then what I know now……

Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center. (ECLKC). Head Start: Parent and Family Involvement. Parent and Family Stories. Retrieved from http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/hs/about/stories/pfs

Quality Programs for ALL Children

Although the knowledge base is growing in regards to the importance of early education and care, I still personally feel the need for the word to get out to even more people is necessary for the growth and development of all children.  I find that some families agree that babies are not really doing much and that the social interaction is not needed, nor is the verbal communication because babies cannot talk.  However research has proven to us time and time again of the importance of all interaction types.  It is only the knowing of this research that is stopping many children from receiving quality care. 

I believe public opinion is that children are our future and that our children will someday be running this world, literally!  The public could very well know this and understand the concept fully, but to know what to do about it to help children succeed may be far off.  Many parents work full time and are engulfed in the process which brings in their income, and those who are not parents may not even consider what is happening to children.  The factors that need to be addressed for young children may only be sitting on back burners to those who are aware but feel they cannot do anything. 

The multimedia presentation this week showed us how in the Nursery School strand times changed through the point and factors for use of the schools.  In the 1920’s these schools were used as advice stations for “child-rearing” which soon expanded into research facilities “where researchers and educators could study and foster children’s social and emotional enrichment” (Laureate Education, Inc.).  The research gathered from parent-child relationships that were being viewed branched off into ideas about the education and care that fosters healthy development in children.  Amazing to know that this is where the needs were saw and started to be met. 

I hope public opinion changes with more and more information spread through media and by voice.  The importance of education and quality care in the early childhood years is literally life changing.  No matter the economic situation of the family, all children deserve the chance to be exposed to quality care.  All parents should also be given the correct information about the early years of their children.  I would hope that with continued change in the advancement of education and care, young children’s rights will become among the top priorities throughout our government and our policies.  Since our children are our future and how we start them off in life determines a lot about who they will become I really wonder why teachers, early childhood professionals, and care givers are not paid as if they are doing something important?? 

The related implications that I can see from the early years becoming more important are that more jobs are made available for the highly important positions that teaching and caring for young children are.  That finally this field is noted with professionalism.  In turn all children and families can benefit (hopefully) due to the increase in jobs in this field. 

Laureate Education, Inc. (n.d.). Multimedia Film. Historical Overview of Early Childhood Systems. Retrieved from Walden University website https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_552753_1%26url%3D

What Resonates With You About Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy?

The Blog Assignment for this week consists of three parts:

 Part 1: Why did you choose this specialization? Share what resonates with you about this specialization. Consider the relationship between your passion and aspirations related to public policy and advocacy and what you hope to accomplish with regard to promoting the well-being of children, families, and the early childhood field.

                I’ve learned not to assume I know what all encompasses in public policy and advocacy through my coursework with Walden.   Every time I thought I knew a term or a concept, boy was I wrong.  There were so many more things to learn, avenues to go down, opinions to take in, and aspects of myself that changed my thoughts about the topic.  So to answer why I chose this specialization (public policy and advocacy) I would have to answer based off of what I think it all means right now.  To simply fight and be a voice to be heard FOR children.  Whether that means standing up for something that is being plagued against them, or where their voice isn’t even being considered, to understand the policies that surround children’s rights today and then to advocate for their rights.  Most importantly I want to help be a voice for them. 

                When my mother and father were going through a custody battle in court I remember having to go and sit in a nearby conference room where I could still hear all that was going on.  Only a few times I testified but I was warned only to answer the questions that I was asked.  Being just a child, there was so much I wanted to say, that I wanted to get out, but also being just a child no one ever asked or gave me that right.  That is what I remember vividly from that court battle, among others things that I’d rather not share.  The fact that no one ever asked me what I wanted, needed, felt, experienced, anything.  That experience left a trail of memories with me that led me to want to help others speak out.  If I could find the correct position, I would want to be that person working in the court system with children who help them be a voice in a scared, dark, and lonely place. 

Part 2: Why are advocates essential in the early childhood field? Explain why you believe becoming a skilled and confident advocate is crucial for early childhood professionals and for the field.

                I believe that advocates of all areas are crucial for the early childhood field because sometimes children can’t speak for themselves or know what is coming.  Children are care free and innocent, they want to play and make friends, and make up words and worlds.  Children don’t necessarily need to keep track of where their school’s funding comes from, they only know that they love going to school.  Children aren’t able to build their own playgrounds, but they sure know that playing on them is fun and having one close to home is great.  Children become used to abuse at home and think that their guardians are their protectors when sometimes they are not.  Let the people who have dedicated themselves to early childhood worry about the resources, funding, and steps to take to protect children by making things happen.  And let the children be children with no worries. 

Part 3: What do you hope to learn about public policy and advocacy? Articulate at least three goals related to this specialization at this point in your coursework.

                I hope to learn more about policies, and who makes them, who gets involved, why are they written, chosen, and who benefits from them more.  I also hope to learn about becoming an advocate.  I have so many ideas about what advocacy is, I would like to have solid answers. 

Three goals:

1)      Learn about advocacy in the capacity that I feel comfortable explaining the definition to someone else.

2)      Learn more about policies and just who makes them.

3)      Be on track to the confidence needed to fight for someone much smaller than me.

               

Team Building and Collaboration

Of all the groups I have worked in, the hardest ones to adjourn were those in which the spirit of the group flourished.  The obstacles and walls that were needed to get over and how the group worked together to get through those obstacles make the group memorable to me.  I have worked in groups where we had to really work hard to come together and think of a way around something, and I have also worked in groups where there really weren’t many challenges and everything seemed to go as planned.  The groups where we had to work the hardest stand out to me, and it is the friendships that I made within those groups that make the thought of the process a happy one.   

When saying good bye I have experienced parties (usually when we have done well) and meetings in small conference rooms about what we could have done to improve performance when we have not done so well. 

One company I worked for as a purchasing assistant which was right underneath the junior buyer.  I worked there for several years and built a good understanding of the junior buyer’s position.  When the junior buyer moved onto another position everyone mentioned that I would probably move up into her spot.  I was excited and knew I was ready.  However, in a department meeting it was announced that the position would be open to the public.  I felt like all eyes had turned to me to see my reaction.  After the meeting I asked the department head why I had not been chosen.  He said management said it was lack of knowledge.  I was outraged.  Six months later I found a job with a new company and when I left I said good bye to everyone except my bosses and management.  I did not want to remember their faces at all. 

When leaving this collegial environment I will have many happy experiences and lots of knowledge to take with me.  I will most likely obtain as many email addresses and phone numbers as possible.  I like to stay in touch with colleagues who I may be able to help and gain help from as well as we continue on our journey.  It will be a hard good bye because of the growth we all have achieved together. 

Although adjourning is sometimes a sad moment, it is necessary to thank everyone for their help and time.  Just like ending a phone call or a casual conversation, adjourning at the end of a project is a way for closure and to congratulate. 

Conflict Management

This class couldn’t have come at a better time.  My husband and I have been at war with each other off and on like a roller coaster.  Recently we talked about divorcing and how that would be the answer to our situation, in fact divorce was the only thing we could agree on.  I knew I loved him but I wasn’t sure it was enough to keep going on with him.  He is in and out of my life because he works away.  Sometimes his schedule is so erratic that I’ll see him for a few hours before he leaves again and can be gone for a month.  While he is gone we seldom speak on the phone due to the cost and I raise our almost 4 year old as a seemingly single parent.  Our lack of communication made the space between us grow.   

My husband and I live in two separate worlds.  My life revolves around taking care of our daughter, the home, and going to school.  My husband is always around rough speaking men and traveling, and is used to doing what he wants.  When he enters into my world he has a culture shock.  The time that it takes him to adjust back into home life where he must watch his language and not insist that I am room service or a maid, or one of the guys, is about the same time when he has to leave again. 

We developed resentment towards each other.  We built instant walls that were defense mechanisms whenever one of us spoke.  It was like living with a roommate that you didn’t really like.  When I started taking this class I began reading a lot of the same instances that he and I were going through.  I started to believe there was hope to reconnect.  I read the class text, the websites, and realized that I may be leading myself to self-fulfilling prophecies.  By where I was expecting the worst, the worst was occurring.  I wasn’t allowing myself to not think he was going to belittle or berate me.

To resolve this conflict I began to speak to him casually about how confusing it was to me that we had ended up in such miscommunication.  I told him about some things I had read in my book regarding assuming, listening, and our individual interpretations.  Through this we had a basis to start a healthy conversation.  I immediately used what my reading told me about listening.  What made this so interesting to me is that I knew what I should do in the case of working with children and families.  But since I had built such anger and resentment inside of me for my husband, I did not follow my own rules that I would apply to a stranger.  This really made me sad. 

From using empathetic listening I was able to understand his goals, needs, and wants.  Using clear language we were able to see that our view points of what was previously being said were totally different.  I actually grabbed my book and went through some pages with him that I had marked.  We are from different cultures and so we had to first understand that before we could move on any further.  We made a point to notify the other person using kind words if we felt attacked or displeasure in the words the other used.  We talked about discussing only the matter at hand, because beyond that lied an area where feelings and characters could get hurt.  We only needed to discuss the facts, not the assumptions.    

Another important aspect I have found is on page 207 of our book that speaks about marital conflicts.  In the book it tells us that John Gottman has narrowed down the four actions that make for a bad relationship.  “..criticism and complaints, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling” (O’Hair and Wiemann, 2009).  Those four behaviors were my and my husband’s middle names.  I hope we can continue on our path for our sake and that of our daughter’s.  Honestly this class just saved me money on obtaining a marriage counselor or a divorce lawyer. 

Communication Tests

I was very surprised to find out that my husband and my friend scored me so high on the communication aggressiveness scale.  I scored myself as a 49 and they scored me as 67 and 62, respectively.  To be more aggressive isn't what I was so amazed about, but rather those scores mean that I have found a happy balance in hearing the message, gaining an opinion, and attacking the facts instead of the person I am talking to.  I was really thinking that I may receive an even higher score (think in the red zone) from my husband who I seem to naturally have arguments and debates with.  :) 

I also was humbled to find that all three of us placed me into the Group 1 category of listening which was the people-oriented category.  I was able to see that they see me as an empathetic and kind listener. 

I feel these qualities will allow me to be able to understand and be sympathetic with children and families.  I also feel that I will be able to resolve issues quickly by attacking only the facts made in conversations, and also that I do not attack the person talking to me.  I never have any intention of hurting the feelings or the character of the person I am talking to. 

This was a good assignment and an eye opener.  I’d like to take more tests like this in the future. 

Communicating Differently

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?

If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?

I do find that I communicate differently with people in my neighborhood who are religious.  I tend to tone down my language and speak briefly and positive.  I don’t want to offend them, and I also have known the small group here to be nosey and tell everyone in their circle what I say and do. 

I also find that I speak differently to people on the telephone than I do in person.  One reason is because I cannot see their body language and this is a huge part of how I notice they are taking my replies and requests.   Although I have no idea what culture the people I am speaking with are from, it is the non-visible communication factor that makes me speak differently. 

I speak differently with people of different age groups.  I listen more to those who are older than me and that is a respect factor.  I talk softer to those who are children, and bluntly to those who I assume are around my age. 

For me, it is the feelings that I have about each culture and group that make my reaction so.  When I see teenagers I think of coming into their own, pressure from peers and family, and this causes me to speak to them securely as well as being deeply concerned in their feelings and needs.  So the goals that I have put forth in what I want to portray to each individual come out in my speaking as well as how I speak. 

Language, Nonverbal, Listening

For this assignment, again consider what you have been learning about communication skills and styles. Then record an episode of a television show you do not normally watch. Watch the show with the sound turned off.

• What do you think the characters’ relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?
• What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?

Now, watch the show with the sound turned on.

• What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?
• Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?

I decided to watch the show “Cougar Town”.  With the sound off I noticed that the 4 characters seemed friendly by laughing together.  The main character sat on a chair with another man and snuggled with him, put her arm around him, and he smiled back at her, that suggested to me that they were a couple.  Another man and woman were sitting on an opposite couch, although they were not touching affectionately, they were still sitting closely.  The man would make eye contact with everyone and speak, and the woman would then talk with her eyebrows lifted, not looking at him, and smirking.  Afterwards the other couple would laugh.  This indicated to me that the woman was making fun of the man.    The main character (a woman) got up and stood behind a counter while still talking to the group.  She used high arched eyebrows which told me she was saying something important to her.  The other characters listened intently, leaning forward in their chairs, making direct eye contact, and one character putting her hand to her chin.  The main character began to look up to the ceiling and look as if she was not talking to the group anymore.  Her mouth began to not open as wide, indicating to me that she was talking more quietly, perhaps to herself.  Then the other woman made a gesture with her hands as if to reel something in, this told me that she was asking the main character to come back to the situation at hand. 

Watching it with the sound on I was correct to assume that the main character and the man she was sitting with on the chair were an item.  They talked about their sex life for a moment and then snuggled.  I had missed previously that the other couple who were sitting on the couch had made disgusted looks.  I believe I didn’t notice this because I wasn’t able to hear the first couple mention their sex life, so I didn’t make that correlation as a joke to make faces at their comment.  When the main character went behind the counter, she started to talk intensely about a plot she was conceiving.  This is why her arched brows and direct eye contact were made.  Then she slowly started to go off into her own world, questioning things that the other members of the group had no idea about.  The woman on the couch asked to come back to their conversation.  That was evident with the sound off as well. 

The dialogue that was used made the show make sense and the gestures that were made were easier to predict and follow when I could hear what was being said.  Otherwise, with the sound off I had no predictions as to what would happen or why it was happening.  I was making assumptions.  I could make my own story line for what was occurring only because these gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, were common to me.  However, with the sound on, all of these began to form together with their dialogue.  How the characters spoke and how they changed pitch and tone and of course, what they said, all made the story lines comes together and meant something more than just what I saw with the sound off.    

I think it was easy to assume what the characters were feeling.  Because feelings of disgust, sadness, and happiness are easily read on faces.  But the content of the characters’ words were totally different than what I had imagined they were saying J