Time Well Spent!

There are many things I learned completing my master’s program that will continue my growth throughout my career and my life. One was in “Selecting an Advocacy Objective.” Because there are numerous problems in the Early Childhood field and I must select “specific” and “measurable” campaigns to endorse for change. Sometimes passion can induce a desire for specific changes, but it is wise to spend time in research before wasting time in the unachievable.

I learned that I want to be a part of “Communities of Practice” intentionally; because of the focused interaction of a shared passion, concern, or problem offers many ideas, solutions, and different perspectives. One of the things I will miss with all of you is the sharing of opinions and experiences, which was our community of practice in our weekly discussions.

And what I learned about the challenge I selected is something I will always remember. While studying about “Worthy Wages,” I was introduced to the history of early childhood, not from the theorists, or pioneer’s point of view but the advocates. I have learned what the early teachers experience, fought for and against, and how they continued with little to no change.

My challenge for increasing our pay lead me to my long-term goal of being an advocate for life or until there is a change for universal preschool, professionalism, and decent wages for early childhood educators.

Although, this is the last blog I will write to you all I do not feel as if this is the final encounter. I will be looking forward to all the great things you will do for the early childhood field. What we have shared will always live in my memory, and you all will never be forgotten. I enjoyed your passion, ideas, and different perspectives. And I loved the way our Professor challenged us to grow, change, and think. Whether it was in discussion, reflections, or assignments Professor Ernst comments were an encouragement for growth. Professor Ernst was always respectful and never condescending, and I am very appreciative.

I wish you all joy, peace, and success in all your endeavors with all sincerity.

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Save the Children is an organization that supports doing whatever they can, wherever it is needed to help children. And to give children a “healthy start in life” for a successful future(Save the Children, 2019). I find this philosophy inspirational, and it resonates within my spirit.

Education Manager

The Education Manager provides early childhood technical assistance, management, oversight, and support to the Head Start program to ensure effective coordination, implementation and monitoring of the education services. The Education Manager is responsible for overseeing Education & Mental Health/Disability services; overseeing the implementation of mental health and disability services consistent with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, as well as other state and federal requirements as they relate to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Essential Duties

1.    Program Planning and Implementation

2.    Training and Technical Assistance

3.    Operations and Management

4.    Supervision and training

Required Background and Experience, Skills, and Behaviors

• Minimum of Baccalaureate or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or any subject and coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education with experience teaching preschool-age children.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working with infants and toddlers or pre-school age children.
• Experience in supervision and training; and experience with developing consistent, stable and supportive relationships with very young children.
• Extensive knowledge of early childhood education and child safeguarding and methods for communicating effectively with infants and toddlers or preschoolers, as well as parents and other staff.
• Must have extensive knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, developmentally appropriate early childhood education practices in preschool programs.
• Experience with program planning and supervisory techniques and practices.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and evaluations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, children and parents, and outside agencies.
• Effective communication skills, strong problem solving and time management skills.

The next organization I selected is the “United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization(UNESCO)” because of the first objective ” Attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning”. That is my calling to be a lifelong learner and to inspire that desire in others. Which leads to early childhood education is on the same level as public primary education. I found several jobs all located in Paris, France, which were not related to children, culture, or education. Nevertheless, the organization must have positions that would be of interest to educators just no openings. The job would be helping children and their families with their education, perhaps a school in a rural area, or a village in an impoverished country.

The 3^rd selection is United Nations Children’s Fund because they are helping the whole child around the world. They are putting children first in health, nutrition, emergency relief, sanitation, safe water, education, and anything that is needed around the globe(UNICEF, n.d.). The job I selected Manager of Humanitarian Response does not fit with child development, however, I find the position inspirational and demanding and I like being in a position to help children.

Manager, Humanitarian Response

Reporting to the Director of Humanitarian Response, the Manager will be a key member of the UNICEF USA Humanitarian Emergencies Team responsible for coordinating humanitarian emergencies globally as well as helping in UNICEF USA’s efforts to support UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. In this role, the Manager will support the Humanitarian Emergencies Team in managing day to day operations, assisting in the activation of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) protocol, and helping with communications to support advocacy and fundraising for humanitarian situations including natural disasters, protracted crises, health outbreaks, and other emergencies.

Qualifications:

§  Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years' related experience

§  Strong emotional intelligence

§  Highly comfortable navigating internet and communication/SM platforms

§  Ability to navigate intranet and other systems for research purposes

§  Highly developed writing and editing skills

§  Excellent organizational skills

§  Experience and comfort with information management, using technology/tools for efficient collection, distribution and archiving

§  Flexibility with a schedule as needed for events or immediate emergency response operations

§  Ability to travel as needed

§  Strong organizational and administrative skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

§  Must demonstrate UNICEF USA Core Values: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Teamwork, and Service