The End of the Road

This has been an amazing journey for me. Throughout this journey, I have embarked on life-changing transitions such as, purchasing a truck, moving from an apartment into a house and welcoming my son, Greyson, the newest addition to my family. 

Despite other trials and obstacles, I have arrived and conquered each one. As I arrive at the finish of this long journey, I have learned that there is nothing impossible for to accomplish, if I just keep my mind focused on Christ, stay motivated and believe in what I am doing. Having confidence in myself and my capabilities has truly set the tone for my accomplishment in this MSECS program. Another lesson I have learned, is that the EC field is not just another profession, it is a life-changing experience, conducive to what I make of it. The knowledge I have gained throughout this journey is priceless. The issues and trends surrounding the demographics of my community have become much more evident to me know, than when I entered into this program. During my Capstone course, I was compelled to research the poverty specs of my community, and I was appalled. I was stunned by the statistics displayed of poverty stricken families, as well as, families that achieved a High School diploma and less. This was a true eye opener for me, and convicted me to want to do more in my community. After developing my CoP, I have come to learn so much more about my parents in my classroom, my colleagues, and my, personal friends and family.
One long term goal that I have is to work for the Georgia Head Start Association in constructing a faultless Curriculum, which meets the standards of D.A.P. as well as, Georgia's Early Learning and Development Standards.

As I underwent the experience of completing my Capstone, I learned that I encompassed a strong passion in getting parents involved in the early education of their young children. I knew that I felt strongly about it, but I had no idea that I held such a passion for it, until completing my Capstone. The experience of completing my Capstone was an exceptional one, and I truly owe that to my Professor Lisa Embree. She has literally paved the way for my success in this program, but walking with me every step of the way. I know, that I would not have been as successful in completing my Capstone, if it had not been for Professor Embree. 

Professor Embree, I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your commitment to me and my success; for your devotion, advice and guidance.   

To my fellow classmates, this is not farewell, but see you soon. The time will come when we will cross each other's paths once again, as we continue to strive and advocate for the same cause. I wish you all the best in your advocacy for quality Early Child Care and pray that the Lord bless you all. Thank you for all your support and advice throughout this journey, and CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2015. 

Yours Truly, 

Nicole C. 

International Organizations

This week, we are assigned to research three International Organizations which advocates for Early Childhood Education. The three international organizations that interest me the most are Early Childhood Australia (ECA), The RISE Institute, and The International Step By Step Association.

1. The Early Childhood Australia Organization is the national peak early childhood advocacy organization, acting in the interests of young children, their families, and those in the early childhood field (Early Childhood Australia, n.d.). This organization advocates for quality care and education, along with, the social justice and equality of early child care.  ECA created an initiative known as the Kids Matter : Australian Early Childcare Mental Health Initiative. Through the framework of promotion, prevention and early intervention, early educators strive to work with children and families by providing care support for the mental health and well-being of children (Early Childhood Australia, n.d.).  

There are currently no job postings listed for Early Childhood Australia, however, there will be a early childhood jobs board posting coming soon. 

2. The RISE institute, or the Institute for Reconstruction and International Security through Education, is a non-governmental 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in Washington, DC. , and also has a branch office in Colombia, South America (The RISE Institute, n.d.). The RISE institute works in alliance with other early childhood organizations in support of activities that promote education in early development in low income and poverty stricken areas. Designing and evaluating innovative programs, providing advisory services for nations and international organizations, conducting action research, and holding training workshops are just a few activities and programs supported by The RISE institute. This organization would be a great asset to child care facilities in low income ares, as we can dissect and share how some of these activities can help to our communities. Currently, the RISE institute is initiating a program funded by the Japan Program called Schools that Teach and Heal, which is still under construction. 

As I strategically searched, there are no job postings for The RISE institute as well.

3. The International Step By Step Association, ISSA, is a vibrant network that connects professionals and non-profit organizations working in the field of early childhood development (International Step By Step Organization, n.d.). ISSA offers services for children and families. Four services ISSA is currently offering is 

• Capacity Building - ISSA provides opportunities for enriching members’ capacity to carry out innovative programs: workshops, thematic meetings, member exchanges, technical assistance and license to resources developed by ISSA.
   
• Community Building - ISSA promotes shared values in the network and links the membership into a strong international learning community across Europe and Central Asia.
   
• Amplifier - ISSA supports advocacy for change, actions and interventions serving ISSA’s mission on behalf of young children and their families.
   
• Convener - ISSA provides its members with network representation and support for building partnerships with international networks and other stakeholders

ISSA encourages their audience to join and become of ISSA. Potential members can easily, visit the website and apply for membership via the web. There are two types of membership, the Affiliate membership, which is $250 a year, and the Full membership, which is $700 a year. 

Full Members are NGO’s, academic/research institutions or statutory bodies with an interest in early childhood development. Through their ongoing contribution, they shape and create ISSA by designing programs, setting priorities and voting on ISSA strategy and policy. Full Members have full voting rights and are admitted following recommendation by the Board and approval by the Council.

Affiliate Members are NGO’s, academic/research institutions or statutory bodies which are concerned with furthering ISSA’s goals. They are informed of ISSA’s activities and may be invited to participate in partnership initiatives and events. They may attend and contribute to Council Meetings but have no voting rights. They are admitted following recommendation by the Board and approval.

Unfortunately, I was unable to locate any job postings for the ISSA, possibly because they are stationed in the Netherlands. However, I will continue to search, and if I do come upon a job posting, I will be sure to post it. 

References

International Step by Step Association

Early Childhood Australia

The RISE institute

National Early Childhood Organizations

Three national early childhood organizations that I am truly interested in are Child Care Aware of America, World Organization for Early Childhood Education-United States National Committee, and Association for Childhood Education International. Each of these three organizations focus on the betterment of early childhood health and education. Association for Childhood Education International is a well-established community of practice, as they specialize in the exchange of information, exploration of innovation, and advocacy for children (http://acei.org/). This would be a great organization to be involved in, as the exchanging of useful information could be very useful in my Capstone study in parental involvement in young children's education living in low income areas. This Capstone study could be broadened and used to study children living in low incomes all across the globe. Child Care Aware of America is a useful resource for parents all around the world, in providing quality early childcare programs and providers. World Organization for Early Childhood Education-United States National Committee is the only world wide non-governmental organization that focuses on education and welfare of young children, between the ages of birth to 8 (http://www.cdacouncil.org/resource-center/early-childhood-organizations).

I did not find any employment information within any of these organizations, however I am sure the knowledge of early childhood education, as well as, diversity is quite important. Each of these organizations provide great resources for a strong CoP in the Early Childhood Field.

Resources
Association For Childhood Education International
Council for Professional Recognition

Educational Organizations and their Employment Opportunities

Sheltering Arms Early Learning Center
- Sheltering Arms is a Early learning childcare center, founded on "serving working families with high-quality, affordable child care and education and comprehensive support services, as well as, providing professional development for early childhood educators and community outreach. Founded in 1888, Sheltering Arms is one of the oldest non-profit organizations in existence. They also provide community support services by holding parenting classes, Spanish/English classes for dual language learners, etc. Currently, Sheltering Arms is looking to employ lead teachers, teachers, part-time teachers, family support coordinators and center directors. As each position requires experience in their desired fields, basic qualifications for each positions includes, but is not limited to, 

AA in Early Childhood 
BA or BS in Early Childhood or closely related field Early Childhood certification 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 
Be able to sit on floor and interact with children. Hear children from a distance of at least 70 feet. Lift at least 50 lbs. Visually observe children from all areas of the classroom and playground from a distance of at least 70 feet. Acquire CDA credentials within 2 years after hire.

More information about Sheltering Arms employment opportunties can be found at the link provided. 
http://www.shelteringarmsforkids.com/jobs/

Discovery Point Child Development Center
- Discovery Point Child Care Center is a community of practice organization with provides child care in various locations in the southern region of the United States. Discovery Point Child Development Center can be found in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina Tennessee. Discovery Point is "committed to providing every child with the best possible care and educational programming. Discovery Point provides care for infancy, up to school-age. They also provide enrichment programs with age-appropriate activities and new experiences. Discovery Point implements the use of Teaching Strategies, providing learning opportunities for young children through Creative Curriculum. Currently, Discovery Point Child Development Center is looking to employ a Center Director, Assistant Director, Cook, Quality Assurance Consultant, Lead teacher and Teacher Assistant. Basic qualifications for each consists of 

• Must have, or be able to obtain commercial driver’s license, CPR / Fire Safety, and any other training required by regulatory agencies
• Knowledge of childcare licensing rules and regulations
• Knowledge of early childhood education curriculum

Other specified positions require specialized experience in their corresponding fields. For further information regarding employment opportunities, the link will be provided below. 

http://www.discoverypoint.com/careers/

- Georgia Head Start Association

The Georgia Head Start Association, GHSA, as well as, Early Head Start, is a program which "provides comprehensive early childhood and family development services to children from birth to five years old, pregnant women and families" (Georgia Head Start Association, n.d.). Services, such as, child care, housing, comprehensive prenatal visits, and home visits are just a few services provided to children and families through the GHSA. Currently, the GHSA, is seeking a Head Start/Early Head Start Director. Basic qualifications for this position include, but are not limited to, 

• A bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• minimum of 5 year management experience
• Experience with Community Action Agency

or 

• A Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• minimum of 3 year management experience
• Experience with Community Action Agency

Further information about this position can be found at the link provided. 

http://www.georgiaheadstart.org/jobs/index.php?action=details&posting_id=260

I chose these three community of practice organizations because their commitment and passion for the field of early education. These organizations provide essential services for low-income families, families who are in dire need of help and assistance. I have a passion to help the less fortunate, especially children who do not ask to live in such unfortunate conditions. 

Farewell and Thank You to my 6165 Community

I would like to thank all of my classmates for all their support, responses, discussions, suggestions, thoughts and ideas. They truly mean a lot to me and I appreciate them all. As we all embark on our specialization courses, we are coming down to the wire, before the big G...GRADUATION. I am sure all of you are just as excited as I am, and look forward to conquering these last few courses as we have done so gracefully with our prior courses. In this course, and from my counterparts, I take with me, all of the encouragement, advice, suggestions and applause's provided to me during these eight weeks. I truly loved the discussions we had during our DB and look forward to meeting all of you very soon.

I wish my 6165 community all the best and I pray that you will have a successful remaining school year...see you all soon!!!!!!

Best wishes,
Nicole Cunningham

It's Time For "Adjourning"

Adjourning, according to the authors, refers to "groups whose project or task has come to an end" (2012, O' Hair and Wiemann, p.257). As the end stage of group development, during this time, groups find themselves coming to a close and either anticipate or dread group separation. I can relate to the adjourning phase of group development, as I have experienced this myself, with my assistant teacher from last school year. That particular school, by far, was the most fun, exciting and productive school year I have had. The year went by so fast, that we did not even realize the school year had come to an end. The children had such a blast that school year, and we as teachers, had so much fun with the children. My teacher assistant has such a creative mind, and her ability to bring those creations to life was amazing. Working together, we were so productive in our doings both inside and outside the classroom. I dreaded ending that school, however, I look forward to working with her again in two years. As we ourselves prepare for the adjourning phase of our MSECS program, I look forward to taking with me all that I have learned from working with my groups. Although I may not have a particular physical attachment or connection to my classmates or educational community, I do look forward to meeting all of you as we prepare to walk together at GRADUATION!!!!!

References

O’Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication. An introduction. New York, NY:

  Bedford/St. Martin’s.  

My most recent conflict...

The most recent conflict I had was with my husband. He loves to rent movies but when it's time to watch them, within fifteen minutes of the movie, he falls asleep. Just recently, he came home with two movies he just rented. Before he even put the movies in, I told him he was going to fall asleep. He argued with me claiming that he was not even tired and he wanted to see these movies. Sure enough, ten minutes into the movie, he was fast asleep. I was so upset. Not that he actually fell asleep, I knew he was going to do that, but the fact that he can never admit when he is tired. He actually fought with me for at least twenty minutes, after I woke him up the first time, claiming that he was not sleepy, and then, still fell asleep. I even attempted to change my choice of words in efforts to meet at some common ground, but that failed as well. I attempted to change my tone of voice, to show that I am not as angry as I appeared to be, but he still argued with me. At that point. I just gave up and let him sleep and I enjoyed both movies by myself. I did, however, refuse to give him any information about the movies, so now he is upset because he has to rent them all over again and watch them by himself.