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