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Completing the Journey

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 Wow, I can't believe this journey is coming to an end.  I have learned so much along the way.  I have pushed myself harder than I have ever pushed myself to complete this program.  I have struggled and celebrated along the way.  Most importantly I have learned I am capable of anything I set my mind to.   This program has taught me that working in the early childhood field I am making a difference for the families and children I serve.  I am making a difference when I coach staff and share my "why".  I make a difference every day by being the constant in a child's life. I have learned there is no limit to advocating for children, families, and teachers.  I need to use my voice, skills, and knowledge to make a difference in the agency I work for, the community I live in, and the world we all live in.     I will continue to learn and keep abreast of the continuous changes in the early childhood field.  I am no longer intimidated by the research papers I come across and

6990 Week 6: Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

  This week’s assignment had us focus on international organizations.   This is what I found.     Save the Children is a global program reaching children and advocating for their rights.   They focus on serving children in some of the most under developed areas around the globe.   Fighting for children rights and education.   The reason I selected this organization is that they work with children in the most dire situations and assist them in education and fighting the injustices they experience daily.   The job that interested me the most was Education Lead:   “The Education Lead is responsible for overseeing the technical delivery of the program, to ensure education opportunities that are available, relevant, respectful and of high quality. S/he will put people at the core of the education program, to promote the resilience and well-being of children, teachers and communities affected by crisis and conflict. S/he will promote the acquisition of foundational skills for all chi

Jobs Federal/International (6990 Wk 4)

 This week the assignment was to search for federal and international jobs that might interest us.  I found several that were of interest.   ChildCare Aware of America Director of Early Learning Quality Improvement Education Required BA Experience Required 3-5 years Description: The  state’s   most   trusted   child  care  resource  is seeking an experienced, accomplished, highly-skilled leader to   join our  team in support of  our vision that “Every family in Washington has access to high- quality early learning choices for their children, and every child care program has the resources and support needed to help prepare children for success in life.” The  director   position  is a key position in the organization, providing  overall   leadership  in the  development and implementation   of  Quality   Improvement services   across   the   early   learning system. The Director   will have demonstrated success leading a  team   of  skilled  Program   Managers   whose   collective   go

Exploring Careers in ECE and related fields (6990 wk 2)

  I currently hold a position as Site Director for a Head Start program in Bastrop County, TX.   I have been with the agency for a total of nine years.   I have also held a position as Education Coach for one year.   I have enjoyed both positions.   I feel the best fit for me has been Site Director.   In this role I also utilized the skills I developed as an Education Coach.   Mentoring and coaching my staff has been just as fulfilling as working with children.   Watching the growth, development, and passion grow in each staff member is what makes me come to work each day.   I have also looked into working with Early Childhood Interventions (ECI).   I think it would be interesting to work with children and families while enhancing their abilities in a private environment, rather than a classroom setting.   I know it would allow me to use the knowledge and skills I have developed over the years and it would allow me to continue to make a difference in the lives of children and famil

6990 Wk 1

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Blog Week 6

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https://www.industryweek.com/talent/teamwork/article/22015086/50-years-in-the-trenches-five-lessons-on-teamwork From my experience with groups, I would have to say the hardest group to leave was band concessions (Band Boosters).  While in this group, we overcame challenges, built friendships, and supported our children in the band.  It was the most difficult to leave because it was so much fun.  During the downtimes in the concession stand, we joked around and talked about family and life challenges.  At the end of every year, we participated in a banquet and dance for the students.  The adults danced the night away with the students.  Being a part of the Band Boosters had its challenges because of all of the personalities within the group.  However, we always seemed to find a solution.  We participated in lock-ins, where the students stayed up all night playing games and other activities, fundraisers, concession stand, and marching competitions.  There were cliques within the boosters

Blog week 5

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 Regarding a conflict with one of my colleagues:                                                          https://www.northwoodsunitedway.org/conflict-resolution-tips-inspired-character-playbook I have a conflict at work with one of my colleagues.  She does not want to follow policy and procedure with regards to following and implementing her schedule and specific routines with the children.  The most important routine is the Hellos/ Goodbyes with toddlers.  Every time I discuss this with her, she has an excuse as to why she does not implement this routine.  After reading through the resources and the text, I have discovered that I need to get to the bottom of the why.  I need to think about what she is telling me with her excuses and determine what she is really feeling in the situation to determine what needs are not being met.  I will ask more specific questions and respond to what I am hearing her say.  I will then determine a compromise as to how we can meet the needs of the progr