Time Well Spent!!!

I could cry tears of joy at the thought of accomplishing my Master's in a field that I am truly passionate to work in. As an advocate and professional in this field, the well-being, mental health, physical health and safety of children will always be my first priority. I want to see children grow and thrive regardless of physical ability, socioeconomic circumstances, race, or culture. All children deserve a fair shot at being successful, and I will WORK every day of my life to ensure that policymakers are implementing fair and policies.

3 Deeply Felt Learnings:

1. I deeply felt the importance of inclusion in early childhood programs. It is important for educators and leaders to show respect and openness to diversity. As educators and leaders, we come across many different cultures, and differences among people. It is important that people are able to feel a sense of belonging upon entering your program or center. Healthy relationships and strong bonds are established through effective communication, effective listening, being accepting and open to diversity and different ideas.

2. Another deeply felt learning that I gained from this program was the importance of play in the early childhood field. I have become more enthused and more of an advocate for play and its benefits among children in early childhood programs, in my community in hopes of eventually ending this challenge on a global level. Play influences a pivotal component of children’s cognitive development, independence, social and emotional behaviors, creativity, as well as how they perceive themselves and the world around them. 

3. The last deeply felt learning that I gained from this program was the importance of collaboration, communication, and coordination and its effects on leadership. Effective listening and communication skills are very important when working as a team and amongst a community of practice, of course, there will be individuals with different opinions, skill levels, ideas, expertise and views regarding plans and goals but a leader must be willing to listen, and be open-minded to diversity when it comes to values, culture, and experiences. Collaboration reaches people on a larger level because it requires a group of trusting, goal oriented, respectful and selfless individuals that possess character traits needed to reach a wide range of people. Collaboration and communication skills influence partnerships and effective team building.

One Long-Term Goal

My ultimate goal as an advocate is to ensure that children are learning and developing in unique ways to meet their individual needs. I hope to push for changes in policies that provide all children, regardless of their circumstances, an equal shot at reaching their full potentials, especially through learning through play in educational practices. In the future I will ensure my professional growth through continued collaboration with effective community’s of practice, continued research on trends, issues, and challenges as well as the many ways to effectively address these challenges in efforts to meet the needs of children and families. 

Farewell Message-- 

Thank you all for all of the positve feedback via discussion posts and via blog each week. I am so happy and proud of us all, it has been a long 22 months, but we have persevered. I want to thank Professor Ernst for the continued support and feedback, quick email and text responses regarding assignments week after week. I could not have completed the course without your help. I pray a positive and effective journey for everyone, please continue fighting and advocating for our children, they need us. 

Email: passionmakella@gmail.com please feel free to contact me with research, questions, etc. I am always eager to contiue learning. 

    

Job/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

United Nations Children's Fund.

This organization appealed to me because I admire that it works hard to protect and include children globally. UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. This organization's works with partners worldwide to promote policies and expand access to services and resources to protect all children. UNICEF is also the voice of children and communities by harnessing the power of communication to promote child survival, development, protection, and participation.


Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

This organization appeals to me because it works hard to fight for the well-being of children and their families who may be living in poverty and does not have access to resources needed to healthily survive physically and developmental. The mission of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The OECD provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems. We work with governments to understand what drives economic, social and environmental change. We measure productivity and global flows of trade and investment. We analyze and compare data to predict future trends. We set international standards on a wide range of things, from agriculture and tax to the safety of chemicals. This organization also assists individuals with developing skills to be sustainable in the economy as well as to work productively in their jobs. 

International Step by Step Association

This organization appealed to me first and foremost because they commit to the development of children, across all domains. Ever since ISSA was founded in 1999 we have grown significantly – providing knowledge and tools to improve the quality of Early Childhood Development. In pre-schools, day care centers and primary schools across Europe. From the secretariat in Leiden (The Netherlands), we gather and create prominent studies and insights on child care and share it with our peers, organization members, and policymakers so they can put them to good use. 

Vision:

A society where families, communities, and professionals work together to empower each child to reach her or his unique potential and embrace values of social justice and equity. 

Mission:We are a learning community, powered by the leading early childhood experts in Europe and Central Asia. We unite professionals and partners to deliver high-quality early years services equitably. We challenge existing knowledge and practice and co-construct new approaches and models. 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

Research and Policy Director

Voices for Georgia's Children - Atlanta, GA

Employer: Voices for Georgia's Children (www.georgiavoices.org) is celebrating 15 years as an independent non-profit organization that seeks to ensure all children to be safe, healthy, educated, connected to family and community, and prepared to be productive and responsible citizens. As advocates for the next generation, our primary functions are education and research, communication, coalition building, and public and legislative advocacy. We believe that sound, research-based public policy provides the basis for adequate investment, effective systems, and productive programs that will lead to good outcomes for children. To achieve policy change we provide elected officials, agency and community leaders with the information, experience, and constituent voice that support sound decisions about children. Voices plays a key role in several statewide coalitions, state leadership initiatives, and fosters a team environment where most projects engage multiple members of the staff to achieve excellence.

Our Strategy: We achieve our influence through advocacy with elected and appointed officials and through extensive collaboration and engagement of local, state and national organizations. We partner with academic and nonprofit organizations with deep knowledge of key children’s issues to ensure a research-base to our policy agenda. We convene leadership teams of organizations with common objectives for collective advocacy, and we engage and educate a broad network of individuals and organizations to encourage a community culture that gives priority to children. Through traditional and social media we educate and encourage the larger community to support the needs of children.

Voices’ Policy Agenda: Voices’ policy agenda aims to improve laws, regulations, administrative initiatives and priorities, and state investments to the betterment of child well-being and the systems that serve children. Priorities of the agenda are early childhood development from birth to age eight; child health, including quality health coverage for all children; vulnerable and disconnected youth, young people ages 14-21 who need support and intervention to get back on track to a successful adulthood; and quality out-of-school time programs and family’s access to them. We advance these policies in the public arena as well as protect and defend against threats to children and the families that support them.

Position Summary: The Research & Policy Director will provide leadership for all policy priorities that are part of the Voices’ child policy agenda. They will ensure the standards and quality of our recommendations, oversee all policy related communications and publications. They will work with the Advocacy Director in educating and building relationships with influential state leadership.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the effectiveness of policies promoted by Voices
• Conduct necessary research and analysis through our demonstration and evaluation projects
• Work with expert partners to ensure the currency and potential effectiveness of the policy agenda relative to national research and best practices
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant research and state and national reports on child policy
• Engage service providers and youth themselves in assessing the appropriateness of policy recommendations
• Convene, as necessary, organizations and advocates to set objectives for youth outcomes and priorities for policy change

• Represent Voices in community venues related to child policy issues.
• Be the primary Voices contact on selected children’s issues
• Serve on related committees, task forces, and boards
• Present on behalf of Voices in conferences, public forums, and discussions of children and family policy.

• Ensure appropriate communications regarding the policy agenda
• Work collaboratively with the Advocacy Director on the development of key messages for the priority policies
• Oversee the issue content of the Voices website
• Serve as spokesperson to the media on Voices’ position and the research and rationale behind Voices’ policy recommendations

• Work with the Advocacy Director to provide lobbying and advocacy support for the policy agenda
• Provide expert testimony and lobby when necessary on Voices’ policy and legislative agenda
• Manage issue-specific coalitions as necessary to support Voices’ advocacy strategy
• Direct grassroots advocacy efforts through electronic and social media related to the assigned policy issues

• Supervise policy analysts conducting research, report and brief writing, project management, and other duties assigned

Qualifications: The ideal candidate must believe in the role of public policy in improving the lives of children, especially low income, and disadvantaged children. He/she must enjoy and respect the political process and be committed to a nonpartisan approach to change. The Research & Policy Director also must be committed to reaching out to diverse audiences including racial and ethnic groups, faith organizations, and those with a range of political ideologies.

We require at least 10 years of experience working in public policy or an environment focused on children’s issues or a Ph.D., J.D., or Master’s degree and five years of public policy experience. We seek demonstrated ability to evaluate quality research and data; good writing skills with ability to communicate issues to the board and to community leaders; ability to work effectively in an external partisan political environment, recognizing community perspectives and balancing that environment with the best interests of children.

Desired Skills and Attributes

• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Strong command of research design and data analysis
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communications skills for representation of the organization with external partners and policy-makers.
• Flexibility, high energy, and a strong team player. Willingness to change tasks on short notice and pitch in on team products when needed.
• Willingness to participate in occasional out-of-town travel.

Compensation: Voices for Georgia’s Children regularly reviews the non-profit marketplace and targets salaries to be competitive in the Atlanta market. Position includes medical, dental, vision and disability benefits, 401(k) retirement plan with an employer matching contribution, annual leave, sick time, and holiday pay. Voices promotes a healthy work/life balance.

Voices is an equal opportunity employer.

Please apply by sending a thoughtful cover letter, including salary expectations, and a resume.

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

Children's Defense Fund 

The Children's Defense Fund is a nonprofit organization that appealed to me because they advocate for policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority. (Children's Defense Fund, 2011). The challenge that I chose to focus on over the course of this capstone project is "play". I am confident that the advocates who are apart of this organization can assist families, policymakers, program directors and educators with incorporating an adequate amount of inclusive and diverse play within early childhood environments. The Children's Defense Fund works to assist children at state, local, federal, and community levels.


 National Child Care Association 

The NCCA in conjunction with advocates and early childhood professionals work to generate information based upon our years of experience of best practice to deliver the highest quality along with what is most practical for its members. This organization consists of center-based providers, providers of professional development to the ECE community, business owners who provide goods and services, or student and individuals that have an interest in early care and education. They all compete for their clients, many times against each other. I chose this organization because they work collaboratively and effectively to support children and their families. 


Center on the Developing Child

The Center on the Developing Child is an organization that uses diverse activities to align with research and development, science-based innovation and policies that center around demanding change.  The Center on the Developing Child focuses on using researched based activities to improve early childhood settings because society pays a huge price when children do not reach their potential, because half a century of policies and programs have not produced breakthrough outcomes, and because dramatic advances in science are ready to be used to achieve a promising future for every child. This organization is very involved and dedicated when it comes to working towards creating innovation-friendly environments in which practitioners, researchers, policymakers, parents, and investors can come together to test new ideas, engage in active learning, and solve complex problems.


Job Title:

Client Services Coordinator for the Georgia Center for Childhood Advocacy 

Function: Represent the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy by projecting a professional, warm and helpful image to clients and their families, callers and visitors; and provide administrative, clerical and other necessary support for the Center and its programs. Position Responsibilities: • Receive visitors and clients in person and notify proper staff of the arrival. • Answer, screen and route incoming calls to the Center. • Screen visitors and callers while maintaining confidentiality and safety. • Become familiar with the Center’s services and with our community partners • Respond to general phone inquiries, provide accurate, helpful responses • Receive and deliver mail daily to the CEO or Office Manager, and sign for and accept deliveries, notifying proper person of the arrival. • Maintain the waiting room area (adult and child), keeping it organized, tidy and clean. • Watch over child or children in the waiting room when the child’s guardian is being interviewed by a staff member. • Assist in coordinating hospitality for all meetings at the Center, including board meetings, group therapy, case review meetings, trainings, and other meetings as needed. • Maintain and order supplies as needed, including basic office supplies, kitchen & housekeeping supplies, CD’s, and DVDs. • Open and/or close the Center each day, tending to alarm system, fresh coffee. • Maintain new client packages • Provide support to Office Manager as needed. • Other duties as assigned by Sr. Staff to meet the Center’s mission. Position requirements: ¨ Human Services Bachelor Degree background preferred. ¨ Flexible Work Hours ¨ Warm, outgoing personality, relating well to adults and children ¨ Ability to respond appropriately to changing work environment, with many interruptions and distractions ¨ Helpful attitude and professional phone manner ¨ Knowledge of standard office procedures ¨ Proficient skill in word processing ¨ Ability to organize, initiate, and attend to detail ¨ Willingness to work as part of the team for the betterment of the Center


References:

Center on the Developing Child (2011). Retrieved from https://developingchild.harvard.edu/about/what-we-do/#building-an-r-and-d-platform

Children's Defense Fund. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.childrensdefense.org/about/#About

National Child Care. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nccanet.org/default.aspx

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community

• At least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them

Georgia Library Media Association- I chose this community of practice because this organization has been around for years working efficiently to bring change to many issues faced by libraries in the state of Georgia. During its 100-year history, the Georgia Library Association has been built on its membership, which now includes librarians, trustees, paraprofessionals, and friends representing the school, public, academic and special libraries. Members unite to discuss common interests and to meet the challenges facing libraries today. These talented individuals contribute hard work, diverse talents, and strong leadership in shaping the future of Georgia's libraries.


Georgia Association for the Education of Young Children- I chose this particular community of practice because it consists of professionals who have an interest in promoting health, education, and development for children, from infantry all the way up to school aged. The GAEYC is affiliated with the NAEYC. Through collaboration this organizations solves many inequity issues, and promote the spread of the best practices through engagement, effective ecommunication, meetings, conferences and eventss.


State Support Network Community of Practice (Georgia)- I chose this particular community of practice because it focuses on how to continuously improve EBPs to support low-achieving schools. It will bring together States and districts to discuss how to build capacity for this work, such as by identifying and adapting frameworks for engaging in cycles of continuous improvement, identifying common implementation challenges and developing strategies to improve the likelihood that selected practices improve student outcomes, and supporting districts in establishing or building an evidence base for practices.

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

The job opportunities that interests me are leadership, administrative, and management positions including childcare director positions, elementary, middle, and highschool principal positions, advocate and leadership positions for public policy, resources, nutrition and health positions etc. 

One job in particular that I am interested in pursuing at this current time is the Assist Principal - MS - Administration - School position in the Gwinnett County school system.

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

• License and Certification Qualifications: Georgia Professional Certification in Educational Leadership at Level 5 or higher required. Education Qualifications: Master's degree in related field required. Specialist or doctorate degree in a related field preferred. Experience/Qualifications: Three years successful teaching experience preferred, preferably at the same level of the administrative position to be held. Skills Qualifications: Knowledge of most effective practices in curriculum, instruction, and child development; ability to work effectively with teachers and other education colleagues; proficiency in oral and written communications; demonstrated skills in interpersonal relations; and demonstrated skills in organization and planning. Primary Responsibilities: Assist the Principal in leading and implementing a cohesive educational program specific for the grade levels in assigned schools. 1. Provide instructional leadership. a. Assist in building and sustaining a school vision. b. Assist in facilitating shared leadership. c. Assist in leading a learning community. d. Utilize data to make instructional decisions. e. Monitor curriculum, instruction, and assessment. 2. Oversee school climate through communicating clear objectives. a. Assist in fostering and sustaining the school climate. b. Address internal and external dynamics at work in the school. c. Support a learning environment based on high expectations and respect for all individuals. d. Manage conflict and crisis in a timely and expert manner. e. Practice shared decision making. 3. Execute human resource administration functions. a. Assist in selecting quality teachers and other employees. b. Induct and support new teachers. c. Mentor novice teachers. d. Provide professional growth opportunities. e. Establish mentoring programs based on effective practice. f. Assist in retaining quality staff. 4. Oversee the teacher evaluation process. a. Provide a positive climate for teacher evaluation. b. Demonstrate a commitment to teacher evaluation. c. Document teacher performance in multiple ways. d. Follow legal guidelines for teacher evaluation. 5. Participate in organizational management planning and activities. a. Assist in coordinating safety, daily operations, and maintenance of the facility. b. Utilize data in organizational management. c. Assist in seeking and allocating fiscal resources. d. Organize and manage technology resources. 6. Oversee communication and community relations for the local school. a. Demonstrate effective communication. b. Communicate with teachers, students, parents, and families. c. Communicate with the larger community. 7. Exhibit professionalism and demonstrate professional standards. a. Exhibit ethical behavior. b. Serve as a role model. c. Participate in professional development for continuous improvement. 8. Influence student achievement at the local school. a. Exert influence on teaching quality and student learning by encouraging, supporting, and facilitating. b. Set, support, and sustain a focus on school goals and school-wide student achievement. c. Utilize data to guide school success. 9. Perform other duties as assigned. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time. Employee is also required to talk, hear, stand, and walk. The employee may be required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, and/or reach. Employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

References:

https://statesupportnetwork.ed.gov/state-support-network-communities-practice

https://www.google.com/search?ei=3ORHW-r4IMqk_Qaf5b2QBg&q=educational+administration+leadership+and+management+job+opportunites+in+ga&oq=educational+administration+leadership+and+management+job+opportunites+in+ga&gs_l=psy-ab.3...7029.13058.0.13299.25.24.1.0.0.0.158.2459.7j15.22.0....0...1c.1.64.psy-ab..2.7.887...0i22i30k1j33i22i29i30k1j33i21k1j33i160k1.0.FjhbteqjOvE&ibp=htl;jobs#htidocid=EnAY1e2gOLfuvLGbAAAAAA%3D%3D

Adjourning/Closing Statement (Farewell)

Hello everyone! We have reached our final week of the course and I want to thank each and every one of you for sharing such resourceful information via discussion and blog postings over the weeks. Although we are coming to and end and closure is quite helpful, I feel as though if we would like to make a difference in the lives of children and families and bring forth diverse education and learning styles then team building is very important. We are most likely to work better as a team and push for changes in policy, diversity, government funding, equity and justice to all families regardless of race, culture, ethnicity etc. Effective team building requires respect, interdependence, trust and empathy among all professionals and colleagues within a specific group. I appreciate that each of us have brought something unique and completely different, yet helpful, to the table over the past 8 weeks. If you guys would like to keep in contact or should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesistate to email @ passionmakella@gmail.com!

I expect to keep in contact with as many of you as possible for my personal and professional growth! Please leave your emails and/or phone numbers below!

Goodluck and God Bless YOU ALL!!!

Passion Sims -xoxo

** Stages of Team Development **

I feel as though high performing teams are not easy to leave but the members are easier to work with because everyone within the group are interdependent and highly motivated to get the job done. Forming bonds with high performing team members is essential when considering future projects. Groups with clearly established norms are more effective to work with because each members has grown to respect the opinions and differences of others within the team. It is easier to work through conflicts because team members have established trust. With trust being established the team is able to work towards a common goal. One of the groups that I participated in that was hardest to leave had to have been my childhood dance group. At the end of the season the coaches held a banquet and slumber party for myself and all of the members of our dance group, most of us said our goodbyes and parted ways, some of us kept in touch after the season.

I feel as though I will keep in touch with a few of my colleagues during the adjourning phase of this Master's program. The adjourning phase is abruptly approaching, I have about 4 more courses after this one and I will be completely finished with my Master's Degree. I hope that I can keep in touch with colleagues in order to establish bonds, share and exchange information and utilize resources. I appreciate the discussion forums because they allow us to get to know one another, converse, and exchange important information. Adjourning is an essential stage of team building because it it allows group members to reflect on their accomplishments and decide whether or not to part ways or whether or not they will take on future projects.

Conflicts and Disagreements.

Share at least two strategies you have learned about that might help you manage or resolve the conflict more productively, and why these strategies might be effective.

The first strategy that I can use that may help me manage and resolve conflict more productively is by being more respectful of the person in which I am engaging in conflict with. In the field of EC, it is important to develop respectful relationships with families, children, colleagues, and members of organizations, if we would like to gain an understanding, acceptance and respect for diversity and the different schemas and perspectives of others. Respect allows us an opportunity to engage in productive conflict and healthy debates. Often times people only want us to understand from there level of perception by giving them the courtesy of respect and attentiveness. 

The second strategy that I can use to help manage and resolve conflict more productively is compassion and empathy, in other words nonviolent forms of communication. Traits such as empathy, respect and compassion allows professionals to foster strong and positive bonds with families and colleagues in order to promote what is in the best interests for development and needs of all children. When we focus on doing things from the heart and relating to one another, it makes communicating more effective. 

Can you guys share advice, resources or tips on how to be more effective communicators in the field of EC studies. I am open to learning and continuing my growth as a professional.