Time Well Spent

It is indeed a great feat to have successfully completed my M.S. in Early Childhood Studies.  My initial thoughts regarding pursuing this course was one of concern because no one from my country was enrolled in this course and my experiences with courses was of such that collegial support goes a long way in ensuring that one succeeds in these programs. However, at Walden that support was available so it made my journey quite comfortable.

Among the deeply felt learning derived are issues concerning young children and families, diversity, advocacy and professional growth.

The issue of diversity has been brought into sharper focus.  I have gained a deeper understanding of diversity.  I have been able to deal with many of my biases to ensure that all children succeed.  A person’s biases to a great extent are cultural in nature and many of these develop early in life (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).  I have been able to adopt an open perspective to ensure that children and families flourish.  There is need to embrace a culturally relevant pedagogy as well as critical pedagogy that will investigate injustices in race, class, gender and sexual orientation (Hyland, 2010).  Diversity makes for a rich tapestry and as such I view it as healthy and embrace all children’s culture. Ola noted that diversity embraces our uniqueness (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  There is need to honor all people.  Young children must be visible in the classroom so that they will be motivated to the extent that they will achieve their fullest potential.

 This program has definitely helped to enhance my advocacy efforts.  I realize that as an early childhood professional there is need to speak out on behalf of children, families and the field at large.  This is necessary to bring awareness to importance of early childhood years, children’s development, quality education and a host of other issues that impact on children’s development.  By so doing, I acquire greater self-confidence and I am even more encouraged to pursue greater issues pertaining to the field of early childhood.

 Professional growth is also necessary in order to remain relevant if information is constantly changing.  Being part of a community of practice is very vital.  The rate at which information is changing encourages me to remain align with other professionals to enhance our level of professionalism.  Being part of a community of practice definitely helps in that regard but it is also important to join a professionally association where issues of a global nature are addressed. 

 One of my long term goals is to work with the official on my island - Tobago to ensure that the quality of early childhood care and education improves. 

 To my instructor and colleagues I must say it has been a very intense journey.  You have been very supportive to me along this journey.  The level of respectful collaboration that has been the hallmark of this course has allowed me to contribute fully to the various discussions and assisted me to gain a greater understanding of the various contents.  I am more empowered for having been a part of this great program and endowed with a variety of skills that will allow me to make valuable contributions to the field.  I can be reached at: evlynjames@hotmail.com.  It has been a life changing experience from which I will deduct absolutely nothing because it has strengthened my resolve to soar in life.

References

 Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Merging Vision, Passion and Practice  [Video recording]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

 Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Hyland, N. E. (2010). Social justice in early childhood classrooms: What the research tells us. YC: Young Children, 65(1), 82–87. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the ProQuest Central database: http://search.proquest.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/docview/197637742?accountid=14872

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Association of Childhood Education International

https://www.acei.org

This organization is concerned about optimal development for both children and professionals worldwide.  Its Global Action Centre sensitizes the public of issues which impede children ability to not only participate in education but also to survive.  The organization acts as an advocate for social change by providing members/viewers with global action topics.  By so doing it helps to keep persons current on the issues affecting the world and the need to lend support.  The goals are all aimed at improving children’s chances in life.  I did not see any job being advertised but I can see myself working as an advocate for change with this organizations and institutions in my country.

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

http://www.unesco.org

This organization utilizes dialogue based on respect as a means of achieving its global vision for sustainable development.  This is to be achieved through education, the eradication of poverty, developing healthy communication as well as making information accessible.   This will help to foster the mission of the organization which is to contribute to peace as well as intercultural discourse.  I selected this organization because it realizes that in order to reach people all over the world there is need to embrace various cultures and that is a very significant measure that will facilitate world peace and pave the way for dialogue as well as the wide range of publications that can be obtained free of charge.  The topics are very current and can provide valuable insight on issues that are being discussed in the public’s domain. I have not seen an job offers but I would be desirous of a specialist position in education as it relates to young children’s development.

Save the Children

http://www.savethechildren.org/

This organization is the leading independent organization for assisting needy children.  The programs extend to over 120 countries.  They are concerned about carving a path for children in order to ensure improving opportunities for children in the areas of education and economic opportunities. Many children in improvised counties/communities are not exposed to quality education.  Due to their vigorous efforts they were able to reach 11 million children in 39 countries providing them with early childhood education, opportunities to become literate as well as to attain wellness through health and nutrition.  I chose this organization because enhancing the life chances of children across the globe is at the heart of what they do. I was unable to locate any job opportunities but I saw volunteer positions such as advocate, educator or becoming a fundraiser for the organization.

References

Association of Childhood Education International (2011).  Retrieved from https://www.acei.org

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/