Farewell and Best Wishes

Throughout this course, I have learned a number of important information regarding childcare but there are three that stand out to me.  The first is that advocating for children is so important and necessary.  Many times, parents (and even programs) are not aware of how to do so and go about it blindly.  Regardless of a child’s needs or abilities, they need us to look out for their best interests.  Next, building a Community of Practice is critical for success in my career.  Communities of Practice provide support, additional resources and positive feedback. Communities of practice may change or evolve over time but they are always important and necessary.  Last, to be a good leader, I must also learn to be a good follower.  In other words, I have to listen to others and be willing to accept suggestions, and acknowledge that their ideas are valid and important.

My long-term goal is to ensure that inclusion practices are a thing of the norm.  No family should ever feel as thought they are a burden for wanting to be their child to be included.  And once their child is in the program, they should have every confidence that their child will receive the best education available to them.  I want to equip teachers with everything they will need in order to ensure that inclusion will be smooth processes.

Since this is my last blog past, at least for the time being, I just wanted to say to you Dr. E, thank you for your guidance and for pushing me throughout this course.  Just a few short weeks ago (more than halfway through the course) I was ready withdraw just because of life circumstances.  However, you remained patient with me and encouraged me and provided positive feedback that kept me going.  That is the true definition of a great leader.  To my colleagues, thank you for sharing your own experiences (the good and the bad) and offering suggestions on how to make every experience or children the best possible.  Wherever your careers take you, I hope that you are able to find your true passion and reach all of your goals.

Alvia E. Underwood
Contact: alviae1981@gmail.com 

Job Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The Council for Exceptional Children.  The Council for Exceptional Children is a wonderful organization that strives to assist children and families with special needs.  Although I chose this organization because its goals are closely related to the goals I have for my final project, I know that the resources on the website will be extremely helpful in my professional life.  I have encountered hiccups with inclusion practices in the past (not knowing how to fully help families or teachers in need) and I am always searching for new information that will be of use to both parties. 

One of the jobs listed on the website that I would be interested in is that of the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator.  I currently meet all of the requirements for the position (Bachelor’s degree; ability to work under minimal supervision; reasoning; language and math abilities; and computer skills).  

Website:  https://www.cec.sped.org/Special-Ed-Topics/International-Special-Education/International-Organizations

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.  OECD was established in 1961 to establish policies that would “improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world” (OECD, n.d.).  They look at how all countries compare in a variety of areas (social security, taxes, leisure time, education, immigration, innovation and science & technology to name a few) and then provide this information to various governments around the world to allow them to share solutions. OECD operates in nearly every country around the world.  Currently, the organization offers a variety of fellowships and internships and job positions available and the work that they do for the world is phenomenal. However, none of the jobs are of interest to me at this time.

Website:  http://www.oecd.org/index.htm

Save the Children.  Save the children is an organization that exists to save children from a variety of obstacles that may plague them.  From working to improve mortality rates due to preventable illnesses to preventing violence they may face in their communities, Save the Children seeks to do just what its title indicates.  They conduct outreach in the United States and around the world through advocacy, education, emergency response, hunger and livelihood, health promotion, and protection.  Individuals may choose to sponsor a child or donate to Save the Children’s worthy cause.  Currently, there is a Family Service Coordinator position available.  This individual ensures the implementation of Head Start programs and ensures the safety of the families within the program.  I currently meet all of the qualifications for this job. 

Website:  https://www.savethechildren.org

References

About the OECD. (n.d.). Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Retrieved from http://www.oecd.org/index.htm

National/Federal Jobs in Early Childhood Community

Special Needs Alliance

“The Special Needs Alliance is a national organization comprised of attorneys committed to helping individuals with disabilities, their families and the professionals who serve them” (Special Needs Alliance, n.d.).  There are currently no jobs listed on the website or available to individuals who do not practice law.  The website claims that those working for the alliance do so through invitation-only, with each member having an average of 18 years of experience but no less than 5 years.  However, they are still a great organization to partner with or add to my community of practice since families need their assistance 

Website:  https://www.specialneedsalliance.org/government-programs-for-children-with-disabilities/

Autism Action Partnership

The Autism Action Partnership is an organization that seeks to improve the lives of individuals with autism and offer assistance to their families.  Their goals and initiatives include supporting and strengthening families; workforce development (to help adults with autism enter the workforce); enhancement of social skills and education; to increase awareness/acceptance/understanding; and to act as a supporting capacity within the autism community.  As of right now, the only job opening available is that of resource development manager.  In order to qualify, I need a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred) and 5 year experience in development to include grant writing.

Website:  https://autismaction.org/about-aap/mission-goals/

The Pacer Center

The Pacer Center offers workshops to parents offers free workshops help parents of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them; the organization provides puppet programs that cover disability awareness, abuse prevention and bullying prevention; and their technology center provides software and devices and training that will help children learn how to communicate through technology.  They look to improve the quality of life of all individuals with disabilities.  Pacer Center relies on organizations and volunteers to contribute and keep their services free to the families they serve.  There is currently a Grant Coordinator and Development Associate position available.  In order to meet the requirements for this job, I would need to acquire skills in grant writing.

Website:  https://www.pacer.org/about/PACERfacts.asp

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community

I found this assignment a little difficult because right now, I can’t imagine (nor do I want to) myself working for any organization other than Air Force Child and Youth Programs.  Additionally, I did not find many jobs that I could do on the administrative side.  I enjoyed my time in classrooms with the children but I think those days are behind me and I enjoy training and mentoring teachers who work in direct care roles with the children.  However, I was able to narrow my search down to a few that seemed interesting and would be beneficial for children and their families.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

One organization I would love to work for is Boys and Girls Clubs of America!  They offer programs that focus on character and leadership sports and education, the arts, health and wellness and career development, to name a few.  Military child and youth programs work very closely with this agency and I have witnessed first hand the benefits that children receive when having the opportunity to participate.  One of my favorite programs, the Youth of the Year, encourages children to explore their interests and beliefs and really consider how they want to shape their future.  Youth from Tyndall AFB have been awarded monetary awards such as scholarships and cash as well as laptop computers.  But in addition to that, they have been given opportunities to speak at public events and travel to different parts of the country and meet like-minded youth. These are opportunities that no amount of money could ever provide for them.

Job Opportunities.  There was one job opportunity that stood out to me on this website, and that is the position of Assistant Director Military Outreach (Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps).  In order for me to completely fulfill this role, I need experience in the management, administration and operation of a BGC or similar organization. 

Website:  https://www.bgca.org

Kids Included Together

Another organization I would like to work for is KIT (Kids Included Together).  Their training topics cover everything from inclusion practices to Autism and ADHD questions answered to mental health and positive behavioral support.  As long as I have worked in child and youth services, I have noticed an increase in the need for the types of training they offer. Additionally, they offer scheduled telephone conferences to support specific issues.

Job Opportunities.  At the time, there are no jobs listed for Kids Included Together. I would imagine that there should be some degree of early childhood education needed, as well as specialized experience in working with families and organizations who have children with special needs or behavioral issues. 

Website:  https://www.kit.org

Various Children’s Hospitals

Lastly, I would consider being a Child Life Specialist.  From what I have read, these specialists work with children who are in medical settings along with their families to help them cope with their current situations, offer support and help them understand what lies ahead.  I can imagine that this job would be difficult but it is still something that I would love to consider.  To work as a CLS, I would need a certificate for Child Life Specialists from the Association of Child Life Professionals and 2 years full-time clinical experience as a CLS.

Final Thoughts

First, I want to say thank you to all of the people who have shared their thoughts with me over the last 8 weeks.  Your views and been helpful and insightful and I know that with educators like you in the world, our children will grow to be better individuals!

My most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families with whom I work with is that I really slow down and take the time to learn about and truly know the children and families I support.  It is so easy to get lost in the daily routines and get into the habit of checking off boxes to meet certain standards or criteria.  But to really take the time to get to know families lets them know that they have a support system in me and that I will do everything in my power to ensure they have what they need.  And if I am unable to meet their needs, I will help them find the proper resources!

Thank you all and best wishes in your future endeavors!

Alvia

Impacts on Early Emotional Development - Indonesia

This week, I chose to review the challenges that children in Indonesia face.  For as long as I can remember, I've read about how beautiful the mountains and beaches there are and I want to see if for myself.  It was the first place I thought about when preparing for this assignment.  Although this is a popular tourist destination and one would think that the tourism pours into the economy and trickles down to the local communities, I was somewhat surprised when I researched the poverty stats in the UNICEF website.

Attendance in early childhood education alone is only 17%; 7% of children ages 5-17 are engaged in child labor; only 22% use water that is piped (or considered sanitary); 61% of the population uses basic sanitation services (even 20% of the population practices open defecation); and only 80% of women receive postnatal care within 2 days of giving birth.  On a positive note, the youth literacy rate (ages 15-24 years) is at 100%.  

Growing up in conditions like this can be detrimental to a child's emotional well being and development.  According to Wood, "Prolonged exposure to stress hormones impacts the developing brain and impairs the connection of brain circuits, which are especially vulnerable as they are developing during early childhood."  Being subjected to these conditions, especially during early childhood (the formative years) can have a long-lasting impact on children.  As an early childhood professional, I realize the impact of not having a solid foundation.  This makes me want to do everything I can to ensure children have everything that they need.  However, I cannot assume anything about their situations.  I must make an effort to establish a relationship with their families to understand their situations and help them in any way I can. 

Wood, R. (2015). The importance of safe, stable and nurturing environments for young children. The    
     Olympian. Retrieved from https://www.theolympian.com/living/health- 
     fitness/article26120254.html 

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

·      Share your reaction to the topic of the sexualization of early childhood.

I am not surprised to hear about the sexualization of children.  I have heard about it and read about it. However, reading about it this week made me more aware.

·      Provide three or more examples, from your personal or professional experience, that further illustrate the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment.

About two years ago, while at my daughter’s school for a Thanksgiving Lunch, our daughter’s principal tapped us on the shoulder to let us know that she wanted to speak with us.  Not knowing what was happening, we questioned our daughter and she told us one of her classmates had written her an inappropriate not.  What we were not ready for was the content of the note. While I won’t share the exact content of it, I can say that at 8 years old, there is no way the child should have known to say these things and when she declined his advances, to offer her something if she would allow him to do the things he asked.  Where was he getting this?  Why did he know about it?  I talked to my daughter and although she was clueless about what he was really asking, it made her uncomfortable.  Naturally, because he is a minor, we never got to hear why he was exposed to the type of language and behavior he was sharing with my daughter, but I drew my own conclusions.  Had someone asked sexual favors of him?  If so, did they happen?  Or did he have an older sibling who was telling him about these things but maybe thought it was harmless?  Regardless of the answers to these questions, I realized that I would have to start having the difficult conversations with her (those conversations that I personally was not ready to have with her).  I would have to explain why someone would ask this of her.  Fortunately, I had help from Amy Lang (she has a wealth of information) and she was able to guide the more detailed conversations we would have with our daughter about sex, sexuality, inappropriate touching and all of the topics in between.

Because sexualization is more common and children are aware of what it is and entails, our job made arrangements for Amy Lang (mentioned above) of Birds and Bees Kids to train us and help us look for the warning signs.  Shortly after this training, there were reports that a small child was sexually violated by another older child in that same center.  Shortly after, we received additional training on supervision policies, advising us to be more vigilant in watching where the children are.  This does not address the underlying problem – that some children are exposed to information that they should not be exposed to until they are at an age where they can handle it (I’m 37 and I still don’t know if I’ve reached that age myself). 

·      Explain the implications this may have on children’s healthy development.  

Children who are being raised in a society that sexualizes them can seriously hinder healthy development.  People become “social media” famous for a variety of reasons but what is really popular is the modeling trend.  People show their bodies provocatively and young and impressionable children see their rise to fame and desire the same.  And children access anything with a few clicks of a button. However, trying to meet these standards can lead to unhealthy eating and/or exercise habits.  And not meeting those standards can lead those same children to hate themselves, leading to psychological problems. 

·      Include ideas you might have, as an early childhood professional, to best respond to these concerns and to reduce the negative impact on children.

The best way to respond to these concerns is to let children know that they are worth so much more than what they look like.  They need to be aware that their intellect and how they treat others is far more important than what they look like.  The best time to start is at an early age.  This is why anti-bias education is important.  While teaching about anti-bias, we address differences but also make children aware that their differences do not define them.

·      Describe the ways in which your awareness of the sexualization of early childhood has been influenced and/or modified by studying the topic this week.

Studying this topic will make me think twice before commenting on my looks or anyone else’s!

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new 

sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf