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