Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”. Benjamin Franklin

There are three things that I learned from this program. The first thing that I learned is quality childcare. I never knew that there was a difference between childcare services until I entered this program. The second thing that I learned is all the rules and regulations that pertain to the early childhood field. Where the center can be located, who can operate the center, the employee’s credentials, and funds that the government can assist with is some of the questions that were answered throughout this program.  The last thing that I learned is the importance of a Community of Practice. Individuals or organizations working for a common goal can benefit the children in more ways than one. I never knew what a Community of Practice was until this program.

My long-term goal is to own and operate a quality childcare facility in my community. I want to my community to have access to quality care childcare for the children so when they enter the school system they would be prepared. The center would follow the A-Beka Curriculum and all the teachers must have the correct credentials and attend monthly training or meetings.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Teri and my colleagues throughout this course. There were a few times that I got discouraged and wanted to throw in the towel, but then I would read a post and think about why I started at Walden. We all were able to bring different insight to various topics in the field of early childhood education.

 “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Nelson Mandela

My contact information is kelishatucker2001@yahoo.com

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The three international organizations that appealed to me were the OMEP USA, The Division of Early Childhood, and the International Childcare Ministries. All of the organizations offer different qualities that would want me to work or be a part of their work.

The OMEP USA Organization is the first Community of Practice that appealed to me. They have committees all over the world that focuses on the wellbeing of children Ages 0-8. The organization has been around since 1946 and has grown to be a voice for the children. They help promote health, education, rights, research and etc. This organization would allow me to advocate nationally and internationally about the issue of school readiness. The great thing is that all the individuals are volunteers, even the board members.

There is currently no job opening, but I would be interested in becoming a special assignment board member.

All the positions for OMEP is volunteer based. Even though there is no paycheck for the positions is can still aid in my outreach ideas. To become a board member I would have to be elected and appointed into the position. I would have to pay a small fee, and have some background knowledge in the field of early childhood education.

The Division for Early Childhood is the second organization that appealed to me, because if focuses on children with disabilities and special needs all over the world. They help families who needs special help with their special needs child, they advocate for their needs and enhances their learning. They are connected to facebook, live chat, and etc. so that information can be gained and transferred among families. This organization focuses on the children, and I would love to be a part of it.

There are no job opportunities in Georgia, but they do have openings as an Early Childhood Special Educator in Japan.

The first requirement for that position is the willingness to move to Japan, but they will pay for relocation. A master degree is also needed in the field of Special Education.

The International Childcare Ministries is the third organization that appealed to me as an early childcare professional. The organization serves as scholarships for children that reach children in various countries. Individuals can donate money to help the children that might be in need of items like food, books, medical supplies, and etc. Another thing that attracted me was the amount of churches that assist with this organization.

There are no job openings at this time, but I would be interested in becoming a promotion coordinator.

The skills needed to become a promotion coordinator can vary. The individual would need to be great in communication and time management, eye for detail, degree in the childhood field or business administrator.  

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

The three national organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me is the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educator, The Administration for Children and Families, and The United Way. These organization contribute to the child education field and offers support to educators.

The National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educator also known as NAECTE is one organization that appealed to me. This association has members that come together for the common goal, which are children. It can serve as a communication network for early childhood educators; they could communicate freely about anything in the field.

This organization has job postings for a Child Development Specialist in San Diego, and teacher at Tufts University. I would be interested in these two positions if it was available in Georgia.

The skills and experience for the teacher position is Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education, previous experience, communication skills, pass a background check, and experience supervision University Students. The skills and experience for the Child Development Specialist are a B.S. in Child Development, 1 year working with children, a current CPR, and being bilingual is required.

The Administration for Children and Families is the second organization that appealed to me. They deal with early childhood programs, children that are neglected or abused, public awareness, promoting family well-being, and etc. So many individuals are being helped through this organization. It also can serve as a COP because various smaller organizations are all working together for the children and families.

There is currently no job opportunities.

The skills and experience I would need for employment is a B.S. in Early Childhood, Psychology, or a related field. Excellent customer service skills and being bilingual is a plus.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me were the Georgia Department of Family Children Services, DeKalb County School System, and Georgia Training Approval.

Georgia Department of Family Children Services appealed to me because it offers education and training to employees who want to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field. They also offer subsidized child care. Having an understanding of how families are refereed or assisted can aid me is closing the gap with diversity. It can and would provide me with more information so that I can help more diverse family enroll their child in a quality center. 

There are currently no job opportunities

The experience that I need is customer service skills, some experience in the field, and a B.S or higher in a related field.

The DeKalb County School System is the second communities of practice that appealed to me. The school systems offer many openings for a full time early childhood teacher. As an early childhood teacher I can work with children up to the age of 5, and prepare them for school readiness, regardless of their background.

There are currently two openings for a pre-kindergarten teacher in DeKalb County.

The skills and experience that I would need is the ability to interact with the children, create lesson plans, active and positive role in their daily interactions is some important skills needed to perform the role. Experiences that is needed is the Georgia teaching certificate issued by the Professional Standards Commission (PSC) in Early Childhood Education (P-5), Birth through Five, Elementary Education, Birth to Five Endorsement,  Special Education General Curriculum Consultative/ECE (P-5).

Georgia Training Approval is the third state organization that appealed to me. This organization would allow me to work with various individuals in the field of early childhood education and enhance what they know about the field. I can also advocate for issues in the field while providing training. I would promote professional growth and advancement in the field of early childhood.

There are job opportunities if I can pass all the qualification to be a Georgia Trainer. I would like to be Trainer III, which is on the Master’s level.

If I want to provide training for child care licensing must be classified under one of the following:  Trainer I, Trainer II, Trainer III, or Specialty Trainer. The requirements is to have previous experience working with children, CPR, first aid, fire safety certified, maintain state in-service requirements, and communicate well with others. Also, a plus would be my knowledge in the field and past experiences.