My Virtual Office

I hope everyone likes my virtual office. It could have been more kid friendly. I wanted it to look professional but, more comfortable for children. If I were designing this room I would put children's chairs(colorful) and items children would feel comfortable looking at. I also like bright colors or children designs on the walls. My office would be designed to make children feel able to talk about their problems and feel it is a safe place to be.

Time Well Spent

The importance of the work we do as early childhood educators are as much about the families of children and the communities, as it is about children. Because, children will develop identity, we know all children have individual personalities; they're born with temperaments, and they have preferences like adults have.

  Children need to know they are valued. As early childhood educators we have to continue to grow to help young children to be able to move forward. We need to have the passion to create a just world for all diverse children (Laureate Education, 2012).

Everyone has the ability to inspire others. When children are in preschool, it is the most critical time of their life. As early childhood educators doing what you believe is the first step of doing what you will always be proud of. (Laureate Education, 2012).

 Merging Vision, Passion, and Practice 2012 Laureate Media, Inc.,

  To Dr. Teri,

 This course was the most challenging for me at Walden. I will carry it wherever my future takes me.

To All My colleagues,

I don’t know how to thank you for all your support of my challenge; you have given me more than you will ever know. To have a group of such caring and devoted individuals in the early childhood field lets me know children in our care will be okay with the world. Good luck to all of you. Please keep in touch with me. My e-mail is kstokes@comcast.net. 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The best way to ensure all children have a fair chance at a brighter future is to give each child the opportunity to learn and grow early on. The early steps  for a child to be successful is through programs that lays a critical foundation of language and literacy skills for children from birth to age 5, so they can enter school ready to succeed without hunger or poverty. I have chosen three international organizations I would be interested joining, to change the lives of children who are need.  

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves and that is a healthy start. They give children the opportunity to learn and to be protected from harm. Any time a disaster strikes, children’s needs are put first. They are advocates for change in the USA and around the world. They are committed to the children the world’s most vulnerable kids who are learning to read. They are dedicated to saving children’s lives. Every child needs to receive a start in life and that includes good health and an early education. Save the children realizes young children lack the early opportunities they need to lead healthy and successful lives. A minimum of 7 years management experience in a corporate or an NGO environment, or level three in management within the finance department of a national or international organization (save the Children, 2011).

 United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF is there when an emergency strikes, whether sudden or natural disaster children require protection to ensure their safety. UNICEF’s global mandate for children specifically provides their focus on protecting children from the immediate and long-term effects dealing with emergencies.  UNICEF works with other organizations to partner on a number of issues by strengthening child protection systems and promoting positive social norms in all circumstances to prevent and respond to violence, abuse and abuse directed at children. International professionals are normally required to have an advanced university degree in a field relevant to the work of UNICEF. In some cases, extensive qualifying work experience may be considered instead. Please be sure to check the academic requirements of the vacancy announcement you are interested in (unicef.org, 2011)

World Health Organization (WHO) knows that. existing high-impact, low-cost interventions such as vaccines, antibiotics, improved breastfeeding practices and safe hygiene practices have already saved millions of lives  WHO is passionate about their cause and are committed to our mission: to promote the equal rights of children Improved health outcomes, with WHO meeting the expectations and partners in addressing global health priorities.They are focused on the actions and areas where their Organizations have a unique function, and financed in a way that makes possible their motivation. WHO plays a leading role in helping the many international nations play an active and effective role in contributing to the health of all people. What are required to work in this organization are university degree as well as a postgraduate specialization in a health- or management-related field. These three organizations play an important role in helping with disasters and I would want to be involved with them to make a difference in a in the lives of others(WHO, 2006).

 Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved fromhttp://www.savethechildren.org/site/

Mission and core functions - WHO | Regional Office for Africa 2006 Retrieved from

http://www.afro.who.int/en/who-in-the-african-region/mission.html

 United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/

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

The early years of a child is the most important stages of their life. This is time to develop their social and emotional development. Childcare can be costly but, you still want quality, health and   positive growth for your children. With this in mind one of the national organizations I want to pursue would be Office of Childcare (OCC). This organization supports low-income working families by providing access to affordable, high-quality early car e and afterschool programs. They work with state, territory and tribal governments to provide support for children and their families who juggle difficult work schedules and struggle to find child care programs that will fit their needs and that will prepare children to succeed in school. In order to work here you have to have at five years experience and a master’s degree in childcare (acf.hhs.gov/programs/occ).

My second choice of organization I would choose to work for is The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a non -profit organization dedicated to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to be successful in life. Their mission is to unite, inspire, and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development. This field will require a bachelors degree or better. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, developments of children and families, to be stronger, in their communities. I would like to be involved in such a worthy area of early childhood care. Since 1974, NHSA has worked hard for policy changes that ensure all at-risk children have access to the Head Start model of support for the whole child, the family and the community (nhsa.org/)

Lastly, I would love to be involved with the NAEYC, that Positions its Statement Association's issues to early childhood education practice, policy, and professional development for which there are controversial and have critical opinions. This organization has the most powerful part of early childcare requirements. Position statements are developed through a building approach of family studies, early childhood special education, or elementary education with a concentration in early childhood education issues affecting young children’s education and development. In this field you need to working on an associate’s or higher degree in early childhood education, child development (naeyc.org).

National Head Start Association Retrieved from

http://www.nhsa.org/

National Association for the Education of Young Children Retrieved from

http://www.naeyc.org/

Office of Child Care/Administration for Children and Families Retrieved from

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/occ

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

 Teaching in the early childhood field is the position I have always wanted. There are more numbers of children now attending school and for this reason programs in the U.S., are listing more early childhood education jobs. Early childhood educational organizations have made it aware of the necessity of educating children beginning with infancy, toddler and the preschool years. For this reason, it has caused growth in the number of employment positions within the work of early childhood education.

Three local or state organizations or communities of practice I would choose; one would be a special education teacher who works with children who have learning, mental, emotional or physical disabilities. This teaches children with disability various subjects, such as reading, writing, and math, to children with mild and moderate disabilities. I believe all of these would be very rewarding to help special needs or any child develop their potential (aacte.org).

 The second organization or communities of practice that appeals to me is a nonprofit organization such as the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) an advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. They create the policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure they access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation (aacte.org).

The last would be The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) which is an international membership organization who works with or on behalf of young children with disabilities and other special needs. Their purpose is to promote policies to support the finest development of young children with special needs. Most of these types of jobs require five years experience and a master’s degree or above (aacte.org).

Early Childhood Organizations | Early Childhood Retrieved from

http://aacte.org/programs/early-childhood/early-childhood-organizations 

Passion to Action

 My Wordle communicates what I have inspired during my programs, please look at it because; this took me quite a while to get the concept. Thanks

<a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/7622812/Untitled"

Reflecting on Learning

In the Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves, I am learning to continue reflecting on my work, and learning from any mistakes. Even if it doesn’t happen the first time, I will keep on the distinctive path of becoming an educator activist (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). One of my goals as an anti bias teacher is to identity how I have been programmed by the stereotypes or prejudices absorbed about myself and others; to uncover learned stereotypes, discomforts, and biases. My most passionate hope for my future as a teacher, in order to serve children will be to work with their families. Children are too immature to rationally understand the fixations of racism or being prejudice; as they grow up, their behaviors will show how much influence from family of societal stereotypes and biases so, this is what anti-bias deems as teachable moments to guide children to recognize all children for the unique

To Dr. Pickens,

 I would like to thank you most of all for such a rewarding course on anti-bias teaching, you were supportive and gave much guidance on how to achieve the goals of teaching all children. I will take this with me as I take my journey into early childhood education.

To my colleagues,

 Thank you all for the opportunities to learn how you teach children in diverse cultures. I learned from this group how loving and caring we have to be to share in children’s lives. The more teachers such as yourselves the better off children can learn to accept others. It was a pleasure to get to know all of you. Good luck in all of your ventures.

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

UNICEF is productive in helping to create a world where every child the rights. They have the worldwide power to influence the decision-makers to turn the most innovative ideas into reality.  That makes them irreplaceable among world organizations, and rare among those that work with children. UNICEF was created just with that purpose in mind (unicef.org).

The area of the world I chose to share with my colleagues was Tamale, Ghana. Emmanuel Holortu has seen some of the worst cases of violence against children where discipline goes too far. Mr. Holortu is the head of the Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit in Tamale. His primary role is to protect children in Ghana’s Northern Region against abuse (unicef.org). UNICEF has supported a national list of reported child abuse cases, as well as training its staff to help children in abusive situations. This organization plays a critical role in the strengthening of child protection systems, supported by (unicef.org).

These experiences have a devastating effect on children’s emotional wellbeing because; they are affected emotionally, physically and socially. Emmanuel Holortu is trying to rescue children from the situation and join them with their biological family. Children need encouragement so their potential is realized. If they are constantly abused, you shut the door to that expression. The child’s self-esteem is damaged. (unicef.org).

 The personal and professional reflection I gained and the influences they have on me as a person and an early childhood professional are to realize that the education system needs to teach emotional control. A lot of adults lose their emotional control. Children rarely report abuse  because, they are frightened or even scared, what will happened to them or the adult involved with the abuse(unicef.org). We have to change the belief that violent discipline, physical punishment or psychological aggression should not happen to children; eventually they will confuse this behavior as love and the cycle will manifest itself to their children as well

UNICEF: Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Some examples of the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment are demonstrated in cartoons, books, toys and computer games. This is when we can start to make a huge difference in diminishing, the negative impact on sexualization of childhood in young children early years. We need to stay connected with your children because the risks will get higher in adolescence. This is being increasingly recognized in young children from a highly sexualized environment (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).

The implications this may have on children’s healthy development is especially damaging to children and adolescents who are developing their sense of themselves as sexual creatures.  Despite rising awareness, previous research has focused on school-age children and how they can come into contact with adolescent sex offenders. Differentiating between normal and problem sexual behaviors is a critical role of teachers, which can make a huge difference in getting rid of the harmful impact in, the sexualization of childhood on in young children (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009).

My awareness of the sexualization of early childhood has been influenced and modified by studying the topic this week is by learning that children are growing up flooded from a very young age with explicit messages about sex in the media and popular culture. Preschool-aged children are naturally inquisitive and experience periods of enhanced awareness sexualization in their environments.  I am becoming more aware of how girls and boys constantly encounter sexual messages and images that they cannot understand and that can confuse and even terrify them (Levin  &  Kilbourne, 2009).

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

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

Racism, sexism,  any biases and prejudices are the consequences I will expect for the children and families with whom I work with while I also experience specific "–ism(s)" in my own life (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). One specific example is knowing I am an African American female and I have twice the level of discrimination to endure. I hope to learn more of my own bias, in order not to take them into the classroom. Learning who you are and what your background is gives you perspective on diversity. I know that having a better understanding of the issues, I can better explain to children and families, to help them understand, how damaging the problem of prejudice and racism can affect an individual’s pride and confidence.

My most valuable asset for working with children and families from any background is my desire to be the best anti- bias teacher I can. I have learned through this course that diversity is a way of life and I want any child and their family to feel secure, to know their children will be safe. I desire to help children understand other diverse cultures and to show every child that their culture is acceptable. In my family culture, I was brought up to see people for what they are and not the color of their skin so; it will not be problems for me to learn the cultures of another’s. It is essential as educator to get rid of any misconceptions, with accurate information to develop more positive attitudes; to learn empathy and passion for teaching all diverse cultures (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010).

 Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010).  Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.

Observing Communication

I arrived at a girlfriend’s home and her two girls were playing and did not seem to change or feel uncomfortable because I was there so, I decide to seize the opportunity to watch them interact with their mother in play. They seemed to be imitating grown- ups at their table, pretending to drink a cup of coffee and discussing where they are going to shop. The girls sat down pretending to eat together. At this very young age children are able to participate and master activities, developing their own communication. On the plate she put broccoli, a drumstick, and orange slices.

She explained that she included healthy foods. The girls sat down pretending to eat together.  They started to talk about school. Brianna made a 100 on a test. The teacher said Brooke did a good job on the computer.The girls had a disagreement. Brooke tried to remove chicken from the oven and Brianna said it not ready. Brooke’s reaction to her sister’s criticism was to take a picture that was in her room of them and cut out Brianna’s picture. Her mother told her how hurtful that was to her sister so they made up and continued to play.

Effective communication strategies working with children, the way to go are to learn about children are to see their play. The way to find out about their play is first watch them, and then ask them questions about where they are in their play-mind (Laureate Education, 2012).  To make communication more effective all children need to feel that, to know who they are, and to bring with them their communication when they enter school. They need to feel respected, and they need to feel grounded in themselves and they need to be heard (Laureate Education, 2012).

 Watching the children in this manner, I saw how important communication is when children play. Children use their developing social cognitive skills to learn about pretend play. Children communicate, really, all different ways and use their bodies so much that if you're sensitive, you can really pick up cues about how to communicate (Laureate Education, 2012).

The insights on how the adult-child communication went that I observed was for play to be successful the children have to share the focus of attention. The mother’s attention is directed toward the expressions of her children which are reflective of her personal. experience. Children use their developing social cognitive skills to learn about how to communicate. As children play, (their roles, their attitudes and dispositions create a shared culture constructed by the mixing of attitudes, ideas, feelings and their experiences.

"Communicating with Young Children" 2012 Laureate Media Inc.,

Creating Affirming Environments

If I Imagined what it would be like to open my own Family Child Care Home I imagine this: As an ant-bias teacher I would plan to encourage children to express their own ideas, to be themselves and respect others cultural differences. I am going to learn about the families and communities of the children I teach so, that I

can do a better job in the happiness of children. 

Examining Posters, children art work, can highlight positive personality traits to be exhibited in and out of the classroom. I will support and value their unique contributions, in hopes to create a classroom communities  where children and their families feel safe and welcomed (Derman-Sparks & Olsen, 2010).  

I would make every effort to create a setting that is rich in possibilities for exploring cultural diversity. My environment would assist children in developing their ideas about themselves and about others.I would ask myself are all children represented in my classroom (Derman-Sparks & Olsen 2010). By selecting my materials carefully, so they are simple and not too much stuff, instead with clear images,that are easily used by children (Derman-Sparks & Olsen 2010).

Derma-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.