~International Organizations~

The first international organization that I found interesting is OMEP.  The World Organization for Early Childhood Education.  I decided to share this organization because I have worked with OMEO-USA during my undergraduate studies. In fact one of my professors is the vice president and coordinator of the early childhood programs for OMEP-USA.



OMEP is an international, non-governmental and non-profit organization concerned with all aspects of early childhood education and care (ECEC).

OMEP defends and promotes the rights of the child to education and care worldwide and supports activities which improve accessibility to high quality education and care.

OMEP is currently established in over 60 countries and is represented at meetings of UNESCO, UNICEF, and other international organizations with similar aims.
Job Postings
 I was not able to find any employment opportunities for this organization. However, individuals interested in becoming a part of this organization are encouraged to become a member of their National Committee.  In order to become a member of the executive world  committee an individual must be nominated and elected into their position

http://www.omep-usnc.org/




The second organization of interest is ACEI,  Association for Childhood Education International.  I was interested in this organization because they contribute to the growth and development in the EC community in numerous ways. 

ACEI is a global community of educators and advocates who unite knowledge, experience, and perspectives in order to exchange information, explore innovation and advocate for children.

Their  mission is to promote and support in the global community the optimal education, development, and well-being of children, from birth through early adolescence, and to influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society.

Job Postings 
Although there was no employment opportunities listed, ACEI has two internships available for the summer of 2013.

Interns should be enrolled in a graduate degree program that focuses on global education issues with a particular interest in children's education. A focus on one specific aspect of childhood education, such as basic education or early childhood development, is also acceptable. Interns who have had some international experience(s) working or living outside the U.S., are preferred.

Internships typically range from 8 -12 weeks. All interns must reside in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area during their assignment and are responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation. Interns are based at the ACEI Headquarters located at 1101 16th Street NW, Washington DC, 20036, a few blocks north of the White House.

ACEI is also seeking candidates for board of director positions.  Some of the qualifications include having broad knowledge of the field of childhood education with an understanding of global movements that impact the lives of children, commitment to ACEI’s mission and vision, and strong leadership skills.

http://acei.org/



The third organization of interest is DEC, the Division of Early Childhood.  I decided to share this organization because I currently worked with an agency providing care for young children and adults with developmental disabilities.  This organization provides support, education and resources for families, policy makers, educators, and students in the EC field.

The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) is one of seventeen divisions of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. DEC is especially for individuals who work with or on behalf of children with special needs, birth through age eight, and their families.

OUR MISSION
The Division for Early Childhood promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities.

Job Postings

Associate Director of Child Care facility

Minimum Qualifications: -Bachelor's degree and four years of related experience required. -3-5 years of teaching experience with infants, toddlers, and/or young children in a play-based Early Childhood Center. -Demonstrated understanding of developmental needs of infants, toddlers, and young children. - NYS teaching license or a study plan working towards a license.

Preferred Qualifications : -Master's Degree, or working towards a degree, in Early Childhood Education or a related field

http://www.dec-sped.org/About_DEC

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

"Quality child care has become a major concern in our society today. Parents, businesses, and child care providers must face the dilemma of how to find, or provide, the best possible care for children.
 

In response to that need, the YWCA Child Care Solutions was founded in 1991 to provide child care referrals and consumer education to parents, offer training opportunities and technical assistance to child care providers, work to develop new child care options and assist employers in meeting their employees’ child care needs.
 

Whatever your interest in quality child care, YWCA Child Care Solutions works to build a quality child care system that support the needs of working families and their child care providers." (YWCA, nd)

I decided to use the YWCA of Rockford as one of my organizations to share because I believe that they are providing a great service to the Rockford area. Professionals are given resources and training opportunities for professional development.  Because of their contributions many children have gained access to quality care and education.  

 Employment Oppurtunity:

QUALITY RATING SYSTEM SPECIALIST
Shall be at least 25 years of age, have high school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED), AND have achieved: 

 a) Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in a related field (Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Child Psychology/Behavioral Sciences, Family Consumer Sciences, Social Work, Elementary Education, Child Welfare, Family Services)
 b) Minimum two (2) years experience in a child care setting as a family child care provider, center based administrator, center-based teacher or teacher assistant or Illinois Preschool for All teacher 
 c) Shall be an Approved Trainer for the Gateways to Opportunity Registry within six (6) months of employment 
d) Shall complete the following training within 18 months of employment: ITERS-R, ECERS-R, SACERS, PAS and BAS Excellent written and oral communication and tactful interpersonal skills required.  
e)Valid Driver License.

http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=nwL0KjN1LvH&b=4865299

 The second organization that I decided to share is Voices for Illinois Children.  I decided to share this organization because I have worked with them in the past and I value their commitment to young children and families.  This organization focuses on birth to 8, education, family economic security, fiscal policy, and many other areas directly affecting children and families.

  "Voices for Illinois Children champions the full development of every child in Illinois to assure the future well-being of everyone in the state. We work with families, communities, and policymakers across multiple issue areas to help children grow up healthy, happy, safe, loved, and well-educated."

Employment Oppurtunity:
Unfortunately this organization did not have any employment oppurtunities that I am qualified for.  However, I have taken the initiative to sign up for updates so that I can actively participate with the policy action center.

 http://www.voices4kids.org/

 

The last organization that I decided to share is the Illinois State Board of Education.  I decided to share this organization because of their compilation of resources and information.  ISBE, supports and focuses on all children and members of their educational community.   This website provides educators, and families with information on policies, grant opportunities, policies, learning and development standards, and much more.   
 
Employment Opportunity:

Principal Consultant (Title Grant Administration Division)

Education Requirements:

Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree plus two years of relevant professional experience. Master’s Degree in Education preferred; specialization in policy analysis, program evaluation, assessment, budgets, grants management, business and/or staff development preferred.

 

Experience and Skills:

Two years of experience (in addition to education requirements) working as a teacher, as an administrator, or in a consulting capacity; experience in the delivery of professional development; experience with budgets.  Ability to implement grant funded programs; basic computer knowledge; ability to develop and manage budgets; ability to present complex information to lay and professional audiences effectively in formal and informal settings; ability to work effectively with and within diverse teams; ability to identify and locate resources; knowledge of working with NCLB law and grants relating to NCLB; ability to define problems and apply problem solving techniques; ability to coordinate projects; ability to set schedules and timelines; highly effective communication skills, especially in writing and in speaking to a wide range of groups. Knowledge about strategic planning, research methodologies, organizational development and/or adult learning preferred.

 http://www.isbe.state.il.us/default.htm

 

~A Special Thanks to All~

I would like to take this opportunity to give a warm and special thanks to all of my colleagues. I appreciate each and everyone of you for sharing your perspectives,insights and personal experiences in your blogs and discussion posts. With your help I learned many new things.  

I wish all of you the best of luck..and hope that achieve your highest goals!!!

~Adjourning Stage in Team Development~

Adjourning stage:  the stage of group development in which members reflect on their accomplishments and failures as well as determine whether the group will disassemble or take on another project (O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M., 2012).

I believe many people will agree the adjourning stage can sometimes be difficult or seen as a relief.  I personally think this is influenced by the success of the group.  Groups that did not consist of trust and togetherness will probably look forward to dismantling the group.  However,  I believe that they must take the mistakes and mishaps that occurred and use them as learning tools for success in other group work.

On the other hand the groups that worked well together, and accomplished goals may have a difficult time leaving one another.  Many will more than likely decide to work together on another project simply because the trust and commitment is validated already.

The closing rituals that I enjoyed the most is recapping our experiences as a team.  During this time we shared the good, bad , and the ugly; as well as the coulda (could have), wouldas (would haves), and shouldas (should haves).  

I would imagine the adjourning stage from the group of colleagues I have formed while receiving my master's will consist of exchanging best wishes, maybe contact information and thanking one another for sharing personal experiences, perspectives, and advice. 

Reference

O'Hair, D., Wiemann, M.,.  (2012).  Real Communication: An Introduction.  New York:Bedford/St.Martin's. 

~Resolving Conflicts~

 A disagreement that I recently experienced is with my sister in law.  I have always disapproved of her parenting styles, but I have never voiced my opinion.  Well, while at a family gathering an incident occurred between my 4 year old nephew (her son) and my little cousin (5 or 6 years old).  I really don't know all the details of the altercation, but was told my nephew said some curse words and smacked my little cousin in the face.  I was approaching my nephew to discipline him, when my sister in law rushed up and grabbed him saying "his auntie not going to whoop him and he need his a** whooped".  So she snatched him from my hand, slapped across the face while cursing at him.  I was beyond upset and at this point and it was evident when I spoke.  I harshly attacked her parenting skills, and let her know that her son is doing the only thing she has ever taught him.  This turned into a big altercation, that led to other family members taking sides and at the end of it all the overall message was lost during the midst of the conflict.


With this situation I could have done a lot of things differently.  For instance I could have controlled my emotions, and waited until I was calm enough to approach her.  I should have also pulled her to the side and talked privately to her and not at her.  However, the  most important thing I think I should have done is to speak on the negative behaviors when I first noticed them instead of sweeping them under the rug and allowing tensions to build. 

~Evaluating Effectiveness~

While completing the evaluations I had a difficult time because I can be really hard on myself at times.  I have to say that I am probably my worst critic, in a good way :). Because I am so hard on myself, I was really surprised that the results of my other 2 evaluators were aligned with my results for all 3 evaluations.  According to the results I have low communication anxiety, moderate verbal aggressiveness, and my listening style is people-oriented.  

This week I learned that my communication skills are greater than I thought.  According to the course text the manner in which I evaluate my communication experiences wards a sense a self-adequacy, which is defined as evaluating your communication as sufficient or acceptable.

Because communication is a major component in the EC field,having the ability to accurately evaluate yourself is extremely important for future improvement.

~Communicating Differently~

Yes, I find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. When speaking with individuals from cultural backgrounds that I am unfamiliar with I am usually more of a listener, because I do not want to offend them. At times the situation may feel awkward, because I am not as comfortable.  

The manner in which I communicate with co-workers is different from the way I speak with friends. Now that I think about it,within my family I speak to members differently. The conversations I have with my parents and siblings are very different, as with my aunts/uncles and cousins.  

The most important thing that I feel I can do to communicate more effectively with people or groups, is to always remember that the communications needs will vary from person to person.  It is very important for me to take into consideration the individual communication needs, the environment and the scenario.  And lastly, I always speak to others the way I want to be treated, regardless of their behaviors.