Time Well Spent!

     As the end has drawn near, I feel mixed emotions.  I’m happy to be a candidate for graduation, sad (about leaving the safe environment of the university) and excited about what the future holds for me.  I have learned that before I can “fix” the early childhood field, I need to be able to recognize my own biases and make sure that I am able to fairly lend what traits I have to early childhood.  I’ve also learned from the program, that I will not know everything and should not wait to become an advocate for children and families. Start where you are! This also resonated with me; all people want the best for their children but may not have the knowledge to give it to them.  That’s where I come in.  I can be the link to assisting families help their children attain a great education and make a contribution to society.

     My long-term goal is to open a chain of anti-bias high quality early childhood centers throughout the United States and Mexico. I believe knowledge is power and I want to reach people who want to break the cycle of poverty through education.  I will write grants and seek private donations to fund the projects.   

     To my colleagues and professors, I have truly enjoyed this journey.  I will not forget the support and encouraging words of wisdom from you guys.  I feel as though I was a part of a family not an institution and you guys made it possible. I hope to one day meet my professors and colleagues in person so that I can personally thank you.  It’s been an exciting beginning and in a few years, I hope that we meet in a joint advocacy effort. 

Yolonda S. Honore’   yolondahonore40@yahoo.com

International Opportunities

     FHi has a career opportunity project in Malawi. This project is interesting to me because “it responds to the critical need for sufficient quantities of low-cost, appropriate and effective mother-tongue reading materials for primary school students in grades 1 and 2”(Academy for Educational Development, 2011). I would love to encourage students and families to produce these low cost readable materials.  These booklets are produced after hours by teachers, students and family members. 

      I also noted a position as a Temporary Assignment: Child Protection Specialist, Sittwe (P-3), Myanmar with UNICEF.  This was interesting to me because as an educator, I have always felt as though my underlying job was/is to protect children.  I have been a foster parent for about 18 years and I love children.  I feel as though I can give children their own voice.  Some of the job qualifications are fluent English, degree related to the social sciences and a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience at national and international levels in child protection.

" A child in need is in need of everyone’s help."

      In concluding my search, I found a position as a Regional Educational Advising Coordinator on the Institute of International Education site. These are the requirements for this position,  a Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s or equivalent academic degree preferred; or a combination of experience and education; Seven years of overall experience, with a minimum 5 years of experience working within an international educational system and 2 years of management experience; Experience working within the region of hire and familiarity with the higher education systems for that region;  English required and fluency in a local language preferred; Lastly an  in depth knowledge of the U.S. higher education system. This position did not interest me but I thought it would be an exceptional resource for my colleagues.

 

References

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm  http://www.fhi360.org/projects/malawi-timawerenga-we-can-read

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_70585.html

https://iie.hua.hrsmart.com/hrsmart/ats/Posting/view/845

National and Federal Job Opportunities

This assignment has assisted me preparing and locating employment at the national and federal levels.  On the NAECY website, I noted a job as a Project Manager.   Qualifications for this position are the candidate must have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, three years working in an early childhood program, five years of international experience and three years of supervisory experience.  Also, the position requires training experience, communication and writing experience.  The requirement for the job that I was most enthused about was the having the availability to travel internationally.  That sounds like something that I would love to do. 

My search also brought me to an employment opportunity for an On-Call Early Childhood Education Specialist to work within their Education, Community & Social Programs Division (ECSP).  This specialist would work closely with military families to ensure that the services requested are delivered as sought.  Qualifications for this position are a Master’s degree in early childhood education or a related field of study, five or more years of experience working in a military early childhood setting, ten years of experience with providing content knowledge on early childhood programs, curriculum standards, assessment, proficiency with Microsoft Office software and experience working with multiple stakeholders. 

Finally, I found a position for an Education Specialist.  This government job had very broad qualifications; it appeared that most of the employment opportunities sought either educational or field experience.  All postings for this agency had similar wording for the job qualifications.  This position is described as professional work for educational related programs that improves American education. 

References

https://icfi.taleo.net/careersection/icf_prof_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=180420&src=JB-10080

http://www.naeyc.org/about/jobs

http://jobview.edhires.ed.gov/getjob.aspx?JobID=126073976&LogGetJobChannelID=6570

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

     This was an excellent assignment for this course.  I have worked in the same school district and school for 18 years.  This year, I ventured out—just a little and transferred to another school.  I’m loving it… new school, new environment, different students and a wonderful teaching experience.  I said all that to say, I did not realize how difficult it is to locate employment. 

      From my search, I located a Childcare and Preschool Administrator position. I think this would be suitable to me because I desire to be a part of a team that contributes to young children and their families.  For this position, one I would work with a team of educators who evaluate early learner’s social and educational development.   After which, we would devise a plan to construct goals and objectives that are needed to advance the child successfully through his developmental phases.  This position is no longer available because personnel have met the quota for this position.  The ad stated the interested persons must currently posses a Master’s degree (preferably in education), have worked at least one year as an administrator and have worked at least three years with young children.   

     The second position is that of an Education Program Specialist for the Department of Education.  This appeals to me because in the benefit package, the specialist will receive equal leave for volunteering.  I thought that was a nice catch because I volunteer a great deal in my community and I can view this as an asset.  Two positions are available in the Washington, D. C. area.  The skills are very general for this position.  For example, degree that can be supplemented by 24 hours of course work in a related field or a combination of education and experience is required.  This position does not specifically require a Master’s degree but judging from the salary scale it sounds like a great starting point for a person who recently graduated. 

     The third position that I identified was a Pre-school Special Education teacher.  I currently posses a Louisiana teaching certificate in Special Education M/M K-12. This position is appealing to me because I have been told that I have a gift to work with special needs students and I immensely enjoy the challenge. For this position, I need to possess a valid Arizona teaching certificate. No prior teaching experience is necessary but a teacher must be able to motivate the students and establish and maintain classroom procedures.  Also, the teacher must be able to collaborate with other agencies, direct/evaluate Para educator, and maintain a cooperative working relationship with the student and the parents.   

Reflecting on Learning!

     My most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional is that I learn that educating all children is vital to our progression as a people.  I feel like there is an abundance of hope for the children because of our advocacy efforts. By enrolling in and soon to graduate from this program, I feel as though I have the tools to begin to promote an anti-bias education for all children and families. As an advocate, I would like to encourage all my co-workers to research or enroll in a program that will enable them to learn about anti-bias education. Dr. Julie Edwards said, “We will never learn everything about anti-bias education because the field is still evolving (Laureate, Inc.) I just feel like she is saying, “Start now.” You see, I am confident that my love for children and the knowledge that I have acquired while focusing on anti-bias education is the foundation I need to promote these efforts. 

     To my very supportive colleagues, I commend you for continuing in the program.  You have been a pleasure to share ideas, comments and concerns with.  I appreciate what each of you brings to the table.  As we part our separate ways, I hope that the love of children will sustain you throughout this journey.  Be blessed and be a blessing!

References

Laureate, Inc.  Your Commitment to Anti-Bias Work" https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_3396868_1%26url%3D

All OF GOD'S CHILDREN!

     I am drawn to Mexican people living in poverty because I spent one week on a mission trip in Matamoros, Mexico.  It was an awesome, life changing and gratifying experience.  I had the opportunity to spend days at a vacation Bible School assisting the directors of the camp. While there, I served food, taught English, played games, carried water and ice from the market and spent time with the children.  Too many times, we (Americans) take basic things for granted.  I met people so grateful to God for what little they had.  People invited us into their homes to dine for a home prepared meal.  Each meal consisted of corn tortillas and beans—my favorites.  While I was there, I observed young children carrying water in enormous jugs.  The water was used for drinking, light bathing and washing dishes.  It was scorching hot, humid and sometimes raining but no one complained, they just did what was necessary.  Before I left that trip, I felt as though I connected with the people because in actuality...We are all God's children.

     I read an article about Lucia, who struggled to manage her disease by attending hospital appointments.  She wants nothing more than to attend school and learn.  How noble of her.  She is determined to learn. She attends a  community school whose strives to build better lives for all who attend.  (http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/mexico_62078.html)

     I also read an article which focused on the message of the President of Mexico who made light of the poor children who don’t have access to education and healthcare.  He said, "When most of us think of a poor child, we tend to picture a rural child. We don't imagine as readily a girl living in the shadow of a city school that she will never attend, nor a boy growing up only a short walk from a health clinic he will never enter, nor a family deprived of services enjoyed by those living only streets away" (http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/mexico_61864.html ). I was personally touched by his outcry for help for those who other people probably “walk over” everyday. 

     As a parent, my heart goes out to all children who are impoverished.  As an educator, I need to be abreast on conditions of children worldwide, not just in the U. S.  I can make a difference--- one child at a time.  I will never accept that only children who are local are my concern.  Whatever small part I can contribute to reaching and changing a child’s life, I will.  Where I am in my life now, I can only educate myself so that I may begin to strategically plan how I will contribute to humanity outside of my country.  My trip this summer has taught me that I can donate my time, love and attention to poor children and that is a start to changing lives. 

Sexualization of children

     Sex is everywhere! From an early age, children are inundated with sexual images every single day. Parents are sexualizing their children at alarming rates—maybe unintentionally or maybe not. My eyes could not believe this video clip.  (Please don’t watch if you are easily offended by children acting like adults. Also, you must sign in to YouTube to view.) This is a new dance called “twerking.” My definition of twerking is gyrating your sexual organs to music imitating sexual acts with one’s clothes on.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyDiPsEgNdU&ytsession=tSSZLQx3UfttWXaN7QzIM3PAcbQa20bGi5C9e2o6EpHuVivwlAfszD7og2nKBkYNzSODi2XqR0nvOf5gNkScNtwleQnj_--URUYFj5-vCoO3WPcd3CT4LOHCNFcto1mPFulU5WVxWCoM4or_RBH4VFhQODLzhzE6mItjeV1IOl-kiqbQDCpIenXhjr98mjIBpa5TR_7A2oPbGod0UGfdTQ8d36AveWqP0_Fip1yi3ffIEdA_XYnWa4o0QMx0M7GnPdK4Jb0qTjrR6X5_W4nUqHPG43HZ4pUPXP5Pw23JE15NkE3vwO2CYFMt7U1vpSeNGrYST5Na76PUgvYHdyYiOKEWZf-ZvGrWCZXLCk9eamfWXyjbVQYsSUtmRf1Qkg5018T02zjox0RYIFxK-D5IQlX4lq2L0XiNlOiB66Y0PfjXM3aPIgCOIGm7BPUQKcqRq_KHgUnkU9ChyOLkg6StRSfnr1zmw85fsaLE_vdzZ_vnmw6Rbd5h8A8Ga39wLdzgZJpAdVrBask   I agree with the authors who say, “Children as young as four learning to gyrate to songs in ways that might have stunned grown-ups a few decades ago” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 2). As  a child, I can remember being reprimanded for sing a song called,  “Let it Whip!” I had a strict family upbringing.  My opinion is when children are allowed to perform these types of dances or wear sexy clothing; it is putting sex on their minds, making certain body parts come alive and making them inquisitive to go the next step.   

     I think children are becoming victims of sexualization because society accepts it as normal.  For example, last semester, a kindergartener entered our school campus wearing an ill fitting uniform and red lipstick.  Yes, she wore it proudly and stated that her mom said “If anyone says something just lie and say it is lip gloss because you have dry lips.” What is really going on? Kindergarten? Should we, as educators, accept this as normal? I don’t think so!  Thanks to the administrative team at my school, the parent was called to give them the opportunity to dress the child compliant with the school districts bylines. Authors iterate, “these children are acting in ways that make perfect sense given the sexualized environment that surrounds them” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 2).

     Have you seen the Bratz dolls?   These dolls are dressed in minis and fishnet stockings, tight jeans and skimpy tops.  Dolls are role-models for girls.  Is this the role-model we want for our young children? Do we want to dress our five year old girls like this?  I think the problem is if children commonly view these examples of fashion, they will accept this dress apparel as normal. 

     As an educator, I never equated sexualization with education.  I was never provoked to think about this subject but again, Walden University has roused my awareness and made me think outside of the box.  From this week’s subject, I have learned,  “That these stereotypes and media messages limit opportunities for children to develop as whole people and undermine the very foundation necessary for children to actualize their full potential and to value and respect themselves and others” (Levin & Kilbourne, 2009, p. 6).

References

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