Time Well Spent

At least three deeply felt learnings from this program Throughout this program I have learned so much. I have learned that this program is an early childhood program, but its focus wasn’t just about the children. It was also about their parents, families, and also staff members. I also learned about several different leaderships styles. If I wouldn’t have learned about all those leadership styles, I don’t think I would have known what type of leader I actually want to become. One last thing that I have learned from this entire program are ways in which we can help children and their families out. The way we can help them out is with all of the organizations that there are out there. There are international, state, and federal organizations that could help them out with whatever problems that they have. Overall I have enjoyed this program. At least one long term goal A long term goal of mine is to own my own daycare center. I would also like to have more than one establishment. I also hope that I can have them opened around the New Orleans Metro area where I am originally from. I am hoping that I can open them up with my husband being my business partner. Another long term goal of mine is to remain happy, healthy, fit, and successful. No matter what challenge I may come up against I want to make sure that I continually take it one day at a time and conquer it like I did with this Master’s program. I also want to continue to grow in my knowledge of the early childhood, so whatever I can do to increase my knowledge, whether it’s attending seminars, getting advice from those that already have an establishment, or evening doing research about it, then that is what I going to do. A farewell message to your Instructor and colleagues (consider uploading a video or audio podcast) Hello Dr. Johnna and colleagues. I want to wish you all the best and I also which you all much happiness and success. May God continue to bless each and every one of you in your endeavors in whatever you all hope to do in your future. I also want to say thank each one of you for all of your positive feedbacks. You all have been very helpful and I truly appreciate it. Thank you all again and I wish you all the best!!!!

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

At least three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them I chose this organization because they have so many different priorities for children. Some of those priorities include child survival development, protection/social inclusion, and emergency aid and humanitarian action (UNICEF, 2011). I love the fact that they have so many things that will help with the children and it’s great because there are so many children that need and can use the help. I chose Save the Children because they are all about helping children live happier and healthier lives. They are also the leading independent organizations creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Lastly they are recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration (Save the Children, 2011). The last national organization that appealed to me was the United States Nations Ed, Scientific. This organization stood out to me for several reasons. One main reason was because the UNESCO mission is to contribute to the building of peace, eradication of poverty. Another reason is that this organization focus on overarching objectives, such as fostering cultural diversity, and addressing emerging social and ethical changes. Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you I have been looking for several different job opportunities in my area. I am still in the process of looking on websites as well as newspapers to see if there is anything that I may be able to find. I still haven’t had any luck with any opportunities. I am still in the process of looking for a director position because this position is still a position that interest me. Another position that interest me is a pre-k and kindergarten teacher. I would like to pursue this position because I love this age group. Not only do I love this age group, but I love teaching them and helping them learn, grow, and develop their cognitive and motor skills. I want to be the one that makes a difference in their lives. Skills and experience that you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles The skills and experience that I would need to competently fulfill each of these roles is to make sure that I know as much about how to deal with pre-k and kindergarten children. I also need to know what skills and expertise I should have under my belt to know what I need to help them out as well. Another thing I need is to be nurturing to all of my children and I would need to learn how to deal with them which takes patience. Reference Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/ Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm 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

At least three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them One national organization that appealed to me was the National Education Association. The reason that it appealed to me because I read that they are committed to improving early childhood education. I also like the fact that the NEA recommends federal funds to make pre-kindergarten programs available for all three-and four-year-old children from disadvantage families. They also recommend free, publicly funded, quality kindergarten programs in all states (NEA, 2002). Another national organization that appealed to me was the Zero to Three. The Zero to Three appealed to me because they are a nonprofit organization that provides parents, professionals, and policymakers the knowledge and know-how to nurture early development (Zero to Three, 2014). One last thing that appealed to me about this nonprofit organization was their mission. I love the fact that their mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life (Zero to Three, 2014). The last national organization that appealed to me was the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood. T.E.A.C.H. This national organization appealed to me because their mission is to implement and sustains programs and strategies that result in a well-educated, fairly compensated and stable early childhood workforce to ensure the long term success of our nation’s children in school and in life (T.E.A.C.H., 2014). Another thing that appealed to me about this program was the fact that they are a comprehensive scholarship program that provides the early childhood workforce with access to education. I love the fact that they have a lot of core values as well and one that stood out to me is the fact that they build partnerships for professional development and another one was how they create educational pathways, which is something I feel is big when working with children and their families (T.E.A.C.H., 2014). Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you Right now in the area I am living in there is not many job opportunities that I have heard about. I have been looking on websites to see if I could find something, but I haven’t had any luck just yet. I am still in the process of looking for a director position because right now this is a position that interest me. I would also like to pursue a teaching position working in a school. In order for me to work in a school I need to receive a teaching certificate. So, right now working in a daycare teaching those children will do for me right now until I come across a job that I am looking for that interest me. Skills and experience that you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles The skills and experience that I would need to competently fulfill each of these roles is to make sure that I have the knowledge and experience that I need in order for me to be able to teach the children like they need to be taught. The other skills and experience that I need is to make sure that I have the materials that are needed in order to help them learn in a way that is easy to catch on to. Another thing I need is patience like I mentioned in the previous blog. No one can work with children with no patience. Reference NEA. (2002). Early childhood education. Retrieved from www.nea.org/home/18163.htm T.E.A.C.H. (2014). T.E.A.C.H. early childhood scholarship project: a national effort. Retrieved from http://www.childcareservices.org/ps/teach_ta_qac/teac-early-early-childhood-national/ Zero to Three. (2014). The latest from zero to three. Retrieved from www.zerotothree.org/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

At least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them One state organization that appealed to me was the Southern Early childhood association. The reason that it appealed to me because I read that they are committed to improving the quality of care and education for young children and their families through advocacy and professional development (SECA, n.d.). I also like the fact that they have been around for quite some time (fifty years) and not only that they are in various states and that you could become a member of their organization. Another state organization that appealed to me was the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children. I love the fact that they are the world’s largest organization working on behalf of young children. I also love their mission and their goals. Their mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights, and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources(NAEYC,n.d.). The last state organization that appealed to me was the NAECS-SDE which is the national organization for state education agency staff members with major responsibilities in the field of early childhood education, from infancy through the primary grades. I love the fact that the Association promotes high-quality services to young children and their families through improvement of instruction, curriculum, and administration of programs. One last thing I like about this organization is that they allow the members of the association have an opportunity to share ideas and to work together toward the solution of common problems (NAEC, n.d.). Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you Currently where I am located I haven’t seen or heard about any job opportunities. There are some jobs that interest me though. I would like to be a director of a daycare. I feel that I would be able to bring things to the table that some people aren’t capable of bringing. For example, at the daycare I work at, there are directors that have no organizational skills, not loyal to employees, and one of them are very passive. She lets some of the employees do what they want and I feel that she needs to be in another profession. One other job opportunity that interest me is becoming a pre-k to kindergarten teacher. I love dealing with the younger children and also helping them grow and develop. Skills and experience that you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles The skills and experience that I would need to competently fulfill each of these roles is to have great organizational skills, be a great communicator, and listener. I also need to make sure that I continue to keep my patience when dealing with the children as well as the employees. Also to fulfill each of these roles I know I would need to make sure I have educational classes that I have taken to ensure the safety of the children, CPR as well, and to have worked around children of all ages for at least six months. Reference NACES.(n.d.).National association of early childhood specialist in state departments of education. Retrieved from http://www.naecs-sde.org/ NAEYC.(n.d..About naeyc. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/content/about-naeyc SECA.(2014).Become a member of seca. Retrieved from http://www.southernearlychildhood.org/become_member.php

Reflecting on Communication in Early Childhood Field

I would like to take the time and reflect on the course from this semester. I really appreciate everyone who has responded to my blogs. I appreciate all of the insightful information that each of you shared. I also would like to thank everyone for all of the positive messages and comments they have left. All of this made me become better by taking the feedback and improving myself as a person on my communication, as well as my communication skills. I wish everyone the best of luck on their journey through their course and much success.

Team Building and Collaboration

The adjourning" stage the project is coming to an end and the team members are moving off into different directions. This stage looks at the team from the perspective of the well-being of the team rather than from the perspective of managing a team through the original four stages of team growth (Abudi, G, 2010, p.1). When dealing with the groups (softball team), I would say the aspect that made for the hardest good-bye was the fact that some of us wouldn’t see each other again. The reason we all wouldn’t see each other again was because some of us ended up going to different schools. We all played together for a while and we ended up forming a bond like sisters (well and least some of us) so I believe that’s why it was so hard to say good-bye to some of the girls. We did exchange numbers between some of us though. I can’t think of any closing ritual that I would have wish I would have experienced other than going out and actually celebrating with each other. I can’t really say how I would have adjourn from the group of colleagues because of the fact that we are not really face to face with one another while working on this masters degree in this program. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it helps some get to know themselves and others on a different level in my opinion. Reference Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages- of-team-development-a-case-study.html

Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

Share at least two strategies you have learned about that might help you manage or resolve the conflict more productively, and why these strategies might be effective. For example, could you suggest a compromise? Two strategies that I have learned about that might help me manage or resolve the disagreement more productively, is one to think about the nonviolent communication which is based on the principles of nonviolence-- the natural state of compassion when no violence is present in the heart (The Center for Nonviolent Communication, n.d). The other strategy is using the three R’s which are respect, reciprocal, and relationship. I believe these strategies will be important because they will allow me to be able to be mindful when I am talking and making sure that I am being considerate without attacking them. I feel that using the nonviolent communication and using the three R’s will more than likely make the conversation and conflict more productive. Yes, I believe that somewhere in the conflict there could be a compromise. Could you look for a broader range of solutions to your disagreement? Yes, I believe that there could be a broader range of solutions to my disagreements. I think that listening could be a broader range of solutions. Could you use some of the principles of nonviolent communication or the 3 R's to better help you resolve this conflict? Yes I believe that the three principles of nonviolent communicator or the three R’s to better help me resolve the conflict like I made mention before on the two strategies above. Reference The Center for Nonviolent Communication. (n.d.). The center for nonviolent communication. Retrieved from http://www.cnvc.org/

Who Am I As A Communicator

The ways that I perceived myself was not much differently than the way that my friend and my husband d perceived me as a communicator. They both actually had similar scores to what I had. The fact that they both perceived me similar to the way I perceived myself surprised me the most. It surprised me the most because I expected them to perceive me as a person who does not communicate in a way that gets my point across (more effectively) the way I need to. Some other insights that I gained this week about communication was the fact that there are several types of listeners, such as selfish listening, hurtful listening, and pseudolistening. Some other things that I learned is that effective listening creates opportunities. For example, good listeners don’t just avoid mistakes; they find opportunities that others might miss (O’Hair and Wieman, 2012, p.167).I also learned that I could be less aggressive when I communicate with others and that I take in consideration others feelings when I listen. Also I ended up actually being a people-oriented person which was the score both my husband and friend said about me, which really didn’t surprise me at all. Reference O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Communication and Culture

Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures? Yes, I find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures. I notice that when I am around different children and people of another age group and culture, every message that I tailor to them, is said differently. If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently? The ways that I communicate differently with the different groups and cultures is by making sure that I say what needs to be said to each of them in a way that they can relate to me. For example, if I am talking to friends I would sometimes use slang words, but if I am talking to people that are in a professional field, I would talk to them more on a professional/business level. Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified. Three strategies you could use to help me communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified is to make sure use the Platinum Rule which states, “Do to others as they themselves would like to be treated,” (Beebe, Beebe, & Raymond 2011 p.1). Secondly, I would make sure that I use both my verbal and nonverbal cues as ways of communicating. The last strategy that I could use to help me communicate more effectively with the people or groups I have identified is making sure that I listen and hear what they are saying. Reference Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Communication Skills: Language, Nonverbal, Listening

T.V Show Watched Meet the Browns What do you think the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating? As I watched the show there were quite a few characters that I saw, but there were two in particular that I really paid attention to. Based on the ways that the woman and the man were communicating with each other, my guess was that they were nothing more than just colleagues. What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing? Based on the nonverbal behavior that I observed, the feelings of the two characters seemed to be happy and mutual. Their facial expressions had smiles on them and their gestures and posture around each other were very relaxed and comfortable. Sound turned on What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed? The assumptions that I made about the characters were that they were nothing more than just colleagues. I figured they were just colleagues because of where the setting took place, which was in a classroom. After watching the television show with the sound on, I learned that they were more than just colleagues; they were actually in a relationship with one another (boyfriend and girlfriend). Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well? I believe that my assumptions would have been more correct if I had been watching a show that I knew well. I felt like I missed some of the gestures somewhere in the show when they were interacting with one another. Write about your experience in your blog, including what you learned about communication from this experience and insights or "aha" moments you believe would be helpful to your colleagues. When I was watching the television show, it was kind of interesting for me trying to figure out what the relationship was between the two characters while the sound was off. I thought that it would have been much easier to figure out what they may have been talking about while I watched the show. I learned that after watching television shows you can’t just assume that people may just be colleagues just because of the way that they interact with one another. As I turned the sound on, I was shocked to find out that they were in a relationship because their gestures and facial expressions didn’t give it away. I guess they didn't want to really show any type of gestures that would show that they were in a relationship because of the setting that they were in, that would put their jobs in jeopardy.