What Resonates With You About Early Childhood Public Policy and Advocacy?

Part 1: Why did you choose this specialization? 

“ Since it is virtually impossible for children to speak for  themselves regarding their health, education, emotional, and physical need, advocacy is a high priority among Early Childhood Professionals. ( Hemmiger, 2008). I remember initally deciding to enroll into graduate school and selecting my major and upon reviewing the list of options, It was clear to me that I love the work that I do in working with children and families. Everyday holds a new set of challenges, however the rewards of knowing that I am at the service to others, assisting them in their mobilizing efforts of gaining awarenss of topics, ridding generational curses of being the one left behind, and lastly, “promoting ideas and seeking resolutions that will affect children and families in a positive way  are always worth the reward. 

Part 2: Why are advocates essential in the early childhood field? 

My favorite qoute by Albert Einstein is “Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living” I whole heartly believe in this statement in all of my efforts to strengthen the areas of opportunity concerning children primarily in my community, yet not limiting my efforts to effect those far away. Everyone can be an advocate. An advocate is defined as “anyone that contributes to the betterment of others” (Kieff, 209). Generally “Early Childhood professionals are often the first to recognize a child’s or family’s need for assistance”( Kieff, 2009). I am reminded of a participant in a program, She was considered homeless venturing from couch to couch and staying where she could;this person was also a teen parent and in additon to finding a place to be able to call home had to struggle with balancing being a high school student and mom. An issue arose where the teen mom was not able to purchase her cap and gown to graduate and comunicated the need to me  I inturn was able to connect with someone who volunteered to pay the cost of the cap, gown and tassel just off the understanding of the hardship of the teen parent. 

Part 3: What do you hope to learn about public policy and advocacy? 

Iam hopeful that I will be able to “Identify strategies being used to influence the political will toward improving early childhood systems” ( Kieff, 2009) “Hypothesize about changing public opinion regarding the value of quality early childhood services for every child” ( Kieff, 2009) Lastly, I would like to gain better understanding of ways to apply a working knowledge of how I can contribute my efforts on a local, regional, or national level. 

Reference

Kieff, J. (2009). Informed Advocay in Early Childhood Care and Education. Making a Difference for Young Children and Families 

Collaborative Learning Community

Before enrolling into this course I thought I had a pretty good undertanding about what it means to communicate with someone else. It wasn't until I was forced to take another look at myself and the way I choose to communicate with others that I am able to realize some new things. For instance the value and importance in how communication is made with families, children and colleagues.

Communication has it's challenges as well "clearly effective communication is essential in all aspects of life, but we seldom get the guidance needed to develop the necessary skills associated with it". ( O'Hair, Wiemann, 2012) Working with non english speaking families i find myself trying to find creative ways to express information to them by using google translators, hand signals, pictures and repeating words i am comfortable with in spansish to the family.

I am often reminded of my favorite resturante to eat at, although the food is delious it always my experience that when i go in i am greeted with a warm and welcoming smile. We have small talk about my day and or week. It's even more warming when i call and order somehing different from my usual and the lady responds "oh, you're stepping outside of the box this time around" we laugh and say see you soon. I've notice that "Mona" does that for all of her customers.

Acknowledging that everyone's differences showcases various ways that they can impact another life. Commuication is such a beautiful thing because it encompasses "the process by which individuals use symbols, signs, and behaviors to exchange information"( O'Hair, Wiemann,2012)

It has been an absolute pleaure working alongside each and everyone of you. I've throughly enjoyed our disussions, providing me with increased knowledge to take with me on my continued journey.
As the days come to an end if there is any way possible i can be of asstance to any of you please do not hesitate to contact me. Best of luck to everyone.

Ebony

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

Team Building and Collaboration

Adjourning is an essential part of teamwork, because it dissolves the group signifying the end of an error. In undergrad the graduating class of 2011 came in four years earlier as young, inexperienced, some immature teenagers seeking a holistic college experience of overall personal and educational growth. Many of the students came to North Carolina from different cities, states and countries. Nervous  and unsure of what was to come the students; myself included created friendships, sister and brotherhoods through the Sororities and Fraternities and learning communities.
         Having some of the same professors and learning about others would have been one of my fondest memories about college. When it was time to graduate it was heartwarming to know that the  relationships/friendships created will last a life time. Facebook and other social media sites also aid in keeping the connections. The joyous time did not go without tears, Tears shed toward the time learning about self and who were going to be. Many of the individuals of my graduating class I'd attended campus functions with, rooted for in elections of all sorts; student government, dorms, majors , etc., and served on school committees alongside.
         The group of graduates were highly motivated to finish the year off strong. Encouraging others to friendly competitions of receiving what the school offered as Blue Bear Dollars, a student was able to utilize the fake money in the book store and shop for wanted or needed items, the distribution of the blue bear dollars came durning assemblies with the entire campus through the College President for good conduct, grades, achievements , etc.
         At the time of graduation many teams were shed from the group. However the promise of attending our school's Homecoming, which brings all past alums home in the fall. Proved to continue those memories while reflecting on the past ones. In completing my course work towards completing my Master's Degree I believe I will adjourn from my colleagues by sending well wishes while encouraging all the amazing things we've all learned. All the while keeping Graduation in sight and being able to put faces to the individuals names.

       

Resolving Conflict

I was seeking to have some cupcakes created for my boyfriend’s birthday and I did not just want any kind of cupcake these had to be “Pac-Man” themed, this task of finding someplace to create what I wanted appeared harder than I imagined. A co worker of mine suggest a place in which she loved and raved about. I contact the bakery explained my order and further followed up an emailed about the logistics. We emailed back and forth and I was told and assured it would be no problem to meet the need.

The day arrived and I went to pick up my order, extremely excited about the evening activities and being able to celebrate with the cupcakes. I looked over the cupcakes and was immediately disappointed; the icing was sloppy and they did not look anything like the picture I shared with the bakery. I was upset that the job was not completed to my liking and when the person at the bakery was made aware of my concern he apologized and made mention the cupcakes would not look exactly like the image and offered to remake them. Unfortunately I was under a time crunch and could not wait the time needed to redo new cupcakes. 

The only other alternative was suggested was to keep what I had or come back the next day because they were closing up the shop. The level of service was left a bad taste in my mouth and I know I will never order anything from the establishment again. 

Strategies’s I’ve learned that could have helped me resolve the conflict was 

1. To pick up the order much earlier than I needed it.
2. Ask for a picture of the finished product before picking up an order.
3. Changing out what I was given with pre made cupcakes in the shop.