Time Well Spent

The time spent completing my journey expanded my life in ways that I could never have forseen before I embarked on this persuit of knowledge. Where did the time go, and how did we get here so fast. As we move forward, one can’t help but to look back at how we’ve all changed, added new ideas, information, and concepts to explore and expand upon our thinking. Frederick Douglass once said "if there is no struggle, there is no progress," and I am sure that we can all attest to the validity of this statement, whether it was struggling to meet deadlines,  explore job opportunities, and or miss some social events to complete an assignment. As a result of the various challenges we have faced, we all have become stronger, more refined, and more intelligent versions of ourselves. 

My learning has been extended from this course through the ability to Analyze the  uses of communities of practice, and how to create one. I have observed how valuable the extentions of organizations, and people can be to any cause . I’ve learned to acknowledge and apply leadership characteristics within myself. In creating a stronger understanding of syles i’ve adapted to a few. Lastly I’ve learned to evaluate professional opportunities in the early childhood feild. We do not know what is available unless we explore realms that we are not use to being exposed too. I’ve found value in advocaing for myself in all aspects of life.

I was a first generation college student in my family, and now to have celebrated three others that have completed their undergraduate degrees because they saw it was nothing holding them back since seeing me complete secessfully. I’ve already challenged them to go a step further. A long term goal that I have is to obtain my doctorate degree and to find funding to cover my expenses. In the words of Alicia Keys, I always want to stay focused on who I am, even as I'm discovering who I am. 

It is pertinent that we hold fast to our support networks- Dr. Embree thank you for your unwavering patience, support and encouragement to see to it that I made it to this point, there were plently of times that I said I don’t think i’m going to make it, and then I’d open a message from you saying I’m so proud of your efforts, and to keep pushing. To my collegaues, I am so proud to have the honor of working alongside you all. The discussions, advice and questions were of extreme importance and value to me in creating, molding and one day implemeting my challenge. Best of luck to you all. 

Ebony O’neal 

oneal.ebony@gmail.com

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Joyful Heart Foundation

was established in 2004 from an outpour of fan mail to the character that plays Olivia Benson on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Mariska Hargitay wanted to make a difference with the information she received from survivors all over the world. with the intention of helping sexual assault survivors heal and reclaim a sense of joy in their lives. 
Mission: To heal, educate, and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.  
Vision: A community with no sexual assault, domestic violence, or child abuse.
Over 3.1 million people have been reached with information through the website.
The foundation has hubs in LA, NY and Honolulu, which has served over 15,000 people and employees people of all nationality, race, and sexual orientation to do the work of spreading awareness.
      I selected this foundation because I am a firm believer in everyone having the right to choose to live how they see fit, especially without being subject to violence, harm or danger. I love the concept of this foundation in addition to learned about some of the stories behind the employees and how they started at the company. I love the idea of giving back to your community whether that is locally of community of people dealing with the same issue.
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      The American Red Cross 

is  part of the world’s largest humanitarian network with 13 million volunteers in 187 countries. The idea is to help respond to disasters, build safer communities, and teach the rules of war. Each year, more than 100 million people across the globe are reached.
Many of the countries face many challenges and with the assistance of the red cross the ability to manage many of the issues are now possible. It is not about coming to the countries and make the change and leave yet it's about educating and equipping the locals with the tools and resources they'll need to be successful. I choose this organization because I remember seeing the signs in my town advertising to give blood and when I was old enough to do so I did, it to help save a life. I was informed in greater detail of the other areas of volunteering and giving of my time and talent to an organization that's been around for quite sometime.
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Save the Children

Save the Children is the world's leading independent organization for children. With work in about 120 countries, and a history spanning back to 80 years, the role is to save children's lives; fight for their rights; while aiding the people to fulfill their potential.


 Core values:
accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity and integrity.
Current goal is to dramatically reduce child deaths and improve children’s futures.
Save the children taught me about the effects of how poverty impacts children and their families all around the world and ways that I can help and assist.


Job opportunity: Field Manager

Location: Greece

Contract – Full-Time

Contract length: 3 months

The Field Manager will be the field level programme manager for operations in the specified location. They will be expected to lead on all aspects of managing the field base including supporting budget development and Management, agency coordination and representation, security, logistics and management of multiple teams The post holder will play a key role in building capacity at field level, and in the effective scale up and management of Save the Children emergency programs to increase impact and enable positive change for children.

Desirable

• Fluent in Greek and/or Arabic/or Farsi

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Temporary, Coordinator - Corporate Partnerships and Global Cause Partnerships

Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality required
Versatile and adaptable to new and/or spontaneous assignments 
Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of people with diverse communication styles

Jobs/roles in the ECE Comminity:National/Federal Level

April is national child abuse prevention month, it's a time for us to recognize the role that each of us can play in the lives of young children in promoting the social and emotional well being of children and their families in our communities.

The Children's Bureau (Federal Program)
Retrieved from www.acf.hhs.gov/programs
"Focuses on improving the lives of children and families through programs that reduce child abuse and neglect, increase the number of adoptions and strengthens foster care".
There are a series of programs, research, and systems that the children's bureau supports and promotes for victims to recieve proper treatment and care.
Some programs include but are not limited too Promoting safe and stable families, The abandoned Infants Assistance Program, The children's Justice Act (CJA), and Community Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) Grant. This program appealed to me because it identifies placement for the children that have gone through some of the most trying situations and acknowledges that some trauma can lead to the child not going back into an environment like the one he or she left.

The Commission to Elimate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities (CECANF) (Federal Program)
Retrieved from www.eliminatechildabusefatalities.site.usa.gov
"Developed as a nataional strategy by the White House and Congress through a recommendation of reducing fatalities across the country resulting in child abuse and neglect". The goals established by the commission are to bring awareness to the problem, reevaluate best practices to have a clearer understanding of what is working and what is not, use the findings to encourage future policies while identifying solutions. These ongoing goals will aid in keeping at risk children against harm/injury. This program caught my attention because I enjoyed reading about the focus of this program attributes to lessing the causes of deaths in young people.

Health Resources and Services Administration:Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (State Program)
Retrieved from www.mchb.hrsa.gov
"Aids at risk parents of children tap into resources and hone the skills they need to raise children who are physically, socially, and emotionally healthy and ready to learn". Throughout the time spent with the families home visitors are able to prevent child injuries, child abuse, neglect and or maltreatment, reduces domestic violence instances, improved coordination and referrals for other community resources and supports. There are major benefits between connecting with the parents and educating them on how to strength their skills of communicating with the child, providing health resources, and easing fears of not being able to financially provide for a child. I am currently in a role that sends me into the homes of teenage moms and dad and we utilize a curriculm while connecting with the parents  to make them feel empowered. I learned that funding for this program will remain the same at least until 2017.

I find advocating on behalf of children takes initiative, drive, organization skills, the ability to develop, plan and implement direct advocacy services. The touch of creativity can aid in establishing bonds with the particular client and can possible catch someone's eye to an activity, in addition to Incorporating models used by particular programs.

job opportunity:

KidsPeace
Retrieved from www.kidspeace.org
Mission is to give hope, help and healing to children, families, and communities.
 KidsPeace was a interesting job because I typed in locations in NC but this job offer was to relocate to NY my home state. While on the site my curiosity grew about the requirements and other locations offered. The position is seeking for five-seven years of experience. Job duties include but are not limited too maintaining positive relationships with referral sources, managing admissions, carrying a case load, and ensuring compliance with all licensing and accreditation requirements.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State level

      Promoting child development and learning has always been of interest to me and the reason for my pursuit of my degree. Organizations that I believe will assists me in gaining competence in the Early CHildhood field is the North Carolina Early Childhood Association, which strives to bridge the gap o child care in North Carolina. NCECA seeks to improve the overall working environment of it's professional aiding that the proper educational supports are in place. Inaddition to advancing the rights of children.
      A way for me to advocate on the state level in support of Early CHildhood Education is through the North Carolina Head Start Association. The social issues which affect families, head start children, and their families directly affect the program. Gaining new knowledge of how to advocate on behalf of the families being served through professional development opportunities, collaboration, and networking.
      Smart Start's Partnership for Children services varying depending on the county one may live in, however support services are available to shape a child's future in a positive way,through ensuring children are healthy and ready to succeed in school.
     Every Early Childhood Professional has an obligation to seek self-improvement. In the future I would like to explore opportunities to increase professional knowledge and improve professional skills, by maintaining the ethics of the Early Childhood profession, search out workshops, readings,mentor ships and other learning opportunities that can extend my learning. Creating a Trauma informed teaching to reach troubled students will aid teachers in recognizing the behaviors associated with traumatic stress,the repeated exposure to violence, abuse and or neglect.
      I can see myself as a family intervention specialist, for Youth Villages which is a national leader in the implementation of research based treatment philosophies in the field  of children's mental and behavioral health. The position would consists of maintaining a case load of families, holding supervision meetings,provide educational resources. The skills identified through the listing are strong organizational skills and attention to detail, excellent written, verbal and or oral skills.

Profile of a volunteer

One of my life’s motto’s that I live by is “ Only a life lived in the serve to others is worth living”. (Eistein, n.d.) One of my most memorable volunteer experiences was the time I was able to serve breakfast at the local homeless shelter on Christmas morning. This experience was joyous in more ways than one, because I realized that the shelter has an extreme growing need of volunteers, and during the holiday time there is not as much help as other times. Some reasons may include the usual volunteers travel, or spend that time at home with their families. 

On this particular day, I had to wake pretty early because the shelter serves breakfast at 5:15am-7:15 am every morning. Once arrived I was greeted by a member of the shelter staff, whom showed me around the kitchen and assisted me in finding all the materials needed. At this location volunteers are able to bring in food to cook with which I understand lessens the use of materials on site for other meals throughout the day and or week or use of donated food/materials from local restaurants, supermarkets and community donations. 

On this particular day we were informed that we should prepare for 70-80 guest. It is required by the staff that shelter guest shower and get dressed before coming into the dinning room to eat. We prepared a menu of Bacon, Eggs, Grits, and Pancakes with the drink choice of coffee and tea. We were made aware that we had families with children, and their pancakes were made in the shape mickey mouse. 

It took assigning tasks, maintaining certain posts, music and lots of laughs to make the morning progress. I remember when the window opened up and seeing all the faces prepared to eat, hustling and bustling to make sure everyone was satisfied and hearing many expressions of thanks with words of gratitude. I remember taking a second to take in what was happening. Here I was thinking I was simply there to provide a meal and walked away with so much appreciation to community resources for providing opportunities for the public to engage, assists, and be informed of the needs. 

Once the food was served I was able to walk around the dinning hall, meet and greet some of the residents and hear some stories of how they’d been saying at the shelter for quiet some time, or the story a mother of three that express what it was like to be with her children and have some place warm to wake up too instead of being outside. 

It surprised me at the willingness of the guest to openly share their journeys with us and maybe to them it was a opportunities to have someone to listen without judgement and offer positive vibes. 

This experience sparked interests in me to volunteer there after this event, I was able to share my experience with others who inquired how could they get involved through pictures from the morning and since I have donated my time, and clothing to help some of the people at the shelter. When my family came to town to visit me months later I took them to the shelter where we bonded over creating a meal together and aiding in making someone else’s day through providing an experience of music, smiling faces, and overall positive engagement for others. 

Using Social Media to Get Connected

I use social media avidly for connecting with old class mates and family.  In the past I was on MySpace and thinking back now it was a trend that is no longer popular . I am mindful of post that I put up because once it's out in the media universe it stays forever. People can be and are judged off pictures, sayings, and messages that are directed to reflect situations.

Social media has its benefits in the sense that it is a free tool to use to market and inform people of a business or bring attention to issues that affects a variety of communities. Effective advocacy is spread through the mobile use of people's cell phones, I pads, tablets, and watches etc receiving information is no longer restricted to receiving a mailing in order to be informed. Yet alerts are popular to sending reminders or flash information to supporters, potential funders and

I personally can stay abreast of what resources are out there. Technology gives us the freedoms to click, upload, search and trend within a matter of seconds. One of the latest features I have personally used was Go Fund Me, which is an online tool to send money for cautious causes, its beneficial because it erases the fees associated with wiring money.

Are any of you bloggers outside of the assignment for school?

Advocacy Messages

By nature children are curious and some may say that is a feature that they love about their child. It is important that the adults are mindful of where that curiosity may lead that child to get into and not see the danger in playing with certain items can come with. This particular advertisement is bringing attention to Parents locking up their guns if they have some in the home or on the premises. It does not take any expertise or time for a child to gain access and attempt to play with a live and loaded gun and hurt himself or someone else.

The average child watches more than 21 hours of live television a week and another six hours of pre-recorded television, DVDs and videos. Advertisers strategically play certain commercials during particular programming. This is their marketing tactic to sell more products, or influence children to persuade parents to buy items and where to go for meals and activities.

If you are what you eat, your brain is what it experiences. Video entertainment is like mental junk food for babies and toddlers. American Academy of Pediatrics warned that children need to cut back on screen time because children are just sitting around verse interacting with others, or moving around and being active.  

Some moms have gained a sense of pride in being able to breast feed their child. As of 2015^[update] within the United States, legislation permitting breastfeeding in public has been passed in 49 states and a limited federal law applies to federal government premises.

It's natural and should be celebrated however in all instances that is not the case. This picture depicts a mom who is sitting in a bathroom stall feeding her child. Her facial expression is not that of someone that is happy to be sitting on a toilet as a resting place to feed their child.  

I've worked with teen moms who showed excitement about breast feeding their child and the second it's time to go back to school that excitement weans off and she becomes hesitant  with the idea of continuing because she feels there will not be a place for her to pump at school, or she'll miss a lot of time from class due to leaving out to go pump.

My own Capacity

Which issues impacting young children and their families and or the field of early childhood fuel your passion?

Issues concerning children’s wellbeing, education, and health fuel my passion. I know of a family that had a child prematurely and the child had to stay in the hospital for quiete some time. The mom’s maternity leave was up she had to return back to work before the child was release from the hospital. Any additional time needed for the mom to spend caring for her child was denied through the employer and therefore the mom quite the job. An additional financial strain was placed on the family’s already emotional journey. An issue such as this needs attention brought to it and allow parents paid leave in situations like this. 

What special skills do you have that will contribute to your advocacy efforts? How will you incorporate these skills into your work?

I possess skills of advancing my own interests of curiosity, taking action to influence social, political and risky topics in this diverse field. All the while remaining eager and energetic. 

In what ways do you hope to grow in order to be a more effective advocate? 

I hope to expand my knowledge of more issues plauging young children and their families. While asserting myself into a range of topics that focus on policy making, serving the peple by joining community committees and utlizing my knowledge to advance my career. 

My Role as an Advocate

      What motivated you to start advocating for young children?
I have always had a passion and love for children, what continued to fuel that love was the birth of my nephew Justice. It was through his attendance in a series of childcare facilities; one in particular that deemed his behavior as " too much to handle" and wanted my sister to have him evaluated by a certain date. My sister refused and by doing so the center told her she had to find some place else for him to attend.
I can recall my sister being so stressed and worried that something was "wrong" with her child. Doctors could not seem to find anything wrong with him other than he was a thriving toddler. I admired my sisters story and how she did not waver at someone else's ability to use their position to make her feel inadequate, yet she fought to maintain her values and found a location for my nephew a place in which would respect his creativity and challenged him in more ways than one.



      When is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro  level?
 I believe advocacy for an individual child and or family begins with someone identifying a need, and that need being catapulted into a larger relm of not only affecting those locally but families everywhere. " Early childhood professionals, particularly early interventionist and early childhood education professionals, are most familiar and feel most comfortable because it occurs within their own sphere of influence". (Keiff, 2009 p.g 22) Being organized, efficient, and well prepared through research, documenting concerns, and ensuring children and families are well informed.



      What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues?
I believe it take someone that is actively connected to the community through there efforts and resources, someone who is not afraid of attending meeting or rallies to know what the issues are. Maintaining an awareness of what is happening in the community on all sectors school, church, childcare facilities, and community resources building, will keep an advocate abreast and will foster healthier environments for children and families.

What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues?
It takes someone that is willing to listen to there constituents, -"people that elected them, without their feedback of a problem existing he/ she will not be aware of the needs of the communities". (kieff, 2009 pg. 78) I believe rallying the support of others with similar interest can influence positive change.



      What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others?
 I use my personal experiences to bridge the gap with others in hopes of fostering a better future. My mission in working with others is to create trusting relationships which energizes others to be able to articulate the message of advocating for young children and their families.



      What advice would you give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role advocating for young children and their families?
I would fully encourage their efforts and seek to assist those interesting with resources and or agencies that can help support their cause. Recently I shared a website I used in gathering information for an assignment with a participant on my case load that recently became a mom to a child born with a birth defect. When passing on the information to this new mom I shared with her she is not alone in her journey and sought to review the site with her to encourage her spirits and provided information about coping with being away from your child.

Resource:
J. Kieff ( 2009) Informed Advocacy in Early Childhood Care and Education. Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle Rive, New Jersey.

Personal Advocacy Reflection

I find it quiet helpful to be able to assist others with connecting with local resources and services. Information can be at our finger tips yet some need a little bit of extra assistance and or  guidance getting to what it is he or she needs.

I can recall a situation in which a teen mom that I was working with had a need for childcare. It was important that she had childcare because she was still a student in high school and did not have much family support to assist her in caring for her daughter during the day while she was at school.

I transported her to the local department of social service building and we grabbed a number and waited until her number was called. Once called she had to go to the back and speak to a case worker and complete an orientation and was informed of the program guidelines and the process of obtaining a childcare voucher.

In the meantime the young lady and I called around to childcare facilities to find out if they had any openings, or how long the waiting list would be. Some locations she was able to complete an application to have on file for when her voucher from dss became active she could use it.

The process proved to be long and sometimes disappointing however to see the look on her face the day she received the call that she had received the child care voucher sounded like music to my ears, it was through the efforts and hard work that in the end proved to be successful.

Lets keep pushing

We are almost there, can't you feel it?

When I reflect about my collegial, professional Learning Community

I. Patience in my perspectives allowing time to take it's course, although all impactful changes happened over time and those changes in the works will eventually come to pass, I am a firm believer that when one is focused on the process of something the results will not solely matter yet the experience indeed will.

II. Not marginalizing people due to the lack of information, each person is an individual and it is important that they experience learning in a safe, supportive learning community. No one person should be the spokes person for a group of inviduals. In honor of World Aids Awareness month I am reminded of  how people talk about Hiv/Aids and always reference Magic Johnson and label his status as the ideal situation, because he appears "cured" and looks healthy;yet everyones reality will not model his. Many ignore the facts that Mr. Johnson has been living with the virus for 22 years, his lifesyle includes regiments of excersing, clean eating and taking his medication.

III. Enabling families or systems to feel powerful and competent with knowledge . It is my belief in doing these things I will strengthen my skills in being a competent advocate for children and their families. This can be achieved through welcoming children and displaying respect for their families. As a child I would always look forward to my 3rd grade teacher standing in the doorway in the morning ready to greet each and every student by name, she smiled, gave high fives or pats on the back and made me feel excited about someone anticipating my arrival at school.

I strive to be a chapion for all children and their families. To fight with the gifts I have been given to speak up and out on behalf of those that struggle with doing so for themselves. It's a gift and a curse somethimes becuae there are times that the asistance can be taken as enabling however I view it as a fine line of gathering parents towards self suffiency.

My Hypothetical Family Situation

Don't judge a book by it's cover, rang loudly in my ears as I sat on the floor in my bathroom with the pregnancy test in my hand and it read positive. On March 9 I found out I was pregnant. My life as a once knew it would forever be changed, a high school student, it's was my senior year i was ready to graduate, everyone always said i had a bright future ahead of me. Four mouths after finding out I was pregnant and the inital shock subsiding I not only found out the baby i was carrying was going to be a girl but would also be born with a birth defect called gastroschisis.

Gastroschisis is a birth defect of the abdominal (belly) wall. The baby’s intestines stick outside of the baby’s body, through a hole beside the belly button. The hole can be small or large and sometimes other organs, such as the stomach and liver, can also stick outside of the baby’s body.

Gastroschisis occurs early during pregnancy when the muscles that make up the baby’s abdominal wall do not form correctly. A hole occurs which allows the intestines and other organs to extend outside of the body, usually to the right side of belly button. Because the intestines are not covered in a protective sac and are exposed to the amniotic fluid, the bowel can become irritated, causing it to shorten, twist, or swell." (cdc, 2014
My belly grew larger and larger and my pregnany journey consisted of many doctor doctor appointments because of the baby's condition. There were so many test performed, I had to leave school early lots of times to make the doctor visits. While looking online at what to expect there were so many stories many in which scared me to read because i kept thinking what if my child's situation is worse.

In december I gave birth The defect was very complicated and no one knew how things would turn out. I remember the doctors letting me hold my precious baby and thinking all that i want to do was take the pain away from her.

Reference
Centers for Disease control and prevention (2014) Facts about Gastroschisis. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/gastroschisis.html

The Political will to improve Early Childhood Systems

First Lady Michelle Obama has used her position and stature publicizing to the public about the impact of raising a healthier generation of kids, through eating healthier, getting active, taking action, and joining in. 

To me it’s about taking your personal strengths and teaming up to make a difference, everyone has something that they can add to this society in making it a better place to live, especially for our young people. The pillars of the First Lady’s initiative consists of 

1. Creating a healthy start for children

2. Empowering parents and caregivers

3. Providing healthy food in schools

4. Improving access to healthy, affordable foods

5. Increasing physical activity 

In doing these things and creating bench marks to check status for sucessfulness it means it’s a step in the right direction of families making smarter food choice decisions and giving children long and lasting life style habits to show their children. What drives anyone to do something and be sucessful at it is passion. In the words of Harriet Tubman, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world”. 

Parent family and community engagement

I watched the interview with Melinda George as she discussed the role of parents as teachers in the home and reaching goals.

      The professional and personal significance you drew from this story.

In listening to Melinda speak it sent chills up my spine in hearing how dedicated, ambitious and inspired she was to one believe in her self, second take flight to an opportunity presented to her by challenging herself to obtain numerous degrees. She is a shinning example of allowing a system to work in your favor, in that Mrs. George reaped the benefits of staying faithful and allowing all things to work together for good.
     Professionally, hearing Melinda's story has aided me by being reminiscent of the families that we serve and how they come from various situations and backgrounds and in some cases have gone through troubling times. Having a circle of support can make all the difference sometimes in giving a person the respect and honor individually. In addition to being encouraged by family, friends, and the community, through maintaining positive relationships.

Why involvement opportunities for parents and family members benefit young children, families,and the early childhood field.

Connecting home and school can be a challenging effort however not an impossible one. Keeping parents involved in the learning that happens at school will help aid in parents being more involved at home. Allowing for opportunities of getting the parents voices heard through parent meetings, and increasing volunteer hours to stay informed in the day to day operation of the child's center by doing so will allow parents to connect with other parents.

Creating action plans for parents by goal setting is beneficial in many ways it open up areas of opportunity for advancement with jobs, and education thus encouraging the child to go further in life and not give up when life's trials or tribulations become to tough.

Quality Programs for all Children

It was very insightful to see the various forms of systems. I particularly learned more about Kindergarten and its origin. In the multimedia presentation I was able to learn about public opinion regarding the value of quality early care and education programs for all children and how these opinions have evolved over the last 100 or more years. It has streamed from a focus on the children, their individual learning styles, emotional needs, and their individual families, interests and strengths to a focus on testing, assessing, and scoring young children, thereby ramping up the academic demands and pressures on them. 

In today's society the standards have changed, I can recall children doing half day programs and being able to take naps because the day was too long for a child to have to stay alert and maintain positive behavior throughout the entire day. There is a national push, related to the push for increased academics in Early Childhood classrooms, to cut play out of the kindergarten classroom.  Many kindergartens across the country no longer have sand tables, block areas, drama areas and arts and crafts centers.  This is a deeply ill-informed movement, as all early childhood experts continuously report that 4, 5 and 6 year olds learn largely through play.  Play is essential to healthy development and deep foundational learning at the kindergarten level. 

Programs are sprouting up more and more than ever before based off a inclination to service children and their families. Early Head Starts, home childcares, schools for the gifted etc. Accessibility to such programs are making it easier for parents to sign up and allow their children to be included. Transportation is being provided, breakfast, lunch and snack, some cover the use of diapers, wipes, and offer programs to educate parents. Acknowledging parents face many challenges one being in the "working poor" where they earn well above the official poverty line and still barely stay afloat and maintain a quality relationship with their children. 

 I wish that over the next five years parents take a greater stance in their children's education and begin the process in the home first and not simply wait until the child is of age to attend school and believe they will learn everything there is to know from school, yet their exposure will greatly be balanced from home and school. 

I believe there are many benefits to a shift taking place in the family dynamic.  Family cohesiveness will gear and set the tone of making these units closely bonded while reducing issues and the need of programs such as "scared straight", boot camps, jails, etc and an increase in mentoring programs, camps, and the ability to expose the youth to positive more rewarding experiences. 

Children's first teachers come from the home and what they are exposed too that can set the stage to all other possibilities. I recently read an article where a child shot and killed himself because the lack of education and awareness of a gun being inside of a vehicle and the child gained access to it. As adults we have a say in who our elected officials are and we have to rally together to do a better job at voting and making our voices heard which being involved and active in our children's lives will be impactful. 

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.