Time Well Spent 6990 Wk 8 Blog

 

Time Well Spent…

 

Time Well Spent hits the nail on the head.  My mom always says, “When you are in good company, you lose track of time”.  When I started the MS program I thought this program is a long time, I hope I can make it.  Now, we are at the end of the journey, I feel time has flown.  I have enjoyed learning, challenging myself, and getting insight from all of my colleagues. A lot has happened over the course of our program; some have lost family members, jobs, moved, changed jobs, had new children, got married or divorced, but, you stayed true to yourself and finished the race.  I am proud of each of you and wish you the best.  Your feedback and insight to me throughout the course is respected and greatly appreciated.

 From this program I have been challenged to challenge myself, self-examine myself and my beliefs, express myself, question myself, and find the real me while expressing my own biases, possible prejudices, and determine how I planned to make a change in my own life for the better of myself and the Early Childhood profession.   One long-term goal that I have for myself is that I plan to move forward with the Doctor of Education – Education Administration & Leadership Program that I plan to learn more about Early childhood education.  I plan to take the Texas Certification test for Principals and Assistant principals and utilize everything I have learned and believe in to make a difference in the lives of our children all around the globe. Finally, prior to turning 65 and considering retirement, I plan to certify to become a school Superintendent.

Thank you to my Colleagues and Instructor! It has been interesting, intellectual, challenging, and “Time Well Spent”.  Thank you for all of your insight and encouragement.  I wish you all much success and happiness in your future endeavors. Please keep in touch, I will keep my blog going or you may email me at nekethapolley@aol.com.

 

 

 

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally- EDUC 6990 Wk 6

Having access to International contacts would be a variable asset as an Educator in a diverse world.  It would also be helpful if some of the organizations that I might be interested in or wanting to partner with for a Community of practice were also looking to employ someone who had just graduated and was looking to fulfill their passion to work in the Early Childhood field/education field to make a difference in the lives of education. Thus these are the entities that I wish to be employed with or participate in as a part or a Community of Practice.

NAFSA  is an international organization that I would like to seek employment with or add to my Community of Practice for information and updates throughout my journey as an Educator. 

NAFSA was founded in 1948 as the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers to promote the professional development of U.S. college and university officials responsible for assisting and advising the 25,000 foreign students who had come to study in the United States after World War II. The academic institutions, government agencies, and private organizations that combined to form NAFSA knew that meeting the needs of diverse students required special knowledge and competencies.

NAFSA experienced a breakthrough in its federal government relationships in 1976 when John Richardson, then assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs, changed the State Department’s interpretation of funding for NAFSA. This gave the association the opportunity to not only fund activities that advanced foreign student issues, but also to advance study abroad issues.

Coordinator of International Programs

Assists International Programs director in providing development, leadership and coordination of programs with exchanges, study abroad, technical tailor-made training and grant funded programs.

Assists director with managing administrative operations including, but not limited to, assessments, staffing, training compliance and records retention. Prepares budgets and assists with program expenditures in accordance with budget allocations.

Facilitates, assists with development of and implements policies and procedures for study abroad, exchange programs and strategic partnerships.

Assists director with coordination and facilitation of student/faculty agreements with selected foreign colleges and universities and other partners. Conducts international site visits with current and potential partner institutions and organizations as assigned by director.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in international relations, sociology, psychology, education or a related field or a combination of relevant experience, education and training that equates to the required degree.

 

Three years of related experience preferred.

Must send qualifications, Resume, Cover page, references, and salary requirements for consideration.

Secondly, I would like to apply to the US Department of Education and/or associate with them as a part of a Community of Practice.  The US Department of education not only makes laws and changes that impact the lives of our children but, our lives as well as adult college students.  Thus, working for them or being a part of their Community of practice will help me to make a difference in the world of education. There are numerous jobs available in the Washington DC area with the US Department of education ranging from accounting, clerical, budget analysts, and Educational Research Analyst.

Lastly, I would like to apply to the National Center for Educational Statistics and/or associate with them as a part of a Community of Practice.  The National Center for Educational Statistics not only assists in making laws and changes that impact the lives of our children but, our lives as well as adult college students.  NCES also researches the rate of and various statistics that impact adults that have degrees, don’t have degrees, the amount of children that do or do not finish high school, the dropout rates, the amount of children that go to college after graduating from high school.  Thus, working for them or being a part of their Community of practice will help me to make a difference in the world of education. There are numerous jobs available mostly in the Washington DC area with the US Department of education ranging from accounting, clerical, budget analysts, and Educational Research Analyst.

References:

http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/international/

www.ed.gov 

 

www.nafsa.org

 

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level -Neketha Polley -EDUC 6990 Wk4

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

Preparing for success after obtaining my Masters is important to me.  I currently work in Law Enforcement because my Bachelor’s degree is in Criminal Justice.  To Prepare for my future endeavors, I have found the following three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me.  I chose these three organizations because their missions focussed on making a difference in the lives of children in many aspects.
http://www.dars.state.tx.us/ecis

http://www.txhsa.org/

jobs@nhsa.org

My first choice, Dars, focusses on working with Early childhood children that have special needs or challenges.  The position of interest to me was an Inclusion Specialist.  This position focused on the needs of families and early childhood children that are impacted my Autism. I have never considered working with special needs children but, this job spoke to me and the interest and passion of making a difference in the lives of children.  The position required a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Child Psychology, or a related field or work experience.

My next two positions are both with Head Start Association; one is on the state level but is federally funded (http://www.txhsa.org/) and National Head Start Association which is also a National job with headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The position with Texas Head Star is for an Interdisciplinary Specialists. This position requests a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Child Psychology, or a related field or work experience. A degree with or knowledge of disciplinary skills and knowledge of state and local school disciplinary laws is a plus.  The position with National Head Start is for an Operations Support Specialists that offers support to the general operations department and states that it is actually a liaison between parents/families and operations.  This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Child Psychology, or a related field or work experience with great people skills.

 

Neketha Polley

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels - 6990 Wk 2- Neketha Polley

At least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them:

After some review and thought, these are three jobs that I felt interested in because they are in my inner city, the compensation appears decent, the qualification requirements were minimal to someone like myself, just getting into the Early Childhood field, the jobs focus on working with early childhood children and families.  All jobs also will allow me to make a difference in the lives of families, children and my surrounding communities.

Early Childhood Educator
Early Childhood Center - Dallas, TX

Educational First Steps is currently accepting applications for our partner childcare centers in Dallas and surrounding cities for the following positions: assistant director, teacher, cook, and driver. Full Time and Part Time positions are available. Only serious applicants apply.

Required experience:

Early Childhood Education: 1 year
Required education:
High school or equivalent

 

Childcare Specialist
Nexus Recovery Center - Dallas, TX

Nexus currently has a full-time opening for a classroom teacher in our child development center. Experience in a licensed facility and CDA preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Required experience:
Childcare: 2 years

 Early Childhood Assessment Specialist - Foster Care Program Job

Job Number: CTS20161802-77533

Location: Dallas, TX
Date Posted: 2-19-2016

Description:

Position Summary

The individual in this position will provide early childhood development and parent education, support, and outreach activities to foster parents and their children in foster care. The individual in this position will also administer and score developmental, psychosocial, and/or behavioral assessments under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide early childhood developmental education and behavioral strategies to foster parents and their children in foster care.

Provide developmental, psychosocial, and/or behavioral assessment to patients as directed and supervised by the licensed psychologist.

Participate in clinical research protocols and maintain appropriate documentation; participate in multidisciplinary team meetings as appropriate to the clinical care of patients.

Participate in training activities as appropriate; and perform other duties and special projects as required.
Maintain skill in psychometric test administration and scoring. Learn new tests as appropriate.
Assist with care coordination by finding therapy referrals for families.
Maintain follow-up correspondence with families.
Interact and collaborate effectively with an integrated primary care team.
Provide support, education, and outreach activities to families and community stakeholders.
Manage projects such as Reach Out and Read program and other activities as assigned.

Qualifications/Education

Graduate or professional work or advanced degree in education or psychology; or equivalent experience – required

Licenses & certifications

Initial Pediatric Prevention Management of Aggressive Behavior (PPMAB) training must be completed within 60 days of hire and renewed annually – required

Basic Life Support - Health Care Provider Course (BLS) Certification must be completed within 60 days of hire and renewed every two years – required

Experience

2-3 years of job related experience – preferred
Significant knowledge of early childhood development and experience working with children ages birth to 5 years and their families – preferred
Experience in a school or educational setting – preferred
Experience working with children in foster care – preferred
Coursework and experience administering and scoring developmental, behavioral, and/or psychosocial assessment tools – preferred
Experience in clinical research – preferred
Experience communicating with sensitivity to culture and learning styles – preferred

Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities

Maintain effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.

Use appropriate interpersonal styles to establish effective relationships with customers and internal partners; interact with others in a way that promotes openness and trust and gives them confidence in one's intentions.

Meet patient and patient family needs; take responsibility for a patient's safety, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes; use appropriate interpersonal techniques to resolve difficult patient situations and regain patient confidence.
Ensure that the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions and activities; craft and implement service practices that meet customers' and own organization's needs.
Deal effectively with others in an antagonistic situation; use appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people.
Set high standards of performance for self and others; assume responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposed standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed.

Physical demands

Light - Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly and may require walking or standing to a significant degree.

Reflecting on Learning Educ 6358 WK8

 

 

An explanation of your most passionate hope for your future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families with whom you work or will work.

My most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional and for the children and families with whom I work or will work is that I am able to remain passionate and truly make a difference in the lives of the children and families without treating them differently because of their indifferences.  In the world we live in, live is full of diversity.  However, because live is full of diversity doesn’t mean that people have to treat people differently.  My hope is to work with all the children and their families and to educate, encourage, and empower them on being diverse without feeling our treating others differently.

 

Thank you!!!

To All my Colleagues, Thank you for all of your Kind words, sharing your reflections, your insights, and just being respectable and the dedication you showed to our team over the course of the last 8 weeks.  I wish you all much success and may you all continue to fuel you passion to make a difference in the lives of the children around the globe.

Sincerely,

Neketha

References:

www.dandelionquotes.com

    

Impacts on Early Emotional Development-6358 Wk 7 Blog

Share with your colleagues the area of the world you chose and why.

The area of the world that I chose was Honduras.  I chose this area because, I hear a lot about how unfortunate it is to grow up as a child in Honduras. However, I do not know much about it.  Thus, I wanted to take the opportunity to research how life in Honduras affects children and their education.

Describe in detail some of the challenges that children in this region of the world are confronting.

One of the shocking factors that I discovered about children in Honduras was that there is an 83% chance that children will die between the ages of 0-5years old.  I think it is very unfortunate that 83% of Honduran children, once born, might not live to age 5.  I also found that because of their search for better opportunities, many children each year flee Honduras in hopes to make it to the United States.  On their journey to the United States, many of these children who are generally traveling without adult supervision, are often robbed, Kid napped (and utilized for sex trafficking), rapped, or even murdered.

Explain how these experiences might have an effect on children’s emotional wellbeing and development.

These experiences can have a chaotic effect on children as some of these children watch their siblings murdered, raped, or even kidnapped only to still not make it to the United States.  Others finally arrive in the United States after such traumatic experiences only to be returned to their native country.  Thus, they feel that all the struggles were in vein. Seeing a loved one die, having to leave home alone as a child and survive such a treacherous journey itself is emotional.

 

Include a personal and professional reflection. Explain the insights you gained and the influences they may have on you as a person and as an early childhood professional.

 I have always been told be slow to judge people because its first, it’s not right and secondly, you never know what they have been through.  This is the reflection that I received while researching some of the issues that children in Honduras face.  As a child, I did not have any emotional, physical, mental, or financial issues.  Therefore, I cannot imagine having the wait of the world on me as some of these children do.  Many of these children hope to make it to the United States to have a better live not only for themselves but to try to send money back to Honduras for their parents and any family that they might have left behind.

 

 

Reference:

 

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/honduras_86561.html

 

Early Childhood Sexualization 6358 WK 6

The sexualization of young children is becoming a more prevalent issue than before.  Thus, many parents, family members, and teachers are expressing their concerns about early childhood sexualization.  As a mother, aunt, family member, future educator, and current law enforcement agent, I believe the matter of early childhood sexualization should be a topic of discussion.  Many mothers and family members believe that it is simply a memory when they take a picture of their child or children naked, in the tub, or simply in a diaper.   These memories or gestures which are often thought of as harmless can cause havoc on the future life of these same children and families.  Technology and corrupt individuals make these images very harmful.  These images are taken in people’s homes in private.  Yet, in the wrong hands, such simple memories can turn to filth, child porn, child exploration, and more.  Three or more examples from my professional experience that further illustrate the exposure of young children to a highly sexualized environment are that such simple images of a child in his diaper with no shirt on can later be utilized via photo shop to place a young child’s image or body on another body or image to be utilized in any manner to include child porn.  Another example is these images can often get into the hands of individuals looking for children to kidnap and later sale for sex trafficking.

 

Finally, such tactics of early childhood sexualization help create images to fuel the sickness of pedophiles.

In conclusion, such images might impact children and their healthy development by giving them a complex, causing health issues to include anorexia and bulimia.  This same sexualization of children can cause them to not know how to communicate with children their own age as a side effect of spending time preparing for grown up activities such as getting lash extensions, photo shoots, artificial nails, and etc. in preparation for beauty pageants that their parent(s) want them to participate in.   The best advise I can give about the issue of early childhood sexualization is to have more respect for the future of your child.  What might seem simply and innocent know can haunt their future.  Spend more time allowing them to have fun as innocent children instead of dressing them as adults that sexual predators would find attractive.