TIME WELL SPENT

Hello fellow Bloggers!


As I come to the end of this two year journey with Walden University, I feel not only a sense of accomplishment, but I feel like a different person.  I have grown more than I ever thought possible and I have developed career goals that I had not considered before.  I have realized that I am much stronger than I gave myself credit for and that I really CAN DO anything I set my mind to.  That being said, Walden University has taught me the importance of research in early childhood.  They have taught me about the many issues and trends that exist, and what true appropriate practice really looks like.  I view the entire field of early childhood from a different lens now.  One that wants to advocate and make change.  My capstone project inspired me to get a parent educator position and I intend to make a "Stop the Stress" campaign come to life in my district.  My goal is to implement this project the next school year and we have already begun the process.  It is going to be a dream come true to watch this parent education program implemented in a district that so desperately needs it.  I look forward to watching the results unfold as I advocate and make a difference in the lives of the children and families of my community.


I want to take this time to congratulate and thank all my fellow classmates and colleagues for all their insights, advice and collaboration because without you, I would never have learned all that I have.  I also want to thank all my instructors for sharing their knowledge and passion for education with me and being the inspiration for me to become more than I ever thought I could be.  This has been a wonderful learning experience and I will take all that I learned from each of you into my future work in education and advocacy. 


Good luck to everyone in their future endeavours, it's been a pleasure working with and learning from all of you!


I leave you with an image that reflects what this experience has meant to me, I am a teacher, but so much more!

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community Internationally

So, throughout this last course in my Master's, we have been asked to explore different job opportunities that may be available in the future should we have a desire to change it up.  This week, we went international and I must say that for a woman that's only been in the U.S.A., I certainly would love the chance to travel overseas and work for a different organization doing something to advocate for children, so after my research, here's what I found that was of interest to me and please feel free to click on the link which will bring you right to the Employment Opportunities Page of the websites:


1)  UNICEF: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_vacancies.html
First, there's UNICEF, which everyone should be familiar with.  Their mission reads: UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. We have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality.  That makes us unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young.


The Job Opportunity I was most interested in was: Child Protection
You play a key role in the design, implementing and monitoring and evaluation of Child Protection programme(s). Key areas include Child Protection from violence, exploitation and abuse, Development and advocacy for Legal and Social Policy Reform, Strengthening National Protection Mechanisms.


In order to apply for a job with UNICEF, you must create an electronic profile, then search vacancies within your community or abroad if you choose to, then you will get a listing and can apply with a letter of interest, application and resume.




2)  SAVE THE CHILDREN: http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6226565/k.BFEA/Working_at_Save_the_Children.htm?_ga=1.91319450.1869933801.1402780004
Second is Save the Children  which people may be familiar with because you can sponsor a child for a monthly fee and help that child and their family.  Save the children's mission is to give children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm, especially when disaster strikes. They advocate and achieve lasting change for millions of children. They save children’s lives.
The Job Opportunity that I was most interested in was: Director of Child Protection based in Africa.  Job Description: The Child Protection Director who will be based in Kisangani (Orientele Province) in the DRC will be responsible for the provision of expert advice, analysis and technical support to the provincial and country offices on policies, operational strategies, with regard to the strengthening of national child protection systems. S/he will provide technical leadership and ensure effective coordination with strategic partners on Child Protection, including PEPFAR implementing partner.


In order to apply for a job with Save the Children, you must create a profile, fill out online application and provide numerous documentation including resume, background experience, reference letters, passport.




3)  INTERNATIONAL CHILD RESOURCE INSTITUTE:
http://www.icrichild.org/volunteer-opportunities/
Third is the International Child Resource Institute whose mission is to create a world in which all children and families are able to fulfill their greatest potential.  They work toward that goal by focusing on Early Childhood Care and Education, Maternal and Child Health, Children’s Rights, Grassroots Community Development, and Rights of Women and Girls.
Although I could not find a paid job opportunity on their site, there is a volunteer section that I have provided the link to where you can volunteer and work on fund development, research/writing, and office administration.  You must be available for three months at a time also and be flexible to travel.  This opportunity might be tough for someone like me, but not when I retire which is why I chose this organization. 


In order to apply for this volunteer opportunity, click on the link above, then follow the instructions on the volunteer page which will direct you to the office of human resources.


I LOOK FORWARD TO EMBARKING ON A JOURNEY OF THIS KIND IN MY FUTURE!!!