Farewell and Adios Wk 8 Blog Assignment

The 3 most important lessons I have learned throughout this capstone would be the 3 C’s of communication. Without the 3 C’s (Coordination, communication and collaboration) an event may fall through or a program can be sloppy because of lack of communication. With the efforts of communication, it is extremely helpful to know that everyone understands what is being said or expected. I have sat in on way to many meetings when interpretation is misunderstood even with communication. Coordination is a start but it isn’t a finished project or event, so I have used the 3 C’s quite frequent with my job and it has helped with communication and collaborative efforts.

The other important lesson would be the difference styles of learning and how adults and children all learn differently and the many different approaches to teaching individuals. Being able to listen effectively has been positive approach for my overall communication efforts personally and professionally.

Lastly the most important lesson learned would be passion for working with children and having compassion. I understand that there is a business side to childcare, but I have been told by management to put on my business hat; I love working with children and their parents along with the staff that I will defend for all intents and purposes. I am passionate about the difference I can make in a child life and be able to communicate with parents when I have to deliver disappointing news to parents about choices their children have made or write-ups on a child’s behavior, but I do it with empathy because I care.

As for my long term goal, it is to keep striving for more, to make a difference in a child’s life; if I can see growth in a child’s development because we gave him the tools to succeed, such as self confidence, problem solving skills and being compassionate to others just to name a few, then I can say that I made a difference in a child life.

This has been a long journey to finally get to the end of this program and I have learned a lot from an excellent instructor, with constructive criticism and with the many diverse experiences from my fellow classmates. Thank you everyone and I wish you all luck with your future endeavors and to keep up with the passion of caring for our future children of tomorrow.

WK 6 Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

International Organizations and Employment Opportunities – EDUC 6990

I have been looking for various jobs that would go with the experience and the education level that I hopefully will be able to achieve by the ending of this year. 

The examples given for blog assignment for week 6 included UNICEF, Save the Children, International Step by Step Association, just to name a few. I have visited the UNICEF website and have heard of the many accomplishments this organization has achieved when it comes to helping children. 

UNICEF believes: All children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world that means equal access to services and care that can make all the difference in children’s lives. It means working to achieve gender fairness and equality. UNICEF works for a world in which every child has a fair chance in life. This humanitarian and development agency works globally for the rights of every child. 

With this agency, I did not find any job that I would be qualified for, there is currently 1 permanent position listed which is Deputy Chief of Staff, other positions listed for UNICEF is temporary not to exceed 11 months.

Save the Children is another organization that gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves -- a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and care when disaster strikes. We save children's lives. This non-profit organization handles: Child Protection, Child Sponsorship, Education, Emergency Response, Health and Nutrition, Hunger and Livelihoods and HIV and AIDS. 

This organization I was able to find a job that I would be qualified for Director National Head Start Program. This job requires a Masters along with experience. Searching for new jobs seem scary, but I guess that comes with the territory. I am comfortable right now and I would like a challenge and a position such as the one listed above is definitely out of my comfort zone.

ISSA International Step by Step Association – I did not find any positions listed on this website. Their mission for this non-governmental organization is to provide high quality care and educational services for all children from birth to 10 years old, with a focus on the poorest and most disadvantaged ensure greater inclusion of family and community participation in children’s development and learning, and to ensure social inclusion and respect for diversity.

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

I have chosen to jobs that I would love to have as future employment. CYSS would be because of the programs that it provides for military and civilian families and also because the years of service that I already have with them. Then the second place I would love to be employed with would be Southwest Human Development out of Phoenix, AZ. This company appears to be a one-stop environment for children and early childhood professionals, which sounds like a plethora of information and resources for children and their families.

Region CYS Services Program Specialist

ARMY INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND

            Salary Range
$67,500 to $105,000 / Per Year

            Series & Grade
NF-1701-05/05

            Promotion Potential
05

            Supervisory Status
No

            Who May Apply
Current and former DoD NAF employees; eligible DoD APF employees.

            Control Number
432817200

            Job Announcement Number
NENAFCC161654143

Apply

Job Overview

Summary

There when you need us! Child, Youth & School Services recognizes the challenges of our Soldiers and their Families. By offering quality programs for children, youth and students, CYS supports the Army Family Covenant by reducing the conflict between mission readiness and parental responsibility.

Duties

Serves as U.S. Army Installation Management Command, Region Child, Youth, and School (CYS) Services Program Specialist and subject matter expert on child and youth development, national accreditation, community partnerships, parent education, curriculum planning, and facility design. Also serves as a member of the IMCOM G9, Region Functional Integrator's Direct Support Team (DST).

Responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, managing, reviewing, and evaluating Region CYS programs in accordance with the Military Child Care Act, Federal Law, and Army/DoD regulatory requirements.

Develops and revises plans and operational materials for Army-wide implementation of child and youth programs. Executes Division effort to provide technical assistance through training, process action teams, on-site visits, and compliance inspections. Ensures installation CYS programs achieve and maintain DoD Certification and national accreditation.

Analyzes and evaluates data to ensure compliance with higher headquarters policies and standards. Recommends program changes based on trend analysis, research findings, and assessed program and staff needs. Ensures timely support, integration, and synchronization of new or changing CYS Services programs and initiatives. Develops methods and techniques required for program execution, and defines manpower/resource requirements to establish priorities and operational relationships. Works with IMCOM G9 CYS Services staff, Regions, and installations to re-engineer processes, correct imbalances, and develop regional efficiencies. Develops long and short-range plans to meet current and projected CYS funding, facility construction and renovation, program expansion, and personnel needs.

Provides oversight of CYS program information systems managed and fielded within the Region. Executes Key Management Controls and Risk Management Program. Determines the adequacy and effectiveness of the CYS Services programs and customer satisfaction. Tracks and analyzes installation and Region program performance relative to established CYS Services baseline standards.

Determines Region allocation of child spaces to meet Army share of DoD demand for child care. Reviews and approves installation CYS APF and NAF budgets. Reviews budget submissions to ensure installation requirements are accurate and to promote equitable distribution of resources.

Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE CLEARLY VERIFIABLE IN YOUR RESUME.  GOVERNMENT POSITIONS MUST INCLUDE PAY PLAN, SERIES, GRADE,TO AND FROM DATES, AND GOVERNMENT AGENCY/DEPARTMENT.  ALL APPLICANTS MUST UPLOAD COPIES OF COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS. Education must have been directly related to the position to be filled (general psychology/sociology courses are not qualifying).  Basic Requirement: 1. A bachelor's degree or higher that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in special education, early childhood education, child/adolescent development, elementary or secondary education, youth development, or other closely related field such as psychology/sociology or social work (must include 24 semester hours in child/adolescent psychology, sociology of the family, developmental psychology, social work with child/family emphasis); OR 2. Completion of 24 semester hours in coursework as indicated above, plus additional related coursework or experience that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a 4-year course of study. Candidates must also possess progressive experience in child and youth fields including at least one year performing duties at the next lower grade level as follows: 1. Experience managing child care operations within a large facility-based program. This experience must include budget development and implementation, facility and supply management, program development and implementation, and curriculum oversight. 2. Experience selecting, training, developing, and supervising child care providers. 3. Experience meeting national accreditation requirements. 4. Experience working with individuals and groups to solve complex problems related to the care and education of children. IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, HIGHLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL ALSO MEET AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: 1. Comprehensive experience in child and youth programs which included assignments in two or more of the following areas: Program Operations Specialist, Child Development Director, Family Child Care Director, School Age Programs Director, or Training and Curriculum Specialist. 2. Experience as a CYS Coordinator or Program Administrator for multiple programs. 3. Experience working in CYS programs at the Region or Headquarters level. Only the most highly-qualified candidates will be referred.  If management does not wish to select a highly-qualified candidate, they may request a referral including all qualified applicants.  Referred applicants will be evaluated by a rating panel to determine the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. The top candidates will be referred to the hiring official for consideration and may undergo an interview and reference checks.  Southwest Human Development Mission statement: Creating a Positive Future for Young Children Southwest Human Development strengthens the foundation Arizona’s children need for a great start in life. Our early childhood professionals invest their time in research-driven programs to benefit young children and their families. We understand that a child’s earliest experiences and relationships establish the foundation for all future development – intellectual, social, emotional, physical and behavioral. That’s why we work to prepare the whole child through more than 40 programs in the following areas:

Early Care and Education Inclusion Coach

All times are in Eastern Daylight Time.

this job:

Overview:

Celebrating our 35th anniversary, Southwest Human Development, a non-profit organization, has been reaching out to children and families in Arizona with comprehensive and innovative early childhood services. From small beginnings – a staff of six serving 175 children and families – Southwest has grown into the state’s largest early childhood provider with a staff of 800 serving 135,000 children and families each year. Throughout this growth we have remained true to our mission.

Mission:

At Southwest Human Development we strive to give all children an optimal start in life with opportunities for a bright and positive future. Several decades of research clearly demonstrate that each child’s earliest experiences and relationships establish the foundation for all future development – intellectual, social, emotional, physical and behavioral. A child who starts life and school with a healthy foundation is at a distinct advantage. We at Southwest Human Development are committed to creating a positive future for all young children.

“Best Places To Work” & “Healthiest Employers” Awards:

For the eighth consecutive year, Southwest Human Development was voted one of the Valley’s 2015 “Best Places to Work” among large-sized companies. The survey, independently administered by the Phoenix Business Journal and Quantum Workplace, looks at employee life, workplace environment, leadership, culture of the organization and management practices.

Southwest Human Development has also been awarded the Phoenix Business Journal’s 2015 “Healthiest Employers” award for the fourth year in a row among mid-sized companies. This survey ranks applying organizations based on responses to questions in a number of categories, as well as scoring and benchmarking developed by academic, medical, wellness and business communities.

These surveys let everyone in on something our staff already knows – Southwest Human Development is a great place to work!

Responsibilities:

Our Services for Children with Disabilities department is seeking a Coach for our Early Care and Education Inclusion Program.  Funding for this position is provided through First Things First.

The Coach will work to perform assessment, training, and mentoring to promote successful inclusion of children with disabilities into childcare and education settings. 

Position is offered full-time with an excellent benefits package as noted below.  Southwest Human Development is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits:

Southwest Human Development offers an excellent benefits package for full-time employment to include:

Health insurance (provided at no cost to the employee)

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible spending account

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Paid holiday

Ongoing training and professional development

Supportive, relationship-based supervision model

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field and minimum two years experience in Early Intervention or Early Childhood Special Education required.

Experience working with young children with disabilities in inclusive settings required.

Experience in providing teaching/coaching to other providers.

Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card OR must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Professional organizations for the advancement and support of early childhood education

It has taken me a long time to have gotten this far with my educational journey. I have worked for the federal government for many years and I would like to continue working within the federal government.

I wasn’t sure if I was making an impact or a difference in what I do as an Assistant Director for the school age center I work at. I was recently told that I do make a difference for my staff, my colleagues and most of all the children and their families. I enjoy coming to work; it is fun, entertaining, challenging, and difficult at times, but my job keeps me humble and young at heart.

There are not very many places of employment that it is okay to be silly but nurturing as well.
The job that I would like to pursue in the future would be a CYS Training Specialist. The individual would serve as a trainer and professional child/youth development education consultant for CDS, SAS, CLEOS and YS programs with responsibility for ensuring the quality and consistency of programming to include: environment, equipment, materials, program structure, special needs inclusion, curriculum, risk management practices to minimize risk of abuse; supportive interactions and positive social development and oversight and coordination of activity/program schedules.

Qualification for this position is successful completion of an undergraduate Degree that included at least 24 semester hours in child development or early childhood education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled consistent with: Early Childhood Education/Child Development or Elementary Education is required.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

It has taken me a long time to get this far with my educational journey. I have worked for the federal government for many years and I would like to continue working within the federal government.

I wasn’t sure if I was making an impact or a difference in what I do as an Assistant Director for the school age center I work at. I was recently told that I do make a difference for my staff, my colleagues and most of all the children and their families. I enjoy coming to work; it is fun, entertaining, challenging, and difficult at times, but my job keeps me humble and young at heart. There are not very many places of employment that it is okay to be silly but nurturing as well.

The job that I would like to pursue in the future would be a CYS Training Specialist. The individual would serve as a trainer and professional child/youth development education consultant for CDS, SAS, CLEOS and YS programs with responsibility for ensuring the quality and consistency of programming to include: environment, equipment, materials, program structure, special needs inclusion, curriculum, risk management practices to minimize risk of abuse; supportive interactions and positive social development and oversight and coordination of activity/program schedules.

Qualification for this position is successful completion of an undergraduate Degree that included at least 24 semester hours in child development or early childhood education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled consistent with: Early Childhood Education/Child Development or Elementary Education is required.

Another job that would be an advancement as well as tremendous amount of responsibility would be a CYS Coordinator, this individual overseas all of CYS Programs.

The responsibilities are Serves as a Child and Youth Development (CYS) Coordinator with responsibility for the operation, integration, coordination, and oversight of installation Child Development Programs, Youth Programs, and Liaison, Education Support, and Outreach Services Programs servicing children and youth birth-18 years IAW all applicable regulations and standards. Applies extensive, professional knowledge to plan, implement, and supervise a comprehensive program that promotes positive growth and development of children and youth. Provides program oversight and accountability for the performance of staff and the safety and well being of children and youth IAW DoD, Army and local policies and standards. Ensures staff follow risk management procedures (i.e., abuse prevention, identification, and reporting procedures; accident prevention, etc.). Develops policies, procedures and SOPs to support program goals. Coordinates the Installation Child and Youth Evaluation Team (ICYET). Implements and monitors DA policies to include CYPPP guidance. Recruits and hires qualified personnel utilizing Army CYS Standard Position Descriptions. Supervises staff and executes management, performance, and training requirements. Establishes and maintains an active program of parental involvement. Serves as Subject Matter Expert on installation child and youth services issues. Prepares reports, surveys, and briefings for command and installation on matters pertaining to CYS. Supports all EEO and AA objectives.

Another position that peeked my interest would be Director of Early Childhood Programs through Volunteers of America and the qualifications and duties are listed as follows:

QUALIFICATIONS:                                                            

Master’s degree in education or the equivalent experience.  Five years of experience in management.  Director qualified by State of Colorado or ability to obtain Director status within six months of employment.  Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing.  Demonstrated experience in grant writing.  Experience with Head start programming preferred; bi-lingual preferred. Experience with child care payment programs preferred.       

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:                                               

The Director is responsible for the overall functioning of Volunteers of America early childhood education and licensed child care programs, including a camp program. Has oversight of department budgets of approximately $1 million and direct or indirect supervision of 15+ employees and volunteers.  Responsibilities include program and resource development, grant writing, monitoring grants and program services; hiring, training, and supervision of program staff; development, implementation and monitoring of program budgets; facility maintenance and liaison with the community and Governance Committee.