Time (Definitely) Well Spent!

Time well spent is an understatement!  I have wanted to return to school since the day I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree.  Somehow, I always managed to find a reason why it wasn’t possible.  Periodically, I would search for a program that peaked my interest but I always backed away.   My problem was that I didn’t really know what I wanted to be when I grew up (which, of course, never really happens).  I stumbled on Walden’s program by accident and thought, maybe someday.  Then the inevitable happened..I was told I would need to complete my Masters degree if I wanted to continue teaching at my local community college.  That was all it took, I enrolled the very next day and I have never regretted it for a moment. 

Over the last year and a half, I have been frequently reminded of my passions for children, families and the people who care for them.  I have learned so much about myself and our profession.  Through many sleepless nights and long weekends, I managed to persevere as I explored my beliefs, values and biases.  I find that I am driven to educate others on the importance of culture and diversity, caring for our communities and caring for each other.  

It is my deepest desire to teach at the college level full time.  I hope I can provide my students with opportunities to truly engage and think critically about their beliefs, values and aspirations.  I will carry the lessons of Walden with me into the classroom as I encourage my students to consider their role in creating social change so that children everywhere have access to an equitable education.

I am forever changed and I have my instructors and colleagues to thank for that.  Every week, I have been inspired by the experiences, insights and feedback of each and every one of you.  We are the leaders of today and tomorrow and I have no doubt we will succeed wherever we go and whatever we do.  We pushed each other to be the best and to dig deeper in every discussion post, paper and blog assignment.  Together, we have accomplished what we set out to do and I am proud of all of us for what we have achieved.  In the process, we forged lifelong professional associations and friendships.  I cannot wait to see where this journey takes all of us.  

As I write this final blog entry, I am reflecting on how quickly we have accomplished our goals.  It’s funny, I wouldn’t have said that six months ago when I was feeling overwhelmed and discouraged.  As I reflect upon my experience, I can’t help but think about how life has gone on around me.  My beautiful daughter completed middle school and her freshman year of high school.  My incredible son graduated from high school and is now a freshman in college.  My wonderful step-daughter completed college and made the difficult decision to move away from her mother and into our home in a completely different state.  I hope all three of them know how proud I am of them and that they have been my inspiration.  My husband spent a lot of weekends taking care of the house, cooking meals, doing laundry and running a taxi service for our children so I could research and write another paper.  My best friend finished her associate’s degree and will complete her bachelor’s in just a few days (and spent many long distance hours on the phone offering moral support)!  Now, a long-distance celebration is definitely in order.  I hope they all know how much I love them and appreciate all they have done to support me throughout this incredible journey!!  I must admit that I am looking forward to rediscovering my life and my family (and I cannot wait to read a good book that has nothing to do with research or statistics).

I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out and keep in touch.  I am easily reached on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/teri.canupppeasley?ref=tn_tnmn. 

 

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Child Rights International Network (http://www.crin.org/organisations/index.asp):

Established in 1995, Child Rights International Network is a global network that monitors children’s rights around the world.  The organization sponsors the United Nations’ Non-governmental organization for the Convention on the Rights of the Child.  They waged “A successful campaign for a resolution to appoint a Special Representative to the UN Secretary General on Violence against Children” (CRIN, n.d.) which ensures children’s rights are forefront the on the UN agenda.  In addition to focusing on children’s rights, the Child Rights International Network also monitors issues such as global child labor, children without parental care, sexual exploitation of children, and a number of other areas (CRIN, n.d.).  The CRIN website boasts a network of more than 2,100 worldwide organizations.  One of their values that interests me is a belief that “civil society, grass roots activists and children all have the right to participate and express themselves freely and openly in all matters affecting them” (CRIN, n.d.). 

For such a powerful organization, Child Rights International Network operates with a very small staff of eight individuals.  They do have a nine-member Board of Trustees.  There are no job opportunities posted on the website but what an amazing organization this would be to work with.  Their website demonstrates their passion for equity for children globally.  I imagine an employee (depending upon the position) would need to have a sound understanding of world issues effecting children, be willing to speak to very large groups, understand the governmental structure of many countries and have a very strong desire to impact systemic change for all children.

World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP) (http://www.omep.org.gu.se/):

The World Organization for Early Childhood Education is a non-government, non-profit international organization that “defends and promotes the rights of the child to education and care worldwide and supports activities which improve accessibility to high quality education and care” (OMEP, n.d., para. 2).  Based in Sweden, the organization can be found in more than 60 countries and holds membership with both UNESCO and UNICEF.  Their work on behalf of the world’s children focuses on several areas including promoting ECE related studies and research, organizing international conferences, publication of the International Journal of Early Childhood, encouraging the training of ECE professionals and family education.  

Current work of members is a advocating for early childhood to be prioritized in the Post-Millennium-Development Goals.  “These goals, to be called the Sustainable Development Goals, are being developed now and will guide local, national, and global decisions from 2015 to 2030. If we do not succeed in convincing the world leaders that ECEC is critical for individual children and all the societies in which they live – if we do not convince them NOW – we will have to wait 15 more years” (OMEP, n.d., para. 6).  The goals referenced are being developed by members of the United Nations.

I am incredibly impressed with the World Organization for Early Childhood Education.  Leadership appears to be made up of faculty from some of the world’s most prominent universities.  While I could not locate information about employment with OMEP, what an amazing opportunity it would be working towards goals that will impact our field for the next 15 years.  Again, I imagine someone working for OMEP would have to possess knowledge, skills and understanding related to the world political scene, how early childhood is structured around the world and have excellent reading, writing, research and presentation skills.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) (http://www.ibo.org/general/who.cfm):

This organization operates schools serving children aged 3-19 in 144 countries.  I became interested because I recently learned that Kent State University (my alma mater) has received certification as the only university in the world whose early childhood graduates (Bachelors and Masters degrees) are certified to work in any Early Childhood IB program worldwide!  I think that’s pretty exciting and this just gives me one more reason to be proud to be affiliated with Kent State.

The IB website lists literally hundreds of teaching and administrative positions at their 3,480 schools worldwide.  Certainly, each position has different educational and experiential requirements.  If I were younger, I would strongly consider applying to teach oversees.  I think it would be a really exciting opportunity!

Education, W. O. (n.d.). World Organization for Early Childhood Education. Retrieved from World Organization for Early Childhood Education: http://www.omep.org.gu.se/

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (1993, November). A Conceptual Framework for Early Childhood Professional Development. Retrieved from National Association for the Education of Young Children: http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSCONF98.PDF

Network, C. R. (2012). About CRIN. Retrieved from Child Rights Information Network: http://www.crin.org/about/index.asp

World Organization for Early Childhood Education. (n.d.). Newsletter 55. Retrieved from World Organization for Early Childhood Education: http://www.omep.org.gu.se/news/Words_from_the_World_President/no-55/

Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

 I came upon my first community of practice because I received an e-mail announcing an open position.  The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Early Learning is currently accepting applications for an Education Program Specialist.  The Office of Early Learning is a new office “that seeks to align and strengthen programs and policies across the Department for children birth through third grade, and works closely with the Department of Health and Human Services”  (USAJobs, 2012, para. 2).  The Office of Early Learning is responsible for managing the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Program, Even Start Family Literacy and Early Reading First.  This position sounds exciting as the Education Program Specialist has a responsibility for assisting with the development of federal policies that impact children and families.  The person in this position uses his or her knowledge of early childhood to support the work of the Race to the Top grantees and is a liaison between the department and advocacy groups, other federal offices and national associations.  The appropriate candidate must have a degree but only needs 9 semester hours of education courses or has four years experience in a related field.  There are extensive benefits for the person holding this position including vacation and sick time, health and life insurance and the Federal Employees Retirement System.  The position is well paid with a range of $105,211 to $136,771 per year (USAJobs, 2012).  If I was in a position to relocate, I would apply for this position without thinking twice!

A web search of national early childhood positions provided me with over 10,000 open positions in our field across the country.  It seems that many higher education institutions are hiring faculty.  As I reviewed some of the listings, I came across an opportunity at Johns Hopkins University in their Center for Technology in Education program.  The posting is for an Early Childhood QRIS Project Manager.  The state of Maryland is a Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Grant recipient and is investing a large portion of the grant funding to develop and implement a QRIS system.  The Project Manager’s primary responsibility will be “to lead and support the successful implementation of a comprehensive model of Program Coordination for the Maryland EXCELS QRIS” (Johns Hopkins University, 2012, para. 1).  Primary responsibilities include supervising program coordinators, developing and implementing training for the program coordinators and managing the team responsible for coordinating the QRIS program.  Maryland expects to have more than 4,000 early childhood programs involved in their QRIS system and the Project Manager will be responsible for guiding the work the establishes this program.  Qualifications include a Master’s degree in early childhood or a related field, a minimum of five years working in early childhood programs, one year of leadership experience and experience working with or participating in a QRIS system.  This position interested me because the person hired for this position has a genuine ability to shape a system that would be used statewide by countless professionals, parents and children.

The NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Education has a position open for an Accreditation Coordinator to “support the work of our Accreditation System by assisting program staff, NAEYC assessors and other stakeholders in understanding and interpreting the standards, the criteria and the system as a whole” (NAEYC, 2012).  Responsibilities of this position include supporting program directors working on the Accreditation self-study, working directly with assessors and responding to decision makers within the Accreditation process.  This individual monitors assessor performance for consistency and reliability to the Accreditation model.  The Accreditation Coordinator must have a BA in early childhood education or child development and 3-5 years experience in the field.  Experience in high quality programs and the NAEYC Accreditation process is preferred.  This position appeals to me because of my passion for high quality in our field.  The opportunity to work for an organization as highly respected as NAEYC would be a privilege.

 Johns Hopkins University. (2012). Program Manager. Retrieved from Johns Hopkins University: https://hrnt.jhu.edu/jhujobs/job_view.cfm?view_req_id=53967&view=sch

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2012). NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Education. Retrieved from National Association for the Education of Young Children: http://www.naeyc.org/about/jobs

USAJobs. (2012). Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Retrieved from USAJobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/326405400

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

I have worked in the early childhood field for more than 20 years and I honestly believe there is no more exciting time to be a member of this profession than now.  There are so many opportunities for us to impact children in families in meaningful ways.  When I entered the profession, I had planned on being a teacher and center director for life.  It is funny how life sometimes leads us down a different path.  While I no longer work directly with children, I am a strong believer that my work (whatever path I follow) must impact them every day.  As I researched organizations and opportunities in my community, I was reminded that there are many, many ways to impact young children and their families.  I chose three organizations to explore who influence the early childhood field.

COSI (Center of Science and Industry)

With a mission to “motivate a desire toward a better understanding of science, industry, health, and history through involvement in exhibits, demonstrations, and a variety of educational activities and experiences” (COSI, 2012), COSI provides hands-on education for children, families and educators.  The center is designed for children of all ages, including Little Kidspace, an area specifically for infants and toddlers.  Many think COSI is a museum but it is so much more than that.  Visitors interact with the exhibits, conduct experiments and make messes while learning engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities.

COSI staff present many workshops for parents, children and educators both onsite and in the community.  They can often be seen in local communities with their “COSI on Wheels” program.  They offer a vast array of teacher resources on their website, www.cosi.org.  Teachers can logon to video conferencing and give students an opportunity to view interesting programs that will extend children’s learning. 

There are no current positions available at COSI but I think it would be really interesting to work as a program director in the early childhood department.   This person is responsible for guiding the development of workshops, setting displays and providing a fun learning environment for children and their families. 

Columbus State Community College

The Early Childhood Development and Education Program at Columbus State Community College began in 1977.  Current coursework includes theoretical knowledge of professional practice and practical application, including observations and practicum experiences.  Students completing this program achieve an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Development.  If students choose to complete a student teaching component, they are eligible to apply for a Pre-Kindergarten Associate Teaching Certificate, awarded by the Ohio Department of Education.  For students wishing to continue on to a Bachelor’s program, Columbus State has articulation agreements with Ashland University, Otterbein College, Capitol University and The Ohio State University.  Additionally, the college offers students to opportunity to complete a basic early childhood administrative credential which ensures they meet the requirements to become a child care center administrator.  They also offer an infant/toddler credential for those students with an interest in working specifically with infants and toddlers.

Currently, Columbus State has openings for adjunct faculty in the early childhood program.  Applicants must be willing to work days, evenings and/or weekends and be able to teach any of the courses in the program.  Faculty are also responsible for observing and evaluating students in their field practicum.  Qualifications for this position must possess a Master’s degree in early childhood development or family ecology and human development.  They must also possess Pre-K licensure.

University of Cincinnati Early Childhood Learning Community (ECLC):

The ECLC is a leading online learning program in which students have several options.  A nine-month CDA workshop is available and students receive college credit which can be applied to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.  Students can complete an Associate’s degree in Early Care and Education with specializations in either infants and toddlers or preschoolers.  A further option is a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood with a specialization in children birth to 5.   Students completing either the Associate’s or Bachelor’s program are eligible to apply for Pre-Kindergarten Associate License from the Ohio Department of Education.  The ECLC is accredited by the following organizations:  North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Ohio Department of Education.

The ECLC website encourages interested candidates to apply for faculty positions to teach online.  Qualifications include a Master’s degree in education or a related field, at least three years teaching Pre-K and college level teaching experience.

Considering my specialization of teaching adults in early childhood, I will apply to both colleges upon completion on my Master’s degree.  I have wanted to teach for the University of Cincinnati for some time but have needed to wait until I met the qualifications.  I currently teach at a local community college and teaching online would be very different from that experience.  I included COSI because I have always enjoyed taking my children.  It is truly a special place for and about children and science!

COSI. (2012). About COSI. Retrieved from COSI: http://www.cosi.org/about-cosi/mission

It's been quite a journey...

As we begin our final class in the MSECS program, I am reflecting on how far I’ve come in what is really a very short time.  I have learned so much about myself, my passions and my beliefs.   I am bittersweet about finishing our program.  On the one hand, I will be glad for the break and the opportunity to read for pleasure!  On the other hand, I will miss the people I’ve come to count on for wisdom and insight every week.  You are an amazing group of people with so much to offer children, families and our profession..together, we are a force to be reckoned with!  I look forward to spending the next eight weeks together!