Early Childhood Education: 2015

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Time Well Spent

For me, the most significant insights that I gained from this program were how culture influences culture, the importance of autonomy, and the importance of quality. The first significant insight that I gained from this program is that how we communicate with others is influenced by culture. We all realize that people come from different cultures and speak different language but I was surprised to learn that culture affects communication. For instance, we learned about low-context and high-context cultures. This had an impact on me because my mother-in-law is from a high-context and she uses “non-verbal cues” (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011, p. 95), when communicating. Since learning this, I have learned to focus more on these cues which has made it much easier to understand her. This knowledge helps me professionally because I am now more aware of these differences when communicating with children and families from different cultures.

The next significant insight that I gained from this program was from one of by specialization courses: “Developing & Leading Teams”. This insight was that autonomy is extremely important in the workplace. Autonomy positively influences productivity, job satisfaction, attitude, creativity, well-being, and trust (Fernet, Guay, & Senecal, 2004; Gagne & Deci, 2005; Pink, 2009).

The last significant insight that I gained from this program was the importance of quality in early childhood programs. This issue made such an impact on me that I chose it as the topic for my Capstone project.

Thank you to all of my instructors. I had some excellent instructors that provided me with very helpful feedback and inspired me to do my best.

To my colleagues, thank you for all of your comments, encouragement, and kindness. I hope that these quotes inspire you:

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.

–Albert Einstein

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

–Maya Angelou

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

–Confucius

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Fernet, C., Guay, F., & Senecal, C. (2004). Adjusting to job demands: The role of work self-determination and job control in predicting burnout. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65(1), 39-56. doi: 10.1016/S0001-8791(03)00098-8

Gagne, M., & Deci, E. L. (2005). Self-determination theory and work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), 331-362. doi: 10.1002/job.322

Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us. New York, NY: Riverhead Books.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

FHI 360

http://www.fhi360.org

In 2011, the teams of experts from Family Health International and Academy for Educational Development came together to create FHI 360.

Together, we envision a world in which all individuals and communities have the opportunity to reach their highest potential.

Together, we are dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development.

Together-with our funders, donors and partners — we can address the interrelated challenges of human development.

We believe-based on more than four decades of experience -that the key to improving lives is in generating, sharing and applying knowledge. FHI 360 programs combine evidence with on-the-ground experience to deliver maximum efficiency and impact. We work to empower individuals, families and communities to tackle their own challenges.

Program Assistant

Washington DC

The Global Connections team designs and implements academic, professional, cultural, and youth exchange programs for students and emerging leaders around the world. We are seeking a Program Assistant to support the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), and other exchanges. Launched in 1940 by the U.S. Department of State, IVLP seeks to build mutual understanding between the United States and other nations through carefully designed professional visits to the United States for emerging foreign leaders in government, politics, the media, education, the arts, business and other key fields.

This person will provide administrative support to program officers working on International Visitor Leadership projects and other exchange programs.

Job Summary / Responsibilities:

Performs and provides administrative, programmatic and logistical support duties. Prepares documents and reports, the use of office technology, compiling records, organizing and maintaining files, posting information, greeting/referring/assisting others, mail distribution, and photocopying. Collects and verifies data, summarizes and reconciles information. Coordinates and maintains records management. Serves as a primary resource for assistance in the department.
Assists program staff with requests from regional and country offices and other staff members.
Coordinates technical visits, travel authorizations, expense reports, and contract agreements to support implementation of country programs.
Maintains databases, web pages, and data integrity and security according to quality standards and company policy.
Performs day-to–day routines independently with own initiative.
Prepares documents, reports and briefing materials for consultants, staff and clients.
Coordinates division of workload among other administrative/support staff.
Assists in the orientation/training of new administrative/support staff.
Performs entry level technical program related tasks.
Ensures documentation and reports are tracked regularly and adhere to country and regional standards.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Associate’s Degree or its International Equivalent - Knowledge/Information Services, Communications, Education, Health, Behavioral, Life/Social Sciences International Development, Human Development or Related Field.
Typically requires 0-2 years of programs and administrative support experience.
Articulate, professional and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English; fluent in host country language as appropriate.
Prior experience in a non- governmental organization (NGO) preferred.

International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education

http://www.iaswece.org

Waldorf early childhood education, also known as Steiner early years education, is devoted to the health, education and care of the young child from birth to school entrance.

Waldorf early childhood educators seek to nurture the development of each child's unique capacities by offering warm, homelike environments with opportunities for imaginative play, meaningful purposeful work, and experiences in the arts, in nature and in community. There are approximately 2000 Waldorf kindergartens, home programs, child care centers, and pre-schools in more than sixty countries throughout the world.

The association was originally founded by Dr. Helmut von Kuegelgen and a circle of Waldorf kindergarten educators in 1969 in Stuttgart, Germany as the International Association of Waldorf Kindergartens. For over 35 years, it served as the association for both the Waldorf kindergartens in Germany and the Waldorf kindergarten movement worldwide, fostering the development of Waldorf/Steiner kindergartens and training centers in Europe, North and South America, Australia, Africa, and Asia. The Association also hosted international conferences for Waldorf educators and others concerned about the healthy development of the child, published resources and newsletters, and formed collaborative working groups around burning issues relating to the care and education of the child from birth to school entrance age.

As Waldorf early childhood education established itself broadly throughout the world, these growing international activities required their own independent organization, and in October, 2005, the new International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education (IASWECE) was founded at a meeting of the “Kuratorium” of the original Kindergarten Association held in Chatou, France. The original association, known now as the International Association of Waldorf Kindergartens- Germany, is one of twenty-one founding member associations of the new association. IASWECE was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in January, 2006 in Stockholm, Sweden.

http://www.iaswece.org/about_us/history.aspx

Goals and Ideals

The International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education is an organ of the cultural impulse of Rudolf Steiner and the worldwide Steiner/Waldorf movement.

As colleagues working together in this world association, our goals are to:

Foster co-operation among colleagues throughout the world, through meetings, conferences, working groups, etc.
Deepen and renew the work with the young child out of the sources of Waldorf education, and support for its quality
Foster training and continuing development opportunities for caregivers, kindergarten teachers and educators
Undertake and support collaborative research on contemporary questions regarding the care and education of the young child
Collaborate with parents, other educators, and the wider society about the needs of the young child
Protect the freedom and name of Steiner and Waldorf early childhood education
Provide resources, information and publications on Waldorf early childhood education
Offer support-human, educational and financial-for projects seeking to foster Waldorf early childhood education throughout the world.

http://www.iaswece.org/about_us/our_goals/index.aspx

International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)

http://www.ibby.org/home.0.html?&L=2%5C%5C%5C%27andc

The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a non-profit organization which represents an international network of people from all over the world who are committed to bringing books and children together.

UNICEF, IBBY has a policy-making role as an advocate of children's books. IBBY is committed to the principles of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by the United Nations in 1990. One of its main proclamations is the right of the child to a general education and to direct access to information. Thanks to IBBY's insistence, the resolution includes an appeal to all nations to promote the production and distribution of children's books.

IBBY also cooperates with many international organizations and children's book institutions around the world and exhibits at the International Children's Book Fair in Bologna and other international book fairs.

Mission

To promote international understanding through children's books
To give children everywhere the opportunity to have access to books with high literary and artistic standards
To encourage the publication and distribution of quality children's books, especially in developing countries
To provide support and training for those involved with children and children's literature
To stimulate research and scholarly works in the field of children's literature
To protect and uphold the Rights of the Child according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

http://www.ibby.org/index.php?id=266

I was not able to find any job opportunities for the last two organizations.

Saturday, September 26, 2015

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

National Organization: Early Head Start

Position: Early Head Start Provider Services Program Supervisor

Location: Community Child Care Council of Santa Clara County (San Jose, CA)

The Early Head Start (EHS) Provider Services Program Supervisor reports to the Early Head Start Program Director. The Provider Services Specialist is responsible for planning and administering the child development program services for children and families. Services must be coordinated with staff in other program content areas, and must include ongoing assessment of the quality of services provided. Further planning and admiration of the child development program must be based on the theories and principles of child growth and development, early childhood education and family support. This position oversees the work of Early Childhood Education Specialist and the Child Development Mentors.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Psychology or related field plus 3 years' experience providing direct child care staff supervision/training and developing education curriculum; or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform this job.
Experience working directly with children and families of targeted population.
Demonstrated supervisory experience, which reflects progressive responsibilities in hiring, firing, training, performance appraisal, conflict resolution, and disciplinary counseling.
Knowledge of theories and practice of ECE/CD and Family/Social Services.
Demonstrated successful community organizing or ethnic community outreach experience
Possess strong human relation's skills to communicate effectively with diverse staff, volunteers, and the community
Knowledge of the methodology and tools of program review and evaluation.
In depth knowledge and experience with Infant and Toddler care and growth and development. Certification in PITC highly preferred.
Require an ability to work independently, organize and prioritize responsibility
Knowledge and experience working with Early Childhood, Health, Disabilities and Nutrition services as it relates to Early Head Start/Head Start
Must be comfortable working with diverse ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds of the communities and must be able to effectively communicate with children and families of the community
Ability to plan, develop and coordinate complex and interrelating working procedures into comprehensive Early Head Start services.
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local guidelines and regulations pertaining to the Early Head Start program.
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, Excel, word processing applications.
Must pass criminal background check and health screening.
Ability to maintain agency code of ethics and standards of conducts.
Experience working with a Head Start or Early Head Start program preferred.
Possess a valid California Driver’s License and have access to an insured motor vehicle
Required to travel to Santa Clara County areas to facilitate assignments to FCCH sites, meetings and other off-site destinations.
Must be willing to work beyond the usual work week to accomplish the job.
Must be able to travel, locally and nationally.
On-going professional development through education, role modeling, mentoring, and training.

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/hs/careers/Region9/California/Early%20Head%20Start%20Provider%20Services%20Program%20Supervisor%20-%20San%20Jose%20%20-%20%20CA_2.html

National Organization: Association for Early Learning Leaders

Position: Early Care & Education Director

Location: Broadcaster’s Child Development Center (Washington D.C.)

The Association for Early Learning Leaders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving directors, owners and administrators of early care and education programs since 1984.

The Association for Early Learning Leaders is committed to excellence in the field of Early Care and Education by promoting leadership development and enhancing program quality.

Our goal is to strengthen the knowledge, skills and abilities of directors, owners, emerging leaders and other early learning professionals to ensure quality programs for young children.

http://www.earlylearningleaders.org/?page=About_ELL

Key Responsibilities

Provide vision, leadership, mentoring and supervision to staff
Be present daily to oversee center operations
Oversee staff professional development and program curriculum
Maintain strong relationships with families
Work towards obtaining NAEYC accreditation
Communicate with BCDC’s Board of Directors

Qualifications

BCDC is seeking an experienced early care and education director who will work closely with teachers, parents and the Center’s Board while maintaining the role of a strong leader. Outstanding decision-making, interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Interested candidates must have a B.A. in early childhood education or a related field (Master’s is a plus), with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a supervisory role. The position of Director would begin as soon as possible.

http://www.earlylearningleaders.org/networking/apply_now.aspx?view=2&id=324786

National Organization: NAEYC

Position: National Early Childhood Coordinator

Location: Sciencenter Discovery Museum

This position was posted on the NAEYC website however, you would not actually be working for NAEYC.

The Sciencenter, a hands-on science museum in Ithaca, NY, seeks an enthusiastic individual with experience developing and delivering professional development for preschool teachers and programs for children from 12 months to elementary-aged to serve as a National Early Childhood Coordinator.

As a National Early Childhood Coordinator, you will be a member of the Sciencenter’s education team. In this role, you will coordinate a national collaborative of museums working with Head Start teachers. You will also develop and deliver professional development for preschool teachers and programs for preschool audiences. You will also deliver field trip and afterschool programs and assist with summer camp, as needed.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree with strong background in education, early childhood development and science
Passion for working with children, families and teachers
Experience developing and delivering hands-on, age-appropriate, interactive programs and educator professional development
Excellent communication skills (written, oral, timely, appropriate, and computer)
Collaborative, team oriented with strong customer service skills (colleagues, visitors and customers)
Self-directed, proactive and comfortable working independently, yet able to take direction from others
Creative, flexible, resourceful and willing to learn new things
Able to work, prioritize and focus amid frequent interruptions, on multiple tasks.
Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and excellent driving record

http://careerforum.naeyc.org/jobs/7544084/national-early-childhood-coordinator

References

Association for Early Learning Leaders (2015). Retrieved from http://www.earlylearninglearners.org

Head Start: An Office of the Administration for Children and Families Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC) (2015). Retrieved from http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/ehsnrc

National Association for the Education of Young Children (2015). Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local & State Levels

Coast Community College District

Part Time Child Development Faculty

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must meet one of the following qualifications:

Valid California Community College instructor credential, appropriate to the subject, per Education Code 87355 (issued prior to July 1, 1990);
Master's degree from an accredited institution in child development, early childhood education, human development, home economics/family and consumer studies with a specialization in child development/early childhood education.
Bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education, human development, home economics/family and consumer studies with a specialization in child development/early childhood education AND a Master's degree in social work, educational supervision, elementary education, special education, psychology, bilingual/bicultural education, life management/home economics, family life studies, or family and consumer studies from an accredited institution.
Or, possess a combination of education and experience that is at least the equivalent to the above. Candidates making an application on the basis of equivalency must submit an Application for Equivalency in addition to all other required materials.

Evidence of a sensitivity to, understanding of, and the ability to manage the classroom environment AND effectively provide instruction to community college students of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds.

(https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cccd/jobs/514795/pt-faculty-pool-child-development-early-childhood-education)

Think Together

Early Learning Site Facilitator

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Early Learning Manager, the Early Literacy Site Supervisor (ELSS) is responsible for ensuring that the Early Literacy and Math program is effectively implemented at one or more program sites throughout the county of Orange which serve children 0 - 5 years of age and their families. The ELSS will offer programs to help prepare pre- kindergarten children and their families for school, while focusing on literacy and math teaching methods. Community resources and referrals will also be offered to the families through this program. Additionally, the ELSS will be responsible for supervising the day-to-day participation of AmeriCorp Members and for supporting THINK Together's Early Literacy and Math milestones by participating in (but not limited to) the following activities; Read for the Record, Reach Out and Read as well as events throughout the county or Orange.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to participate effectively in a team environment
Ability to supervise, coach and develop AmeriCorps members
Ability to have a high degree of self-initiative
Ability to communicate directly and with high integrity
Ability to be resourceful and generate solutions
Ability to time manage and meet deadlines
Experience working with children 0 - 5 years of age, adults and a various community-based organizations
Experience with community organizing and/or community outreach preferred
Proficiency in English both orally and written. Bilingual in Spanish, required.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree Required in child development, education, human development or similar
Familiar with the culture and customs of the clients with whom s/he will interact
Ability to work evenings and weekends, as required by activities of the program
Must be able to travel to various site location, off-site staff development training and events
Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Outlook to ensure appropriate reporting and tracking
Must have at least one year in a supervisory or leadership position
Previous classroom experience with children 0 - 5 years of age is required

http://jobs.thinktogether.org/early-learning-site-facilitator/job/5481946

MAAC (Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty)

Early Childhood Education Program Specialist

Under direct supervision, this position will coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Head Start and Early Head Start Performance Standards for assigned centers and assigned program options. The incumbent will model, consult and provide guidance and resources to classroom staff and will participate in building systems that provide staff with resources and support.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION

Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a closely related field including a minimum of thirty-two (32) ECE units
Three (3) years of work and/or teaching experience in an Early Childhood Education program setting including experience with CA State and Federal regulations related to Early Childhood Education that includes a minimum of one (1) year of experience utilizing mentoring and coaching principles and reflective practices with adult learners in a professional early childhood education program setting.
Master Teacher Level Permit or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire
Bilingual (English / Spanish) speaking, reading, and writing highly desirable
Demonstrated experience in utilizing computers and software, including but not limited to Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, the Internet and database software such as ChildPlus.