This class has most definitely been an eye opener for me!  I have learned so much about who I am, as well as how I want to be a contributor to the early childhood field.  Three things that I feel like are deep learning experiences is me being aware of what type of leader I want to be, learning about the importance of belonging to a community of practice, and learning about my passion for making a social within my community.  When I was imagining what my future would look like, I literally cannot wait to become the person I wrote about being!  I want more than anything to create a program that allow parents the chance to get involved with their child outside of their home, and help them build healthy relationships with their child.  By being a part of a community of practice that have the same vision as I do, I believe that this is most definitely possible.  In order to make a social change, I am going to have to learn how to lead.  So learning about the different leadership styles, and which one I resonated with the most really did help me!

 

A long term goal of mine would be to establish a scholarship for minority children that demonstrate service within their community.  I was able to pay for books with the scholarships that I received from my community, and I want to do the same for another student.  This is me stepping out of the early childhood field, but it is still me helping out families and students that are within my community.

I wanted to say thank you to our instructor for challenging me and providing me with such great feedback throughout this course.  I also want to thank my colleagues who have continued to support me through this journey.  I have learned that when trying to be an advocate for young children and when you are trying to make social change, having a strong support system is important-for that I say thank you. To you all, I wish you nothing but the best!

 

 

 

International Organizations

The three organizations that I chose were UNICEF, ISSA, and UNESCO.  I chose these three because I really do like what they stand for.  I really like UNICEF because they focus on disadvantage children from all walks of life whether it is poverty, domestic violence, etc.  ISSA caught my attention because I believe quality childcare should be made available to all children, and not just those who can afford.  I really like the fact that they include ages all the way up to 10 years old.  Lastly, I chose UNESCO because it is a community of practice that allow others from all over the world to interact and work with one on shared visions.  Due to all the violence, shootings, and killings that are taken place right now throughout many states, I believe establishing peace is very important and this is one of their goals.

National Organizations to Help out Low-Income Families

The programs that I chose tailor mainly to helping low-income families.  I really want to see all families excel, but I do know that it is harder for low-income families. 

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)-Is a volunteer-based program.  Volunteer advocates that are empowered directly by the courts—offer judges the critical information they need to ensure that each child’s rights and needs are being attended to while in foster care.

 Suited for Change – since 1992, this innovative and independent organization has taken up the task of catering to low-income women in a practical aspect. It provides women with professional clothing such as corporate suits to make them feel ready to take up their role as an independent breadwinner.

Crittenton Women’s Union – another non-profit organization run on a massive scale, The organization offers endless possibilities for women by helping them gain the required awareness, skill set and tact to not only reach economic independence but to establish a career as well. It also provides shelter and food to homeless families and guidance to young mothers.

Below are two jobs that I found that are available on the federal level.

Program Support Assistant-Is a federal job that provides the worker the chance to help out students financially with their student aid.  This job was of interest to me because in undergrad I had the chance to work in the Financial Aid office, and I really did enjoy it.

Child Development Director-This job is located on Air Force Bases within the states.

 

Programs for Families in Need

There are several different programs that are available on a local level in my city.  I am really interested in finding ways to help low-income families,  Therefore, the programs below are all connect by providing help to low-income families. 

1. Community Action Agency-This is a statewide agency that is available to several different counties.  This agency provides several different programs for families such as Head Start, Workforce Development, Credit counseling services, and Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program and many more. 

2. Oklahoma Alliance For Animals- This is a program that provides temporary assistance with pet food for needy families.

3. United Way of Central Oklahoma- This is a program that provides a directory for several different programs that a family may be in need of.  For example, Big Brothers, Big Sisters can be found in this program.

Here are a few job opportunities that I found to be interesting:

Founding Director of Teacher Leadership- This position requires a Master's Degree in Education, and the director must be able to observe and provide feedback to teachers that are in the school that will improve and help them grow as educators.

Upward Bound Summer Instructor- One must have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and a valid teaching certificate.

Child Care Assistant Director-Must maintain the Bronze level which is a high school diploma or GED,  ECD/CD Knowledge skills, administration and management knowledge and at least 3 years of experience in an early childhood setting.

Reflecting on My Learning (EDUC 6358)

My biggest hoe is to become an anti-bias educator that practice and teach my students how to become anti-bias thinkers.  This is not going to be an easy task, and I know that I  must be willing to put forth effort and have patience while I am on this journey.  I am excited to become an anti-bias educator and I am looking forward to the new school year to try these skills out!

I would like to thank all who supported me along this journey by providing me constructive feedback.  I wish you all the best on your journey to becoming an anti-bias educator as well!

Happy Learning!

My hope, goal, and a thank you to all! (EDUC 6357)

One goal you would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice (any format and any length)

A brief note of thanks to your colleagues

One hope that I have when working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is being able to make a connection with them and gain their trust.  Sometimes, connecting with one child and his family is easier than connecting with another child and his family.  In addition, another hope that I have is to remain patient through this process.  Although, I have learned the skills needed, I now must put those skills into action and practice, practice, practice!

One goal that I would like to set is that the early childhood field incorporate diversity, equity, and social justice into the daily curriculum and not just during certain thematic units.  This could possibly entail trainings, but I believe it would be worth it!

I would like to say thanks to all my colleagues for supporting me along this journey, and providing me with such great feedback.  I wish you all the best!  We are almost finished (:

Happy Learning!

Recipe for Happiness (EDUC 6358)

I decided to look at Angola.  I saw this interesting article over 'A recipe for happiness' and was taken away by it.  Child mortality rates are high n Angola, and this pamphlet are simple things that mothers can do around the house to prevent their child's death.  Simple things like hand washing is a component of the pamphlet. 

This article made me think about the things that are taken for granted here in the U.S. For example, teen pregnancy is such a problem that abortions are becoming a par of the "norm", while women in Angola are losing their children to death of malaria, respiratory infections, and even diarrhea. It really does sadden my heart.  This one struggle that is going on in this country, that really stood out to me.

This can affect the siblings of those who lost their life.  These children are experiencing unhealthy environment, and may have to deal with illnesses that go untreated.  Not only life-threatening, but can cause a child to slip into an emotional state of unhappiness and even depression.