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.

"I Don't See" (EDUC 6357)

“I Don’t See”

I don’t see color.

I don’t see you, I don’t see me.

I see us. I see people who are special and unique.

People that are brown, peach, dark, and even red.

I see us being able to walk together and play together hand-in-hand.

I don’t see color.

I don’t see you, I don’t see me.

I see kids playing of different races.

Colleagues that are men and women talking from various ages.

I see us. I see people who are special and unique.

I don’t see color.

I don’t see you, I don’t see me.

I see those who are able and those who are not.

I see those who are at the bottom and those who are on top.

Most importantly I see respect among those that can and cannot.

I don’t see color.

I don’t see you, I don’t see me.

I see us. I see people who are special and unique.

 

 

We Don't Say Those Words!

I cannot recall anything that my students have said.  However, one day I was in the grocery store and my son (who is two) kept saying "momma ball, momma ball.  I see basketball."  I did not see a basketball, and I ignored him. He kept saying it, and I finally realize that he was talking about a man that was heavy set with an OKC Thunder basketball shirt on.  I quickly stated, "yes D, he has on a basketball shirt."  If a stranger would have heard him, they could have easily mistaken his comments for negative and assuming he was calling the man's stomach a ball.
It is important to rectify any situations of misconception in children quickly, without making them feel like they are in trouble.  "Children say the darnest things" is a saying we are all familiar with, but as educators, it is our responsibility to teach our children how to appropriately talk to and about others.

How "isms" Effect the Families I Work With (EDUC 6358)

I have faced racism several times in my life.  I remember when I was hired as the lead teacher at a daycare, some of the families chose not to interact with me at all because of my skin color. Having faced this “ism” several times, has made me become somewhat hesitant in interacting with some of my families.  At first, I thought some were judging me because I am the only black teacher at my school, and they were thinking why do we have her.  However, during parent-teacher conferences a white mom told me that she was happy I was her child’s teacher, and when she read my biography and saw my picture she wanted me to be her child’s teacher.  I was literally in tears during this conference.

I do not treat my families or my students any different despite the “isms” that I face.  I try to teach them that although we may not all look the same, we still have to learn how to work together.  We always say that we are a family of mini-monsters, and when we have a serious problem in the classroom we have a family meeting on the carpet and discuss it. 

The direct consequence my students in their families may experience is by me teaching about it in my classroom.  Some parents are opposed to their child learning about different “isms”, but I would like for my students to be made aware of several different “isms” so that when they face one they will be able to handle the situation in an appropriate manner.

 

Dealing with Homophobia in an Early Childhood Setting EDUC (6357)

Dealing with homophobia in an early childhood classroom can become very datable.  Some parents do not think children should be exposed to the terms gay, lesbian, or bisexual at an early age, and that books and pictures that portray these terms should not be a part of the classroom.  I do believe that it is my responsibility to education my students in a way that is going to prepare for the "real world".  Homosexuality is a part of our culture, and if children are not taught about this part of our culture, then they will ignore it (which results to ignoring people who may be gay, lesbian, bisexual), and will develop a pre-prejudice towards this group of people.  If children are educated to accept all aspects of diversity, including those of sexuality, then we as educators are creating children who will be open and accepting others who are not like them.  Using books such as Felicia's Favorite Story, Heather has Two Mommies, and Tango makes Three, and Daddy's Roommate are all age appropriate books to help children become aware that all families are not the same, but they are all different and unique.

One of my younger cousins was always teased when he young (5-now 13) about being a sissy and being gay.  Growing up around him, his brothers always teased him because he wanted to play with dolls.  He would always tell me that when he got older he was going to be a cheerleader just like me.  I would always tell him, that he was going to make a great cheerleader because he is passionate about it.  His mom would even tell him to stop having those sissy dreams because she didn't want a son who was gay.

Surprisingly, this never killed his spirit and to this day he still prefers dolls, cheerleading, and other things that some may view as "girl only".  This could have caused him to become depress, and lose sight of who he really is, but he did not.  I am happy that my younger cousin is proud of who he is!

Observing Communication with Children (EDUC 6358)

I chose to observe communication amongst my TA and the students in our class during small group.  I had recently presented the concept of adding with 10 frames to the class, and she was leading this learning center.  I noticed that she was quick to correct the children, if they did not do it right the first time instead of giving them the opportunity to check their own work.  The students did not engage to much with one another, but rather only with her.  Some of the children did not communicate at all, and just completed the problem when it was their turn. 

I did notice that my TA used appropriate language and vocabulary, and provided the students with positive feedback if they did something correct.  For example, she told one student that he did a great job at reading the math problem loud and proud in his big voice so everyone can hear him.

What I took from this is that every child was not encourage to participate in communication.  It was a game in our math learning center, so each child did participate just not through the use of language. I reflected on how I interact with small groups, and notice that sometimes, I too even over talk the children instead of allowing the to actively engage in the conversation. 

Being the teacher and having an assistant, I now realize that it is jus as important that model effective communication for her as I do for the students in our classroom.  In order to model effective language/teacher talk, one must first be aware on how they are doing with their teacher talk.  Communication is a give and take.  Someone is always giving or taking in information that was presented to them.  I am now more aware, that the language I use effects not only my students but my TA as well.  I will try to become better at modeling appropriate language, providing direct feedback, and using open-ended questions to promote the children's thinking.

My Childcare Setting (EDUC 6358)

I would want my facility to first be one that appears to be child friendly.  The appearance of any childcare facility is important. I would want accent walls of green (spring-time green), yellow, red, and orange.  Children are attracted to color, and I would allow these accent walls to be the place of where we would display pictures of each family.  I did like how Adriana displayed items to represent each child.  In my current class, we have family photos, and we displayed family trees for the first 8 weeks of school. Also, having posters around the room that the children can relate to that don't show stereotypes.  For example, a girl playing basketball, and a boy pretending to bake cookies.

I would also want a variety of toys that represent several different cultures.  Not only those that are present in the classroom, but from all different cultures.  This will teach children to learn that there are many different people who may not look like them, but you can still play with them.  Also, having a variety of books.  Books about culture differences, different families, different community helpers, etc. 

Having  a variety of toys such as Legos, dolls, block, sand/water table, art easel, math manipulatives, science/exploratory materials, book making materials, puppets, all of these items will help create an anti-bias classroom by allowing each child to explore all of these toys.  Encouraging boys to play in home-living and girls and block center would help children break the bias of girl vs. boy toys. 

I would also make some of the items that would be in my classroom such as puzzles.  I would take pictures of the students playing (girls playing with the tools set) and create a puzzle with it.  I would also have skin tone crayons and construction paper for the students to explore with.

I believe this will help create my anit-bias home facility.