Time Well Spent

Three Deeply Felt Learnings

 

            Through my research, readings and experiences in the Capstone course, I have learned:

 

1-“The happiness of any society begins with the well-being of the families that live in it” (Laureate, 2011). This quote from Kofi Annan articulates the importance of the family unit, whatever its structure, in any society, regardless of culture.

 

2- . “Our accomplishments are a reflection of what our relationships have allowed us to achieve” (Zero to Three, 2011). We are only as good as our interpersonal relationships with our team. No one is an island and no one can conquer the world (or safely run a Preschool classroom) alone.

 

3- According to Derman-Sparks and Olsen Edwards (2010), “although a family’s economic resources do not determine how much they love their child nor how skilled they are at parenting, a lack of resources can make the fundamental necessities for their children’s healthy growth and development-safe housing, nutritious food, and regular healthcare-very difficult or impossible to get” (p 101). It’s not what you have, but who you are that counts. Families with fewer resources are just as valuable and worthy as those with plentiful resources. It is important to view a family according to their strengths and respectfully, and compassionately helping them to obtain the tools to tackle their challenges.

 

 

One Long Term Goal

            My long term goal as an early childhood professional is to continuously cultivate a positive attitude, patience, kindness and compassion. I would like to positively influence everyone with whom I interact.

 

Farewell Message

            Farewell to Dr. Teri and my dear colleagues. I wish all of you the best in the future in both your personal and professional lives. Thank you for all of your encouragement, feedback, ideas, and opinions. Namaste!

 

 

 

 

 References

 

Derman-Sparks, L., Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves. Washington, DC:     NAEYC

 

 

 

Laureate Education. (producer)(2011). Merging Passion, Vision and Practice. [multi-media presentation]. retrieved from http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6990/01/mm/ec_pres/index.html

 

Zero to Three. (2011). What is reflective leadership? Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/areas-of-expertise/reflective-practice-program-development/what-is-reflective.html

 

International Career Opportunities

 

 

 

 

 

UNICEF

http://www.unicef.org/

 

Why I chose this organization: UNICEF has been a prominent figure in international relief efforts for decades. This organization is involved in many aspects of assistance to those in need; including nutrition, health and immunizations, life skills, promoting human rights and gender equality, education, disease prevention and the promotion of breastfeeding. UNICEF’s efforts and values are in line with my own; with children and families as their priority.

 

Job Opportunity: Program Officer, Level 2-Manage, coordinate and supervise program and small or medium country office. Formulate, design and facilitate, and manage projects.

 

Qualifications: Master’s Degree in relevant field or equivalent professional experience in a developing company (2-3 years entry level, 5- years mid-career). Proficiency in English plus another UN working language is also required.

 

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/

 

Save the Children

http://www.savethechildren.org/

Why I chose this organization: Save the Children has been an organization that has been dedicated to the well-being of children since 1919. Two of their core values are self-help and self-reliance; along with the idea of development as the process by which people “take charge of their own lives”. Some of the activities that the organization is involved in include; Child Protection, Child Survival, Education, Health and Nutrition, HIV & AIDS prevention and treatment, Hunger and Livelihoods, and Emergency Response.

 

Job Opportunity: Advisor: Early Childhood Development in Mozambique. This position involves the support, design and implementation of early childhood development projects in the country. Responsibilities include build staff’s capacity for program activities, ensure that methods of monitoring and evaluation are in place to improve the program and measure the direct impact, share best practices with staff

 

Qualifications: Master’s Degree in International Education/Developmental Psychology/Cultural Anthropology with a focus in Early Childhood Development, 3 years’ experience in Early Childhood Development, Fluency in Portuguese and English (written and oral).

 

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

 

 

 

 

Fhi360

http:www.aed.org/

 

Why I chose this organization: Fhi 360’s basic philosophy revolves around the interconnectedness of all that exists. Their mission is to “generate, share and apply knowledge, empower individuals, families and communities to tackle their own challenges. These philosophies are in line with my own.

 

Job Opportunity: Program Assistant, Global Connections. This position involves the support of the International Visitors Leadership Program whose mission is”to build mutual understanding between the United States and other nations through visits for emerging foreign leaders.

 

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree, excellent organizational skills, ability to multi-task, strong oral and written skills, strong computer skills, ability to communicate cross-culturally.

 

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm