TIME WELL SPENT!!!

Congratulations to everyone for completing their final course in obtaining their Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Studies at Walden University!!!!! I have truly enjoyed the interactions that I had with each one of you as you provided me with great perspectives to shape my future as an early childhood advocate. As we end our educational journey I encourage everyone to remember that a single act of advocacy has the potential to change the lives of millions.

Thank You Dr. Teri as you encouraged me to self-reflect on my true passion and future goals as an early childhood professional. Your course assignments and precise feedback enabled me to broaden my perspectives with regards to issues and trends in the early childhood field and thoroughly analyzed ways in which I can provide effective advocacy to address these issues and trends. The teachings acquired in this class will remain at the forefront in my future endeavors as an early childhood professional.

 

Three deeply felt learnings that I have acquired throughout this course:

1.      Children are the face of our future therefore we as early childhood professionals must proactively and effectively advocate for their safety, health, education, and overall well-being.

2.      Advocacy work in the early childhood field is multifaceted and continually changing the lives of children and families worldwide.

3.      For one to evolve into an effective advocate within the early childhood field he/she must  possess essential qualities including effective communication, passion, dedication, motivation, and collaboration skills.

As I prepare to complete this course I have established four long term goals:

1.      Become a volunteer for a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the healthy growth and development of children

2.      Become the Program Manager of healthy living programs created by a non-profit organization and established within impoverished communities in the state of Delaware.

3.      Establish a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy nutrition and physical fitness within impoverished communities in the state of Delaware.

4.      Commit to remain abreast of current issues and trends within the early childhood field

 

Favorite Quotes:

“The happiness of any society begins with the well-being of the families that live in it”. - Kofi Annan, Nobel Peace Prize Winner and seventh Secretary-General of the United Nation

“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history”. - Sonia Johnson, American Feminist Activist and Writer

“Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times”. – Anonymous

“The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children”. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German philosopher and theologian

 

INTERNATIONAL JOBS IN THE ECE COMMUNITY

Rainbows

“Rainbows is an international, not for profit organization that fosters emotional healing among children grieving a loss from a life-altering crisis” (Rainbows, 2013). Emotional healing is fostered through age specific curriculums for children age 4-18 suffering from a personal loss such as death of a family member, divorce, and abandonment/separation (Rainbows, 2013).

I selected this organization as I commend their mission to foster emotional healing for children grieving a loss. Significant loss in a child’s life has potential to create a detrimental impact on children’s mental and physical health. Effective support and advocacy for children experiencing a significant loss is crucial and beneficial to the child’s overall well being.

In considering the safety of the children in Rainbows and the confidentiality of children and families, the website does contain postings of the actual locations of the Rainbow sights nor employment opportunities available at these specific locations.

World Vision

            “World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the cause of poverty and injustice” (World Vision, 2013). Individuals served by World Vision include earthquake and hurricane survivors, abandoned and exploited children, survivors of famine and civil war, refuges, and children and families in communities suffering from AIDS (World Vision, 2013).

            I selected this organization as I support their mission to serve children and families worldwide in addressing poverty and injustice. Poverty and injustice are issues experienced by a significant number of individuals across various ethnicities, cultures, socioeconomic status, genders, and religions. I took particular interest to this organization as I have chosen the topic of Poverty as my focal point for my Major Assessment within this course. In reviewing the website and the organization’s mission I became enlightened to the strategies and practices used by international organization to combat poverty worldwide.

An employment opportunity of most interest to be is that of Project Director- Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancies Multi-country Grant. The Project Director manages a multi-country family planning grant created to increase global political commitment and resource contributions to global, maternal, newborn and child health goals by (1) increasing awareness and participation of political leaders in the US and Canada (2) increasing the use of family planning based on HTSP messaging to improve the sexual health of child bearing age women and survival of children under 2 in 3 project countries (World Vision, 2013).

The ideal candidate for this position will have the skills to:

(1) Manage large integrated programs in developing countries (2) Familiarity with USG programs, their history and evolution (3) Ability to integrate teams of professionals around common goals (4) Accomplishment in working with host-country professionals, ministries and with donor colleagues in country (5) Leadership of large and diverse teams (6) Diplomacy, strong presentation skills, speaking and writing (7) Fluency in English preferred (8) Demonstrated analytical skills and experiences to identify and evaluate best practices and state of the art approaches to be utilized by the Project (9) Master’s degree in public health, public administration/public policy, demography, sociology, statistics, or a related advanced degree or related field (World Vision, 2013).

The Program Director should also have (7) years + field based work experience, managing large, multi-regional public-health programs and working with management to integrate research findings into project direction. Experience with Family Planning, and/or MNCH programs and/or advocacy efforts for multi-country, multi-faceted health programs will be particularly valuable. A minimum of seven years’ experience in the specified sector to include assessment, evaluation, and design of project required.  Experience with USAID/Foundation grants is required.  Experience as a PD, Chief of Party or Senior expert advisor required.  Proven ability to manage technical assistance teams.  Knowledge of and familiarity with major other bilateral funding agencies.  Experience managing sub grants and contracts under grants for complex projects. (World Vision, 2013).

Children International

            “Children International provides critical assistance to children and families struggling in terrible poverty” Children’s International, 2013). The organization provides one-to-one child sponsorship programs which function to reduce the burden of poverty on impoverished children, invest in their potential, and provide them with opportunities to grow up healthy, educated and prepared to succeed and contribute to society. Through the organization’s sponsorship programs, the organization helps approximately 340,000 children via 17 agencies located in 11 countries around the world (Children’s International, 2013).

            I selected this organization as I support the fight against poverty for children worldwide. The experience of poverty during childhood has potential to greatly impact a child’s physical and mental health as well as their overall success in life. Adequate nutrition and consistent food security is essential in fostering healthy growth and development in children. Organizations dedicated to the fight against poverty among impoverished children are equally dedicated to providing a solid foundation for our future generations.

An employment opportunity of most interest to me is that of Dialoguer. A Dialoguer meets new people on the street and informs them about Children’s International and inspires them to become an active supporter through regular donations. A Dialoguer is expected to be themselves, remain polite and friendly (Children’s International, 2013).

References:

Children’s International (2013). Retrieved from http://www.children.org

Rainbows (2013). Retrieved from http://www.rainbows.org

World Vision (2013). Retrieved from http://www.worldvision.org

JOBS/ROLES IN THE ECE COMMUNITY: NATIONAL LEVEL

National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP): “One of the nation’s leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children”. NCCP utilizes research as an educational tool to inform policy and practice and ensure positive outcomes for the next generation. The organization encourages family-oriented solutions at the state and national levels while remaining dedicated to their mission of obtaining family economic security, strong nurturing families, and healthy child development.

I found NCCP to be most appealing to my interest in child development, family security, and advocacy to reduce poverty in America. The detrimental effects of poverty on the health and development of children are devastating realities. Children living in poverty are more likely to have poor health, delayed cognitive development, and school failure in comparison to their peers of higher socioeconomic status. The effects of poverty that continue to plague our children every day is an issue worth discussing, addressing, and rectifying. (NCCP currently does not have employment positions available)

Zero To Three: “A national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers”. This organization promotes healthy development of infants and toddlers with specific focus on behavior and development, maltreatment, care and education, and public policy. This is of interest to me as I support their motto “Early Experiences Matter”. Birth through age five is the most vital and influential years of a child’s development as children learn about the world around them and their support system within that world. The experiences a child has within these years typically provide the foundation for their physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. It is extremely important for parents, early childhood professional, and policy makers to be educated regarding the significance of early experiences and its effects on a child’s future. (Zero To Three currently does not have employment opportunities available that are of interest to me)

Feeding America: “The nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity dedicated to feeding America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks while engaging in the fight to end hunger”. This organization prides themselves on their established values of (1) Respect (2) Stewardship & Accountability (3) Collaboration (4) Urgency (5) Service (7) Integrity (8) Diversity. This organization appealed to me as I share in the organization’s mission to reduce hunger in America. Hunger is an epidemic plaguing a significant number of families nationwide and an issue worth tackling. America has a reputation of being a country of wealth and abundance but falls significantly short in reducing hunger. Feeding America and similar organizations are essential in educating the nation about hunger in America, and advocating to ensure everyone has food security.

Feeding America. (2013). Retrieved from http://feedingamerica.org/

National Center for Children in Poverty. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.nccp.org/about.html

Zero To Three. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/

EXPLORING ROLES IN THE ECE COMMUNITY

Three organizations within my residential state of Delaware that I found most appealing were (1) Food Bank of Delaware (2) Read Aloud Delaware (3) Children’s Advocacy Center of Delaware. These specific organizations are of most interest to me as they advocate for the issues that are if most interest to me; those being childhood hunger/poverty, quality early childhood education, and protection from child abuse/neglect. Each organization has unique programs, policies, and practices established to effectively address these issues.

Food Bank of Delaware has several programs established to combat childhood hunger/poverty including children’s nutritional programs, mobile pantries, and school pantries. There is currently one job opportunity within the organization that is of interest to me; that being Summer Nutrition Outreach Coordinator. To become a Summer Nutrition Outreach Coordinator one must (1) high school diploma or equivalent (2) one year previous experience in Community Organizing (3) reliable transportation (4) valid driver’s license for the past three years (5) clean driving record (6) strong self initiative (7) ability to work cooperatively in a team environment (8) computer literacy skills (9) ability to work flexible hours (Food Bank of Delaware, 2011)

Read Aloud Delaware is dedicated to early childhood development and education through established partnerships with child care centers, clinics, and shelters. Organization volunteers read aloud to children, specifically those of low income families to promote reading, encourage a love of books, and desire to become a reader. Currently there are no job opportunities available within this organization; however there are several opportunities for interested individuals to volunteer as a reader, coordinator of special events and parent workshops. These specific volunteer opportunities require individuals to be literate, culturally sensitive, and able to collaborate in teams (Read Aloud Delaware, 2006).

Children’s Advocacy Center of Delaware is dedicated to protecting children from child abuse/neglect by providing services to expedite the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases while providing support to victims and families. Organizational services provided include (1) forensic interviews of child victims and witness (2) forensic interviews of adults and children with disabilities (3) extended forensic evaluation (4) victim advocacy (5) community outreach (6) expert court testimony. Currently there are no job opportunities available within the organization. The position that I am most interested in obtaining is that of Forensic Interviewer. The qualifications required to obtain this positions is not presented on the organization’s websites as this position is not available for consideration (Children’s Advocacy Center, n.d.)

Reference

Food Bank of Delaware. (2011) Retrieved from http://www.fbd.org/job-opportunities/

Read Aloud Delaware. (2006) Retrieved from

 http://www.readalouddelaware.org/about.cfm

Children’s Advocacy Center of Delaware. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.cacofde.org/ServicesWeProvide.htm

WELCOME EVERYONE!!!

Congratulations to everyone for coming one step closer to completing their educational journey and obtaining their Master’s Degree at Walden University!! Entrance into the Capstone course is one that is bitter sweet as I am excited to further my understanding and application of advocacy within the Early Childhood Field but sadden to depart from my colleagues at the completion of this course. Although this course will pass by in a flash I plan to make the most of this course experience over the next 7 weeks. I am eager to communicate with each of my colleagues and increase my knowledge of the Early Childhood Field through the personal experiences shared by each of you.

Good Luck to everyone and I look forward to communicating with each of you!!

PROFILE OF A VOLUNTEER

For the purpose of this blog assignment I chose to highlight Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Delaware. The responsibilities of a CASA include quality and independent representation and advocacy for all abused and neglected children involved in Family Court proceedings. CASA of Delaware (1) provide advocacy and factual information to the court regarding abused, neglected, and dependant children (2) insure legal representation of the child’s best interest in all judicial proceedings (3) monitor cases involving abused, neglected, and dependant children until the terms of a court order have been fulfilled and/or a safe and permanent home has been achieved for the children.

CASA of Delaware positively impacts the lives of children by working to ensure that the best interest of each child served is acknowledged, respected, and maintained within judicial proceedings. Research have shown that once a CASA volunteer is assigned to a abused or neglected child, the likelihood of that child receiving essential services including health care, education, and therapy increases significantly. The volunteer of a CASA extend beyond serving the best interest of abused and neglected children within judicial proceedings to fostering the overall well-being of the child and family.

A vital “take-away” message relative to the work of CASA:

Serving the best interest of children is a service to the best interest of our future generations.

Reference:

http://www.courts.delaware.gov/Family/CASA/faqs.stm

USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO GET CONNECTED

I have past and present experience with social media, with frequent use of Facebook, YouTube, Instant Gram, and my personal blog. On average I utilize these selected forms of social media three to fours times a week and often more than once in a 24 hour period. I typically utilize Facebook and Instant Gram to provide friends and family with photos and descriptive updates of my life in addition to inspirational quotes. These forms of social media allow remain connected to friends and family. I frequently utilize YouTube when researching “how to” topics such as cooking, party decorating, and arts and crafts. You Tube is excellent in providing visual instruction/information on the topic for which you are researching. My personal blogs is one which I have recently become familiar as a result of my enrollment into the Early Childhood Studies program at Walden University. As a requirement of my first course within the Early Childhood Studies program I was instructed to create a personal blogs and required complete weekly posts discussing information relevant to the topic of the week specific to the course for which I was enrolled.

The social media tools that I feel lead themselves to effective advocacy are Facebook, YouTube, and personal blogs. These tools are most effective as they enable advocates to effectively communicate their advocacy objective through the creation of interest groups, publication of public service announcements, and descriptive timelines of advocacy efforts. These specific social media tools enable advocates to reach a significant numbers of individuals within a relativity short period of time.

I would use Fcaebook, YouTube, and my personal blogs to educate and inspire others in my advocacy work by (1) gathering the support of individuals who share an interest in my advocacy objective (2) educating my supporters regarding my advocacy objective and projected advocacy efforts (3) encouraging my supporters to share the advocacy objective with their family, friends, and colleagues in an effort to increase its support and strength. I would execute these essential steps by creating an interest group on Facebook, publishing a PSA on YouTube, and providing weely posts of the progress of the advocacy objective on my personal blog.

Does anyone have additional suggestions of ways in which I can utilize social media to gather supporters for my advocacy objective?

ADVOCACY MESSAGES

Inspiring Advertising Campaigns:

“Munch & Move”- An NSW health initiative which supports healthy development of children ages birth through age five. The campaign promotes physical activity, healthy eating, and reduced small screen time in addition to offering training and resources to educators working in NSW early childhood education and care services

(http://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au).

“Eat Right, Be Bright”- A grass root effort developed by middle school teachers within the Los Angles Unified School District which incorporates innovative education components that align with nationally established initiatives. These components are designed to improve awareness, healthy eating, and augment classroom opportunities with the introduction of environment-based studies (http://www.foxcarolina.com).

Analysis of Advertising Messages:

I believe these advertising messages are effective in creating action as they exhibit simplicity in its presentation. The most effective advertising messages are those that are short, sweet, and straight to the point. Simplicity in the deliverance of an advertising campaign enables individuals of varies ages and intellectual capacities to understand its general statement and intended initiatives. Effective advocacy and communication of your advocacy efforts requires deliverance of simple and direct advertising messages.

MY OWN CAPACITY

Which issues impacting young children and their families and/or the field of early childhood fuel your passion?

            Poverty, health, nutrition, and quality education are four issues impacting children and their families which fuel my passion. These issues are becoming increasingly prominent within the United States and proving to have significant effects on children’s development and the overall well being of families. Research shows that children living in poverty typically have poor health and nutrition and limited access to quality education. With limited resources and/or early intervention, children living in poverty and directly experiencing its detrimental effects are destined for futures in which the cycle of poverty continues.

What special skills do you have that will contribute to your advocacy efforts? How will you incorporate these skills into your work?

            I believe my communication skills will directly contribute to my advocacy efforts. Effective communication skills are essential for advocacy work. It’s essential for one to have the ability to effectively communicate their issues for which they are most passionate including the effects of the issues on children and families, and their proposed solutions to rectify the issues. Without effective communication one’s advocacy efforts may be at risk for failure. I will incorporate my communicating skills during meetings, presentations, and conferences with specific individuals with whom I wish to gain support. My communication skills would be used to effectively present my advocacy issue to key individuals such as parents, community members, advocacy organizations, early childhood professionals, pediatricians, and local and state legislators. In presenting my advocacy issue to these selected individuals, my communication skills will also be utilized to effectively communicate the effects of the advocacy issue on children and families, my proposed solutions to rectify the issue, in addition to providing an open forum allowing individuals to provide their individuals perspectives on effective solutions.

In what ways do you hope to grow in order to be an effective advocate?

            I anticipate personal growth in my awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the primary issues currently effecting children and families in the United States. To become an effective advocate is important for me to remain abreast of current issues effecting children and families as these issues are continuously growing and changing. As an advocate I want to ensure that I set fourth my most effective advocacy efforts in an attempt to foster healthy growth and development for children and families.

           

MY ROLE AS AN ADVOCATE

What motivated you to start advocating for young children?

            I became interesting in advocating for young children after the birth of my son two years ago. Becoming a new mother fostered various emotions for me while increasing my interest in early childhood development, specifically in the areas of health, education, physical and social-emotional development. My parental role as a mother motivated me to increase my education and knowledge of early childhood development while advocating for young children and their families.

Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level?

            It’s essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro and macro level as advocacy efforts at the micro level has the potential to significantly influence advocacy efforts at the macro level. In the article “Grassroots Advocacy: Empowering Providers to Affect Policy Change for Infants and Toddlers” Daphne and Patty acknowledged and fostered advocacy efforts at the micro level, specifically communities with the state of Tennessee through their family child care conference in which they established their first provider advocacy committee. The advocacy efforts at the micro level directly contributed to advocacy efforts at the macro level as the advocacy providers collectively decided to establish “Advocacy Day” in which the providers would travel to the state Legislative Plaza to meet their elected officials.

What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues?

            To become a community leader on early childhood issues one must be aware and knowledgeable of current early childhood issues, their effects on children and families, and potential solutions to rectify these issues. In addition community leaders on early childhood issues must possess effective team work, community skills, and cultural awareness. It is equally important for community leaders to be aware and acknowledge the primary needs and concerns of community members and the ways in which they are currently affected by early childhood issues.

What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues?

            To become a state leader on early childhood issues one must be aware and knowledgeable of current early childhood issues, their effects on children and families, and potential solutions to rectify these issues. State leaders should exhibit effective communication and team work skills while exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity to the diversity among residents within the state for which they represent. State leaders should be inviting and receptive to the concerns, opinions, and ideas presented by residents within the state regarding the early childhood issues that are of most concern.

What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others?

            When attempting to mobilize others with regards early childhood issues I (1) effectively communicate my position regarding the issue/issues for which I am advocating (2) provide education regarding the effects children and families experience as a result of these issues (3) present potential benefits to children and families as a result of these issues being rectified (4) encourage effective team work and collaboration in combating these issues through advocacy efforts.

What advice would you give someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families?

            In speaking to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families I would advise that individual to (1) familiarize themselves with early childhood issues currently affecting children and families and the specifics effects of theses issues on children and families (2) maintain effective communication and encourage collaboration when speaking with children and families (3) establish a professional connection with key leaders at the local, state, and federal level (if possible). (4) maintain one’s passion for advocacy of early childhood issues and motivation to foster healthy growth and development of children and families.

PERSONAL ADVOCACY REFLECTION

The birth of my son two years ago was a joyous, rewarding, and unforgettable experience. In conjunction with these self-fulfilling emotions I was also presented with many challenges with regard to the care of my son and adjustment to motherhood. For several months after giving birth to my son, I experienced various emotions ranging from complete fulfillment as a mother to extreme fatigue, stress, and inadequacy as a mother. I would experience these various emotions interchangeably on a daily basis.

The one individual who served as my primary support during this period was my older sister. As a mother of two children my sister had the knowledge and experience of motherhood and was more than willing to provide me support, advice, and recommendations with regard to parenting and motherhood adjustment. My sister provided me support in nursing my son, developing a bedtime routine upon my return to work, and creating allotted time for myself  to reduce stress while resting my mind and body. Two years later my sister continues to serve as my primary support with regards to parenting and motherhood. She is typically my contact person when I have questions regarding developmental stages, illness symptoms, or behaviors exhibited by my toddler. During the time in which I was most in need of support, my sister served as my advocate and primary source of resource.

The impact that my sister had on me after the birth of my son, as well as the impact she continues to have on me, relates to my own exploration of advocacy work as I am striving to support children and families through effective advocacy efforts. Similar to the manner in which my sister provided support to me in during my adjustment to motherhood, I intend to provide support to children and families in the areas in which they are most in need. My sisters served as support to me to ensure that my physical and mental health was sustained, while fostering the healthy growth and development of my son. My advocacy efforts for children and families will be conducted in the most effective manner to ensure effective parenting, while fostering the healthy growth and development of children.

LETS BLOG!!

Hello everyone!

I am extremely excited and eager to begin a new course at Walden University, which enables me to increase my awareness and understanding of advocacy and public policy with the early childhood field, while bringing me one step closer to the successful achievement of my Masters Degree. I look forward to blogging with everyone and developing an awareness of individual perspectives of the early childhood field as expressed via personal experiences.

REFLECTION ON MY LEARNING COMMUNITY

THREE CONSEQUENCES OF MY EXPERIENCE BEING A PART OF A CARING, COLLABORATIVE LEARNING COMMUNITY:

1. Knowledge gained from personal experiences, thoughts, and beliefs shared by individuals within my learning community.

2. Opportunity for development and growth as an individual and member of a learning community.

3. Heightened awareness of my attributes as an early childhood professional and my significance to the early childhood field.

MY GOAL FOR USING THIS COLLEGIAL EXPERIENCE TO ENHANCE MY POLICY, ADVOCACY, AND/OR SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT WORK ON BEHALF OF YOUNG CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND THE EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMUNITY:

            *** To enhance my education, knowledge, and understanding of the early childhood field in an effort to enhance my qualities as an early childhood professional***

MY HYPOTHETICAL FAMILY SITUATION

My nurse said “your doctor will be in shortly with your results”. After the nurse left the room, I laid on the examination table fixated on the room’s wall paper decorated with pink and white bunnies. My husband and I remain in silence waiting for the doctor to arrive and provide us with the results of my amniocentesis test. The unbreakable silence between my husband I is a clear indication of the substantial amount of nerves present within our examination room.

Dr. Ralf entered the room holding an office clip board which held my patient chart. Dr. Ralf immediately greeted my husband and I with a hand shake and smile, then took a seat on the chair positioned at the foot of the examination table. Dr. Ralf said “I have the results of your amniocentesis test from your last prenatal appointment”. My husband arose from the chair in which he was seated to accompany me at the examination table. While my heart beat began to increase in frequency, I slowly heard the doctor say “the amniocentesis test results reveal a 90% chance that your child will be born with Down Syndrome typically referred to as Trisomy 21. The doctor further explained that Down Syndrome affects approximately 1 in every 800 babies born in the United States, resulting in physical and mental delays as a result of extra genetic material inherited by the baby at the time of conception. The doctor advised my husband and I there are wide variations among the physical features and medical problems of children with Down Syndrome, with some children needing a significant amount of medical attention and other children living healthy lives (KidsHealth, 2012).

That afternoon my husband and I exited my doctor’s office experiencing variation in emotions ranging from sadness, shock, and failure. Are we financially prepared to care for a child with special needs? Do we have adequate support from family members to assist with the care of our child? What types of challenges might our child experience living with Downs Syndrome? I immediately began to ponder over these questions after processing the results of my amniocentesis test.

Later that night while eating dinner, my husband and I began to discussion our options for the care of our child, challenges that we may possibly face, and anticipated resolutions to those challenges. My husband and I both agree we are financially capable to provide the essential needs of our child upon their arrival home from the hospital as well as their long term needs. My position as a child psychologist combined with my husband’s position as a senior accountant provides creates stability of substantial income as well as adequate time for maternity and paternity leave for the birth, care, and parental bonding of our child. With confidence in our careers and the job security those careers present, the question of available child care upon our return to work was raised.

Prior to receiving the amniocentesis results, my husband and I discussed enrolling our child into a full time quality early child care upon our return to work. In fact, three weeks prior to my prenatal appointment, my husband and I visited a local early child center which has excellent reputation in providing quality care and education. Becoming aware that our child will most likely be born with Downs Syndrome shifted our perspective and option for early care and education. My husband and I both agree that our child will benefit most from in home care provided by a family member. My husband and I both agreed on three family members as options for child care, those being my mother, my mother-in-law, and my sister. These three individual were selected as they all have the essential nurturing qualities and patience needed to properly care for our child and foster healthy growth and development.

In discussing the early care and education of our child, my husband and I both agree in home care would be most beneficial to our child from birth to 12month, but afterwards early care and education within center is essential in building upon their cognitive development and social skills. The difficult in considering this option is finding a center with a comprehensive system. Having a child with Downs Syndrome requires adequate available resources in the areas of health, early leaning & development, and family leadership & support. As Dr. Ralf stated at my prenatal appointment, children with Downs Syndrome have wide variations in physical features and medical problems. For this reason it’s crucial for me and my husband to select a child care center with a reputation in understanding the various abilities of children, health concerns/diagnoses associated with their individual abilities, their limitations in learning and development, as well as the significance of family leadership and familial support in fostering the child’s growth and development. 

Resource:

KidsHealth.( February, 2012).Down Syndrome. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/genetic/down_syndrome.html#

My questions to my classmates are:

Is there additional information that I should include regarding my hypotecial family? If so please provide your suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated.

Are there specific websites that I should review to educate myself about qulaity services and programs for the child and family in my hypothetical family situation? If so please provide the websites, they would be greatly appreciated.

PARENT, FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT

In reviewing the Parent and Families Stories I became enlightened to the exceptional benefits that Head Start programs provide to the children and families it serves. Of all the parent stories, there was a clear consensus attesting to the support, encouragement, empowerment received from staff and administrators of the Head Start program. Alneto Richards Keys and Melinda George spoke to the empowerment they received from the Head Start program to further their education and achieve higher educational degrees. Alneto received her Bachelor and Masters degree while working for her local Head Start program. Melinda also received her Bachelors and Masters degree while working for the Head Start program, and currently pursuing her Doctoral degree. Tess Dunlap and Stefany Robinson-Thorpe spoke to the support their received from Head Start staff, empowering them as parents and their children’s primary educators. The Head Start programs enlightened Tess to the reality that she can reinforce the programs curriculum at home with her child, essentially encouraging her that she has he ability to teach her child significant lessons to foster her growth and development. Stefany found Head Start to be a significant factor in her life as the program provided her the opportunity to reassess what she wanted to do while her child was in the care of nurturing staff.

The Parent and Families Stories provided me validation of the significance of quality early childhood staff as well as quality early childhood programs. I believe it is essential to have quality early childhood staff dedicated to supporting and empowering children and families as well as early childhood programs established to proved quality care and education for the children it serves. The Parent and Families Stories confirmed the exceptional need for these two aspects to foster healthy growth and development for children. Whether the program is Head Start or a private early childhood program, the programs mission and values should have its foundation in empowering and supporting the children and families it serves.

The Parent and Families Stories have value for early childhood professionals, the public, and policy makers. Early childhood professionals received validation for their work with children and families. The overwhelming appreciation voiced by the parents for the support received from early childhood professional validated the importance of quality early childhood professional. The public and policy makers received confirmation of Head Start’s mission and values at work. This confirmation provides the public confidence in the Head Start program in foster productive futures for the children it serves, while providing policy makers confirmation of the program’s demand for children and families of lower socioeconomic status. 

QUALITY PROGRAMS FOR ALL CHILDREN

In comparison to the 19^th Century, there have been exceptional changes in the United States public opinion regarding the value and importance of quality services including early care and education for young children and families, in addition to a greater understanding and appreciation for the short and long term developmental benefits. Unlike the 1920’s in which Preschool Programs were originated for children of middle class families and served as a place where researchers and educators could study child development and foster the well being of young children, Preschool Programs today are viewed as a vital preparatory experience for children prior to their entry into kindergarten, and accessible to children of various socioeconomic statuses. Reflecting on the next five years, my hope is that United States public opinion regarding early care and education will remain supportive and appreciative of the exceptional developmental and academic benefits early care and education can yield. I believe support and appreciation will influence early childhood strands of services, systems, policies, and advocacy. The greater the support and appreciation for early childhood care and education, the greater the need for these services become, ultimately increasing its’ quality, accessibility, policies, and advocates eager to advocate for its existence and funding. These influences will have direct implications for young children, families, and the early childhood field. Children will academically and developmentally benefit from the increase in early care and education available in conjunction with the quality of service provided. Families will experience a rewarding feeling knowing that their children receive quality care and education in their absence, while the early childhood field will reap the benefit of acknowledging their priority to provide exceptional care and education to young children, to be exhibited through children’s developmental and academic success.

PUBLIC POLICY & ADVOCACY: PERSONAL THOUGHTS

My decision to pursue a Master of Science Degree in Early Childhood Studies with a specialization in Public Policy and Advocacy was fueled by my previous career as a Counselor and Advocate for victims of crime. Within this career I provided counseling and advocacy services to children and adults who were direct or indirect victims of sexual assault crimes. The experienced received from this career combined with the impressionable relationships created between myself and my clients, specifically those who were under the age of eighteen years old, increased my interest and passion to become an advocate for children in need. My ultimate goal after the completion of my Master’s Degree was to become employed as an Advocate for adopted and foster care children. Ironically enough with seven classes completed and three classes remaining, I was offered a position as a Family Services Specialties with the Delaware Division of Family Services, which I am scheduled to begin November 5, 2012.

Advocates are essential within the Early Childhood Field to serve as protection and support for children while advocating for and protecting children’s human rights. Ideally I would love to believe that every child has at least one person who is capable and assumes the responsibility of protecting that child and advocating for the child’s safety and well-being.  In a perfect world these conditions will rein true, but reality is many children are in need of a responsible adult who is capable and willing to protect and advocate for the child’s human rights, safety, and well-being. Whether that individual is the child’s immediate family, extended family, teacher, or child social service professional; the individual should be thoroughly aware of the child’s needs and be committed to servicing those needs while being the child’s advocate. Children are precious individuals who at times may experience lack of acknowledgment and respect for their feeling, thoughts, and opinions from adults who lack education regarding child development and issues effecting children. Advocates can serve as a child’s primary voice when children are not heard and acknowledged within our society.

            With regard to public policy and advocacy I hope to: (1) Increase my knowledge and awareness of public policies currently affecting children (2) Become knowledgeable with regard to advocacy groups established to address policies and issues affecting children (3) Develop an understanding of specific skills essential in becoming an effective Early Childhood Advocate.

HARD TO SAY GOOD-BYE

In reflecting on the groups in which I have been involved and the “adjourning” stage of these groups, the aspects of the group which made for the hardest good-bye were the personal connections developed while working as members of a group. In my experience the first few stages of team development described in the article written by Gina Abudi including forming, storming, norming are presented with challenges and minor setbacks. Despite these challenges the groups’ arrival at the performing stage is typically experienced with group unity, appreciation for the work of all group members, and a collective satisfaction with the project’s overall outcome. Of all the groups in which I participated in, group working involving co-workers were the hardest to leave. My reflection of group working involving a co-worker was described in this week’s discussion question in which I worked in collaboration with a co-worker providing advocacy and counseling to teenage clients who were suspected victims of a crime. Although my co-worker and I did not agree on the validity of the client’s testimony and experienced frequent debates regarding this matter, a personal connection and bond was developed during our time assigned to this particular case which manifested its self after the closure of the case as we remained employed together in the same office. Due to the fact that my co-worker and I remained employed within the same officer after our case assigned was completed our adjourning state presented itself at the point in which I resigned from my position as a counselor and advocate. My resignation brought feelings of sadness and a disconnection from the partnership developed between me and my co-worker. Similar to the adjourning stage when I resigned from my counselor and advocate position, the adjourning phase at the completion of my master’s degree will be experienced with sadness but appreciation for the experience as well as the valuable knowledge and wisdom received. The adjourning phase is an essential stage of teamwork as it is used as a time for reflection. As stated by Adudi, the team leader during the adjourning stage should ensure that there is time for the team to celebrate the success of the project and capture best practice for the future. In a case in which the project was not successful, the adjourning phase should be used as a time to evaluate what happened to cause the project to be unsuccessful and capture lessons learned for future projects.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Since the birth of my son almost two years ago, my fiancé and I seem to be in consistent conflict regarding family structure. As a child who was raised in a two parent household, I have become accustomed to family and household structure with both parents sharing in the responsibilities of the children and household. In contrast my fiancé was raised in a single parent household in which he witnessed his mother managing many responsibilities on her own.  My fiancé family structure as a child laid the foundation for his image, values, and beliefs of the term “family”.  Last week my fiancé and I had a disagreement regarding the lack of family time spent together on Sundays.  I work Monday thru Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and my fiancé works Monday thru Saturday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Between our work schedules, the only day during the week in which we have an opportunity to spend time together as a family is Sunday. This Sunday opportunity often becomes nonexistent as my fiancé insist on using his one day off to complete personal errands in preparation for the start of a new work week. His decision to complete these errands on his one day off and our only day to spend family time together often aggravates me, to say the least. I feel my fiancé is inconsiderate of the importance of spending time together as a family, while my fiancé thinks I am inconsiderate of his work schedule and limited time to complete necessary errands during the week. Two strategies I have learned that might help manage this conflict between my fiancé and I are begin cooperative and focusing on the issue. Cooperative strategies benefit the relationship, serve mutual rather than individual goals, and strive to produce solutions that benefit both parties. My fiancé and I may mutually agree that I will be accepting of him arriving home later than usual after work on Saturday to allow time for him to complete errands normally completed on Sundays. This solution will serve my fiancé goal of completing errands before the start of the work week as well as my goal to reserve Sunday as a day to spend family time together. Focusing on the conflict at hand is another strategy that can be used to help manage the conflict between my fiancé and me. When I become aggravated at my fiancé choice to use Sunday as his day to complete errands instead of spending time together as a family, I sometimes find myself becoming verbally aggressiveness, attacking my fiancé character in labeling him “inconsiderate” and “uninvolved”. Focusing on the conflict at hand would encourage me to say to my fiancé “I don’t like when you use Sundays to complete your errands because I value family time and look forward to spending time together on Sundays”.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN MY LIFE

As I reflect on the cultural diversity that I see in within my family, colleagues in my workplace and school, I can personally attest to the fact that I do communicate differently with people from different groups and cultures. For example the manner by which I communicate with my supervisor who is 17 years older than me is quite different than the manner by which I communicate with my co-worker who is 2 years older than me. The variation in communication is due in part to my respect for my supervisor’s professional status as my superior, in addition to my respect for her as my elder. The communication between me and my supervisor is primarily structured on my supervisor’s transfer of wisdom, experience, and knowledge; whereas communication between me and my co-worker is usually an equal exchange of advice, opinions, and life experiences. My communication with my supervisor tends to be more formal than communication with my co-worker considering the differences in age, occupational status, and level of respect. Considering other aspects of cultural diversity such as race, ethnicity, abilities, religion, political orientation, and sexual orientation, my communication is not modified as a result of one’s cultural diversity. With the exception of one’s age and the abundance of wisdom, knowledge, and life experiences that may serve as a complement to that individual; I see individuals as equals and deserving of equal respect. Although the topics discussed and degree to which I can relate to that individual may vary dependent upon one’s cultural diversity, the individuals is seen and respected as an equal to myself.