Welcome

 

From previous bog on September 4, 2016
Hello, my name is Angela Vorderbruggen. I am pursuing my Master’s Degree at Walden University in Early Childhood Education. I currently work as the CDC Director of Child Development Center serving the needs of children in a residential rehabilitative facility serving women recovering from addictions. Child development is a growing field. Studies have shown that these early formative years have an impact on children’s social, academic, emotional, and physical development.

 

Time Well Spent

• From this program, I have learned that…
…to create an effective classroom community means addressing the different learning styles and diversity in the classroom. This means being aware and planning to meet the needs of the learners as individuals. This applies to working with both children and adults.
… when we think of the changes we would like to see in the field, that we are not alone. There are others working already to make changes. Collaborating and working together is how we will succeed.
…even though this program is coming to an end, it’s not the end. There is still much to be learned.

• One long-term goal, is to get more politically active. To change policies, I need to take a more active role in the process.

• A farewell message

I have learned so much through this program. I want to thank Dr. Ernst for her patience and understanding through all my technical problems. To my classmates, we have finally finished. It been great being a part of this program.

 

Never give up. Keep your thoughts and your mind always on the goal. One of the secrets of success is to refuse to let temporary setbacks defeat you.
Unknown

 

I hope to see everyone at commencement, I am about 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, so if you need recommendations for anything let me know. Angela Vorderbruggen avorderbruggen@ymail.com

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

1)  UNICEF

UNICEF works to protect the rights of every child. UNIFC practices a life-cycle approach with focuses on early childhood and adolescence. UNIFC works to overcome poverty and give children a healthy start.

Position:

Consultant: ECCD Council and Technical Working Group Policy Advisor (8 months)

Location: Asia and the Philippines

Description:

A consultant will review existing/related studies, researches and evaluation as basis for preparing proposed priority policy/legislative agenda of the ECCD Council Governing Board.

A consultant will undertake policy analyses through directing the drafting and development of changes to ECCD laws, policies, standards, programs and systems through consultations with concerned national government agencies, local government units, other inter-agency councils for children, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector and other interest groups. A consultant will identify and provide analysis of key issues and recommend solutions.

A consultant will prepare briefing notes and other papers for deliberation and presentation to the ECCD Council Governing Board. Communicates with senior officials within and outside  the Council and brief  senior management on policy issues and draft legislations/policies.

Qualifications:

* Advanced degree in social sciences, public health, education, early childhood development or other disciplines related to human/child development * 10 years of professional work in social development management * Previous work experience in Early Childhood Development involving the areas of policy development, program design and planning, national capacity development, development of standards, research, M&E or governance and financing, highly preferred * Experience in building coalition and network for advocacy at national and sub-national levels and regional levels is desired * Excellent research skills and knowledge of statistical analysis preferred * Previous publications in peer reviewed journals related to child development, early learning or developmental domains is preferred * Excellent writing skills.

2) Save the Children

Save the Children invests in childhood in the United States and around the world in times of crises. Programs give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn, protects them from harm, and advocate for children who cannot speak for themselves. Save the Children is committed to conducting its programs and operations in a manner that is safe for the children it serves.

Position: Specialist, Community Engagement

Description:

The Community Engagement Specialist is a relationship oriented, field-based position that has a primary objective to develop, build and support community partnerships. The Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for coordinating and facilitating community-engagement process including supporting the community in conducting a comprehensive community assessment, development of partnership mappings, building community capacity and informing the resource plan. Engage community and partners including parents, libraries, early childhood education services, schools, not-for-profit organizations, local government, funders, businesses, faith-based organizations, public officials, other key constituents and non-affiliated community members in the implementation of the project through the development of a community collaborative.  Ensure that the needs of culturally and economically diverse communities are met and identify and remove barriers to participation.

Qualifications

* High School Diploma * Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in volunteer management, social impact design, community relations, project management, community organizing or other related areas required *Valid driver’s license also required * This position requires knowledge and skills in cultural awareness, human development and group dynamics.

3) Lutheran World Foundation

The World Service is an international humanitarian and development program of the Lutheran World Federation, which assists people in need irrespective of their ethnicity, religion or gender. Programs are worldwide,  helping communities achieve their full potential and advocate for their universal rights.

Position: Education Coordinator

Location: Maban

Description:

The Education Coordinator is responsible for the overall supervision and management of LWF’s Education programs in the four refugee camps in Maban. The Education Coordinator will design education data collection forms and carry out school management assessments in conjunction with the education personnel. The Education Coordinator will oversee the  implementation of Early Childhood Development, Primary Educuation, Accelerated Learning programs, Secondary Education, Adult Literacy, WASH in schools and Vocational Skills training in the refugee camps and host community. The Education Coordinator organizes and manages education interventions, leads all teacher workshops, and monitored school supported activities.

Qualifications

* Master’s degree in Education from a recognized institution * A minimum of five years’ international experience managing large education projects in a humanitarian setting with many staff in a reputable international organization * Excellent team work and problem solving skills * Demonstrated experience and skills in training facilitation, conducting assessments, baselines and evaluations using participatory methodologies; data analysis and interpretation * Possession of practical skills in writing concept notes, donor proposals and reports * Sound understanding of project management cycle, humanitarian principles and standards * Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy * Capacity and willingness to be flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances * Knowledge of Arabic would be an added advantage.

References

https://www.lutheranworld.org

https://www.savethechildren.org

https://www.unicef.org

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

#1 Head Start 

Head Start is a federal program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. Head Start provides services and resources to foster stable family relationships, enhance children’s physical and emotional well-being, and foster the development of  strong cognitive skills. I chose Head Start because I am a former Head Start parent and teacher. The services provided by Head Start can make a difference in the lives of many children.

Lead Head Start Teacher

Skills and Experience: A Head Start Lead Teacher has knowledge of children’s developmental and functional levels, knowledge of curriculum construction, and knowledge of teaching techniques. This position of Head Start Lead Teacher requires strong communication skills and the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks. Demonstrate supervisory and leadership skills and the ability to function  

independently. A Head Start Lead Teacher must be able to work well with individuals from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, ability to relate to children, parents, and staff. A Head Start Teacher operates a safe, diverse, and developmentally appropriate classroom in accordance with state/federal requirements. Directly supervise the center staff including assistant teacher, classroom assistant/aide and volunteers. Maintain a positive work atmosphere by interacting and communicating in a manner that fosters good relations with families, co-workers, and supervisors. The Head Start Teacher must have 2 or 4 year degree in Early Childhood Education or highly related field. Must meet State Department of Human Services Division of Licensing requirements for Head Teacher.

#2 NAEYC

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that promotes high-quality early learning for all young children. NAEYC promotes a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work with young children. I chose NAEYC because it is behind the growth of professionalism in the field of Early Education.

Director, Quality Improvement and Program Support

Skills and Experience: The Quality Improvement and Program Support Director is responsible for managing the quality improvement and program support components of accreditation with attention to program recruitment and retention, high quality customer support, training and technical assistance. The Director will be highly effective in managing a team, ensuring integrity and accountability in every member’s performance, and constant professional growth opportunities for all. The Director will identify opportunities for collaboration with other accreditation teams and NAEYC departments. The Director leads the accreditation team responsible for providing training, technical, motivational, and process support to programs progressing through the accreditation process. This position requires Baccalaureate degree, and a Master’s degree a plus. The position requires a minimum of 3 years supervisory experience and a strong knowledge of early childhood education content, current issues, and professional development needs and strategies. The Director will have extensive instructional experience and ability to deliver content through a variety of channels including training, technical assistance, coaching, peer to peer communities, and multimedia resources and will be able to positively influence, motivate, and engage staff.

#3 Children’s Defense

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on child advocacy and research. The CDF’s primary goal is to improve federal policies concerning child welfare and public education systems.

Senior Development Manager

Skills and Experience:

The Senior Development Manager is responsible for assisting in the development and execution of CDF-CA’s overall fundraising plan, including: institutional grants; individual major gifts; special events; annual fund. This position will work closely with the Executive Director and key staff to leverage CDF policy and advocacy work, programs, leadership development and organizing, events and publications to cultivate and solicit support for CDF. This position will report to the Executive Director and will be the lead liaison to CDF National’s CDO and development team in Washington, D.C. The Senior Development Manager will collaborate with the Executive Director and designated members of the leadership team, and set annual and campaign revenue goals for fundraising. The Senior Development Manager will demonstrate a passion for CDF’s mission and have knowledge of progressive community and work effectively with diverse communities.

The Senior Development Manager position requires a minimum bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations or related field; advanced degree preferred and a minimum of five years event management and strategic-level communications experience working in nonprofit or corporate sectors.

 

 

Bibliography

Careers. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2018. From http//www.childrensdefense.org/#join-

            our-team

Current Career Opportunities at NAEYC. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2018, from

 https://naeyc.applicantpro.com/jobs/

Job Search, Indeed. (n.d.).Retrieved March 24, 2018, from https://www.indeed.com

 

 

 

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

 Post:

• At least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them
• Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you
• Skills and experience that you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles

#1   Mayo Clinic

The Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit, medical research group. I have often seen positions posted for child life specialists at the Mayo Clinic. Child life specialists are professionals who work with children and families to help them cope with the challenges of hospitalization, illness, and disability. This sounds like a very rewarding career.

Child Life Program Manager

Description: The child life program manager has overall accountability and provides leadership to plan and direct clinical Child Life interventions, psychosocial care, education and leisure programs for pediatric patients and their families in health care settings. Ensures high quality programs designed to support social, emotional, intellectual, and developmental needs of children in health care settings. The child life program manager promotes professional growth and development for the Child Life Program team members.

Qualifications: Master’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, or a closely related field. Minimum of three years of clinical practice experience as a Child Life Specialist. Prior experience as a Child Life Program Director or experience in a supervisory role is preferred. Demonstrated leadership skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Excellent organizational, planning and decision making skills. Effective communication skills. Child Life Certification required. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) competency required from one of the following programs: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or Military Training Network.

#2 Canvas Health

Canvas Health is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing hope, healing, and recovery to children, adolescents, adults and families who struggle with mental health, chemical health, and domestic and sexual abuse. Canvas Health is community-driven and believes that the vitality and stability of the community rests on the strength of the individuals and families within.

 Early Childhood Therapist

Description: This clinical position is responsible for conducting diagnostic assessments and providing ongoing individual and family psychotherapy to children ages 0-6.  This position requires services to be provided in the clinic, and when appropriate, in the home and/or community.  It is a position that requires working closely and being sensitive to relationships with local schools, County Social Services, and other mental health providers within the community. It emphasizes a high level of skill and knowledge in early childhood development.

Qualifications: Masters or Doctorate Degree in a professional area of practice which has resulted in qualification as a Mental Health Professional or eligible as a Mental Health Professional.  State license and eligibility to become a credentialed provider with insurance entities required e.g., LP, LICSW, LMFT, LPCC. This position requires extensive knowledge and experience in working with mental health disorders in early childhood and adults, family systems theory, individual and family development and community systems.

#3 Hiawatha Academies 

Hiawatha Academies is a growing network of public charter schools. Hiawatha Academies empower all learners with the knowledge, character, and leadership skills to succeed. Hiawatha Academy offers every student opportunity to explore passions and interests beyond the core curriculum.  I think this is the way education should be.

Elementary (K-4) Specialist Teacher

Description: The Specialist teacher is part of a team of specialist teachers that currently includes Physical Education, Art, Music, Spanish, and Movement teachers. The specialist teacher is a hard-working, passionate, and goal-oriented educator. The Specialist Teacher has the opportunity to teach every child in the school. The ideal candidate is someone who  leads children to explore and develop their personal, cultural, and ethnic identities and to pursue social justice through the lens of their content.  The specialist teacher is responsible for engaging students in lessons that are meaningful and connected to their lives and across and within subjects, ensure high standards for student behavior and engagement, and  build relationships.

Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree, teacher certification, excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with colleagues, students, and families, and cultural awareness of self and others. Two or more years teaching at the elementary level. Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish, Oromo, Amharic, Somali, and/or Hmong)
Experience working with students of color or students growing up in low-income households

A Wish

As we come to the end of another course, I would like to thank my colleagues for their insight into all that we have studied. I am looking forward to the next class. I would like to continue to communicate with my colleagues. Good luck and future success in everything you do.

Adjourning

 

The adjourning stage is more about the team rather than the team’s objective. With an upcoming across country move, I am currently experiencing the adjourning stage in most parts of my life. Final farewells as I left my job. The prayers said over my family at church when we announced that we were leaving. Our friends from all over San Diego getting together one last time. All are celebrations to mark a time of change.

Throughout my career, when working on a team, we would adjourn in much the same way. After spending time together, you get to know your colleagues as people. When the training or project is finished the relationships built will continue. That is why it’s important to have a celebration or to do something that represents the success of the team. This is a time for team members to say goodbye before moving on to new things. The groups that I am finding the hardest to leave are the ones where I have an emotional investment in. My church and my friends/family.

I imagine that adjourning from the group of colleagues I have formed while working on my master’s degree in this program will also be emotional but relieving at the same time. Walden University has in place a few ways that classmates can stay in touch, such as, the alumni association, and the Walden University Early Childhood Organization. Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it allows the group to part ways on a positive note, and to reflect on their accomplishments and failures.

Conflict Management

I recently left a position in part due to conflict in the work place. I was the Child Development Center Director at a residential mental health facility for women battling addiction. My staff consisted of 4 childcare specialists. One had been an AOD counselor and one wanted to be a AOD counselor. But counseling the clients was not part of their job. I attended treatment team meetings and knew facts and decisions but due to confidentiality and the fact that all the ducks had to be in a row before decisions were put into action. That left my staff not knowing what was happening until the last minute or after the fact. So the conflict was that I did not communicate fast enough for my staff. Which lead to my staff complaining.

We tried a compromise, with a daily pass down of information from the morning meetings. But again this information is what had already happened.

I do not like conflict and often take it personally. Therefore, I avoid conflict. When you are avoiding, you do not express your own needs and goals, even if you have a grievance (O’Hair, Wiemann, Mullin, & Teven, 2015).  I think the 3 R’s—Respect, Response, and Relationships would have had a positive impact on the outcome of the situation. As it ended one staff was let go for trying to counsel client which was not in her job description and the other left for another position. This left us short staffed, which put me in the classroom with the other childcare specialists. We built our relationships and formed mutual respect for each other.

 

References

O’Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D. I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real communication (3rd. ed).

New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s.

Who am I as a Communicator?

I score myself in verbal aggression as a 60 which means I maintain a good balance between respect and consideration for other’s viewpoints. My work colleague scored me as 64 and my husband scored me as a 62. These scores are similar and validate each other. I am more likely to attack the facts of a position rather than the person.

I am fully aware that I have a communication anxiety. Therefore, I was not really surprised that I scored my Communication anxiety at a 52, which would indicate a moderate communication anxiety. My colleague scored me at a 56, which would validate how I feel about myself. These scores indicate a moderate communication anxiety. Which suggests that I feel somewhat concerned about a number of communication context but probably not all) Rubin, Palmgreen, &Sypher, 2009). This is also known as situational communication anxiety. My husband scored me higher at a 68. This would indicate an elevated communication anxiety disorder indicating that I feel uncomfortable in several communication contexts. I think I am just more self-conscious when speaking in large groups when my husband is around. If I make a mistake he is the first one to point it out for me. He also has never seen me at work, where I feel comfortable and confident in my knowledge of what I am doing.

 

References

 

Rubin, R. B., Palmgreen, P., & Sypher, H. E. (Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge.

Communication and Culture

I definitely communicate differently with people from different groups. At work, when in the classroom its definitely my teacher voice and when talking to colleagues I rely on my experience in the classroom and from being an administrator. I am currently teaching in a Faith based program so how I communicate there is different from the way I would communicate in a corporate center. I have one family that I have known for a few years, but the other children and families I am just getting to know. I also communicate with my family and friends differently than I do from people I work with.

It is important realize that a basic understanding of cultural diversity is crucial to effective communications. Patience in gaining knowledge about different cultures is also important. We have to understand our own behavior and biases before we cultivate mutual acceptance.

One strategy I could use to help communicate more effectively with other people or groups would be to create a third culture. Creating a third culture is one of the best ways to enhance understanding when communicating over a period of time with someone from a different cultural background (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011). A third culture is created when two people talk and make a conscious effort to develop commonalities and common perspectives. Another strategy is to develop motivation to accept others. It is essential to develop a positive attitude of tolerance and appreciation of those who are different. Yet another strategy would be to ask questions and listen effectively when encountering a person with a different cultural background (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2011). It is vital to pause and listen and to be willing to talk about yourself as well.

 

 

Refernces

 

 

 

 

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication:

 Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

 

 

Communication is not Always Straightforward

Show: Survivors Remorse

Show with the sound turned off.

What do you think the characters’ relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?

A couple in a new relationship, he is a celebrity and she is not.

There is a second couple. They appear to be married and very affectionate. There is an online podcast of coworkers.

What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?

The young couple is very much in love, they walk holding hands and stop to kiss. They are stopped by a group of women to take pictures with the man. The man leaves the scene and the group of women talk to the young woman. The do not appear to being nice to her. They are using hand gestures and body language that indicates aggression.

The married couple are affectionate. They touch each other frequently. They look at each other and make eye contact throughout their conversation. When the husband gets up and walks behind the wife she turns to look at him.

The coworkers look at each other when talking.

Show with the sound turned on.

What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?

Assumptions I made about the characters and plot based on the communication I observed was that the podcast crew were only coworkers but in reality their relationships are more intimate.

Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?

I think my assumptions would have been more correct if I had been watching a show I know well because I would already know the characters and their relationships.