Time well spent

This program has definitely been an emotional roller coaster. When I first began I did not imagine myself being able to work a full time job in addition to successfully completing my Master of Science in Early Childhood Studies degree. There were plenty of times when I thought about throwing in the towel and giving up but I managed to continue pushing. It’s amazing just how many times our mind will quit before our body. Now as I come to the end of this program I could not be happier and more proud of myself. This program as taught me to find your passion and pursue it. When I first began I knew I was interested in working with young children but not exactly sure in what capacity. After taking several classes in a multiple of different areas I realize what hits home the most to me is making sure children are being provide with quality education and experiences throughout their early childhood educational journey. I have deiced I want to become an educational coordinator and travel around to different programs to observe and assess different teachers to make sure the correct practice are being shared across the field. I have also had the opportunity to view many wonderful video interviews and read several as well about profound leaders in this field who have a great passion and dedication. It is my long term goal to positively affect the field of early childhood education and become a role model and example to others who wish to follow in the footsteps of this field. I may even one day choose to enter a PhD program to continue my formal education in this field. I would like to thank all of my instructors and classmates for providing a wonderful leaning experience and welcoming environment where I felt comfortable at all times to learn new things and ask questions. I wish you all continued success on your educational journey.

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Website: 

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/ UNICEF was created with this purpose in mind – to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path.  We believe that we can, together, advance the cause of humanity.This organization can help bridge the gap making quality education important in all areas of the globe.

Website: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, fromhttp://www.oecd.org/home/0,2987,en_2649_201185_1_1_1_1_1,00.html

The mission of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.This organization directly relates to my challenge because they too are examining socioeconomic status and improvement of education.

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

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves. We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation. I would love to work with children and families who have used this service to see the types of changes and improvements that have been made towards their lives.

Education 6990: Week 4

1. United States Department of Education- I would be interested in this organization in terms of working on the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).  This act also aligns with my current focus of quality education before Kindergarten. By improving educational outcomes for all students, closing achievement gaps, increasing equity, and improving the quality of instruction.

http://www.ed.gov/

2. Childcare.gov is the official resource for United States government childcare information. This is a site where many can go to find different resources on currently information regarding early childhood education. I like there is a section for parents to look for childcare that suits their needs best. I would be interesting in helping with the research and development of this list.

http://www.childcare.gov

3. NAECY is The National Association for the Education of Young Children. I would be interested in assisting with setting the standards of excellence for programs and teachers in early childhood education. I believe this organization can help bridge the gap by setting appropriate standards.

http://www.naeyc.org/

EDUC-6990: Experiencing Support: Developing Communities of Practice

At least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them

  1.)Howard Community College

2.)  Bet Yeladim Preschool

3.)  Howard County Public School System

These are three organizations I am very interested in. I am alumni from all three of these organizations. I have previously worked for Bet Yeladim Preschool in the past and enjoyed my time there very much. I would be interested in current job opportunities with both the Howard county Public School System and Howard community College.

Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you

I would be interested in either being an adjunct faculty member at Howard community College or working in an administrative role for the Howard County Public School System. I would love a role that encouraged me to become an activist for early childhood education within the public school system. 


Skills and experience that you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles

Unfortunately as I see these positions open up for opportunity I get continuous feedback that I do not have enough experience. Then I get become frustrated and discouraged at finding roles such as these with no one willing to take a chance on me. I have been taking on new roles within my current position so that I can add that experience to my resume as well. 

EDUC 6990 Capstone: Practical Application in the Early Childhood Field

Hello Everyone!

My name is Megan D'Andrade and I'm from Columbia, Maryland. Currently I am working in the Higher Education industry as an advisor or an Early Childhood Education program. I am pursuing the 'Teaching Adults' concentration with hopes of one day working with curriculum and instruction design. I am so excited to be in the final phase of this journey and look forward to collaborating with you all throughout the next eight weeks.