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. 

EDUC-6165-6 Communicating and Collaborating in the Early Childhood Field

Good luck to everyone in their continued journey in the filed of Early Childhood Education. I have enjoyed sharing and reading different thoughts and ideas. I will be moving forward to the Teaching Adults in the Early Childhood Field.I can always be reached by email at:

Megan.dandrade2@waldenu.edu

Week 5

My friends and I are currently in conflict about our New Years Eve plans because half of us want to do one activity while the other half wants to do a different activity. I have found myself using different strategies to find a win-win situation but it doesn’t seem to be working. I find myself frustrated because I am not getting the willingness and responsiveness of the other party to want to cooperate. I have tried compromise as well as going through the pros and cons of each situation however neither tatic seems to be working

Week 4, 6165

This week’s assignment was very interesting and eye opening. I loved the idea of evaluating ourselves then asking two other people to do the same so we could see how we view ourselves, as well as how other’s view us. I will admit I was nervous asking people to participate in this assignment because I was afraid I might get answer’s back that were different to mine and that could possibly upset me. Many people have told me from all different parts of my life that I am not someone who usually bits her tongue. Growing up my parent’s always said that I spoke my mind all the time and at time I have been accused of coming off very blunt and strong. I have always agreed that I do have aggressive tendencies but never found myself to be as direct as other’s have described me.  The one thing that surprised me the most is that the people I choose to evaluate me did not rate me as harshly on my verbal aggressiveness as i thought they would.

EDUC 6165 Week #3

The groups of people I am considering for this week’s posting include:

My colleagues at work

My Family

My friends

Between these three groups of people they range in race, religion, gender, and political affiliation.

Three strategies I could use to help communicate more effectively with these people would be:

1.     Take the time to listen to what is being said. Ask confirming questions is necessary and give a recap at the end of what you heard to make sure it was the same thing that was trying to be communicated to you.

2.     Place yourself in their shoes. Try to imagine how you would feel and what you would do if you were in a similar situation. By doing this it may help add empathy to the situation and make you more willing to corporate.

3.     Show your respect in the future by referring back to something from the past, this way you can show them that you do pay attention to what they say and how they feel.

EDYC 6165 Week #2

The show I video tapped this week was "How I Met Your Mother"

with the sound off:

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

All the characters do not seem like they are friends or love each other. They seem angry and hostile at times

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

They seem angry and upset based on facial expressions and body language

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

I assumed this was a very sarcastic and bitter show. I did re-watch the show with the volume and found it to be entertaining and funny so i definitely got the wrong impression.

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

I defiantly believe my assumptions would of been spot on had I of been watching a show I knew well such as, "Two and a Half Men"

EDUC 6165 Week #1

This week I decided to choose my boss as someone who demonstrates competent communication. Whenever i have a concern I ask for a one-on-one with boss. my boss always brings in a notes pad and takes notes about the things we discuss. After our meetings are over he send me an email with a write up of  our meeting and the outcomes. This is the first boss i have ever had who takes notes and sends follow up emails after meetings. i find his approach to be very effective because I can always refer back to our past conversations who clarification. If i moved into a management position i would definitely adopt my boss' style of communication. I appreciate how anything we talk about is sent back to me in writing so there are no misunderstandings.

Week 8 posting: EDUC 6164

One hope that you have when you think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds (any format and any length)

I hope to continue on my own personal journey of acceptance and anti-bias education to help foster these ideals and values among children and families.

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)

It is my hope that one day all children and families are treated with social justice and equity regardless of their social identities. I know that is a large hope, but if every early childhood educator cared enough to work towards this goal and we began teaching this from an early age and other educators continued through the education cycle that we would raise an accepting and tolerant society.


A brief note of thanks to your colleagues

I have truly enjoyed this class. I want to thank everyone for all their wonderful postings and ideas. These thoughts have challenged me to become more of a critical thinker.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

• The name of “your” family’s country of origin

I chose the country of Australia

• At least five ways in which you will prepare yourself to be culturally responsive towards this family

1. I will conduct research on this family though the Internet, books, and the encyclopedia. I will try to find a contact from this region or at least someone who has spent significant time in this region to gain more information.
3. I will set time aside to meet with their family to learn more about them and their traditions
4. I will find something to remind this child of home ad incorporate it into my classroom to help them adjust
5. I will introduce the children in my class to this culture before out new student enters so they too are more away.

A brief statement describing in what ways you hope that these preparations will benefit both you and the family

I hope with these preprations that not only myself will gain a better understanding but the children in the classroom will as well to encourage the welcoming process. I also hope it will show the family to effort I am putting forward in prder to make them and their child comfotable in the transitionn to not only a new country but way of life.

6164

• What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

I work on a team of 6 people. 4 of us are located in Maryland while the other 2 are located in Illinois. One of the team members gets preferential treatment due to her experience.She gets More files then the rest of us and More opportunities. Sometimes some of us even loose the files we have been working and they get given to her. When I ask why the response i get is that she is the backbone of the team and most tenured. 

• In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

to me this is very hurtful because i have been working with my company for almost 2 years and I am fully capable of handling the work given to me. I feel unappreciated and slighted in a way and it affects my work. This issue has been discussed with higher management as well.

 

• What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

I feel angry, hurt, taken advantage of, stressed out, and sad.

• What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

the overall culture of the bossiness needs to change which will take a while but int eh mend time communication needs to be increased between offices. 

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

My boss at work just returned this week from his 2 week destination wedding/honeymoon in Hawaii. Upon his returning he mentioned to us that he would need t leave early the following day to attend a Rosh Hashanah celebration with his new wife. I then asked if his new wife was Jewish which he said yes. I let him know that I worked with a Jewish organization for 8 years and was familiar with a lot of the holidays and traditions and if he wanted to impress his new wife by having a background of the upcoming holiday i'd be happy to give him so information. Te following day let him know of what hebrew saying he could tell his wife to wish her  happy new year. The group joke and mocked the phrasing a little and I didn't really think much of it. After view this week's video on microaggression I realized that if someone in our general area actually was Jewish as well that could of been very hurtful to them. This week's video has definitely made me more aware of the things I say and do and how they could affect the feelings of others. 

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Responses from 3 different people

Culture= The practices that you follow based on influences from family and friends

Diversity= The differences people have with each other

Culture= The ethic and historical background of your family

Diversity= the ways in which people stand out from their surroundings

Culture= Is defined by the way we dress, the foods we eat, and the practices we engage in

Diversity= The qualities about someone that make them unique and an individual

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples?

I agree with all the answers I received. I don't think they are all complete but I do think they are all components of culture and diversity.

I think interaction with with others and how to deal with different cultures and diversity would of been nice to hear about as well. 

It is always nice to listen to other perspectives from different people of different cultures on their ideas of culture and diversity, it is nice to be able to compare them with your own and decide how you feel about them in comparison.

Blog Assignment: My Family Culture

Imagine the following:
A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your family culture.
Blog about all of the following:

• A description of the three items you would choose

family picture
blanket
cell phone/charger

• How you would explain to others what each of these items means to you

Each of these items are very important to me.  I would take would be a family picture so I have a memory of all loved ones who were unable to come with me, my blanket that I've had since a child because it's soothing and comforting to me, and my cell phone/charger so i have access to videos and voices of my friends and family

• Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with you

I would be devastated. I don't know how I could choose between the 3 items, I guess if i had to my cell phone because it could capture all of them.

• Any insights you gained about yourself, your family culture, diversity, and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise,

Well I have realized that modern technology is very important to me. There's a catastrophe event and my cell phone is one of my top priorities. As an experiment for myself I am going to try and see if I can go one whole day with out my cell phone.

EDUC 6163

• What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

Research can be very fun, yet complex. The fun part about research is being able to dive into a topic of interest and explore it, the challenging part is that you can not do it listlessly.

• In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

I have also looked at research as a pain, something that is a daunting task. But as I mentioned before it can actually be fun if you are interested in the topic. 

• What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

I learned how to be organized and structured when it comes to conducting research. There are many options on setting up a research design and it is important to explore all to see what will fit your needs the best

• What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?

Challenges I encountered was finding appropriate study participants for my topic of choice for my simulation. I had a limited selection to choose form so the nest time I think I will do more research to find a larger group base to observe. 

EDUC 6162

Learning about the international early childhood field has opened my eyes to the differences yet similarities within the field of Early childhood education across the globe. Even though traditions and customs may be different across the ideals and hopes seem to be the same, providing quality education to children from an early are. I hope that in the near future we can come to an international agreed upon standard for early childhood education.

Blog Assignment: Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

1.)There are no universally agreed criteria for quantifying ECE quality but useful factors to consider include pedagogy materials, personnel training, service setting and parental education and involvement. 


This is a topic I focused on in my discussion this week. I believe their should be universal standards for ECE criteria, I'm hoping in the near future this is a topic that can be settled on


2.) The 1990 Jomtien Declaration on Education for All (EFA), stated that countries should view early childhood as part of basic education. Once countries recognise the positive value of state investment in this area, the next challenge is to mobilise funds. 


This has been another area of concern for me, the value people put on ECE. Recognizing it's worth and not just treating it as a babysitting service.


3.) Countries often promote alternative services for poor children with limited or no access to mainstream early childhood services which can be cost-effective and pedagogically innovative, but often raise concerns about sustainability and quality


My hope is that some day all ECE can be considered quality regardless of cost.