Time Well Spent

During my time in the Early Childhood Studies program, I have learned so much thanks to my colleagues and instructors.  One of the most important learnings I have taken away from the program is the need to be an advocate for children.  Until I became involved with this program, I did not understand the magnitude of issues and challenges that children are experiencing around the world.  In one class, I remember reading about children from Myanmar who were child soldiers.  Much of the information I learned about the injustices regarding children were absolutely shocking and definitely made me understand the significance of advocating for children’s rights.  Another learning that has stuck with me is the importance of play based curriculum in our children’s classrooms.  I was researching the pre-kindergarten programs in my area during this class and noticed the emphasis on aligning with Common Core, which is nice when the children transition, however Common Core has an emphasis on college and career readiness, and unless learning through play experiences is being incorporated, the curriculum may need another glance.  Finally, I learned the importance of taking time to develop and understand my own personal identity, including biases and stereotypes that I may hold.  I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this topic and how to create a culturally diverse, friendly, and welcoming environment for children and families.

My long term goal would be to travel abroad in an effort to work with foreign communities who are trying to build and establish an educational infrastructure.  There have been so many countries in a state of unrest and outright war that many of the children do not have access to education.  I would love to be a part of rebuilding this and providing these communities with support and hope. 

            I would finally like to express my gratitude to my colleagues and instructor during this course.  I have learned so much from your thoughtful and insightful comments and posts to the discussion board and blogs.  I feel as if there is a wealth of knowledge being shared in every class I have taken and I truly appreciate your sharing that with me.  Best of luck!   

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)

https://acei.org

ACEI is a charitable organization that acts as an agent of social change, tackling challenging societal issues in an effort to ensure that children around the world are supported, educated, and protected in such a way that they are capable of reaching their full potential (acie.org).  They also advocate for access, equity and quality in educational settings.  

After viewing this website, it did not offer specific job opportunities, but did offer two positions for an internship in the Washington DC office to graduate students.

Position responsibilities include:

·        Conducting online research and gathering data for the development of briefing papers and other resources

·        Attend meetings related to childhood education

Application Requirements:

·        Must be enrolled in a graduate program focusing on global education issues (specifically children’s education)

·        International experience working or living outside of the U.S. is preferable

World Organization for Early Childhood Education

http://www.omep-usnc.org

The World Organization for Early Childhood Education is an international, non-governmental, non-profit organization which includes members from more than 70 countries.  It consists of doctors, teachers, advocates, college students, administrators, and policymakers, to name a few, from around the world, who work to ensure the rights, wellbeing and education of children and their families all over the world (www.omep-usnc.org).

This particular website did not have any job opportunities, but did offer a membership package.  Through the membership package, a member supports OMEP projects, start OMEP groups, and attend international meetings. 

National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators

http://www.naecte.org/

NAECTE has many admirable goals which include:

• Promoting professional growth of the membership
• Advocating for improvements in EC teacher education programs
• Provide a communication network for EC teacher educators
• Assist in the interchange of ideas and information pertaining to research and practice
• Cooperate with other organizations, both nationally and internationally, who are concerned with the study and education of young children

Job opportunities

Preschool Head Teacher - Requirements Include:

• 3 years teaching experience (special needs and preschool age)
• Master’s degree in ECE or related field
• MA prek-2 license and/or EEC Lead Teacher Certification
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Experience with incorporating a variety of models and approaches to curriculum
• Ability to create a culturally diverse and inviting environment for children and families

Resources

The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) (2011). Retrieved from 

https://acei.org. 

National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (2014).  Retrieved from

http://www.naecte.org/

World Organization for Early Childhood Education (2010). Retrieved from

http://www.omep-usnc.org