Time Well Spent

 October 2012 Our "Amazing Words" Hats

I look back over my master’s journey, and I can’t believe I have made it through such a huge accomplishment.  I feel very blessed to have been able to have had the opportunity to learn so much information, feel like I have all the tools necessary to make a positive change in the early childhood field, and have unconditional support from my family!  I have learned many things from this program, but the top 3 include:

1. Learning about the importance of anti-biased education- Prior to this program, I had never had a course about this topic, and it allowed me to really take a look at my current feelings and practices.  I feel much more responsive to others’ differences now!  Having this knowledge will help me in my career as I work with young children, families, and other educators. 
2. Professional connections- I have never had so many connections with so many people from around the world and with so many backgrounds.  I have learned through this program that having and maintaining these connections can truly help me become a better professional in the early childhood field. 
3. Play is essential- This is not news to me, but after completing my Capstone on this project, I can see how truly important play is in development.  The many studies I came across during my research clearly showed this importance for all children. I was continually shocked to see reports that showed how many early childhood programs, particularly kindergarten, had shown a large decrease in play as well as some programs completely eliminating recess. 

My long-term goal for the future is to advocate for more “play” at the kindergarten level in my school, as well as my school district.  After completing my Capstone, I now feel that I have the proper tools to do this!

I wanted to thank all of you for your feedback, ideas, and support during this journey.  I would love to stay in contact with you in the years to come to continue sharing ideas and offering support.  You can look my up on Facebook under “Kristen VanVleet”, or contact me via email at kristenvanvleet@hotmail.com. 

I will leave you with a picture of me and my girls.  As much as I have enjoyed learning so much over these last two years, I have these two cute faces waiting for some more mommy time! 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

I have never really thought about looking internationally for different roles in the early childhood field, until this assignment.  After finding these organizations, I am very interested in what they have to offer!

UNICEF- UNICEF is an organization that actively advocates for children’s rights globally.  They have a strong focus on newborn health, girls’ education, immunizations, against the spread of HIV/AIDS, and children’s environments.  When visiting their website you will be excited to find an abundance of information as well as their current focuses.  They have many jobs that are all over the world!  Employment with UNICEF appeals to me because it would be so rewarding to give back to children all over the world, most in very different environments than we are used to.  One particular job that I found with UNICEF is work as an Educational Specialist.  As an Educational Specialist you are responsible for planning, implementing, and following through with the education plan.  This job requires an individual to have a degree in education, social work, or a related degree.  They also need 5 years experience at the national or international level and be fluent in English and the country’s native language.  The only downfall to this job is that the countries that need the most assistance are countries that I would not want to take my own children.   

Save The Children-   This organization is a fantastic organization that works with children and families around the world to make a difference in their lives.  They also come to the assistance for areas that are facing devastation to help rebuild and recover the lives of the children and families involved.  The position here that most intrigues me is the Coordinator for Early Steps for School Success.  As a coordinator in this position, I would be responsible for providing parent education, services for children birth-5, and other training for other early childhood employees.  This position requires a degree in early childhood and 2-3 years experience.  You must have experience working in the homes with children and family.  This job is very similar to my job as a developmental therapist, except it is internationally instead of locally.   

Teaching for Change- This organization provides research and education for parents and family.  They are continually advocating for best practices and developmental appropriate practices.  They also provide professional development for educators.  They currently have a position available for a part-time developmental development specialist.  This specialist will work directly with professionals by training them on specific topics.  Obviously you would need to be an expert on these topics. 

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

During our Master's journey, we have come across many organizations with such great missions and goals.  Honestly, it was very hard to choose just three.  Knowing that the central piece that connects them all is children, makes it all a little easier. 
 

NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children):  Since starting my journey in early childhood education, I have been very interested in the NAEYC.  The NAEYC is a national organization that works very hard to raise the standards and provide quality care for all children age birth through 8 years old.  The NAEYC accreditation programs are well known and families often seek out programs that are NAEYC accredited. A role that interests me with the NAEYC is to become a member of the Council for the NAEYC Accreditation Programs for Young Children.  The duties of the committee members are to approve policies, provide feedback, and oversee all accreditation programs.  When on the committee, you are a member for three years, and attend meetings three times each year. 
 

NAECTE (National Association for Early Childhood Teacher Educators)-  The NAECTE is an association for early childhood educators to come together to learn about current issues and trends, new laws, sharing of information and ideas, and professional development.  I think it is very important for educators to be part of a group in which they can learn from each other.  When we are united, we are stronger.  I know that the NAECTE has officers and regional representatives, who make part of the governing board.  My interest in administration and leadership makes me very interested in being part of a governing board that works to help fellow educators make positive changes in our field.  The governing board members are elected by the members of the association.  Membership is the only pre-requisite to this job. 

Zero to Three- Zero to Three is an organization that I have followed since becoming a Developmental Therapist in 2010.  Indiana’s early childhood intervention system (First Steps) used information and research from Zero to Three in our monthly newsletters.  We were required to read through the information and take quizzes.  Zero to Three is a non-profit organization that provides information and research in order to enhance the lives of children ages birth to three.  They currently do not have a position available for a trainer, but that would be a role that would appeal to me.  Zero to Three provides training through the National Training Institute.  The National Training Institute provides annual training for individuals working in the early childhood field.  A trainer would require a person who is an expert in the field, and has a great depth of knowledge about the content of a specific area.  While I am definitely not at the point yet in my career, it is definitely something to work toward! 

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

When I first started my master’s degree journey, I spent many hours researching jobs in the early childhood field.  I was very lucky to start working in early childhood soon after.  I spent two years immersed in working with the birth-three population, and am now currently working with kindergarten students.  Working with young child is fun and rewarding.  During my research I have discovered three very important federal and local programs that are directly focused on the early childhood field, and contain jobs that would be amazing jobs as early childhood professionals. 

Indiana First Steps-Indiana First Steps is an early intervention program that provides services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and developmental therapy for children ages birth-3 years old.  This is a state organization that many others state also have.  I worked for Indiana First Steps for two years as a developmental therapist.  A degree in early childhood education is required in order to be a developmental therapist, or a degree in special education with at least 30 early childhood credits.  This job was very rewarding because I was able to work 1 on 1 with individual children and their families.  I focused on child development and family education.  This is a job that I would consider doing again, and know this is always an option. 

Indiana Family and Social Services Adminstration- Family and Social Services Administration is a state organization that provides assistance for children and families that are facing challenges such as medical, nutrition, and childcare assistance.  They also assist families with rehabilitation and therapeutic services, and mental health care.  A professional career that has always been interesting to me would be working as a case worker.  Many case workers have a bachelor’s degree in a social service field, but can also have a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as education.  I think working one on one with children and families, and making their lives better would be very rewarding.   

Head Start- Head Start is a federal program that provides education services (preschool) for low-income children and families.  This program gives all children a chance to get a preschool education prior to starting kindergarten so that they can be more successful in school.  They promote cognitive, emotional, and physical health in all students.  I would be very interesting in working as a Head Start director.  The qualifications of a director are having a bachelor’s degree in early childhood, administration, or a related field.  The director must also have 2 years of related experience.  As a director, I would also be in charge of the budget and all school operations.  In addition to that, a director should have knowledge of grant programs, and experience working with at-risk families.  This would be a highly stressful, but very rewarding job.