TIME WELL SPENT

          There is no words to describe how I feel at this point of my life. Two years ago, I decided to take on this journey not knowing what would happen. I guess the lack of confidence made me doubt many times if I could really do this,  but deep in my heart I knew one way or another with courage and perseverance will take on, not to mention my children's support and understanding were always there.  Now I am here writing this blog piece perhaps not the last but a blog for my last course and I need to share the tremendous learning and knowledge gained not only through the course resources but most important my classmates who week after week I have appreciated their insights, suggestions, support, experiences and encouragement.  But I can't proceed without thanking Dr. Darragh for all her feedback and suggestions not only through this course but past courses I've had the pleasure to have her as my professor. 
Three deeply felt learning's I had was definitely about community of practice. Working together with other professional who share the passion and dedication with you is so rewarding. Increasing and strengthening your communication skills is also important. Learning about history and how professionals have paved the path for us to keep working towards the betterment of the field. I also learned how much diversity there is at a global scale with regards to jobs and to know there are opportunities out there, is very exciting. My 
My goal is to keep learning, to keep reaching out to those families and children in need, one day I will move on from being a teacher to help and mentor teachers and time will only tell. There is much to do in our field.
These are some quotes to remember:
                                           
                                    
                                                    

And this is something why I do the work I do:
                               

and
again to everyone
                                                                                            

Jobs Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

For this assignment we have been asked to search for jobs in different world organizations. It was a very interesting research experience getting to know more about these organizations I chose. However, I am aware that maybe my qualifications for some of these jobs are not up to par but the job they do is incredible. These are my three organizations:
Save the Children 

This organization gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When disaster strikes, they put children's needs first. We advocate for and achieve large-scale change for children.

The position is for Director of Program operations, this position would share in the overall responsibility for the direction and coordination of the Country Office program. As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) in the Occupied Palestinians Territory (oPt), the Director of Operations is responsible for the implementation of all programs in the Country Office, including the management of all sub offices, emergency preparedness and response (including DRR), and logistics/procurement for the Country Office in the oPt. 

Unicef

This organization  is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. We have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality. That makes us unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young.They believe that nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress. 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.

The position is Educational Specialist in Cote'dIvore. It's purpose is to under the supervision of the Chief of Education, accountable for  planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of the work on access and quality of education to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of the program management, delivery and accomplishment of program goals and objectives.

Collaborates with the rest of the programmes, notably Health, Nutrition, Water and Sanitation and Child Protection.

FHI360-The Science of Improving Lives

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology; creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories. 

 The position is for a Contracts and Grant Officer I who is primarily responsible for managing the administrative processes for contract administration from pre-award to contract close-out. He/she will provide professional expertise in contract administration to ensure full compliance with donor rules and regulations. The functions of the position include: a) Comprehensive analysis of contract terms and conditions to ensure that the organization has the organizational capacity or is able to acquire the necessary capacity to successfully perform and meet contractual obligations; b) Expert interpretation of donor (USG and non-USG) rules and regulations; c) Standardization of administrative procedures for efficient award and sub award management; d) Development of contractual documents including templates and ancillary business forms; and e) Capacity building and replication of contract portfolio management systems and best practices in award and sub award management. A Contracting Officer will lead or supervise other staff in the efficient operation and maintenance of an effective contracts portfolio management system. Contracting officers will work in partnership with operations staff and other enterprise services staff to achieve successful and compliant contract performance. The scope of contract administration may include contract interpretation, compliance with regulatory requirements and restrictions, sub award administration, and donor relations among others.

References

Save the Children (2014). Retrieved from //www.savethechildren.net/jobs/job-details/1365

Unicef (n.d.) Retrived from http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/

FHI360 (2013)  https://jobs-fhi360.icims.com/jobs/14607/contracts-and-grants-officer-i/job

Job Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

For this assignment we are asked to find places of employment or job opportunities within the state or federal level. I have found three employment opportunities those are:

 The first one is with the Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration of Children and Families. The position is a program specialist whose some of their duties are to serve as a focal point and resource to regional staff, and provides expert advice and technical assistance to Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) grantee agencies that includes programmatic and fiscal oversight responsibilities to ensure compliance with Federal statue and regulations.  Provides expert guidance and technical assistance to grantees and regional staff in program planning, management and fiscal operations in the areas of Head Start and/or early childhood development by promoting quality and comprehensive services for the children and families served.  

The second position is through the Department of Early Learning for the State of Washington. This position is Head Start State Collaboration Administrator. Their duties are to facilitate collaboration among Head Start agencies and entities that carry out activities designed to benefit low income children and their families from birth to school entry. The HSSCO provides a structure and a process for the Office of Head Start (OHS) to work with state agencies and local entities to leverage their common interests around young children and their families to formulate, implement, and improve state/local policy and practice. 
For this position would be essential to have intense knowledge about Head Start policies and procedures.

The third position is for Puget Sound Educational Service District as a Early Learning Senior Educational Coordinator.This position will  provide leadership and partnership within early learning systems to ensure equitable educational opportunities and sustainable child development and academic outcomes.  The EL Senior Coordinator, Education will coordinate regional educational program services and provide technical assistance to staff on the establishment of cohesive early learning systems. This position requires only a BA in the field of Early Childhood.

I must say searching for job opportunities at a National and Federal level was very interesting and at times challenging. I could not find much opportunities within my state which I feel qualified for. Overall, it has given me a more broad sense of opportunities in the field to consider.


https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/374535500

http://www.del.wa.gov/about/jobs.aspx

http://www.psesd.org/job-openings/el-sr-coordinator-education/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

For this assignment, I have been asked to name three organizations, local or state, which I would have and participate in as communities of practice as well as to name several job opportunities I would enjoy being a part of.
My three organizations are:

PSESD (PUGET SOUND EDUCATIONAL SERVICE DISTRICT)
I choose this organization because they over see and contract with school districts and child care centers in order to provide Head Start programs and ECEAP the support and guidance in order to meet standards. Their goal is to create success for each child as well as to eliminate the opportunity gap.

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF EARLY LEARNING
I choose this organizations because it works closely with child care providers and ECEAP providers in order to provide and maintain state regulations. Recently there has been a increase of required trainings  and curriculum implementation within child care and in home centers.

WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION OF HEAD START AND ECEAP
I choose this organization because I feel most familiar with. As a past parent and a present teacher, Head Start programs have been part of my life. I strongly believe in their mission and goal among children and families of low income.

Job opportunities:

Teacher Mentor: This job I might say is my dream job. Mentoring teachers for Head Start programs is my main goal. This job requires to have a Master's in Early Childhood Studies. Their main focus is to provide instructional leadership and reflective/ administrative support to early learning teaching staff.

Instructor for South Puget Sound Community College for the department of Early Childhood Education. For this position I have to have my Master's in the field of study. I always have been curious of teaching early childhood classes on line or face to face. The only other requirement is for the employee to have teaching experience.  

Early Learning Technical Assistant Coordinator-Education. For this job as the first job mentioned their duties are to provide guidance and professional development opportunities for the ECEAP programs in the area. For this job only a BA/BS is required in the field of Early Childhood .


                              

WEEK 1 - MY WORDLE

                                                   

                                                           

The words I used to make my WORDLE were"

PLAY
LEARNING
NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS
DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE

A note to Thank You

It is amazing how quick these eight weeks have gone by, I want to say Thank You for all your replies of support, feedback, encouragement throughout our discussions and blogs. Most of all, thank you for letting us learn from each others experiences in the field. I have no doubt that each one of us will provide to their highest potential within the field of Early Childhood field. As we come to an end, I wish everyone a wonderful and relaxing winter break and hope the best to each one of you. I hope to see some of you in my future classes...until then

Adjourning Phase

Thinking back, one of the times where I had the hardest to say goodbye was working as the teacher with two other girls (t.a's) which we made the best team in the center when working with the kids and together. Each one of us had our own strengths and weaknesses but we were there to support one another, read our body language and know what each other needed. The funny thing was that we were the only team out of four others that did not have any issues with each other and was not sitting in the directors office every other day. We worked together for a whole year until the director decided to split us up. We were all in shock and did not know how to react or say. I told the director why had she decided to break up the best team and all she said was to strengthened the others so I got two totally new T.A.'s the next year. I wish sometimes that things could have been handle differently.

When I started this journey of getting my Master's, and especially on line, I did not know what to expect. Now as I reflect, I have learned so much from every one I had some sort of communication and dialogue. I think it will be different for me leaving a group whom I have learned and seen other perspectives from. It has been an amazing ride.

For me adjourning is essential because is where as a team can look back and celebrate what has been accomplished and move on to a new phase. No matter what paths each one takes team members will be connected one way or another.
                                

Disagreements or Conflicts

Throughout my professional life, I have been part of several disagreements with co-workers and also conflicts. Each one of them has helped enhance my problem solving and conflict resolution skills and take them to a new level. I have come to understand that in a work area not everybody practices the same work ethics as yourselves; therefore there will be co-workers who will challenge you at some point. Nevertheless, as I learned this topic this week, I am experiencing some conflicts with a co-workers in this case my teacher assistant. The conflict is about home visits. I had explain her a month ago how I would like conference week to go, for example: giving the parents the options to do them in their homes or the center, however,  if they are at their homes I would like for her to be at the center since I am taking our family service rep with me that way we get both parts in one visit. I also explained to her that I will have a to do list for us to do during this time and the conferences who are at the center, she was welcome to sit on them and if there is any input related to the children to please tell me. She agreed and we left it at that with no problems. Little did I know, she had turned around my words and had gone to a supervisors regarding the matter. The supervisor called me to discuss the matter. She started asking me about the program and how every teacher do have their own ways of doing conferences, she asked why I took my family service support instead, honestly I felt as if I was being interrogated. So I remember about the 3 R's strategies and how important they are in this cases no matter if they are absolutely don't make sense since the supervisors is for the early learning programs Head Start and ECEAP. I listened to her very well, let her finished and with respect and professionalism I stated all my answers to her questions with logical sense and with the program expectations of the teacher and their assistant. Our conflict ended by her understanding what my position as a teacher  is and how I think the best way to deal with a conflict is letting me know before hand of her problem regarding home visits. I sat down with my T.A. and acknowledge her feelings and also mu point of view.

When dealing with problems like these ones, I reflected on how I talked to her and realize that I was very respectful and professional about it. I wanted to make sure, I had not done any wrong doing but I realize that her perceptions were way off and needed some assurance.
                                                 

Who Am I as a Communicator?

Just need to say, I love this course is probably one of my favorites so far. I have learned so much and has reinforce my knowledge even more. Taking this survey, what it was surprising to me was how well the two people who answered the survey knew me and how the score were similar. As I took the surveys, it made me analyze my skills and reflect on them a little bit better. It made me see what are the things I need to work on and keep maintaining  the things I feel confident about. I feel, I have come a long ways since I started my journey as a professional and a student. I used to be so shy and quite and doubtful of myself. As time has come, I have grown in every aspect, I feel more confident and determined on who I want people to perceive as.
                                                    This is so true!

Effective Communication Strategies

I have learned that communication styles vary within cultures and among people. What I have found interesting as well is that even within my own Latino culture, communication varies from country to country. So for example, I have a good friend from Puerto Rico and although we speak the same language, our vocabulary and expressions mean different at times. We have had to really sit down and talk about different words and their meanings as well as hand gestures, just to be amazed how different meaning each one had.
I guess because we have a good friendship it was easy to ask and talk about differences and similarities about our culture with no worries of offending each other.
I have also learned about the Muslim community since I have many friends and worked with families from this specific community.
I think in order to practice Effective Communication among each other we have to:
Be respectful
Be open minded
Ask questions when something is not clear to you
Treat each other as you want to be treated
Have empathy for others
Reflect on your bias and don't let that block for seeing the whole picture
                                        

Communication

For this assignment, I decided to observe a show called "Love it or List it" in the HGTV channel because is one of many favorite ones to watch, besides it makes me dream about the home of my dreams. The part I saw on mute and then with volume was toward the beginning of the show. This is what I observed:
I can see the man and the lady going to a house, getting in and looking around, the guy as he moves his arms when communicating, his facial expressions are very clear to read. the lady is talking to him but he does not have any eye contact with her. Sometimes the lady is left talking alone as I can tell her lips are moving. He always has a smile on her face. As they enter the bathroom, their look on their faces seems of surprised and there is head nodding. The scene goes to where they are talking to another couple they each are talking one at a times and listening carefully as well.
As I watched the same part with the volume on, the are both talking about the house and what types of work she had to do in it to make it more efficient for the people living there. She kept telling him that she will make it to where they don't have to sell their home. He in the other hand kept criticizing her time and they amount of remodeling needed which she might not get done therefore he is certain they will list it for sale. In the scene as they enter the bathroom, they were surprised although as they nod their head was because he had told her how much money it was going to cost. The lady  was wondering how much money she would had to get it done. When they are talking to the other couple, in fact they were the owners of the house and they were discussing the money for remodeling their home as well as what they wanted in their home. Everyone as they talk are quite and listen carefully to each other. For me, it is very interesting how much we can assume a conversation by it's facial expressions, body posture,and  hand movements and some times be wrong about them.
                                                          These are the cast members