Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Only You Can Control Your Future




You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.
-Dr. Suess


Encouragement and open collaboration has helped me through this journey, My Journey With Walden. When I began this program, I considered it the start to a new beginning. What was once the beginning is now the end. From all of you I have been inspired and learned more than I could have ever imagined.

The question for me is now where do I go. What new accomplishments will I set out to soar? I wish you all the best and a wealth of success. Some of us will go our separate ways but missions the same, advocating for social change.

Congratulations to All .............Way to go.

Will you join me as I enroll for more? I am strongly considering  furthering my education, enrolling in a Post Master's Educational Specialist program. SEE YA SOON?!!   

Friday, August 9, 2013

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally


 
 

The three organizations are all organizations that I could make a great contribution to by assisting in advocating for equality and the rights of all children.  I also believe that I could gain knowledge and skills from working these organizations.

 

Council for Exceptional Children

 Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talent. CEC headquarters is located in Arlington, VA and is available with state units across the United States and Provincial Units serving Canada.

CEC’s mission is to improve, through excellence and advocacy, the education and quality of life for children and youth with exceptionalities and to enhance engagement of their families.

I would love to work as an  Executive Director for CEC

Summary of responsibilities:

1. Promoting sound financial practices

2. Assisting in establishing an annual budget

3. Monitoring budget

 4. Working with staff and board to establish needs and preferences of CEC’s members

5. Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in CEC’s execution ofstrategic   plans

     6. Assess current staff’s skill’s and capabilities; develop action plans to ensure organizational performance

 

A Summary of Qualifications

 

1.    Advanced degree in Special Education, Education or related field with Administration/Leadership experience, or advanced businessrelated degree with significant experience in administration and support of special education

2.    At least 10 years of relevant leadership experience that reflects measurable results for improved membership growth and engagement, financial wellbeing and awareness of and support for a mission

3.    At least fiveplus years of academic, administration or government experience as a respected leader and voice for special education

4.    Strategic visionary skills honed from wellrounded leadership experience, commitment to lifelong learning, and deep understanding of trends/policies affecting education on a global basis

 

5.    Proven financial management skills with ability to develop opportunities for new revenue streams, funding sources and cost efficiencies

 

Association for Childhood Education International


The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) is a 501 c 3 charitable organization dedicated to promoting the optimal education and development of children in a changing world through various programs and projects that align with ACEI's mission.

 

ACEI's mission is to promote and support in the global community the optimal education, development, and well-being of children, from birth through early adolescence, and to influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society. 

 

I did not locate any current career opportunities other than an internship program that is offered to two graduate students during the summer.

 

Interns should be enrolled in a graduate degree program that focuses on global education issues with a particular interest in children's education. A focus on one specific aspect of childhood education, such as basic education or early childhood development, is also acceptable.

Interns who have had some international experience(s) working or living outside the U.S., are preferred.

Internships typically range from 8 -12 weeks. All interns must reside in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area during their assignment and are responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation. Interns are based at the ACEI.

ACEI offers a monthly stipend.

 

There are several grant and scholarship opportunities available to ACEI members.  Follow link for more information http://acei.org/join-acei/awards-grants-scholarships.html#min  

 

World Organization for Early Childhood Education

OMEP has national committees in over 60 countries participating in various research, development, and advocacy projects. OMEP’s goal is to advance the interests and overall wellbeing of children in all parts of the world, regardless of race, sex, religion, national or social origin.

 

There are currently not any positions available. I would love to work with the president of OMEP-US and assist with implementation of projects that focus on early childhood.

 

 

References:

http://www.cec.sped.org/

http://www.omep-usnc.org/

http://acei.org/

 

Saturday, July 27, 2013

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





The first organization that appeals to me is HighScope. HighScope is an independent nonprofit research, development, and public outreach organizations. HighScope places great focus on promoting and active participatory learning environment.  HighScope is recognized for ongoing research in variety areas that has had an important impact on public policy, national Head Start programs and other educational preschool programs.

Center for Early Education Evaluation RESEARCH ASSISTANT I


Under direct supervision of the Center for Early Education Evaluation (CEEE) Director and with direction from Research Associates and Project Coordinators, the Research Assistant will collect, coordinate, process, code, and enter data for research projects; and conduct child assessments, classroom observations, program staff interviews, and family interviews. Requires four-year degree in education or related field and 1+ years experience with data entry and using SPSS or similar software; 1–2 years experience in child care setting preferred.



The second organizations is the Division for Early Childhood which is an international organization membership organization for those who work with or on behalf  of  young children with disabilities and other special needs. The Division for Early Childhood mission is to promote policies and advance evidence based practices supporting development of young children with special needs.

Currently there are no positions available with this organizations.

 

The third organization is The Southern Early Childhood Association which consists of preschool, kindergarten, and primary teachers and administrators, caregivers, program directors and individual’s workings with and for families seeking to promote quality care and education for young children. Being a part of such organization allows me to connect with the above individuals sharing common interest and passions.

There was not an official job available with this organization but there is a job board that post positions within the Southern area. This job would require me to relocate to the state of Mississippi.

Company:  Alabama Partnership for Children
Location:   Montgomery, AL
Position:    T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Mississippi Program Coordinator  

Description:

Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day implementation and administration of T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Mississippi. This position is based in Jackson, MS. EOE M/V/F/D  

 
 

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels


Greater Lewisville Special Education PTSA

I recently accepted a position as a teacher in Lewisville ISD. Being a part of this community will allow me to partner with other parents and teachers throughout the district. It will also allow me to achieve my goal of advocating for child with special needs.

The organizations goal is to work together with the school system to provide the best educational experience possible for all children with special needs;

To provide a local community support group for parents/guardians of special needs children; and

To be a resource of information on locally available special services. Membership is open to all parents/guardians, grandparents, teachers, administrators, and anyone with an interest in the education of children with special needs in the Lewisville Independent School District.

The mission of Greater Lewisville Special Education PTSA is to provide vital information and support to parents through forums, discussion groups and workshops in order to enhance parent's efforts to maximize the potential of their children;

Parents will also be provided training to be partners in education through networking opportunities with teachers, educators and other professionals.

 

Collin County Association for the Education of Young Children consist of a community of early child care professionals in Collin County,  Texas . Being a part of this organization will allow me to collaborate with  these professionals as well as community charities ,  elementary schools, day schools, and home care centers in regards to issues and supports in the area. This organization is available for public support and understanding for activities and services that promote healthy development and learning for all young children and their families.


Easter Seals of North Texas – provides services for children and adults with disabilities and other special needs with services according to their needs. Joining and volunteering for such organization will all me to connect with this populations of community members needing support. Joining this organization will also allow me to assist in educating and informing public officials and the community about issues that affect individuals with disabilities.


Two Job Opportunities

1.Preschool Supervisor, McKinney ISD Preschool - Manage one site of the McKinney Independent School District’s Preschool, including coordinating licensing, developing/ implementing lesson plans and overseeing preschool staff.

Education / Certification:
Bachelor Degree
Valid teacher’s certificate for early childhood

Must be able to be certified as a director of a child care center per the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

Skills:

Develop and implement daily lesson plans utilizing provided curriculums.
Adapt lessons to differentiate for age groups within the preschool.
Plan and utilize appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
Supervise, plan and/or coordinate assignments of preschool support staff, volunteer(s) as appropriate.
Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process.

 

2.Dallas First Presbyterian Church Developmental Day School Executive Director: Supervise all operations of the First Presbyterian Developmental Day School (FPCDDS),
serving as the face of the school to the parents, the church, and the community at large

Education / Certification:
BS/BA required - Early Childhood Education preferred, closely related fields would be
considered


MS/MA in Early Childhood Education or related field desired


Minimum of 5 years of professional experience working with preschool children in a
developmentally focused early childhood facility
 

At least five years’ experience in team management

Minimum of 3 years in a supervisory role with current credentials as a Certified Child-Care
Administrator


Skills:
 Thorough knowledge of principles of Early Childhood Development
 Knowledge of licensing, NAEYC and NAC program standards
 Management, organization, and record-keeping skills
 Curriculum development and staff training skills
 Team building / Relational skills
 Effective communication skills
 Proficiency with basic office computer skills: Work, Excel, email


Sunday, December 23, 2012

Take A Bow

 
 
"The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious."- John Scully
 
 
Well Done! We are all one step closer to accomplishing one of the greatest accomplishments in all of our lives. Many of us started with fears and apprehensions; which has now grown into undeniable confidence. Our visions have grown and our possibilities are now endless.
Throughout this course I have enjoyed getting to know a little more about each of you and hope to continue to get to know you all more as we enter into another phase of our journey.
We all seek to do great things and make a positive impression in what I like to call the, “Exciting World of Early Childhood Education”. We are the experts that are now geared and ready to make a dent in not only the Early Childhood Sector, but the universe.
We cannot do it alone; but must band together as a team in order to make a significant change.
 
"Let’s make a dent in the universe."- Steve Jobs
 
Looking forward to  continuing  a life long  journey of learning and reaching the world through my passion and service to the Early Childhood community.
 
Stephanie. P. Rudison
Currently  residing  in the Dallas area if any one lives near or is interested in visiting the area.
 

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Adjourning


I believe that both groups are difficult to adjourn from. When a group has not been successful and goals have not been accomplished it is hard to walk away knowing that the job/project was not completed successfully. Each week the 1st grade team plans lessons for the week. Seldom have these meeting lead to some of confrontation because someone does not want to compromise. They get stuck in their ideas and their way, not the teams’ way. These type of meetings lead to there not being an agreement but to the someone in the team crying and stressed out. This type of reaction makes it hard to continue to a relationship with other who you must work and collaborate with.

High-performing groups are certainly difficult to leave. These forms of groups are so enjoyable that you hate to depart from them.

There has been several closing rituals that I have experienced. Being a part of a sorority in college provided me with a lot of team and planning experiences. Each time graduation came around for a group of our members our hospitality committee would purchase a cake and gift to celebrate them. This was always difficulty as we had all grown close together from attending and conducting meetings and community projects.

I can imagine that adjourning from my colleagues will be an exciting one in which we will all be able to celebrate and reflect on our accomplishments. Adjourning allows us to reflect and evaluate how well the project and team worked. It gives an opportunity to see what adjustments can be made.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Conflict Resolution


Most of my disagreements occur mostly with my husband. I typically don’t have disagreements with  anyone other than him.  The most recent disagreement was about him thinking that I am always on the phone. Of course I see things differently and attempted to explain myself. He just couldn’t see my point of view. To end it all and prevent myself from getting upset I ended the verbal disagreement with yes you are right and allowed the disagreement to end in silence.

From this week’s reading there are  two strategies that I could have used to better handle the situation. ow

I could have not disregarded his feelings and could have been more empathetic of his feelings. There is a reason he felt the need to voice his opinion.  I could have listen more.

I could have also acknowledged and talked more about the problem .  I was not  very attentive but more defensive to what he was saying. I felt as he was attacking me. Going forward I must change if I want him to change. I must be the better person and utilize tools of an effective communicator.