Time Well Spent

It is time to graduate with my Master in Science from Walden University. It is difficult to comprehend that this goal that I have had for over twenty years is coming true. I am sure that my colleagues feel that same. The long nights reading, researching, and sharing are drawing to a close. In addition to the wealth of pedagogical knowledge gained, we have become more disciplined, self-reflective and mindful of our roles within organizations and communities around us. We understand that relationships require trust and effective two-way communication. Some of us have improved technical skills. Project requirements incorporating technical supports became less daunting we were having fun while we were learning.

My capstone project intended to promote secure child-father attachment has made me conscious of gaps in service delivery with the early education environment and grade school settings. I plan to use my new found knowledge and disseminate information to my community and other organizations in Edmonton. In addition, I intend on enrolling in more part time online learning in association to the management of non-profit organizations. I am also considering how to continue to incorporate a blogging component into my work environment.

Our passion for serving children, families and professional in early learning environments has brought us here. But, our professors, colleagues and guest speaker mentored our development through their comments that questioned encouraged or corrected. I have grown to appreciate the interactions with the many talent academics associated with M.S. in Early Childhood Studies Department. The feedback and resources have been invaluable and in very many cases timely and reflective of the day to day challenges as an administrator.

I also wish all the best to my colleagues. I have gained invaluable knowledge from your experiences and feedback. Weekly, interactions have been tremendously enlightening and motivating to learn about your perspectives and Capstone projects. I know that you will all be extremely successful in your journey to the field of early education. As we move on I congratulate everyone and wish you all the best for you future careers.

You may never know what results will come from your actions. 

But if you do nothing there will be not a result.           Ghandi

 

When we started the course work, we were challenged to think about how we would manage the rigors of studying and manage family and work life.  It was difficult to imagine that it was achievable. I believe that I will miss the researching and writing but I am looking forward to spending more time with my family.  I am grateful for the support of all my family members who made accommodations; the suppers, chores and encouragement were very important, especially when I felt exhausted. 

Through the support of my family, colleagues and professors I have become a more knowledgeable administrator and early childhood professional. I have enjoyed the studies and believe the time well spent.

I'm Ready to Go:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLb76CbrDY8

References

Hardin, C. (2012, May 23)  I'm Ready to Go [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLb76CbrDY8

Little Girl and Tree Quotation.  Retrieved from http://farmon.com/pages/e-mag/ag-ovations/last-we-checked,-the-ag-industry-doesn't-have-a-time-machine,-and-that's-ok.aspxhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLb76CbrDY8

International Position in Early Childhood

 I will highlight three options for those seeking leadership positions related to early childhood services in an international forum. These positions are appealing because they allows the selected candidate to benefit from the training and international experiences of the Goodstart, UNESCO, or UNICEF teams.

 

 

In Australia, early child services are the largest growing industry. The Queensland Government has implemented Universal access to Kindergarten in a long day care setting. National and state reform of early childhood education and attention has increased the demand for a skilled workforce of educators and Teachers (The State of Queensland; Department of Education, Training and Employment, 2014). Those working with children or vulnerable sector must hold a blue card or exemption prior to being eligible for employment.  

The Goodstart Institute of Early Learning is a Registered Training Organisation offering recognised qualifications in early childhood education and care. Key responsibilities for this position include reporting to the Deputy Director - Professional Learning. Candidates will work autonomously and be responsible for planning, preparation and delivery of training programmes, including development of lesson plans and training resources (The State of Queensland; Department of Education, Training and Employment, 2014).

The State of Queensland; Department of Education, Training and Employment (2014) has this posting  the following areas of service delivery:

* To coach, mentor and support Professional Learning Consultants through exemplary early childhood leadership, in the establishment of respectful relationships with students;

* Supporting the management and coordination of Professional Learning Consultants particularly in relation to professional learning and assessment strategies;

* To advocate the importance of inclusive pedagogical practices that embrace the viewpoints, life worlds and lived experiences of all key internal and external stakeholders; and

* Delivering training and assessment as per Goodstart College of Early Learning, Learning and Assessment Strategies, using fair and equitable practices. The accurate and timely production of educational resources and marking of assessment that support College student’s learning and evaluation.

 UNESCO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, has been pursuing a mission of dialogue and cooperation since it was founded in 1945. It covers four major fields: education, science, culture and communication. Its aim is to build peace in the world through knowledge, social progress, exchange and mutual understanding among peoples.

UNESCO works to improve education worldwide believing it to be the key to social and economic development. There is an employment position posting at UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2015). The Education Sector helps to build a sustainable world with just societies that value knowledge, promote peace, celebrate diversity and defend human rights, achieved by providing Education for All (EFA). It fosters partnerships to strengthen countries’ capacity to offer quality education for all. The Education Sector monitors progress by publishing an annual Global Monitoring Report tracking the international community’s progress towards the six “Education For All” goals.

https://en.UNESCO.org/careers/professional

The qualified candidate must be bilingual or multilingual in addition to possessing an advanced university degree in education, culture, science, social and human sciences, communication, business administration or a related field (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2015).

* Junior level (P1/P2 or NOA/NOB): 2 to 4 years of experience;

*  Middle level (P3/P4 or NOC/NOD): 4 to 10 years of experience;

*  Senior level (P5 and above or NOE): 10 to 15 years of experience (including management experience).

 
 

UNICEF ( 2015), the world’s leading organization working for the rights of children.  There is the need for a consultant to support the 11th Pacific Ministers of Health Meeting session on the strategic review of progress and directions of the Healthy Islands’ vision with a particular focus on the nurturing children in body and mind and MDGs 4, 5 and 6. The consultant is also required to support the development of country specific post-2015 maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) frameworks for the Pacific Islands national planning processes.

In the selection of its staff, UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities: well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply (UNICEF, 2015).

To gain a leadership position with UNICEF candidates may need to demonstrate capacity, working at a variety of different roles prior to being offered a higher level position such as:

According to UNICEF (2015), Consultancy Assignment: Strategic Planning consultant in Suva, FIJI. To qualify for this position requirement include:

*  Advanced university degree in Public Health/Allied Health, Social Sciences, Management or related field

*  At least eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience in Public Health programming or Health Planning

* Good technical knowledge of Nutrition Health Planning processes, knowledge on global and regional planning processes will be added advantage

*  Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and analyze data

*  Excellent command of the English language, with outstanding oral and written communication skills. 

 References

LinkMeJobs (n.d.). Snr Prof Learning Consultant Job.  Retrieved from  https://www.linkme.com.au/jobs/port-melbourne-qld/education-training/snr-prof-learning-consultant-job/4f85954c-e633-48eb-a002-ee1ced82b185

Teacher Training.  Retrieved February 13. 2104 from http://londres.cervantes.es/en/courses_spanish/teachers_spanish/teachers_spanish.htm

The State of Queensland; Department of Education, Training and Employment. (2014)  Work Force.   Retrieved from http://deta.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood/workforce/

The State of Queensland; Department of Education, Training and Employment. (2014)  Blue Card.  Retrieved from http://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au/business/doineedabluecard.html

The State of Queensland; Department of Education, Training and Employment. (2014)  Blue Card.  Retrieved from http://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au/business/doineedabluecard.html

UNESCA Symbol. Retrieved February 12, 0215 from http://www.unescocenterforpeace.org/partners/

UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2015). UNESCO CAREERS .  Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org/careers/professional

UNICEF Child .  Retrieved February 13, 2015 from

 UNICEF ( 2015).  UNICEF Employment.  Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/search/search.php?q_en=job+postings&go.x=8&go.y=10