Time Well Spent

WE MADE IT!!!!

I can't believe we are here!!  I was so apprehensive about on-line coursework.  I almost gave up several times.  I actually called my student-adviser, for the first time, in April, 2016.  My call was to take the necessary procedures to take a break from my coursework.  That is when I found out that I only had one more class to completion. God was definitely in this plan!

This has been one of the best and worse experiences of my educational career.  I have experienced a lot of lost in my personal life during this time.  But I have learned to know that they were all replaced with my new cohorts at Walden University.  I feel like I know some of you on a personal level.  We have shared our life stories through our discussions and blogs.  I honestly do not know how I could have made it without the support and encourage me of each of you.  Knowing that I was not alone with my personal life, and my professional, and educational experiences was uplifting and the necessary push to keep going.

Thank you to each of you for your hand in helping me to reach this goal.  Some of you may remember that I was on a quest to opening a new childcare facility.  It has been an amazing adventure!  I have walked through the process of purchasing, re-building, and opening a new childcare facility with the guidance and instruction from the resources in this class, my cohorts, and each word of advice and support that each of you have given me over the last two years.

Thank you Dr. E.  We have really learned a lot about each other (good and not so good).  LOL!  I appreciate you and your zest to motivate and encourage.  You have taught me to be accepting of difference in processes.  I can only hope that you have been enlightened from me in some way as well.  Thank you for not allowing me to give up!

I would love to hear from each of you as we continue to grow in this adventure.  Please K.I.T:

Amelia Wilson
A Mother's Wish, LLC
amotherswishinc@gmail.com

If you email me, I would love to share addresses and telephone numbers as a means to keep in touch in a more personal fashion.  I travel a lot and I would love to drop by and learn more new ideas from each other.  Please let's stay the course.  I am attending the commencement ceremony in Orlando, FL. in Jan. 2017.  Anyone that will be there would be welcomed to a class picture.  I would love to be able to put a face with a name and congratulate you in person.

CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE.  WE MADE IT!!

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The three International organizations or communities of practice that appeal to me are:

1.      United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).  http://www.unicef.org/

UNICEF is a “leading humanitarian and development agency working globally for the rights of every child” (UNICEF, 2011).  The primary goal of UNICEF is make sure that every child (no matter where they are or their current situation) is:  safe, healthy, and protected from, “disaster and conflict and traverse the life cycle:  pre-natal care for healthy births, clean water and sanitation, health care and education” (UNICEF, 2011).

UNICEF is of interest to me because the organization is solid in their beliefs and ethics.  The organization has been around for 70+ years.  You cannot have historical longevity for that long and not be morally and professionally grounded.  UNICEF does not pick and choose a certain culture or class of children to work with.  ALL children are included because the organization recognizes that there are no boundaries when it comes to supporting the healthy development of our children.  UNICEF leads by example in the support and development that children should be given the same opportunities in life regardless of their race, culture, creed, or religious affiliation (or the lack of either).

JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH UNICEF:

Consultancy Assignment:  Communication – Media Early Childhood Development

Position Title: Communication Specialist: Media – Early Childhood Development
Equivalent Level: P-3 (SSA)
Location: New York, Headquarters
Duration: 11.5 months
Reporting to: Chief of Media Section at the Division of Communication
Organizational Unit: Division of Communication

Background
A qualified media specialist is needed to support the work of UNICEF’s early childhood development advocacy and communication priorities.

UNICEF plans to initiate a platform for launching a public engagement campaign for early childhood development that is based on neuroscience and investment evidence. The objective of the campaign is to create awareness about the importance of early childhood development among key stakeholders and partners; establish advocacy opportunities for leveraging resources and policy attention to Early Childhood Development (ECD); provide tools and options for decision-makers and planners to integrate ECD into mainstream development and humanitarian agenda – to ensure sustainability.

Scope of Work
The consultant will work closely with colleagues in the media section and other DOC sections, and Early Childhood Development team in Programme Division. And when appropriate, with UNICEF regional and country offices, donors, and partners. S/he will support the development and implementation of media and communication strategies and plans around ECD; and support on media activities on other programme areas which support UNICEF’s ECD work including health, nutrition, education, social inclusion, WASH, HIV and child protection.

Responsibilities

1. Develop and implement a media strategy and activities to increase awareness of the evidence on ECD across broadcast, radio, print and online media. 
2. Work closely and network with relevant external media partners to establish UNICEF as knowledge leader in ECD.
3. Undertake other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• At least eight years of professional experience in media relations and communications, at least three of which should be in an international setting.
• Knowledge of international media and understanding of print, broadcast and online media operations.
• Solid understanding of development issues, world affairs and current events. Familiarity with Early Childhood Development and knowledge of the development of the brain during the early years of life are highly desirable.
• Track record in implementing media strategies, networking, and developing media materials in a deadline driven and target audience way;
• Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and preferably another UN language.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to quickly and easily liaise with multiple stakeholders, including those in the programmatic area to prepare strategic communications materials. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize, and work under tight deadlines.

2.      Save the Children.  http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.B143/Official_USA_Site.htm?msource=wexmshomb615&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ms-branded.

Save the Children is very similar to UNICEF in the fact they are also dedicated to saving the children.  They are dedicated to making sure that children all around the United States are given a healthy start, beginning at their childhood.  “By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours” (Save the Children, 2011).

Save the Children is a new program of interest for me.  I am firm believer that children are our future.  Because of that, we are responsible for what and who they become in their adult lives.  In order to make sure that children are given the opportunity to fulfill the requirements of society will need and have in the future; we must come together in order to change the dynamics of, not only their future; but ours as well.  I am also intrigued with ‘Save the Children’ because they give you so many choices to assist and be an advocate within the organization.  You can obtain a membership, you are can make donations, start a fundraiser, run a race, become a strategic partner, or sponsor a child of your own.  This gives others the opportunity to get involved at whatever level works for them.  I believe that giving people choices can increase the number of participants that you can effectively reach and receive benefit from.  Limiting the choices of how one  participates may limit the amount of participation.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH SAVE THE CHILDREN:

Deputy Chief of Party, Education program in Somalia

Location:  Kenya – Nairobi

Division:  International Programs

Summary

Save the Children is preparing for the anticipated USAID-funded education project in Somalia. This new activity seeks to increase equitable access to education for marginalized populations and also to enhance education authorities' abilities to manage and lead the education sector in Somalia. This procurement is expected to be a five-year contract in the $50-$75-million USD range.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief of Party will be responsible for the technical oversight of the project and is specifically responsible for project implementation that relates to National, Regional states and community level service delivery. The DCOP reports directly to the COP and will take a leadership role in ensuring technical implementation and ensure the project meets stated goals and reporting requirements. S/he will coordinate with other technical leads of key stakeholders, other USG implementing partners, and GOS, particularly at the Regional state level. S/he should be knowledgeable of the dynamics of fragile states and conflict sensitive programing and project implementation and consortium service delivery approaches. S/he will assume the responsibilities of the COP in the absence of the COP.

The DCOP will be responsible for leading and overseeing the development and delivery of a high quality, innovative, cost effective and sustainable Education programme resulting in immediate and lasting change for children and build the capacity of the duty bearers. S/he will be responsible for provide technical leadership to the programme, documentation and dissemination of innovation and good practices and establishing, maintaining and expanding partner relations for the sector. This includes providing technical and program oversight in the design and day-to-day management of implementation to increase the demand for quality priority education services and community engagement activities.  S/he will also ensure the technical and methodological soundness of activities and, in collaboration with the project team and partners, support the design of service delivery strategies, based on sound and up to date evidences.  S/He will be based in Mogadishu but with frequent (approx. 50% travel) to the regional states in FGS and Somaliland. This position is contingent on the issuance of USAID funding and the selection of applicants is subject to USAID approval.

Required Background and Experience, Skills and Behaviors

·         Master’s Degree in education or related field in social science is a requirement.

·         Minimum of seven years’ experience with progressively increasing responsibility in managing and implementing complex Education and capacity building programming in fragile states with projects of similar size and scope.

·         At least five years of proven experience in managing and supervising a technical team and in project design.

·         Demonstrated ability to work effectively with government representatives, for-profit private sector entities, local community organizations, donors, consortium members and other stakeholders, at national and sub-national levels.

·         Demonstrated hands-on experience in building Ministry of Education and devolved structures capacity in developing and realizing education strategic plans to provide quality Education services

·         Demonstrated experience of supervising and mentoring technical staff

·         Demonstrated in-depth understanding of the dynamics in Somalia  Education system

·         Familiarity with USAID or other USG administrative, management and reporting procedures and systems

·         Proven track record managing a project team composed of several technical experts and fostering team work

·         Strong management skills, leadership qualities, professional reputation, ability to create synergies where applicable, interpersonal skills, and written and oral presentation skills to fulfill the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the project description.

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (professional level proficiency) and Somali language is mandatory

·         Qualified Somali nationals are encouraged to apply

3.      The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/

”UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. The Organization focuses, in particular, on two global priorities:  Africa and Gender Equality” (UNESCO, 2011).

UNESCO embodies protection and prevention of poverty, the contribution towards a peaceful society, and effective communication amongst cultures.  These are all areas of concentration that embellish my passion in the early childhood education profession.  I am an advocate for effective communication skills.  I believe that it is the key to empowering the fortunate and the less fortunate children of the world.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH UNESCO:

COMMUNICATION& KNOWLEDGE MGMT SPECIALIST

Domain : Education

Post Number : ED 492

Grade : P-3

Organizational Unit: EDUCATION SECTOR

Primary Location: FR-Paris

Recruitment open to: Internal and external candidates

Type of contract: Fixed Term

Salary: 74 091 EUROS (Annual Salary)  

Deadline (Midnight Paris Time): June 27, 2016

OVERVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE POST

Under the overall authority of the Assistant Director-General for Education (ADG/ED), the overall guidance of the Director of Executive Office and the direct supervision of the Chief of Knowledge Management Services (KMS), the incumbent will be responsible for planning and implementing a strategy to drive online advocacy and engagement on the Education Sector Portal and other digital platforms in a multi-lingual context.  More specifically, the incumbent will assist the Chief of the Knowledge Management Services in the execution of the following tasks:  

• Produce highly engaging editorial and multimedia content across the Education Sector Portal and digital platforms in line with UNESCO’s graphic design and editorial style, including the overall supervision of thematic websites and the development of trans-media stories in support of UNESCO’s Education Programme agenda and campaigns.
• Prepare and implement communication strategies including social media campaigns intended to support and promote large events, initiatives and Programme priorities.
• Perform quality assurance of all English publications, documents and information materials produced by the Education Sector, encompassing editing, proof-reading and maintaining relations with concerned staff, other Sectors and Central Services.
• Coordinate the Education Sector’s engagement with communication focal points internally as well as externally among key constituencies in order to leverage existing content and coordinate communication strategies developed around large events, initiatives and corporate education priorities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in the field of communication, journalism or social media management. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Work Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in the field of communication, journalism or editing, including developing content for a knowledge-driven website, of which at least 2 years aquired at the international level.
• Proven experience in working successfully with internal and external partners on issues related to education.
• Extensive experience with substantive editing and copy-editing of publications and documents.
• Experience in using basic photo and video editing software such as Photoshop, InDesign and iMovie.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with social media outreach including familiarity and ease of use with mainstream social media platforms such as, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Skills/Competencies

• Creative self-starter attitude towards undertaking tasks with a proactive, dynamic approach.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare, present and discuss findings and recommendations on issues clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work in a team and to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent IT Skills including knowledge of office software.
• Proven experience with knowledge sharing systems including different Content Management Systems (CMS) and social media platforms.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English and good knowledge of French.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Skills/Competencies 

• Experience with collaborative tools such as Sharepoint, Drupal, Yammer and blogs.  
• Experience with monitoring tools such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite, etc.

Languages

• Fair knowledge of Spanish.

References:

Save the Children. (2011). Retreived from

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.B143/Official_USA_Site.htm?msource=wexmshomb615&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ms-branded

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from

http://www.unicef.org/

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved

            from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National and Federal Levels

The three National and/or Federal organizations that appeal to me are:

1.      The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC).  http://www.nafcc.org/

NAFCC is a non-profit organization that represents professional childcare providers throughout the United States and the military.  The primary goal of the NAFCC is to assist family child care providers in strengthening the basis of their programs.

I chose NAFCC as an organization of interest because it has served as an important and invaluable resource for me, in my current family day home.  I have been a member of the NAFCC organization for about 9 years.  It is my belief that perspective families are excited and extremely comfortable knowing that their family day home provider takes the extra steps to ensure that their home in not just a place for their children to be with a babysitter; but that the family day home (FDH) takes the initiative to set a higher standard and be a benchmark for quality education.  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs

JOB OPPORTUNIIES WITH NAFCC:

Early Childhood Professor (college or university)

Minimum Education

Master's degree
State licensure
Doctorate degree (preferred)

Competency Matrix

§  Child Growth & Development

§  IIA: Creating Learning Env & Curriculum

§  IIB: Promoting Physical Dev

§  IIC: Promoting Language Dev & Lit

§  IID: Promoting Cognitive Dev

§  IIE: Promoting Personal & Social Dev

§  IIF: Promoting Creativity & the Arts

§  Assessment & Planning for Needs

§  Interactions with Children & Youth

§  Families & Communities

§  Health, Safety, and Nutrition

§  Program Planning & Evaluation

§  Professional Dev & Leadership 

2.      The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  http://www.naeyc.org.

 NAEYC is works on behalf of the children.  Their primary focus is working to ensure that each child has the opportunity to reach his/her full potential in life.  They are committed to the development and procurement of high quality education for our children at an early age.  The program is designed to be most effective for children ages birth to 8 years old.

NAEYC is of interest to me because it focuses on children ages birth to 8 years of age and I believe that this is the most cruel point and time in a child’s life.  Children need to know early in life that they are unique in their own right.  Teaching them to learn and respect each other and accept their differences as gifts to be shared with other will foster their developmental growth of appreciation and support.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH NAEYC:

Currently the NAEYC does not have any jobs posted that are of any interest to me.

3.      The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA).

             http://www.naccrra.org

 NACCRRA is a program that offers tuition assistance to military families in a NACCRRA approved childcare facility.  The facility must be near a military base and the family must qualify according to NACCRRA criteria.

 My FDH is currently approved to accept stipends for the US Government Military.  I wanted to be able to assist our military families and show my gratitude for their dedication to serving our country every day, for a lifetime.  Although, it is nothing compared to the risk they take and their willingness to lay their lives on the line for us, daily; caring for their children, in their absence, seemed like a great start.  I currently reside within 25 miles of a military naval base.  My neighborhood host some military families and they have found themselves without childcare on a number of occasions.  Taking the necessary steps to assist with their childcare needs was the least that I could do in order to show my support.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH NACCRRA:

There were no job postings listed with NACCRRA at this time.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me are:

1.      Head Start Programs:  An office of the Administration for Children and Families Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge  Center (ECLKC).  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ohs

a.       Head Start Programs appeal to me because they work really hard to create an environment that is supportive of each child and their family.  The centers are very diverse and they pride themselves in hosting instructors that speak many different languages and come from various cultural backgrounds.  They believe that together they can strengthen individuals, communities, programs, and nation.

b.      Job opportunity:  I would like to become a Head Start Program in the community.

c.       Requirements: Eligible Applicants

All entities that are eligible to apply for Early Head Start grants are also eligible to apply for EHS-CCP grants, including:

• Current Head Start or Early Head Start grantees

• Independent school districts

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)

• Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities

• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

• Private institutions of higher education

• For-profit organizations

• Small businesses

• State governments

• County governments

• City or township governments

2.      Association for Childhood Education International  http://www.acei.org/

a.       Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) is a501c-3 organization that believes that every school should provide and education that is enriched with equality and fairness.  Their approach to education is to enhance a child’s individual skill set and ability to ensure that the opportunity for success is obtainable for all children.

b.      Job opportunity:  Early Learning & Teacher Education, Tenure-Track Full-Time Faculty #015141

Requirements:  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, or related field from an accredited institution
• 3 to 5 years of experience in early childhood education, working with children and families in an educational setting
• Ability to foster a positive and caring learning environment
• Ability to teach a diverse population of student and advocate for pluralism
• Ability to establish inclusive relationship with students, staff, and faculty of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• College-level teaching experience in early childhood education and other education courses
• Previous work experience requiring knowledge and familiarity with current theories, research, and practice in early childhood education
• Experience in providing training and mentoring to teachers in early education settings
• Ability to collaborate with child care centers, schools, and school districts for students' practicum placements and to supervise clinical lab placements
• Ability to use a variety of instructional modalities, including hybrid and online instruction
• Previous experience in grant development and management
• Previous experience that demonstrates strong commitment to student success, equity, and access
• Able to organize and implement personal and professional developments as necessary
• Effective communication and listening skills; be effective team player and leader
• Ability to establish and promote collaborative relationships within the BC community and the community at large

3.      Porter Leath  http://www.porterleath.org/about-us

a.       Through a variety of programs, Porter Leath, helps children and families to develop and achieve a healthy and independent lifestyle.  Their programs include:  Cornerstone, Preschool, Connections, Generations, and Spoonfuls.

b.      Job opportunities:  Unfortunately there was only one job listed as a current career opportunity.  The posting was for a Family Service Worker – Bilingual.  I do not have an interest in the position.  I would love to be a lead or director of one of the programs that they have to offer.

c.  NA