Time Well Spent

At least three deeply felt learnings from the program

• I learned a community practice can help you in all areas. They provide resources that may not have been reachable if the community practices were not in play.
• I learned  a great deal on professionalism, advocacy, and leadership..
• I learned discrimination still exist in all aspects of life, but its up to educators to prevent this by providing an anti- bias education.
• At least one long- term goal
• To continue my education, and to help children who live in Childhood Adverse Experiences reach their goals. My future goal is to become Dr. Theresa Bohanon, PHD in Early Childhood with an emphasis in Adverse Childhood Experiences!!! Just call me Dr. BO!! -)
• 
• A farewell message to instructors and colleagues
• I have truly enjoyed this last class, it is bitter sweet!! Although, I am overwhelmed with emotion, I am very happy to think about what the future has to offer. I wish you all well, and I hope you fulfill all your dreams. Coming from a poverty stricken home, abuse, and so much more, I am grateful that I have reached my goals. Never allow your circumstances to keep you from reaching your goals!!!
•  Favorite  Quote
• You always pass failure on the way to SUCCESS- Mickey Rooney

 

Jobs/ Roles in the ECE Community Internationally

At least three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them.

I chose Save the Children, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), and UNESCO. I chose Save the Children, and United Nations Children Fund because they specifically help children and I love the mission of UNESCO.

UNICEF- Works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.(UNICEF). They also offer many initiatives such as adolescent development, children uprooted, communication for development, gender equality, child protection, children with disabilities, environment and climate change, and social inclusion. My aim is to always be an advocate for children.

Save the Children

Save the children has global programs and advocacy education emergency protection. Their main initiatives are advocacy, education, and protection. This organization helps children get out of harm’s way

United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

I chose UNESCO because their mission is to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. I think this could be a wonderful community of practice. There would be a peace bond, and children would receive a quality education.

Job Opportunities/ Qualifications

Early Childhood Development Coordinator- Master level in Education strong capacity building skills, strong leadership, management, project planning skills, monitoring, and evaluation, excellent computer skills, MS Word, Excel

Project Manager Early Childhood – Take leadership in ensuring overall objectives of the project. Responsible for engagement with multiple city goverment. Passionate about influencing early childhood centric development in Indian cities and self driven.

National Consultant on Behaviors and Social Change Communication for Early Childhood Development and Parenting Education- Assess and recommend potential contacts, networks, resources, and tools to support maximum impact. Masters Degree but Doctrine is preferred.

References:

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

http://www.unicef.org/

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.

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

Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

At least three national/ federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them.

I. National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE). My purpose for adding this organization to my community of practice is so I may grow professionally. Being among other early childhood professionals is an amazing way to grow in my profession.

II. The Division of Early Childhood Education-  This organization helps children and families who have children 0-8 with disabilities. Being an anti- bias educator requires me to be fair, and to help educate all children.  This is the reason I chose this organization.

III. Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood-  This organization helps to improve the well being of children. As an educator for children who live in poverty, this organization can give me resources to help my children and families.

Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you/ Skills and Experience

Professional Development Coordinator- Early Educator credential, Level 11 w/ Professional Development Endorsement, Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Ability to work effectively w/ Individuals and groups w/ diverse background.

Lecturer and Coordinator of Early Childhood Programs- Demonstrate ability to introduce w/diverse audiences with effective teaching. Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with extensive experience PK- 12 teaching.

Director- Ability to lead and manage people operations, skills in fiscal management, ability to develop, revise an implement knowledge of early childhood development and education.

References: https://www.dec-sped.org

https://earlychildhoodfoundation.org

naecte.org 

Blog Assignment: Exploring Roles in the ECE Community

At least three local or state organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you, and explain why you chose them.

I chose the Division of Childcare and Early Childhood Education they offer several services such as Professional development, behavior help, childcare assistance, and childcare licensing, community service and non profit.

Arkansas Early Childhood Association also known as AECA offers professional development, helps to improve standards, offers help  to develop knowledge in early childhood.

Finally, I chose Arkansas State Childhood Services because they offer resources in early childhood, helps with building strategic leaders, and they offer training and technical assistance.

Job opportunities (currently available or not that interest you.

Trainer, licensing specialist, child advocate worker, behavioral help team, and child life specialist.

Skills and experience that you will need to competently fulfill each of these roles.  

Truthfully I believe I have enough experience to do any of these jobs if ever given the opportunity. A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood is required for these jobs. I believe my Masters will better prepare me to do anything I set my mind to do. I have over twenty years experience in the Early Childhood Field. This is my 6th year in leadership.

References:

https:http://www.arkansas.gov/dhs

https://humanservices.arkansas.gov

https://http://www.facebook.com/pg/Astate Childhood Services/about/? ret=page_internal

https://www.dec_sped.org

 

 

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

My most passionate hope for the future is to help those who live in poverty have a bright and wonderful future. I want to make a difference in the communities, and help all children and families reach their goals no matter what they have faced, and their  present circumstances.  This class has taught me how to include all students no matter what they face.  These may include but are not limited to racism, sexism, ageism, culture, language, economics, race, gender, and varying abilities.

I want to thank all my classmates for the support in the last eight weeks, I have enjoyed your discussions as well as blog post. You made me dig dipper in my thinking, and help me realize being an educator has so many roles. I wish you all well in our last upcoming class.

 

Theresa

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

I chose West and Central Africa. As I read , I  found out this part of the region has so many adversities with children. Research states, ” Children now account for almost half of all Africa’s population, and by 2055 Africa will be home to one billion children. By the end of the century, it is projected that Africa will be home to nearly half of the world’s children.” (UNICEF, 2011).

One of the biggest struggles  this region has is children living to get to the age of 5.  This is going on because children are dying in such fast rates due to child poverty, food insecurity, and the HIV/ AIDS epidemic. Immunizations are also a struggle for this region, and may save lives if available.

If a child does not receive his necessities in life including food, shelter, and water it hurts the child. This causes problems with brain development, and cause many physical problems as well. If a child does not have a stable place to sleep at night, this causes issues with stress. Stress in itself is the main focus for many health reasons. This could go for the young or the old. Their behavior may be affected,  and they may not be able to become productive in an everyday lifestyle or society.

In reflection, if my needs were not met, and I was not able to live a productive life, I would cry often, hit others, bite, scream, pinch,and probably have temper tantrums. I am sure I would have separation anxiety from those who were familiar with me. I think this is a great reason to always think before we speak as educators. We should always be able to provide resources for those we come in contact with.

Reference:

UNCICEF (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/   

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

Share your topic of the sexualization of early childhood.

I believe sexualization is when you use images and words through media, and marketing to promote sexual sales and make children seem more mature than they are especially in their mind.

Provide three or more examples, from your personal or professional experience, that further illustrate the exposure of young children to highly sexualized environment.

From my personal experience I can remember two boys being in the bathroom together and one was licking on the other’s private area to say the least I was traumatized because I was a very new teacher. When I asked the little boy why he was doing that he told me he does it to his sister at home. I was not prepared for that answer, but as a mandated reporter, I had to report it. I later found out the parents had a lot of sexual things going on at the home,and the children were removed from the home. I have saw many children playing in the dramatic play center speaking in very sexual and seductive manners. When I intervene they might say something like I heard my dad tell my mom that or my mommy says that. My last thought is when I was watching the neighbors children I saw them dancing very sexual. They are only 5 and 6 years old. I asked them where they learned the routine, and they told me they watch videos at home, and that is what they did. All I could say was wow! I know they have very young parents, but I think it is our responsibility to monitor what our children do at all times.

Explain the implications this may have on children’s healthy development. Include ideas  you might have, as an early childhood professional, to best respond to these concerns and to reduce the negative impact on children.

As a child growing up I was sexually abused from ages 6- 12. I was scared to trust anyone. My innocence was taken away, and I did not know how to receive or accept love. This was a great pain for me to endure in my life at such a young age. My parents were very supportive, and with therapy and prayers, I was able to trust and love after many years of pain. While I was recovering from these ordeals,  my self esteem and worth dropped to an all time low. It took me many years to see my inner beauty as well as my outward beauty so I know it can happen and impact a child’s life negatively forever. I could not concentrate in school, and I had to repeat a grade because of it. I believe everything happens for a reason in life, and I do not believe if I had not went through some of the things I did, I would not be the person I am today. I am an advocate for children in all areas. Any child who has been through Childhood Adverse Experiences will be impacted in a negative way, but they can get through it with positive guidance and understanding.

Describe the was in which your awareness of the sexualization of early childhood has been influenced and/or modified by studying the topic this week.

This weeks topic made an old wound surface for me. I do not think people understand the way the media, manufacturers, and sexual topics affect our children’s thoughts. They want to be a part of what seems to be popular not knowing the aspects of it. Reserach  states, ” Both boys and girls routinely exposed to images of sexual behavior devoided of emotions, attachment, or consequences. Girls and boys constantly encounter sexual messages and images that they cannot understand and that can confuse and even frighten them. ” (Levin, Kilbourne, 2009).

References:

Levin, D.E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Intriduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids(pp.1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf

 

 

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

Research states, ” The many forms of institutionalized prejudice and discrimination based on social identities such as ability/disability, culture/ethnicity, economic, class, gender, sexual orientation, racial identity, and others.(The resultant isms are ableism, ethnocentrism, classim, sexism, racism, and the like.” (Derman- Sparks, & Olsen, 2010).

As the program manager of this program, I often have battles with racism. Parents or colleagues  feel as if I am not qualified to do my job because of my race. Some feel I do not have the education requirements, but to be honest I have more than enough qualifications, education, and experience. The program is located in an area that some think is dangerous, but  I am from this neighborhood, and I can give the children and families what they need. One parent suggested a man be over the program instead of me. This is sexism in every way. Many of my students are judged because they go to this center. Some say this is the center for the less fortunate children. The children and families we serve are on the lower part of the socio- economic  grid, but they still deserve a quality education from a quality program. Although we are located in a poverished area we still have highly qualified staff who go over and beyond to meet the needs of the young children.

Reference: Derman- Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti- bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D. C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Observing Communication

I noticed a little boy and his dad at the park fishing. The little boy seemed to get a little impatient., but his dad said, “Just be patient son, you will catch plenty of fish soon! As the day went on the little boy finally got a tug. He yelled. ” Hey dad I think I have a big one!” His dad smiled, and gave his son all the instructions to pull the fish in. As the fish came out of the water, the boy replied dad, ” Thank you for helping me catch my first fish. You told me everything to do, and I got him!

I learned that if we do not always get things as fast as we want, we must continue to strive to reach our goals. The father never showed any signs of disappointment or anger. He was very reassuring, and the son calmed down after he was reassured. Shortly after the reassurance occurred the goal was met.   It was good to just see the father listening to the wants of  his son. I believe he could have given him more eye to eye contact, and make him draw a conclusion to the outcome of the situation.

I believe his self worth was boosted higher when his dad talked him through the process of reeling the fish in, and then actually reeling in the fish. The dad listened to his son, communicated effectively in a teaching manner, and he also reassured him that he would be successful. Dad did provide opportunities to help build knowledge.

This weeks insights are the way I have always communicated with children. I allow them the opportunity   to speak and expand their knowledge. I love the way Lisa Kolbeck allowed the children to lead the conversation, and she repeated and added  on knowledge to expand their learning.  Lisa Kolbeck stated, ” My first job is to help children communicate with others.”(Laureate, Education, 2011). The focus should always be helping children succeed and grow in their purpose.

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Communicating with young children. Baltimore, MD: Author

Creating Affirming Environments

In order to create an environment that is inviting to all, you must make sure the classroom has what is needed to make all feel welcome. If I were to start my own home daycare center, I would call it Bohanon’s Creations because I would always allow creativity in the learning process.  Research states, ” An environment rich in anti- bias materials invites exploration and discovery and supports children’s play and conversations in both emergent and planned activities.”  (Derman- Sparks & Edwards, 2010).  In order to make my classroom a success, I would include a family wall upon entering the classroom. This wall would include pictures of all the pictures and families who attend the class. Research states, ” An anti- bias environment is also culturally consistent for the children and families it currently serves.” (Derman-Sparks, & Edwards, 2010).

I would include the following items into the classroom: Puzzles with different diverse people, ability puzzles including people with  disabilities, books for all races, genders, nationalities, figures of different races, figures of people in wheel chairs, crutches, and any varying disabilities. Books from different ethnic groups . Posters of different jobs, and different classes from all over the world, Alphabets and numbers in many languages and nationalities. Research states, ” Children also need materials that honor diversity both within and beyond their own identity groups.  This includes learning materials that accurately and nonstereotypically  reflect.”  (Derman- Sparks, & Edwards, 2010). I would include materials that reflect women and men doing different jobs that are normally related to one gender such as: Women/firefighter, Men/Nurse and so on. I would include dolls of different skin color and different abilities. I would also add something to each center that reflects diversity. I would also add a picture schedule so everyone would know what we do in a day. I would include different types of food in the dramatic play, and include Braille for those whose struggle to see. There would be a ramp for students who are in wheel chairs, and water fountains would be lowered for that reason. I would definitely include a departure room for the parents to say goodbye in the morning. Adriana Castillo states, “Most of the time the hard part for the children is the separation for the families. (Laureate Education, 2011).  I think this would ensure parents a feeling of assurance as well as the child. In this room, I would leave things from their familiar neighborhoods as well as cultures. Judith Lepuschitz states, ” Everything we see here is meant to help the children become calm, and make transition from their parents. : (Laureate, 2010). This would be my man goal to make transitions easier, and to help them feel safe and loved in this environment.

References:

Derman- Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010).Anti- bias education for young children and ourselvesves.  Washington, D.C. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Welcome to anti- bias learning community. Baltimore, MD: Author