Time Well Spent...Absolutely!

Time Well Spent...Absolutely!

             As I write my final entry in this blog, I find myself full of a variety of emotions ranging from pride to elation to even  a bit of sadness.  Reflecting back on the past 20 months, I feel I have truly changed as a person, an early childhood professional and certainly as a leader and advocate for Head Start.  I realize now that the future of our country depends on people like us who prepare young children for positive school experiences that will help them become productive members of society.

            Throughout this program I gained insight into many things even after many years in the field.  I learned how to be more culturally competent and the importance of really believing that our ability to make a difference is closely tied to the relationships we build.  I also learned that one thing that is constant is change. This applies on all levels of our work and personal life.  I learned that a good leader is able to embrace those changes and turn what sometimes seems to be a negative into a positive taking it a step further by convincing staff of the same thing. Finally, I learned that hard work does pay off in many ways.  The end result of applying what I have learned has helped me become a more competent leader.

            While we have never met face to face, I feel that I have gotten to know many of you well and value all you have shared.  I wish you all the very best as you move forward with your careers. 

“Success means that we go to sleep at night knowing that our talents and abilities were used in a way that served others. “- Marianne Williamson

If we can truly feel that each day, we know that we have made a difference. So ends this journey…..

Sophie and her Nana….she is my hope for the future!

My email address is jablimline@aol.com.  I would love to continue the friendships that have been a special part of the past 20 months.  Please stay in touch.

              

International Opportunities in Early Childhood Education

International Jobs/Roles in Early Childhood Education

                It was very interesting to read about international organizations that focus on early childhood issues and potential jobs related to them.

                The first organization I considered was Save the Children.  I have contributed to this organization for a few years and have received literature from them on the many initiatives around the world that they are involved in. The mission of Save the Children is to inspire break throughs in the way the world treats children.  It is a large organization employing over 14,000 people in 120 different countries.  I would enjoy being a trainer that would provide orientation for new teachers.   By mentoring teachers and providing a solid foundation that is culturally sensitive and prepares teachers to make an immediate and lasting change in the lives of the children they serve by improving their health and enhancing their education, I feel that I would be making a difference in society.

                The second organization I would consider working for ICF International Early Education Services. While I was familiar with the branch of ICF that serves as the training and technical assistance contractor for Head Start but I did not realize they also have an international division that has a strong program in India. It was formed in 2007 to help address the lack of early childhood standards and licensing regulations.  The initiative is currently working with local earl y childhood experts to design a national licensing and accreditation system that would be equitable and encourage improved quality. I would enjoy taking what I have learned and sharing it with new teachers.

                Lastly, I would consider a position with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  This is one of several groups that are under the umbrella of the United Nations.  The mission of the organization is to advocate on behalf of early care and education programs around the world that attend to health, nutrition, security and learning and support holistic development of children.  One position described on their website really caught my eye.  It was a Project Officer for teacher development in Paris, France. The job entailed working with new teacher in a mentoring capacity. 

            I feel that I would be a viable candidate for any of the jobs listed given my years in the field and my newly acquired knowledge gained through my Walden studies. I also think the knowledge I have gained over the years being involved in advocacy organizations would be useful.  While I am very content in my current position, it was interesting to consider international possibilities.  

Additional information on these organizations can be found on their respective websites listed below.

Save the Children. (2011) Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_site.htm

ICF International Early Education Services- www.icf.com/markets/education/campaigns/international- ece

UNESCO- www.unesco.org/new/en/education/about-us/how-we-work/jobvacancies