Goodbye, and Hello!

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Three Deeply Felt Learnings From This Program:

1. Leadership skills: Being resilien to issues you are going through is a sign of a good leader
2. Consequences of Challenge: Every challenge has a negative consequence which should be considered.
3. Goal: Goals are important to set and work towards in a timely manner.

 

Long Term Goal

1. To offer leadership classes to other early childhood professionals.

 

I would like to say thank you to Dr, Ernst and my fellow classmates,  I really enjoyed the interactions between us.  My Facebook name is Unyque Arnold.  My email address is dgriffin99@ymail.com.  I wish all of you much success in your endeavors.

International Organizations

Three International Organizations:

1.International Organization: Charity Village Why I picked this organization: This organization  respects and meets the spiritual needs of the children and families they serve internationally. https://charityvillage.com/organizations/directory/international-relief-development-peace/

2. International Organization: Council for Professional Recognition Why I picked this organization:  This organization support and offers professional training to people in the early childhood field. https://www.cdacouncil.org/resources/find-ece-organizations#

3, International Organization: America Promise Alliance Why I picked this organization: This organization offers several grants to communities who work with children and families. https://www.americaspromise.org/news/funding-opportunities-205

Job Opportunities

 

Job: La Petite: Team Lead Skills Required: Must meet state requirements for education and additional center/school requirements may apply. Experience coaching and training staff members. Associates degree in early childhood education or child development or a CDA. Experience working in a licensed childcare facility, leading a classroom as well as creating educational lesson plans2.

Job: Porter Leith/ Lead Teacher Skills Required: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.  Two (2) years of relevant work experience with children age three (3) to five (5). CPR and First Aid certification is preferred

Job: Raleigh Community Church/ Childcare Minister Skills Required:The Child Care Minister will serve as a Minister in a classroom with children from birth to 4 years old.Child Care Minister. Duties include mentoring, discipleship, conducting weekly evangelistic outreach, assisting with the after-school program, summer camp and other children’s programming. You must be able to work in a culturally diverse and predominantly African American and contemporary church environment. You must be able to work as an integral part of a Spiritual Ministry team in an urban context serving the poor. https://www.simplyhired.com/search?q=childcare&l=memphis%2C+tn&pn=2&job=ffVp_vDL6WIWcwsh7JOZspUDf6zwAwwVc777vU5e_JNukyHz6WCE6Q

Communities

National Early Childhood Communities

1. NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children

Website: https://www.naeyc.org/

Reason for choosing this organization:  They provide a lot of good resources for early childhood providers and also they provide the information about the best and latest trends and practices in the early childhood field.

2. Reading Rockets

Website: https://www.readingrockets.org/resources_new/c581

Reason for choosing this organization: I picked this organization because it provides good resources on literacy for children of all ages, educators and families.  This is a good organization to be a part of in the early childhood field.

3. US Department of Education Early Learning

Website: https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/earlylearning/index.htmlhttps://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/earlylearning/index.html

Reason  for choosing this organization:

I picked this organization because it provides a lot of information and resources to people working in the early childhood field, families of young children and students pursuing a degree in the early childhood field.

Jobs Available:

1. Early Interventionist

Duties: Under the direct supervision of the Director of Developmental Therapy, the Early Interventionist is responsible for providing developmental therapy sessions for children, birth to 3 years of age. These sessions are provided in the child’s natural environment-typically in the child’s home or daycare.

Requirements: Requires a Bachelor’s level degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Speech/Language Pathology. Must have a minimum of 3 years working with children (birth to 3) who have special needs and experience developing lesson plans based on IFSPs.

2. Grants Accountant

Duties: The Grant Accountant will be responsible for managing the revenue and related expenditures for the Head Start grant, which includes but are not limited to the accurate and timely submission of the Head Start invoices, complete all financial reporting and monthly reconciliation and attend monthly budget projection meeting.

Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration or a closely related field.A minimum of two years of experience in accounting or fiscal management. Previous experience working in non-profit preferred.

3. Early Enrichment Center Director

Duties: EEC Director will create policies, manage staff, and oversee daily operations of the Early Enrichment Center. As lead administrator of the Early Enrichment Center, the Director will handle issues with staff, students, and families. The EEC Director will develop and evaluate curriculum and ensure the school meets standards set by law, specifically by The Department of Human Services. Working collaboratively with EEC staff, parents and Idlewild Presbyterian Church, the Director will develop a plan which aligns with the mission and vision of Children and Family Enrichment.

Requirements:  Master’s degree in early childhood or related field and three years’ experience in Early Childhood Education or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field and five years’ experience in Early Childhood Education. Administrative experience highly desirable Be familiar with Tennessee Department of Human Services licensing requirements Willingness to work cooperatively in a team setting Consensus builder Maintain confidentiality Be professional in appearance and manner Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, CRMS Strong verbal and writing skills. Prioritize work while managing multiple deadlines. Willing to take part in a background check and to be fingerprinted Demonstrate a commitment and ability to interact with diverse populations. Ability to be mobile and lift and or hold up to 25 pounds.

 Reference:

Early Childhood jobs. (2020, february 4). Retrieved from Recuiter:  https://www.ziprecruiter.com/jobs/srvs-166a32af/early-interventionist-ccbf5ef4? source=cpc-jobs2careers-test10&utm_source=gl_exploit&mid=28897

Jobs. (2020, February 4). Retrieved from Porter Leath:  https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails? job=7264&clientkey=F107A1CB306802D6DDAE903D52146D39

Jobs near me. (2020, February 4). Retrieved from Find Jobs Company:        https://www.indeed.com/q-Early-Childhood-l-Southaven,-MS-jobs.html? vjk=7f9284c2869050b5

 

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Three Local Organizations

1. Office for Early Childhood and Youth https://www.shelbycountytn.gov/2438/Office-of-Early-Childhood-and-Youth   This organization provides education and information to the public about the early childhood community on local level.

Why I picked this organization:I picked this organization because the advocate for children and families to government officials.  This organization goes after money and grants to fund early childhood education in Shelby County.

2. Mississippi Early Childhood Association  https://www.mississippiearlychildhood.org/  

This organization advocates for early childhood and connect early childhood educators together across the stat through conferences and various ways.

Why i picked this organization: This organization builds a community of early childhood proffesionals where information can be shared state wide, instead of just locally.  Each city within a state have different ways and techniques used in early childhood.  This organization builds a community of collaboration andshared ideas about early childhood.

3.SECAC – State Early Childhood Advisory Council of Mississippi Types of Child Care Programs | SECAC

This organization offers information for parents, families and educators of young children.

Why i picked this organization: I picked this organition because it provides information for families as well as early childhood educators.  This organization provides a lot of good resources for families of young children.

I picked organizations from two states I am closely connected to.  I live in TN  but i am employed in MS. I come in contact with children, familes, and early childhood proffesionals from both states.  That is why I provided information from organizations in both MS. and TN.

Three Job Listings That Interest Me:

 

1. Early Intervention Specialist II
   Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Job Summary: Work with a team, children, and the family of the childre referred to Early Intervention.

Job Requirements Summary: A bachelor’s degree related to Early Childhood Development.

2 Adjunct Faculty Pool – Early Childhood Education

Job Summary: Teach an early childhood course at Soutwest TN Community College

Job Requirements Summary: A masters degree or 18 hours towards a masters degree. The basic skills needed in order to teach an early childhhod class on a college level.

3.Coordinator-Preschool St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Job Summary: Implement an Early Childhood program, classroom and curriculum

Job Requirements Summary: A bachelor’s dgree in early childhood locally, three years experience, Masters dgree in early childhood.  Training inspecial needs. Experience in preschool program administration including planning and implementation. Ateaching license in TN for Early Childhood. Familiar with local regulations concerning childcare.

 

 

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Bitter Sweet

We have made it! This is the end of this class.  This is a bitter sweet moment for me.  Sweet because If I am going to a new class, I am getting closer to completing my degree.  Bitter because I am moving on to a new classroom environment.  My e-mail address is dgriffin99@ymail.com if anyone would like to stay in touch.  I have enjoyed communicating with everyone, I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors!

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ADJOURNING

At some meetings, a gavel is hit to start a meeting, go to another topic in a meeting, and adjourn a meeting meeting.

Groups That Are Hard To Leave

I have not had a hard time leaving a group.  This is due to I am always looking for the next challenge.  I would think for some people, a group that is successful and making good progress would be hard to end.  For example, we had Quality Stars for the daycares in MS.  The grant funding ran out, so the program ended.  The lady who was assigned to the center I was working at was really sad to be transitioning to work with another group. The program had good success, just ran out of funding.

Closing Rituals

 

Closing rituals I have experienced is last time get together were people potluck or someone have the food catered , graduations, and the bon voyage parties that are on cruise ships.  I have not experienced may closing rituals in groups.  

 

Graduation is a closing ritual I look forward to.  Graduation is one way I plan to adjourn for my Master’s degree,  Being able to exchange information and keep in contact with my colleagues is an important part of me adjourning from receiving my Master’s Degree.

 

 

Closure to any situation is an important aspect in life.  Being able to end or adjourn a group project successfully brings pride and peace of mind to all members.  It is important to adjourn a group or team project so the beginning, middle and end can be defined and you will not feel like the effort you have put into the team project was in vein or had no purpose.  In my opinion, the adjournment gives the entire project a meaningful purpose.

 

 

 

 

Conflict Resolution

Conflict

A recent conflict I had was personal.  I am part of the Praise Dance Team at my church.  I was told last Sunday that I was suppose to dance that day.  The young lady who does the calendar for the praise dancers has not talked about scheduling with the team since January.  She said I told her in January that I would dance last Sunday.  There was a conflict between what she said and what I did say.  I explained to her she should give reminders.  She explained to me  she will not give out reminders because we should remember. I asked are we pushing the calendar forward so I can dance next Sunday, she said no, we are moving on.

Resolution One for the Conflict

I explained to her please do not schedule me to dance on a First Sunday.  She said that is not fair because a lot of the dancers do not like to dance on the first Sunday.  So I compromised. I asked if I could dance the First Sunday in June.  Two compromises was made on my end. 1. I am willing to dance on a first Sunday, even though I have other obligations in the ministry on the first Sunday.  2. I am willing to keep up with the date myself by setting a reminder in my calendar.

Resolution 2 for the Conflict

I implemented one of the three r’s, respect. I respected her and the decision she made to move on.  I was not pushy and tried to have my way.  We both walked away with a good relationship and respect for each other.  This situation could have taken a turn for the worst if conflict resolution was not implemented.

The Way I Communicate

This picture shows small group communication.

What Surprised Me The Most

What surprised me the most is that from both evaluations is I am moderate on the Verbal Aggressiveness Scale.  Being moderate is not bad because the description of moderate is a person who has balance between respect and other people’s viewpoint. When situations are brought to my attention,  I try my best to listen to both sides and find the truth somewhere in the middle. The test was very accurate, that is what surprised me the most.

Other Insights Gained This Week

1. From the Discussion Assignment, I learned that you cannot know a person just from a picture.  People are like books,you can’t judge a book by it’s cover, so I cannot judge a person on personal perception.  I will take this into consideration when dealing with colleagues and the families of the children I work with. Everyone one will have a tabula rasa or a clean slate upon meeting them.

2. The way you see yourself may not be how others see you.  On some of the test, my score was different from the score my friend got back according to how she thinks I react to situations.  This has taught me to do self evaluation and respect the opinions of others about me because they are on the outside looking in.  I might be bias and only see what I want to see within myself.

Culture and Communication

From my experience, we all communicate differently.  That is why I am using this picture.  Each person has a different message symbol in front of them.  Without using words, the people in this picture exemplifies how communication can be different for each person.

Communicating with People from Different Groups and Cultures.

I find myself trying to communicate with people from other cultures in a way they can understand me.  My friends from different groups and cultures will explain to me o why they do things a certain way, and vice versa, I had to explain to someone who is not from my culture what certain words African Americans use mean like colored people time. My friends from other cultures also help me understand their culture as well. I was taking Spanish 1 and my friend said please do not use this language, it is too formal and not how we really speak in Spanish.  Trading information can be a helpful and exciting experience.  It gives me the chance to see the world from someone else’s point of view.

Three Strategies  I Can use to Help Me Communicate More Effectively with People from other Cultures or Groups

• Do not express ethnocentrism when communicating with people from other groups or cultures.
• Be aware that other cultures view time in different ways.(monochronic cultures – time is important, and polychronic cultures – flexible with time (O’Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D.I., & Teven, J. 2015). 
• Realize that some cultures show less emotion.

Now that I know this information about other cultures, it will help me to better communicate and understand the reason behind their actions and how they communicate.

Reference

O’Hair, D., Wiemann, M., Mullin, D.I., & Teven, J. (2015). Real communication (3^rded), 41-         45. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s.

 

 

Watching Communication

Green Leaf

Green leaf is the name of the show I watched on Netflix without sound.  The show is based where I live, in Memphis TN.  When I watched the show without sound, the mother’s behavior was stand offish with a fake smile or stoic look.  Every body was loving and caring but her.  Her hugs was fake and she changed her facial expression a lot.  One of the daughters would sing and the son just looked happy.  The father showed love and compassion through his facial expressions.

When I watched the show with sound, there was a scandal going on.  The loving family was loving, but with a lot of secrets.  They had a daughter which I did not see at all who committed suicide after being molested by her uncle, her mother’s brother.  This made me wonder was this the reason for the sad demeanor I saw the mother have without the sound?  After watching the show for this assignment, I am on season 2.