Time Well Spent

             I am super excited! Why? Because, I am four days away from completing my master’s program with Walden University!!! I started this journey in 2010 with a focus on elementary mathematics. However, my passion led me towards early childhood studies and I am glad that I listened! Through the many leaves of absence I had to take for health reasons, I am so thankful that I have made it! This has truly been a rewarding experience!

            Throughout this program I have learned so many things. I have learned more about child development, the issues and trends within the early childhood education field, the happenings around the world in the field, and how to properly conduct research. Three things stand out to me about all that was covered during this program:

 

1. Play is a vital part of a child’s development. Through play, children are able to grow academically, socially, and physically.
2. Being active in the field is more than just teaching and attending a few workshops. Part of our calling is creating positive social change. We should strive not only to help children, but also their families and their communities.
3. On a personal note, I have learned a lot about myself. I need to have more confidence in my ability to do good work. I spent hours agonizing over assignments because I did not think they were good enough. Only to end up with an outstanding score! Having more confidence will also help me be a great leader. I also need to work on my time management. I spent many long nights completing assignments because I waited until the last minute. Procrastination can no longer be my friend!

            One long term goal I have is to open and operate my own child care facility with a balanced curriculum, focused on play and academics. I would like to continue my studies and obtain my doctorate in early childhood education, but I am going to take some time off to focus on work and my son. This is a picture of Nicholas and me during our vacation in the Bahamas this summer. 

            To all of my wonderful colleagues, it has been a great pleasure learning with you and from you during our time here at Walden. I have been learning with some of you for a while now and I want to say thank you. Thank you for pushing me to greater levels and taking me out of my comfort zone. I wish you all much success in the future. Many blessings to you all. I plan on keeping my blog open. So you can keep in touch with me here on by email ryans1224@gmail.com.

 

            The following is my Wordle I created to express my experience here at Walden:

Time Well Spent Wordle

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

This assignment has been very interesting. I have never looked at international early childhood organizations before and it is amazing the things they are doing across the world. The three organizations that I found of interest were:

1. Association for Childhood Education (www.acei.org)

The members in this organization act as social change agents. They involve themselves in various critical societal issues in their efforts to ensure that children around the world are protected, supported, and educated in ways that allow them to reach their full potential. Their motto is “bright futures for every child, every nation.” They are committed to support and advocate for access to education, equity in educational settings, quality educational content, and the child’s right to education.

They accept applications to be a part of their board of directors. However, I am not qualified to fill this position, it still sounds like a great opportunity. The qualifications for candidates can be found here http://www.acei.org/qualifications-for-candidates-for-the-acei-board-of-directors  

2. International Step by Step Association (www.issa.nl)

This organization connects professionals and organizations working in the field of early childhood development and education. It promotes equal access to quality education and care for all children, especially in the early years of their lives. ISSA advocates policies that ensure that every child regardless of gender, race, religion, nationality or ability has the opportunity to develop to his or her full potential. 

3. International Child Resource Institute (www.icrichild.org)

This organization envisions a world in which all children and families are able to fulfill their greatest potential. They work towards this goal by focusing on: early childhood care and education, children’s rights, empowerment of women’s and girls, maternal and child health, and grassroots community development.

The only employment opportunity they have available is a marketing internship. I am not interested in marketing, but if anyone else is, you can find the details here http://www.icrichild.org/employment/. ICRI also offers volunteer opportunities in the US and abroad. The international opportunities allow you to work hands on with different cultures. That opportunity sounds amazing! For more information check out http://www.icrichild.org/volunteer-opportunities/.