TIME WELL SPENT!!!

This has been one heck of a journey!!! But I cannot complain one bit. The fact that I'm even here writing this blog is such a blessing. I have climbed many mountains and have walked through many valleys to get here...both spiritually and physically...

As I reflect on what I have learned in this program, my mind becomes flooded with thoughts. I have learned so much! But when I think about what got me through this program, the one thing that comes to mind is "God's power". I could not have done this without Him. From being homeless for to now owning a condo, I cannot dare say that I did this on my own. I was homeless before I started this program and was homeless for about a year into the program. Being in a situation like that while going to school is not easy. But it is possible. On top of that, my father passed in the middle of the program, and he was only 50 years old. It was, and still is, a mind-blowing experience. But everything happens for a reason right? So with that being said, my first deeply felt lesson that I want to share is: always keep the faith! No matter how hard things may seem or how impossible they may look, never give up on your vision, your mission and your dreams! If God brings you to it, He will definitely bring you through it. If He showed something to you, then it must be real...take it from me!

Another lesson is: regardless of differences and specials needs, all children deserve a chance at receiving high quality anti-bias education. Growing up in Detroit, Mi, I was blessed to receive quality education regardless of my surroundings and other physical attributes. This is something that I hold near and dear to my heart. People maybe able to take away material things but no one could ever take away a person's education once they have received it. My daddy taught me that....

Last lesson that I am going to share is: never be afraid to face your imperfections. After all, they make us who we are and we can learn a lot from them. Dr. Teri has to be one of the best professors I've ever I had. At first, I thought she was too hard on me. I have always excelled in school but I struggled in the beginning of our Capstone. She ripped my papers apart and a couple of times I cried (lol). But to receive a perfect score on my Capstone Project brought me great joy. I had to face those papers again to see what I needed to fix. I think I had a minor anxiety attack as I pulled the documents up for review but I did not fant (lol). If I would have let my pride get in the way, I probably would not have learned from my mistakes. I plan to enroll in an MSW program in the Fall and I am pretty sure that I am going to do a lot of writing. But I can honestly say that I am confident in moving forward in my education because of her. Thank you Dr. Teri and thank God for you! 

I have a ton of long-term goals. But to sum them all up, my long term goal is to always be a great example for children, not just on the professional level, but on a personal level as well. These children need someone to look up to on a regular basis. Let's be honest; not all children have a positive role model to follow. I am thankful for my parents but I sometimes wish they could have been better examples for me. However, if they would not have been, then I do not think my passion would be as strong for children as it is now. It runs really deep for me; and I believe a lot of that comes from my childhood experiences. A lot of times we do not understand why things happen the way they do, but we just have to trust that God knows what He is doing and He does not make any mistakes.

With that being said, to my classmates, thank you thank you thank you for your encouragement, feedback and critiques. They are much appreciated and they have helped me a great deal. Dr. Teri, thanks again for being such a wonderful professor. You have helped me become a better student and a better writer. Val and Jo...get ready for we have a mission to complete!!! Everyone else, I will see you at the top! It does not stop here! Love you all, God bless and keep up the good work!!! We made it!!! Hallelujah...

Brandee Pierce

email: bpierce6383@gmail.com, brandee.pierce@waldenu.edu

Facebook: Brandee Katrice Pierce-TheArtist...Everyone please add me!!!!!

For those who want my phone number, feel free to email me and/or Facebook me!!! Yay!!! :-) 

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

I came across three international organizations that work for positive social change for children and families: All God's Children International, Child Fund International, and International Child Art Foundation.

"All God’s Children International is a licensed, nonprofit child-centered ministry, answering God’s call to serve through adoption, orphan care and missions" (All God's Children International [AGCI], 2013 p.1). AGCI's vision consists of giving hope and facilitating change for children around the world. The organization seeks to provide a better life for children within their family of origin, country of birth, or with a forever family through adoption. It aims to achieve the vision by creating a culture of communication, honesty, ethics, compassion and commitment (AGCI, 2013). AGCI does not have any job openings at this time. But one can apply to go on missions trips. I chose this organization because I believe it would be a good resource to have as I am working toward opening a Christian-based school. Who knows? I may be able to sponsor children overseas and they can become students at my school. The possibilities are endless.

Child Fund International's mission is to help deprived, excluded and vulnerable children living in poverty to have the capacity of become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting and positive change to their communities (Child Fund International [CFI], 2013). The organization also promotes societies whose individuals and institutions participate in valuing, protecting, and advancing the worth and the rights of children (CFI, 2013). I chose this organization for reasons similar to picking AGCI. In addition to that, I definitely want to help children living in poverty to grow into successful adults who give back to their communities. CFI has some job openings that are very appealing to me.

One is a National Director in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Those who apply must have a college degree or above in community development/social science or relevant discipline. Applicants must have 5-7 years experience in managing development programs at a senior management position. Prospects must also have experience in emergency programs, and/or community development. CFI prefers that applicants have experience in managing large institutional grants (CFI, 2013). Prospects must have a proven track record of strong management skills with complex programs and a large number of staff. Applicants also must be experienced in child focused programming (CFI, 2013).

Another opening is in Pasig City, Philippines and it is for a Technical Specialist (Education). Applicants must have 5+ years technical experience in program design, implementation, management and evaluation of development programs (CFI, 2013). Prospects must have demonstrated strong technical expertise in all or any of the following areas: Early Childhood Care and Development, Child-Friendly School Systems, K-12, Reading Recovery Programs and Alternative Learning Systems CFI, 2013). Applicants must have above-average technical writing and proposal development skills, preferably with extensive knowledge of the donor environment in the Philippines and Asia. A writing sample will be required for prospects being seriously considered (CFI, 2013). I didn't see any education requirements, which was very shocking to me.

The third one I found is in Los Angeles, CA as a Regional Philanthropy Officer. Candidates must have a B.A. in Marketing, Public Relations or related discipline or equivalent relevant experience (CFI, 2013). Applicants must also have ten years of successful experience in major gift fundraising or development, preferably with an international or development organization (CFI, 2013). Prospects must be highly energetic professionals with excellent interpersonal skills and a track record of building donor relationships and closing gifts. Significant domestic, and some international travel is also required (CFI, 2013).

In conclusion, there is the International Child Art Foundation. "The International Child Art Foundation has served as the leading art and creativity organization for American children and their international counterparts since 1997" (International Child Art Foundation [ICAF], 2013, p.1). The organization's mission is to enhance academic performance and imbue global citizenship by nurturing children’s creativity and developing their empathy through the power of the arts. Its vision is to develop creative and empathic 21st century learners and leaders for a better future for all (ICAF, 2013). I chose this organization because not only am I working to open a Christian-based school, but I want it to be a creative arts school as well. Therefore, I believe that this organization would be a good resource to have as I develop the school and even afterwards. I believe all of these organizations are good resources to have for all early childhood professionals. I'm glad I found them.


References:

All God's Children International. 2013. About Us, Careers, Missions. Retrieved from http://www.allgodschildren.org/

Child Fund International. 2013. About Us. Retrieved from http://www.childfund.org/

International Child Art Foundation. 2013. Home. Retrieved from http://www.icaf.org/

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

Three National Organizations I have chosen:

National Association of Elementary School Principals
"The mission of NAESP is to lead in the advocacy and support for elementary- and middle-level
principals and other education leaders in their commitment to all children" (National Association of Elementary School Principals [NAESP], 2013, p. 2).

I chose this one because I will be the CEO/principal of my own school one day. It would be a good idea to have access to a support group that consists of other principals as well.

National Child Care Association 
This association is helping to preserve a parent's right to choose the quality of a licensed, center based provider of early education and care. "The Mission of National Child Care Association is to promote the growth and safeguard the interest of quality early childhood care and education focusing on licensed, private providers of these services" (National Child Care Association [NCCA], n.d., p.2).

I chose this one because I believe that parents should always have a right to choose quality child care and education for their children.

Social Media Community (Of Practice)
Social Media Community of Practice identifies opportunities and challenges to improve government use of social data, and collectively address them for the shared benefit of all agencies. They support the creation of online communities that provide opportunities for citizens to collaborate, participate, and engage with their government (Howto.gov, 2012).

I chose this one because it was very interesting to me. But one thing that is unique about this CoP is that you have to work for the government (and have a government email address) in order to join it. I have been considering working for the government lately. I have taken an interest in other position in the education field as well...

Three job positions that interest me:

Deputy Superintendent (Buffalo, NY)
Candidates must have a Master’s degree and a NY State School District Administrator (SDA) or School District Leader (SDL) certificate by the time of appointment. A Doctorate Degree is preferred. Candidates must have 8 yrs. of supervisory experience. In addition to that, candidates with successful administrative experience in an urban school district with a large racially and economically diverse population are preferred (NAESP, 2013).

CEO: The Ewing Marion Kauffman School (Kansas City, MO)
Requirements: 3+ years in a school leadership role (or equivalent experience); Minimum of 2 yrs. teaching experience, preferably in a “whatever it takes” or “no excuses” school environment (or equivalent experience); and Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred (NAESP, 2013).

Elementary School Principal: New Horizons Charter Academy (North Hollywood, CA)
Requested and Desired Experience: At least 5 years of successful full-time educational/administrative experience in a K-12 program; A familiarity of working with students with special needs; A minimum of one year experience in a school based administrative position; Bilingual- Spanish and English. Candidate must also have a Master's Degree (NAESP, 2013).

I can see myself working in these positions although I may need more work experience and training. But it is good to have an idea of what is out there so that I can know what to push for in the near future. We're almost done!!! *Hallelujah*


References:

Howto.gov. (2012). Social Media Community. Retrieved from http://www.howto.gov/communities/federal-web-managers-council/social-media

National Association of Elementary School Principals. (2013). Leading Early Childhood Learning Communities. Home. Members. Retrieved from https://www.naesp.org

National Child Care Association. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved from http://www.nccanet.org/index.cfm

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

I chose to my research in California. I came across an article titled "California Collaborates in State and National Efforts: Communities of Practice for Transition". "Children with disabilities and their parents face many important transitional junctures in their lives. The first formal transition is the one that parents navigate when their child turns three years old and the teachers, therapists, and supporting organizations all change" (The Special Edge, 2008). With that being said, the state of California wants to aid in that transition and make it as smooth as possible. There are many communities of practice that are involved with the improvement of the transition. The three I chose to research were: California Department of Education (www.cde.ca.gov), California Department of Rehabilitation (www.dor.ca.gov) and California Association of Family Empowerment Centers (http://cafec.org). I chose these three because of their mission statements. I truly believe that their missions and purposes tie in with what California is trying to do.

The mission of the California Department of Education is to "provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood" (CDE, n.d.). The Department of Education serves the state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, they prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a highly connected world (CDE, n.d.). "California Department of Rehabilitation works in partnership with consumers and other stakeholders to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities (Department of Rehabilitation [DOR], 2013). The California Association of Family Empowerment Centers works to provide information, resources, technical assistance, and systems change advocacy to a statewide network of local Family Empowerment Centers (FECs) who provide family education, support, empowerment, advocacy, and parent-professional collaborative activities to families of children with disabilities ages 3-22 years old (California Association of Family Empowerment Centers [CAFEC], n.d.).


I came across a position called an Educational Fiscal Service Consultant. The requirements are as follows; knowledge of school administration practices, school district business practices, financial management, and staffing; principles of governmental fund accounting, education program cost accounting, interim financial status reports and year-end expenditure reports; public school law and finance; automated financial management systems and software applications; and general knowledge of other areas of operations. Applicants must have the ability to interpret data, solve administrative and fiscal problems, and speak and write effectively. They must also be able to establish and maintain cooperative relations with local, state, and federal officials (CDE, n.d.).

Another position I came across is an Educational Programs Consultant. Those interested in this position Retmust have experience in Education Technology. The possession of a Teacher Librarian credential is desired, but not required. But applicants must have excellent writing and presentation skills. In addition to that. they must have experience in the process of instructional materials adoptions (CDE, n.d.).

The third position I came across a position called a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. The requirements include either a Masters or Doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field. A person may possess an active certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Also, students in the last academic year of their Masters or Doctoral program in this field (or closely related field) may also apply (DOR, 2013). I just told a few friends that I plan to get my Ph.D in some kind of counseling. But I am thinking of getting my certification in it first along with my teaching certification. I have been thinking about moving to California so I could see myself working in a position like this, and all of these positions for that matter. I may need additional education and training, but I am sure the extra effort would be worth it!


References:
California Association of Family Empowerment Centers (n.d.). Home, About us. Retrieved from http://cafec.org/about

California Department of Education (n.d.). Home, Jobs at CDE. Retrieved from http://www.cde.ca.gov/

Department of Rehabilitation (2013). Home, DOR Employment Information. Retrieved from http://www.dor.ca.gov/

The Special Edge (2008). California Collaborates in State and National Efforts: Communities of Practice for Transition. Retrieved from http://www.calstat.org/publications/article_detail.php?a_id=104&nl_id=14

Thank you...

I would like to thank all of my colleagues for accepting me and making this class very interesting. I attempted to take a communication class in my undergrad...let's just say that this class was a lot better. I learned a lot from all of you. Some of you I have had classes with before, such as Arica and Greg. Thank you both for accepting me as your colleague once again. I hope to see all of you in my future courses. Please feel free to email me at: bpierce6383@gmail.com if you wish to give me your contact information. Or you can give me your email and I will send you my information. We're all on this journey together so we must stick together!

Special thanks to Dr. Walker for being an awesome professor. Thank you for your insights and allowing us to express our own. I gained much knowledge on a lot of things while taking this course. May Yahweh bless you all! See you at the top!

The Fifth Stage of Team Development

Adjourning (as well as the other stages) is a very essential stage in team development. It's like the conclusion to a research paper. I believe it brings “everything together”: ties up most (if not all) of the loose ends. When I think about the groups I have been a part of in my lifetime, the ones I liked the most were those that had the best “endings”. We were one on accord with what we were trying to do; we had the same vision. By the time the meetings came to an end, it was already established that we were on the same page. And that felt really good.

I would say that the high-performing groups and those with the clearest established norms were the hardest to leave. When I think about the groups that may have had both of these “qualities”, I think about my church choir and band. We had the same vision in mind: to win souls. Music is a tool to bring people on one accord anyway so I believe that played a huge part in our unity. We would always pray before and after practice. So even if we did veer off and lose focus, I believe the prayer put us back on track. 

I imagine that the adjourning from my colleagues will be somewhat similar to the adjourning from the choir/band. Although I may not communicate with some of them outside of this program, I believe that we all have the same vision in mind. We all have a passion for children (at least I hope we all do). We all want to make a difference. We all want to make a change in society. With that being said, I will always feel connected to my colleagues for these reasons. I will always know in my heart that we are serving our purpose. I do not believe we would be in this degree program if we were planning to do otherwise.

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html

Nonviolent Communication is the Key!

I just started a new job working in sales. I like the job a lot; there is so much to learn about selling home security systems. I had my training about three weeks ago and it was pretty intense. There was a lady in the class who apparently had more sales experience than me. We had to do a "role play" and needless to say, I still needed more training (lol). But everyone in the class made mistakes when they did the role playing. So it was no big deal...so I thought.

After I was done, my trainer asked did anyone have any feedback on how I did. The lady with all the "sales experience" had something to say, which was not applicable to what I had done. I am not going to lie, at first, I was offended. "Who are you telling me anything? You are in this training class just like I am". But instead, I "stopped, looked (at her), and listened to what she had to say. And I am so glad I did because that could have turned into a mess! Nonviolent communication is always the best way to go when trying to resolve a conflict. So, I took a deep breath and told her what was really true and my trainer backed me on what I said. He turned around and came down on me but he can do those things...HE'S THE TRAINER! And what he said was right. So I took the correction for what it was.

With that being said, the "stop, look and listen" strategy was something that I was reminded of this week. But learned it more in depth. And I believe that the "stop" part is the most important part: "Stop. Take time to prepare. Take a time out. Count to 10. Take a deep breath. Remember, 'everything starts by stopping'". This is so true; and working through this conflict proved it. 

Another strategy I learned is called "alternative dispute resolution" or "ADR". ADR refers to any process or collection of processes established to resolve disputes without trial or violence. As I mentioned in my application assignment, there is no set way to resolve conflicts in a nonviolent way. But there are many ways to resolve conflicts peacefully. I believe that was proven true working through this conflict as well. What do you all think? Feel free to give feedback. Thanks in advance!

http://www.acrnet.org/Page.aspx?id=691

http://www.thirdside.org/SKILLS_01.cfm