The Finish Line? Not!

The Finish Line?

In June 2011, I began a journey that I never would have considered several years ago. I enrolled in a Master’s Degree program. For a couple years I had been considering enrolling but, was unsure of degree program I would want to follow. I was very close to enrolling in a Master’s of Social Work program. But, felt my passion for young children was the fuel that gave meaning to my life. One day I was surfing the net and found this online program in Early Childhood Studies. I enrolled that night without even discussing it with my husband.

I have learned so much about myself as a leader, teacher, and lifelong learner.

As a leader in the field of early childhood care and education I have the responsibility to advocate for the well-being of young children in everything I do. I also am tasked with developing the future leaders of the field I am so passionate about. It will take dedicated leadership to improve the quality and standards of care and education within our field. I have a personal role and responsibility to lead others appropriately.

Along with leadership I must teach others how to work with children and families to support growth and development of all children. Understanding how adults learn and being culturally and linguistically responsive will help me become a superb adult educator.

 

I must maintain my early childhood knowledge, skills, and ability to teach adults effectively. As a lifelong learner it is my responsibility to sustain knowledge in best-practices which are developmentally appropriate. Through research we are constantly analyzing how children learn. I must be adaptable and willing to except change, if I am to be an effective leader and educator my must be willing to continuously learn and grow myself. Let us not consider the completion of this program as an end of our journey, but rather the beginning of endless possibilities.

                                                                                 My Goal

In the near future I want to write books, to help the early childhood program staff, offer the best possible care and education to our young children and their families. I would like to become a speaker and travel the country advocating for quality programming for our young children.

 

I Bid Thee Farwell

This journey has been amazing. I am astounded by the knowledge and commitment of the professionals I have encountered throughout my journey. I have learned a great deal from all my colleagues. I hope that we can all stay in touch to support, learn, and grow from each other. You have all made this process an amazing journey, but the adventure is not over we have a long road to go, to accomplish our goals. But we cannot do it alone. Please consider me a person who can walk beside you and support you in your cause. Please keep in touch ttfnjulie@yahoo.com. or Face Book: Julie Pelletier Haffner.

Worthwhile Organizations

Save the Children is an amazing community of practice.  It is dedicated to improving the way children are treated throughout the world. It is focused on taking action to aid children in times of disaster. Save the Children’s mission is to create sustained change in the lives of children.

FHI 360 sounded like an interesting organization to research. I was puzzled for a bit, as I tried to figure out what “FHI” stood for. I finally figured it out and decided I should look further into this organization. I share the same values as Family Health International (FHI). Innovation, mutual respect, passion, accountability, commitment to excellence, and teamwork are all aspects which are very important to me.  I believe those characteristics would make for an outstanding work environment. FHI strives to help people reach their full potential.  I agree with FHI as they believe the key to improving lives is in generating, sharing, and applying knowledge.  FHI seem like an exceptional organization which pair with other organization to ensure success in their mission.

Unicef has always been an organization which interest me.  They participate in so many worthwhile endeavors which positively affect the lives of children.  Unicef is an international organization committed to change the lives of children through educational, health, nutritional, emergency, and protective services.  I especially like their early childhood initiatives.  I can appreciate their belief that children need the best start in their earliest years to be able to grow up healthy.

 

Career opportunity which interest me:

Project Director, Early Childhood Care and Development Program - Mozambique
Location:	Mozambique - Maputo
Division:	International Programs

 

This position sounds like it would be very challenging and rewarding.  I believe this job would put me in the forefront of change in the international scene. I would need to obtain some international studies skills and learn Portuguese. That may take me a while. I believe I would be able to make a difference in the lives of children in Mozambique.  

 

 

References :

FHI 360 (2013) Retrieved from http://www.fhi360.org/about-us/our-360-perspective

Save the Children (2013) About Us, Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6146405/k.C7E9/About_Us.htm

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (2013.). Retrieve from http://www.unicef.org/

Organization for Administrators and A Job I Want

The Association for Early Learning Leaders is an organization which serves child care owners, directors, and administrators. This organization works with administrators as they work toward ensuring quality within their programs.  A membership provides member a great deal of resources to improve practices.  It discusses how successful directors lead their programs.  There are forums, trainings, free webinars, and conferences to network with other administrators.  This would be an excellent way to improve leadership skills.

http://www.naccp.org/

 McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership is another organization which I believe will help administrators within the early childhood field.  The McCormick center is dedicated to building the leadership capacity of the early childhood workforce.  They focus on four areas of development.  They offer professional development to increase the knowledge and competency of early childhood leaders. They also provide evaluations to measure and improve the quality of early learning programs. They conduct research to enhance the knowledge base on key workforce and professional development issues, and public awareness to promote greater understanding of the critical role of early childhood leaders in the provision of quality services for children and families.  

http://cecl.nl.edu/index.htm

The National Woman’s Law Center is an excellent organization which can offer the early childhood professional with wonderful resources. They have published a document entitled A Count for Quality: Child Care Center Directors on Rating and Improvement Systems. This publication would help guide program administrators on their journey to improved child care programs. It describes the role of the director in the process of improving the quality of the child care program.

http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/publications/files/ACountforQualityQRISReport.pdf

The Job Hunt

A job that may be interesting to pursue is the Educational Program Specialist with the Department Of Health And Human Services, at the National Institutes of Health. It sounds like a fascinating, challenging, and meaningful position. I have all the qualification for the position, but I would have to learn a great deal about contracts and funding.

https://my.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/335294500

Community of Practice

 

San Angelo Early Childhood coalition is a group of early childhood professionals working together to improve the local child care practices. We meet as a community of practice to plan professional development events to offer the child care workforce throughout the area.

Texas Early Learning Council (TELC). Is a community of practice which advocates best-practices in early childhood education. We work toward improving Texas standards. The goal of the council Is to improve key aspects of early care and education in Texas. It works to parent outreach and communication as well as staff development.

Council of Professional Recognition is a community of practice to build professionalism with the early childhood field. It is a wonderful entry level credential, which sets early childhood care professionals begin their journey toward furthering their education and advancing within the field.

 

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/334734000

A position I am interested in pursuing is post on USA Jobs. It is a Child Care Program Specialist with the Department of Health and Human Services. It is located in Kansas City, Missouri. It seems like an excellent opportunity to expand my knowledge, skills, and abilities within the early childhood field.   I am currently qualified for the position. However it will provide opportunities to use skills, I do not normally use in my current position. I will need to utilize the research skills we learned in this master’s program.  I believe however, that the position will allow me to be more involved in many facets of the early childhood field.

My Wordle

<a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/6209877/Early_Childhood_Passion"
          title="Wordle: Early Childhood Passion"><img
          src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/6209877/Early_Childhood_Passion"
          alt="Wordle: Early Childhood Passion"
          style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd"></a>

You Have Reached Your Destination

Every journey has a destination. As an avid traveler, the path we take to reach our goal can be scenic or highway. For me, my educational journey has been a scenic trip mixed with farm market roads and superhighways.  This graduate program has felt like a superhighway. I really felt it went by fast. I have learned a great deal from all the stops along the way and have utilized the tools I picked up to make my journey more successful.  This final push toward my destination will create a professional outlook which I have never quite grasped. It will show how dedication and perseverance can make a difference even in the life of a child who is struggling to read, write, and spell. I was that child 40 years ago. I was held back in second and fifth grades because I could not read, spell, or do math. Reaching this goal for me is not just a professional accomplishment but a personal one. I wish my parents were still alive to see me accomplish this remarkable achievement. I know they are both looking down on me with smiles of pride and joy. I am only 8 weeks from proving something to myself and the world who thought I was not college matteral.   

The Journey Continues

What an amazing journey. This journey has been such a wonderful learning opportunity. It could not have been possible without the connections we have made along the way. I have really connected with several classmates, and have an emense respect for each and every one of my collegues I engaged with along this journey. We only have a couple more classes to go and we will have reached our destination and maybe for some the reststop before the Phd. Goodluck ya'all Julie

A Job Well Done

In 2005, I worked as a Training and Curriculum Specialist at an Air Force Base in England. I was guiding the program through the accreditation process. The staff were receptive, engaged and excited about the process.  The staff worked as a cohesive team working in concert with each other like a symphony, playing a Mozart masterpiece.   The process was intensive and time consuming but, the strengths of each member came flowing out to ensure success.  When we finally reached our goal and received word that we achieved accreditation, we had a huge party. The base commander sponsored a party at the Events Center and the entire Base came out to celebrate our success and show their support for the program.   Each member of the staff received a coin from the commander.  Receiving a coin is a tradition, which is passed between the presenter and the receiver via a handshake.  They are given for awards, appreciation, retirement, and any significant event.  Now that the pressure was off the team could adjourn to return to social gatherings. We would all get together to go to concerts, plays, and meals. We took on a more relaxed lifestyle.

In contrast, when the program I am currently at received word of receiving accreditation there was no fanfare, no parties, no gathers, or coins.  The director of the program wrote an article which was published in the base paper. There was no adjourning to speak of; it was just business as usual. How depressing and what a feeling of disappointment.   A lot of work goes into achieving accreditation and there was no visible sign of appreciation for a job well done.

    

Ownership

Last week we took a communication assessment and there were two questions which really made me think.

Do people often interrupt you when you speak?  And do you often feel like people do not listen or hear you?

I have always been frustrated during conversations with people over these very topics.  People often interrupt me while I am speaking, and sense I was raised to listen while people speak, I always stop speaking.

There is a staff member at work who does not maintain the standards of quality which is required to meet the NAEYC accreditation criteria and Air Force regulations.  As a lead teacher she has a responsibility to mentor and model to others, yet she fails to do so.  I have addressed my frustrations with her supervisor and mine, to no avail.  Yet year after year, inspection after inspect we receive “hits” on our inspections due to her lack of compliance.  She is not responsive to my guidance nor my efforts to implement change.

Last week I spoke with my supervisor once again. Instead of just reporting my observations and frustrations to him, I utilized the “I” message technique. I said, “I feel very frustrated when my efforts to improve the quality of care offered to children and strategies to influence change within Ms. X  go unexecuted.” I continued by saying, “I would really appreciate any guidance you could give me to be more affective in my efforts to help Mrs.X be successful as a classroom teacher.”

Asking my boss for guidance put the ownership of the problem on him. When I stated the problem in a positive fashion and stated that my goal was for her to be successful, rather than just wanting her to do the work, he was more willing to listen and help me.  Using “I” messages as well as releasing the ownership of the problem over to him, allowed me to release the stress I had over the situation. Using these methods set the tone for a respectful and reciprocal exchange. These techniques also ensure NVC was practiced.

Another situation I had with Ms.X was when I was going to speak with her about Print Rich Environment.  I requested a colleague of mine, who also works with Ms. X, to sit in on the conversation I was going to have with her, to provide me feedback and possible strategies to improve my communication with her.  

After our meeting, my colleague suggested that I provide note paper and pen to Ms. X and request she takes notes of our conversation.  Then at the end of the conversation, ask Ms. X to explain her understanding of the topics we discussed.  She also suggested I ask her for a timeline in which I would be able to observe the implementation of the skills.  Implementing this strategy again puts the ownership of the situation on Ms. X, as she has explained her understanding and set a timeframe when the change will be observed within the program. This strategy should lessen my frustration because I do not hold the ownership of the conflict.

The Same Outlook

When I completed this week’s homework I found that I am very perceptive about my communication skills.  The two people I asked to help me with this assignment are very different in their feeling toward me. One person I asked is the Assistant Director of the program I work at.  She and I have a cordial relationship and are professional at work but really do not agree on many professional levels. She does not have the passion and professional outlook, as I do. She gossips, and breaks down the team with negative destructive behavior.  

The other person I chose to complete the survey, for me, was a preschool teacher from our program. We work very closely together and she is very receptive to my guidance. She has great passion for the children and families in the program and seeks to make a difference in the lives of children. 

Even though our perspectives are different the outcome of the survey results was very similar. Our scores were only a few points off. I felt this was interesting as even though the assistant director and I have very different viewpoints I treat her very respectfully and sincere.  She finds me annoying because I am nice to her every day, even though I know she doesn’t like me.

I treat everyone with equal respect and attention.  I listen and communicate in a way to connect with everyone in a positive and meaningful way.

Am I Communicating with You?

Do you want to communicate more effectively? There are three ways to can be a successful communicator.  

We must first begin by understanding and appreciating cultural differences. Often times we are set in our ways and want children and families to conform to the ways we think are best, rather than adapting our practices to meet the needs of others. Gonzalez-Mena (2010) describes it well as she relates it to cutting the apron strings. “For many people trained in early care and education, it is easy to see why cultures cut the apron strings and how they raise their children in preparation for this cutting. For those people, it may be hard seeing the other view and they may be extremely resistant to it” (Gonzalez-Mena, 2010, p.37).  Appreciating differences is one key to effective communication.

The second key to communicating more affectively is adapting they way we engage with others based on their cultural needs, how they want to be treated. Once we understand and appreciate the cultural differences between us, we adapt our practices to responsive to the needs of others.

Lastly, understanding the concepts of verbal and nonverbal can aid in effective communication. Much of what we have learned relates to the understanding of cultures and customs of others.  Each class within this degree program has emphasized the importance of understanding the intricacies of cultures. This is impossible to accomplish if we shelter ourselves within the American culture which surrounding us.  Early childhood professional are ethically responsible to seek out opportunities to learning about the world, its cultures, and customs.

To tie these three strategies together to accomplish these goals, we need to listen, learn, and experience the world beyong ourselves.

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

The Big Bang Theory

I recently stumbled onto CBS’s Bug Bang Theory (Prady, 2009). I am not usually one to watch sitcoms but, my daughter was visiting and introduced me to it. I thought it was clever and funny.  For this blog I watched Season 2, episode 13 of The Big Bang Theory -The Friendship Algorithm.

When I watched it without the sound I could see that Sheldon wants to explain an algorithm flow chat to his friends.  His friends seem annoyed by his antics and disinterested in his theory.  While Sheldon is on the phone his friends change some content on the flow chat. Sheldon is annoyed but seems to question the viability of the new perspective. Sheldon is very excited about what he trying to explain.

After watching the same episode with the sound on, I found my interpretation of the silent version was pretty accurate.  However his friends were not changing his flow chart for any other reason but to help him out of a rut he was in while demonstrating his theory.

I am not sure if I have a biased opinion of the show, as the underlying theme of each episode revolved around Sheldon annoying his friends and being needy for their attention and assistance.

An assumption I had about the comparison of verbal and non-verbal viewing of the episode involved my own biases of the program. In many aspects of communication our biases often interfere with the accuracy of the message received.

                                                                

                                                                     Reference

Prady, B. (Producer). (2009). The Big Bang Theory [Television Series]. [With Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley  Cuoco, Simon Helberg, & Kunal Nayyar]. Los Angeles, CA: Central Broadcast System.

The Wisdom of Yoda

Yolanda Thomas has a way of turning my frustrations and negative experiences into a positive life lesson.  She mentors me to respond to negativity in a constructive way, which then turns the situation around in my favor. She has an amazing soul, is a wonderful woman, and great colleague.  Her quiet demeanor is exhibited in every interaction she makes.  Having her in my life has changed the way I interact and communicate with the people around me. She has improved the person I am and I value her support and wisdom. 

Through Yolanda’s guidance I have learned more constructive ways to communicate within our work environment.  Our relationship is symbiotic, as I assist Yolanda with finding resources to utilize and enhance her program, while she is my communication Yoda.

Hope, Goals, and Resource

My hope for all children and families is to feel respected, valued, and welcome in every early childhood programs. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XWg-ZrV3wPk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

  

My goal is to influence change within the early childhood field. I want to educate parents, families, administrators, and teaching staff members about the importance of quality early childhood experiences.  I would like to influence change in the licensing standards for early childhood care programs. Once a month I am going to write an article for the San Angelo Family Magazine. It is a monthly publication geared specifically toward families in the local area. The publication is distributed in doctors’ offices, restaurants, banks, libraries, and many other establishments frequented by families. http://www.sanangelofamilymagazine.com/ watch for my first article in August 2012

I believe we all have a voice, I am hoping to influence as many lives as possible.

So far this program has provided me with a vast amount of perspectives that I would have had without the wisdom and knowledge shared by my fellow classmates. I hope to see you all at graduation. I am already planning my trip to Minneapolis.  Let me know if you are going to be there. Keep in touch. You can always email me at Julie.haffner@goodfellow.af.mil.  I hope I can count on all of you as a resource for future projects and insight. Take care and you can make it.

Supporting cultural and linguistic diversity in early childhood

The Republic of South Korea

한국의 공화국 

한국의 공화국에서 나의 새로운 가족 문화와 친숙해지하기 위해서는 몇 가지 일반적인 관습과 인사말을 배울 것이다.

 나는 문화적으로 반응하게 가족 환영 느낄 수 있도록 할 것 다섯 가지이다 :

1. 나는 큰 아이와 가족에게 교실에서 어슬렁 대는 배너를 보이게 될 것입니다. 그것은 말할 것이다 : 우리반에 오신 것을 환영합니다. 송 응 김과 가족

2. 나는 도서관 영역에 일부 한국어 도서를 추가합니다. 제임스 주 하스 킨 에선하여 국내 길을 카운트 K는 한국 (세계 알파벳)입니다 고요한 아침의 나라 : 한국 문화 그때와 지금은 존 중요시하여 수잔 Crowder 한강으로 서울을 방문하자 비 - BIM 밥! 린다 슈 공원 의한

3. 나는 솔직하게 놀이 공간, 한국 식료품 패키지, 현지 한국어 식당, 한국 신문에서 메뉴에 몇 가지 한국의 전통 옷을 추가할 것입니다.

4. 나는 가족 정책 및 절차를 이해할 수 있도록 한국어로 모든 서류를 번역합니다.

5. 나는 매월 메뉴에 일반적인 한국어 식사를 추가합니다.

환영 환경을 만드는 것은 우리가 그들의 문화를 존중하고 포용하는 가족을 보여줍니다. 우리는 지속적인 대화를 통해 그들의 문화에 대해 배울 수 있도록 가족을 묻는 것은 장기적인 파트너십을위한 길을 불법 체류자.

 The Republic of South Korea

 In order to become familiar with the culture of my new family from the Republic of South Korea I would learn a few common customs and greeting.

Five things I would do to be culturally responsive and make the family feel welcome is:

1. I would make a banner to hang in the classroom to great the child and family. It would say:

Welcome To Our Class.

Song Ja Kim and family

2. I would add some Korean books in the library area.

Count Your Way Through Korea by James Haskins

K Is for Korea (World Alphabets)

Land of Morning Calm: Korean Culture Then and Now by John Stickler

Let's Visit Seoul by Suzanne Crowder Han

Bee-bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park

 

3. I would add some traditional Korean clothes to the pretend play area, Korean grocery packages, a menu from the local Korean restaurant, an a Korean newspaper.

4. I would translate all the forms into Korean to ensure the family could understand policies and procedures.

5. I would add a common Korean meal to the monthly menu.

 Creating a welcoming environment, shows the family that we respect and embrace their culture.  Asking the family to help us learn about their culture through ongoing conversations paves the way for a long term partnership and a genuine relationship.