Final Blog

Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life

~Confucius

Learning at Walden University has been a part of my life for the past 2 years. This journey started in South Africa as a way to maintain my sense of self while living overseas. During my time in South Africa there were many obstacles. Including slow internet, power cuts and time zone differences. My professors and advisor were extremely supportive in helping me solve for the issues related to being an international student.

While at Walden I have learned about the field of early childhood education but most importantly I have learned how I can be a professional in the field and make a difference in the lives of children.

I have learned sharing my experiences and knowledge with others is crucial in helping others in the field. The pioneers in the field were committed in their efforts to improve education for children. They left a legacy for us to follow. I would like to leave that same type of legacy.

Another important learning is learning never ends. Although I have completed my degree, I intend on learning how to make the lives of children better through education for the rest of my life. Because of what I have learned while at Walden, I am able to recognize and have opinions of what quality education looks like.

I am thankful for the Walden professors who invested in my education with their helpful comments on assignments and discussions. I am especially thankful to Dr. Darragh for her guidance with my capstone project. Your experience in the field was an invaluable resource in understanding early childhood education.

Thank you to my colleagues who were a source of personal and professional support. I will miss our weekly discussions. It is truly amazing how people you have not met personally can have such a profound effect on your life.

One goal I have is to become a member of the PEACE center at my church, Saddleback Church. PEACE stands for promote reconciliation, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick and educate the next generation.  The initiative I have begun skills training in is building and starting preschools in Rwanda. I am excited about the next chapter in life and will be able to attribute my education and training at Walden for my successes in Rwanda.

All the best for the future to my professors and colleagues.     

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The international organizations I chose to review for this assignment area: the Military Child Education Coalition, the Council for Exceptional Children and the Association for Childhood Education International.

The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition. MCEC is a non-profit, world-wide organization that performs research, develops resources, conducts professional institutes and conferences and develops and publishes resources. This program was especially interesting to me because my children (although not military) have moved several times in their lives and their education continuity has always been important. This organization has volunteer positions available that include the following opportunities:  Administrative, focus groups, students to provide their input and professionals to write articles, be guest speakers and serve in the advisory capacity.

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective practice. This organization was of special interest to me due to my efforts related to ensuring early childhood professionals are equipped to provide quality education and care for children. An employment opportunity available is the special education specialist. A few responsibilities of this position include: Develop and write administration manuals, resource guides, soring guides, and presentation materials as needed, collaborate with and provide technical assistance to Measured Progress Program Managers, subcontractors, and/or state education agencies regarding the program’s design, planning and implementation. These responsibilities are in line with program administration which is my specialization.

The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) is an organization that promotes the best possible education and development of children. ACEI’s motto is “Bright futures for every child, every nation”. This describes ACEI’s commitment to support and advocate for access to education, equity in educational settings, quality educational content, and the child’s right to education. ACEI is important to learn about due to their members describing themselves as social change agents. Members have involved themselves in critical social issues to ensure children around the world are protected, supported, and educated in ways that allow them to reach their fullest potential. There are summer internships available giving the opportunity to gain work experience in online research and data gathering. Research is crucial to the early childhood field and this opportunity can allow for discovery of evidence to support the work we do.

References

The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) www.acei.org

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) www.cec.sped.org

The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) www.militarychild.org