Time Well Spent...

I cannot believe that we are in the final week of this program...we made it! This capstone course has truly solidified my passion for the field of ECE, as well as my personal and career goals. Three main takeaways have resonated with me throughout this course:

1. Early childhood education is so multi-faceted. There are several aspects of this field, all of which sort of present their own issues. Thus, as we approach learning for children, each issue must be catered to from an individualized standpoint. 
2. Teachers. Deserve. More! Through my capstone project, I notarized my understanding that teacher compensation is a huge issue within the field. So much so that it causes other major issues such as teacher retention and lapsed student achievement. 
3. We have more work to do than I thought. Early childhood education is my only career choice, and I now realize that it is up to me and the rest of my colleagues to continue to advocate for the field that we love.

One long term goal that I have is to open my own center someday. This way, I can continue to advocate for the field, all while implementing new ideas that I come across that will hopefully improve the field as a whole. 

To my instructor: Thank you, professor, for deepening my passion for my current efforts and to reach my career goals. You've pushed me to think beyond the magnitude of a problem and find a segmented way of solving it one step at a time. I have enjoyed my time in this course and I will definitely continue my efforts to improve teacher compensation throughout the field.

To my peers: I wish you all the greatest luck in your future endeavors! Please continue to remember we all have been blessed with an opportunity to be a blessing to others...and this degree will solidify that. I appreciate all of your wonderful feedback and encouragement throughout this course. I appreciate you all! CONGRATULATIONS!

International Communities of Practice

UNICEF:
UNICEF currently works in 190 countries to fight for the rights of young children, and assist them to reach their full potential. This organization interests me due to the fact that they cater to children and adolescents, beginning in early childhood. This demonstrates to me that UNICEF honors the importance of early childhood and assisting with the needs of young children to provide them with better opportunities for the future.

Adolescent Development Officer:
Responsible for the development of program initiatives for social change
Masters Degree in a related field, minimum 2 years related job experience

This position interests me due to the development of program attribute. I currently work as a program administrator for my current center, so this position directly aligns with my experience and expertise.

Save the Children:
Save the Children provides resources and support for children in crisis. I chose this organization due to its critical nature and support for children experiencing hardship.

Site Coordinator:
The Site Coordinator oversees all afterschool programs, including homework help and enrichment activities.
2-3 Years related experience

This position interests me due to my experience as an afterschool activity leader. I also am very familiar with the importance of afterschool programs and the positive effects they have on children and families.


UNESCO:
The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) seeks to build a bridge of peace through education, science, and culture. I found this organization interesting because it not only strives for peace, but also quality education for young children.