Deep Thoughts

 

            As I reflect on the amount of information learned, discussed, and shared throughout this course I felt a sense of pride to call myself an early childhood professional. I gained a bit more understanding on my personal role as an early childhood professional in believing I can advocate for children and to desire positive social change is a start. I can recall wanting to multitask and dreaming of not only looking at the many issues impacting the life of a child but finding solutions to each and every issue. However, finding a focus and just brainstorming of ways to impact children of military families resonates with me. As I examined the military community I found that this community is one I desire the most social change because of past experiences. And wanting to see children of military families taken care of and not a part of an overlooked population. I believe a child’s learning and development should never be overlooked or push over. These children are literally our futures and I see teaching them from the start is critical. I became determined to build this community of practice and strive to watch the impact of social change. I also learned I really need to dig deeper into finding more of the history of children of military families and where the change began. All the resources I found, as well as the personal interviews I had with other early childhood professionals working on military installations had difficulty discovering the history. I enjoyed reading several job opportunities set to advocate for children across the globe and said to myself Too Bad I can’t have super powers and clone myself to participate in all these opportunities at one time because in reality I can’t be at 4 places at once. I felt like I needed to be a part of all of the organizations listed because it seems a vast amount of work needs to be done and we are just getting started. I trust and thank my colleagues to continue to advocate for children where one person is unable to. I realize how important my job is as a training and curriculum specialist especially to the people I’m mentoring. Before the start of this degree I only saw myself as a student but now I see myself as a student as well as a leader and mentor. I realize I advocate for children by also influencing the upcoming students/teachers by expressing my passion to provide quality care with children. My long term goal is to continue to express my passion for the field of early childhood to others and hope the program continues from generation to generation.

I would like to take a moment to thank my colleagues and Dr. Darragh for your knowledge, comments, encouragement throughout the course I greatly appreciate everyone’s input and support. Best Wishes to my colleagues for future endeavors in the field. Congratulations Everyone! My email address attached to my blog will remain the same should you wish to contact me I remain open to questions, comments, concerns or building beautiful relationships and networking.

Jdwarren83@gmail.com

International Organizations and Influences (Ms. Jay)

The international organizations that caught my attention are: The United Nation Children’s Fund, The United Nations |Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization and The Academy for Educational Development. The United Nations Children’s Fund has a mission focused on children’s rights across the globe as well as responding to children and families under distress with humanitarian action. As I reviewed some of the sections of the organization I notice an article discussing a mother and two children (under five years of age) from the Ukraine displaced from the countries war fight against Russia.  To read how the mother struggles to pay for her apartment food and diapers for her children sat with me. As a result I found this organization to support her with a toolkit for children which consists of diapers, diaper cream and napkins.  I was thankful the organization provided her with support. I looked into some of the job opportunities under their humanitarian action and found a humanitarian relief station located in New York. I would choose to be a part of this organization by helping out with putting these and other humanitarian kits together. I was unable to pinpoint skills as I imagine having the desire to aid children and families and abide by their mission to fight for children’s rights is a start.

 The United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization caught my attention next as they have several objectives including fostering diversity and “encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty” (United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Who We Are para 1) I found their mission to support peace follows alongside of what I envision early childhood educators instilling in children not just for military families. For example children are guided with opportunities to manage emotional development and result to expressing their feelings through words instead of hitting or kicking. I realized a bit of sadness when children have to learn about peace and war as it seems this topic is unavoidable. I was pleased to see the many different opportunities to join their organization based on the level of education an individual has such as an intern, consultant, general service member, young professional or professional. I would choose to occupy the temporary consultant or consultant team so I could advocate for children and families.

The Academy for Educational Development strives to improve lives of the community and advocate for children by valuing the challenges with human development. I enjoyed reading there vision because like early childhood education they envision communities working to perform tasks at full or high potential. I just imagine communities throughout the world supporting each other in ways that build international relationships, knowledge and partnerships. Like The United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization they too offer consultant, small business and internship job opportunities.   

Links

 United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved fromhttp://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level (Ms. Jay)

I started searching for jobs related to the field of early childhood education and the military child and family community and discovered several organizations that appealed to me. The top three are the Airman and Family Readinesss Program Manager, Child and Youth Program Director and The Military Family Life Consultants.

The first organization is considering being a part of the Airman and Family Readiness Team. According to the USA job site the Airman and Family Readiness program manager will have some of the following duties to include “providing plans for an efficient resource management program and provide maximum support of service delivery…to identify family issues that require exploration, development, and resolutions, determines appropriate methods and resources” (“USA Jobs Search jobs Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager n.d. 2015”) Some of the job opportunities currently available in this profession are located in the state of Illinois and Tennessee. I became very interested in this organization because I’m interested to know how military families are receiving support for their needs and how military members who separate or retire from the military receive supports as well. Some of the skills needed to perform this duty have 3 optional requirements to include one year experience performing previous duties, a degree leading to a PhD and several management, counseling advising and developing newsletters. I had the pleasure of speaking to one of the Airman and Family Program Managers at my current location and she provided guidance as to what her job encompasses but to remember that “each military family has a different need of a support system” (D. Rampolla 2015) and it is her job to provide resources to receive support. I liked the fact her job is flexible and impacts the lives of military families by providing information on different types of support resources. It seems she tries to and leads military members and their families in the right direction and sparked an interest to be a part of the Airman and Family Readiness Team.

The next job of interest includes a child and or youth program director for the military installation. This job description is also found on the same job site as the Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager Position. Some of the skills and experience needed to qualify for this position include a bachelor’s degree in child development, early childhood education, elementary or special education, at least 24 months of experience managing a child or youth facility. Currently these positions are available on military installations located in Germany, United Kingdom, Virginia and Japan. As I spoke to other directors within the child development community across the United States some have held these positions overseas and enjoy the travel, exposure to different cultures and the experience.

 

Lastly the Military Family Life Consultants are licensed Health Professionals The responsibility of the Military Family Life Consultants are providing child and youth behavioral counseling to children of service members located on military installations. They provide a variety of counseling to include, non-medical, training/health and wellness, consultation with parents, child and youth center, school providers as well as behavioral health issues affecting children and youth. Some of the skill requirements: a minimum of a master’s degree in clinical experience as well as a license in professional counseling. I had the pleasure of speaking to the current military and family life consultant on the military installation located in Nevada and she says some background experience with the military culture is highly recommended but not required to hold these positions. Currently jobs are available in Georgia, Virginia, Texas, California, Minnesota and Washington DC and several others across the United States. I became interested in these Military Family Life Consultants or (MFLC)because of their commitment to serve military families and upholding to confidentiality and the determination to meet the needs of the children and family. My first experience with a Military Family Life Consultant happened when I was preparing to enter military service. The Military Family Life Consultant was very helpful in providing me the right tools to succeed as I had text anxiety. Further into my experience as a Training and Curriculum Specialist at the Child Development Center on the military installation I witness the MFLC providing information to child care providers on a particular child diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and strategies on helping young her with behavior. I was amazed at how much her willingness to care for children and encourage military families with separation and employment helped the reputation of the Child Development Program.  

 

Job Links

Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager

https://www.usajobs.gov/Search?Keyword=Airman+and+Family+Readiness+Program+manager&Location=&homeRadStatus=all&search=Search&AutoCompleteSelected=False

Child and Youth Program Director

https://www.usajobs.gov/Search?keyword=Child+and+Youth+Program+Director&Location=&AutoCompleteSelected=&search=Search

 

Military Family Life Consultant Through Magellan Health (Contracts)

http://www.magellanhealth.com/our-solutions/magellan-healthcare/federal-and-military-programs/our-military-program-experience.aspx

https://magellanhealth.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/magellan_health_careers/jobs

ECE Community: State and Local Levels (Ms. Jay)

Majority of child and youth programs set to partner with children of military families are (listed as located in Nevada): Nevada Army National Guard and Reserve, Boys & Girls Club, State of Nevada Education Department, American Legion, and Nevada National Guard Family Programs Office, National 4-H Headquarters

  The Boys and Girls club of America, Youth programs for the state and National Guard, and Nevada Registry. First the Boys and Girls Club of America has a mission “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” (bgca.org) and I’ve seen a majority of celebrates succeed from this program. Providing children opportunity to get involved within the community, a chance to give as well as learn other skills other than academics that can help their play and recreation skills. Many of the jobs offered begin from recreational assistant up to program director. The degree of skills needed to fulfill these rolls varies. I have had the pleasure of working on a military installation as a program assistant first before moving up to a trainer for the child development section. Boys and Girls clubs are often found across the nation however, to apply to these jobs the options are to view them online on their website or apply on a different website for working with children of military families on the military installation. Working as a program assistant for the boys and girls club of America sparks my interest because these are one of the programs that I know local communities support with donations for games, youth sports, equipment, uniforms and community service.

The next local community program I notice in the state of Wyoming where I currently working for military training is the National Guard Youth Programs along with National Guard Youth Challenge. The mission is geared towards “the growing dropout crisis and its impact on our nation's youth, economy and national security. We assist adolescents who drop out of school with the opportunity to improve their life skills, education and employability, creating the next generation skilled workforce in America. Our efforts are directed primarily toward developing, supporting and enhancing the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program.” (www.ngyf.org) You may also get involved as a volunteer. I see this as another interest because I was unaware this program was set to help children continue their education. Currently in Nevada, the state I reside in the school district is rated at the bottom of the top education list because of high school students dropping out. I see this program benefiting the community by encouraging young high school students to stay in school and get an education.

Lastly Operation Military Kids is set to focus on “focuses on those young people whose parents are in National Guard or Reserve units being called up in increasing numbers for extended assignments in support of the global war on terrorism. While these youth do not necessarily relocate, their lives are changed dramatically when a parent suddenly leaves the family through being mobilized or deployed for potentially dangerous assignments.” (https://www.unce.unr.edu) I believe these jobs are volunteer, however I see the importance of contacting their representatives on finding out more information to get involved. I believe the only skill you need to have to volunteer is the desire to help the military community and reaching out to support military families.

 

 Reference Links

http://www.bgca.org/meetourpartners/Pages/MilitaryPartnership.aspx

http://www.ngyf.org/about-the-foundation.html

https://www.unce.unr.edu/counties/churchill/programs/index.asp?ID=74

http://www.operationmilitarykids.org/public/home.aspx

Ms Jay's Test (To reactivate blog)

Good Evening,

This is just a test to reactivate my blog. I welcome leadership and colleagues striving to complete this course with hopes of continuing our education and striving with our fuel of passion for the early childhood field. I wish everyone the best.

Ms. Jay

Adjourning Groups (Flight 520)

 

 

Thinking back on the stages of building a team presented by Abudi, G. (2010) and recalling some of the groups I’ve participated in the most meaningful group that made for the hardest good-bye was graduating from the United States Air Force Basic Training flight: Flight 520

These were the women that began their military career with me, starting within the first stage of forming (transitioning from civilian over the course of 8 weeks)

If you want to see a taste of what I experienced click the link below and watch each week unfold

http://www.airforce.com/joining-the-air-force/basic-military-training/

 and then storming (conflicting with each other, finding our roles) Norming and Performing (working together learning the basic military routine over the course of the weeks plus establishing ourselves as one flight. Then as soon as we “came together” and realized how important the Air Force Core Values meant not only to an individual but as a military branch it was time to pack up all of our belongings and depart. This group was the hardest to leave because over the past 8 weeks of difficult training. Living in one dorm room together, establishing ourselves as a family flight (away from our families with our only contact being writing letters) We pulled through together,  motivated each other, cried and laughed together. I know that each Airmen went their separate ways to continue on to train at other bases within their specific jobs but our overall mission is clear. We built relationships with each other and some Airmen I still keep in touch with. I was able to experience some basic military rituals (that Airmen in the past have also experienced) including my husband and my dad. And when I returned home from basic I was able to share my experience, and listen to my husband and dad share their experiences with me. (Very meaningful) I believe the way that I will adjourn from my colleagues I formed while working on my degree in this program will be sad but alright ( I think because I left and came back and need to form new relationships with my colleagues) I believe adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because learning how to work within different groups provides great knowledge especially as professionals we can reflect, change, and master the ways we effect our working groups. I feel that adjourning is similar to moving through chapters in a storybook reading and learning through (the beginning, the middle, and end)

Reference

 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

Pictures by United States Air Force Basic Training Year Book (August 2013)

And  http://www.airforce.com/

Housing Conflict

I can recall a recent disagreement I discussed with my husband a few weeks ago.  Earlier this year as a family we considered selling our house in North Dakota and moving back to my hometown of Las Vegas NV (a lot warmer and closer to family). We are now in a spacious townhome/complex but the cost of rent and utilities is overwhelming. For about 6 months our family has been searching for a spacious house to buy and invest in. We decided to look at a house about 50 minutes’ drive in a small town outside of Las Vegas. And another house considerably farther than the first, as we looked at the first house it was a 3 bedroom 1 bath house built in 1988 with a good amount of property for a great price. I was not really excited about the house because for a household of 5 I felt the square footage was a little tight. Plus the house needed a lot of landscaping work and we would have to add renovate the house a bit to include another bedroom and bathroom the next house that was farther was built in 2005 was a 4 bedroom 2 bath house the square footage was awesome but didn’t have enough property for what my husband wants to do with the house. I really wanted the house with the 4 bed room 2 bath house and it was nicer and newer. My husband wanted the cheaper house with quite a bit of property. I found out that the newer house already had 4 bids and we would have to really compromise to get the house but the smaller house left more room in the budget to build.

As you can guess it was the house that I liked vs. the house my husband liked. I asked the realtor if she had any more houses we could look at and she said the market is a little dry. My husband got into an argument because he felt I really didn’t like any of the houses we previously looked at (cheaper and needed work!) vs. (higher end of our budget and little to no work)

(Which one would you choose?) Needless to say my husband really didn’t want to talk to me because he felt I was being snobbish. Considering what I’ve been learning in this class the strategy I took to let my husband know I was listening to him and considering his feelings was compromise and the productive conflict. I encouraged us to put an offer on both houses (a leap of faith that we will receive the house right for our family and the right budget) and see which house will accept our offer. I also explained to my husband that if we got the cheaper house with a lot of property the first thing we will do is get with a contractor right away to expand a bedroom to a master bed and bath. (Sharing a bathroom with 5 people is difficult) and the end result of our compromise is that we may be moving into the cheaper house with quite a bit of property. We have not heard anything yet but probably this week.

I decided to side with my husband (and to make him happy) to pick the house that I didn’t really like. I’m trying my best to focus on what I want done to the house (if we get it) and pick out designs. It’s difficult for me to put my wants aside and accept the needs of the other person. I thought to myself “he always does things to make me happy” and it seems I hardly do things that “make him happy” so we will see. I’m hoping for the best. I remember by O'Hair, D., dO'- Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012) that “productive conflict does not necessarily mean a successful resolution of conflict” (O'- Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. 2012 p.221)

Reference

O'- Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.