Time Well Spent

This has been a very long journey in which I have learned so much about the field of Early Childhood Education. When beginning my journey at Walden I had no idea of what to expect but as I began my courses and received the support form the professors I became confident.

In this course I learned exactly what a capstone project was. I learned how to reach back to all the concepts I had learned to develop a project that would be influential on society. I learned that just learning information does not help the field but applying those concepts to make a difference is what is important.

My long term goal in this field is to start my own early childhood development center that focuses on the special needs of children and their families. This center will educate children, support families, and promote diversity inside and outside the classroom.

To my colleagues and instructors, I would first like to say thank you! I have learned so much from each of you. I made it through these course with your support, kind words, and suggestions. I wish you the best as you continue in your journey. I hope that I have also inspired you in your work the same way you have done for me.

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: International

Save the Children-www.savethechildren.org
This organization has always been interesting to me. At my daughter'a school, there is a Save the Children after school program that does great things for the students. The organization'a goal is to invest in childhood and to ensure that children have a healthy start in life. They protect children from harm while investing in their future. They are active around the world.

 Children International www.children.org
This is a non profit organization that gives assistance to children and families living in poverty across the globe. They give children the opportunity to grow healthy, educationally, and preparing them for society. I was impressed by this organization because it helps over 340,000 children.

United Nations children's Fund (UNICEF) www.unicef.org
This is also an organization that fights for children rights across the globe. It is a grassroots organization that influences policy makers. This is what made me interested in it.

Job opportunities:
I did not see many jobs I would like it if I could I would like to work for Save the Children. Requirements would b either to be a licensed teacher or employees with a school district.

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: International

Save the Children- www.savethechildren.org
This organization has always been interesting to me. At my daughter's school there is a Save the Children after-school program that does great things for the children there. The organization's goal is to invest in childhood and to ensure that children have a healthy start in life. They protect children from harm while investing in their future. They are not only active in the United States but all over the world.

Children International-www.children.org
This is a non profit organization that gives assistance to children and families across the globe who are struggling in poverty. They give children the opportunity to grow healthy, educated and prepared for society. This organization appealed to me because of the things they do for over 340,00 children. They use donations from people to reach out to so many children.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) www.unicef.org
This is also an organization that fights for children's rights across the globe. They are a grassroot organization that has great influence on policy makers. This organization appealed to me because they work hand in hand with lawmakers to make a great difference.

Job opportunities:

I would be interested in a job in the Save the Childrne organization. I researchedout that many of their jobs are volunteer. There are some in the united STates

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

At least three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them

• Pacer Center is a nonprofit organization  for parents that provides information, training, and assistance to parents of children and young adults with disabilities. One of is goal is improve the quality of life for children with disabilities and their families. 
• The American College of Pediatricians is a national organization of pediatricians  other healthcare professionals. The college uses research to establish policies in caring for children with disabilities, assist parents, and influence society.
• Autism Speak is the world's leading organization dedicated to researching autism prevention, treatment, and cure for autism. It advocates for children and their families and strives to meet their needs.

Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you

There are many jobs that work directly with children with disabilities:

• Early Intervention Specialist
• Art Therapist
• Educational Audiologists

Skills and experience you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles

• To be an early intervention specialist I would have to have a degree in early intervention alone with a concentration in special education
• To be an art therapist I would have to have a degree in art based on the standards developed by the American Art Association and 1,000 direct clinical hours
• To be an educational audiologists I would have a master's degree in Audiology and 8 years of university training and supervised professional experience.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Three organizations that I find interesting Early Childhood Education Community are First Steps, Mississippi Head Start Association and The Hamilton-White Child Development Center. 

First Step (http://msdh.ms.gov/) is an early intervention program that connects children with developmental delays and other birth defects with the proper community resources such as speech therapist, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and special education teachers. These services are given to families for not cost and can help aid in the success of a child later in life. 

Mississippi Head Start Association (http://www.msheadstart.org/) mission is to provide the state’s children and families with a range of individualized services in the areas of education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition and parent involvement. They also support families, cultures, and diversity in the community. 

The Hamilton-White Child Development Center (http://www.deltastate.edu/) is a early education center located at the local university, Delta State. Their goal is to target the developmental areas of every unique child by organizing classes and activities aimed to reach the learner in every child. 

Job opportunities that interest me:

Early intervention teacher- This position would require a masters in early childhood development alone with certification in special education (degree or 21 hours). I would have to have collaboration and communication skills because it would be imperative to form a bond with parents and other therapists during the early intervention process in order to plan the best education program for the child.

Head Start Director- This is a leadership position that would require a degree in education (21 hour concentration in early childhood or special education), experience in teaching and also some experience in a leadership position. As a leader it would also be important for me to be continually trained on early education trends alone with being able to make decision for what is best for the children and teachers I lead. 

Preschool teacher- I would have to have a degree in early education alone with license for the State of MS (passing of praxis scores). 

References
First Step http://msdh.ms.gov/ 
Mississippi Head Start Association http://www.msheadstart.org/
The Hamilton-White Child Development Center http://www.deltastate.edu/