Time Well Spent

I can't believe that the end of my masters program is here. This is a bitter sweet time. As excited as I am to be done I will really miss so many things about the program. Working with colleagues, discussing important ECE issues and researching past information.

Although there were many great things I learned from my program my top three are:

1. The importance of diversity and the role it plays in early childhood education.

2. The importance of working with colleagues and understanding that the different perspectives on one issue are what aides in social change.

3. Strive to understand, know and do better in our field. I have learned the importance of keeping track of what is happening in out industry and learning of new research that is coming out all the time.

As I leave this program and continue on I have one long term goal that I hope for myself and my colleagues. I hope that we remember the passion we feel now, the compassion for families, the urgency to fix the issues in our field and the understanding that we can't do it alone. I hope to use my degree in this capacity working for an agency that advocates for children and their education.

To my colleagues: I wish you all the best. I am proud to have worked with you the past few years and look forward to collaborating with you all in the near future. I know we will all make strides in our field, advocate for children and continue to do great things on the behalf of those little people.

To my instructors: Thank you for a great inspiring, educational supportive journey. I'm not sure if you know but before attending Walden I began a masters program at a traditional college. Although I attended classes at the University, I never felt as strong as a connection to the field of ECE nor the subjects presented as I have at Walden. For all you have taught me, encouraged me to do, supported me in writing and discussing I thank you!

I would love to keep in contact with everyone. Feel free to email me at shaylajwb@gmail.com

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

This weeks assignment is to list three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to me.

1. Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI): www.acei.org - The mission of ACEI is to promote and support the optimal education and development of children worldwide, and to influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society. It seems that the ACEI does great advocacy work for children. However, I was unable to find open positions with the organization.

2. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Division for Early Childhood (DEC): www.dec-sped.org - The Division for Early Childhood promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities. DEC seems to do a great job in mainly offering fact based information to support families. That is a major area that seems to lack assistance from professionals. The division for EC has a post doctoral position available, but no other jobs were listed.

3. World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP): www.omep.org - OMEP is an international, non-governmental and non-profit organisation concerned with all aspects of early childhood education and care. OMEP promotes and studies ECE. In addition, the organization encourages training and family education. No job opportunities were currently available.