Time Well Spent

When I began my graduate journey, I was uncertain as to how I would best utilize the knowledge I would gain and how I could make these gains work for me.  Now, I realize that there is nothing standing in my way except me.  The coursework I have completed has opened doors, initiated conversations and relationships, brought new issues to life, and opened my eyes to the many facets of the field beyond care and educational environments.

I have learned to view issues from all sides and carefully consider the consequences of decisions.  I have learned that both my words and actions can speak volumes, and that the silence of others can be just as loud.  I have found the avenues down which I would like to travel, and those that are meant for others.  Most importantly; however, I have learned that we all need to take a look at the map sometimes even if we think we know where we are going, and that taking a detour might actually cause a destination to be reached sooner.

As I am happy to have accomplished yet another of my life goals, I know that this means that it is time to create a new list of goals.  Reflecting upon my past, working through my present, and envisioning my future is a valued side effect of learning.  At this juncture, I hope to effectively make a change to the programming and curriculum offered to our youngest learners so that they may find their journey through life an enjoyable one.  One where they are comfortable in their own skins, feel safe and secure enough to be themselves, and have the freedom to follow their dreams. 

We all have big dreams, and it has been my pleasure to work alongside others who share my passion for improvement.  I can only hope that there are many more like us out there to help us along after we complete our time here at Walden.  I know that some of the relationships that we have built will last, but others will fade as we head off down our paths. 

I will be forever thankful for the kindness and respect I was shown throughout my program and will remember many contributions as I continue on in the field.  The instructors here were incredibly supportive and constructively critical when duty called.  My fellow students have taught me so much in the classroom as well as through social media groups.  I hope to retain my connections as I move forward, knowing how beneficial these relationships can be for positive progression.

I leave you with a fond farewell.  Go out and live your dreams!  Stay focused.  Don’t be afraid.  You hard work will not go unnoticed!  

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Looking beyond my town, my state, and even my nation, I have begun to  explore opportunities that may exist for me within internationally recognized organizations in the field of early childhood care and education.  Working for a globally active group does not necessarily mean that a move is in my future.  It does; however, signify my exposure to the influence of cultures, languages, and norms that may be outside of my comfort zone.  The possibility of this work intrigues me and I took great pleasure in learning more about work being done across the globe.

The first organization that I had the pleasure of researching was The International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education (IASWECE).  The collaborative efforts of this group work to deepen and enrich early childhood experiences, provide resources, support training, and foster the implementation of Waldorf style environments.  Dr. Helmut von Kuegelgen, founder of the Association, wrote in the Preamble to the Statutes, “In our Association, all who serve the education of children, the training of educators, the cooperation with parents, and the development of human culture at large -  spiritually, legally and economically, work together…  The fruitfulness of worldwide cooperation beyond all limits of language, politics and religion is a tried and tested experience” (IASWECE, n.d.).  Anyone is welcome to apply for membership with the organization and they operate with a Council, a Coordinating Group, and a Board.  Task Force Groups, Committees, and Working Groups may be assigned to tackle hot button issues in particular areas.  They offer several trainings throughout the year, and through voluntary membership and participation in the group one can be asked to serve on committees, or become elected to a leadership position. 

The second organization I researched was the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).  Their mission “is to promote and support the optimal education, development, and well-being of children worldwide” and they can do so under the consultative status they maintain with the United Nations (ACEI, n.d.).  While this is another group where most officers and leaders begin as volunteers and/or members, it offers several other opportunities for early childhood professionals, including training opportunities from CCEI (ChildCare Education Institute) and insurance reductions. 

Thirdly, I discovered ICF International.  The Early Education Services department of this international staffing agency was founded to tackle the enhancement of early childhood services in India, but has now expanded to linking employers in the field across the globe.  Through their career services search, I was able to explore several opportunities.  One that stuck out was Infant/Toddler Specialist for Region V, which includes the upper Midwest states of IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI.  This position involves coordinating the improvement and expansion of services at all levels, by identifying practices and approaches across a broad spectrum and then facilitating partnerships between agencies and organizations.  I would need to continue on with my work in the field for a few more years to qualify for this position, along with becoming familiar with perspectives of Tribal communities and International influences to practice improvement.  While ICF works with a great number of fields and regions, it is another great tool for broadening my horizons.

Finally, by revisiting the World Forum Foundation, where I initially established international contacts for this degree program, I followed a link to OMEP-USA (World Organization for Early Childhood Education).  This organization encourages the training of personnel and families regarding early childhood issues and also promotes study and research in the field.  OMEP is currently established in 60 countries, but the American office just held its 67^th World Assembly and International Conference in Washington D.C.  which was a great opportunity for members to meet like-minded individuals. 

While I did not come across any specific job opportunities, I will continue to research within these groups.  I feel that by expanding my professional circle I will be able to make the essential contacts for seeking employment.  Again, the idea of international work is quite intriguing and I plan to include it as a goal for the future. 

References

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).  (n.d.). Retrieved from http://acei.org/

International Association for Steiner/Waldorf Early Childhood Education (IASWECE). (n.d.).  Our Goals and Ideals.  Retrieved from http://www.iaswece.org/about_us/our_goals/index.aspx

World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP).  (n.d.).  Retrieved from http://www.omep-usa.org/