Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

 

 

The three organizations or communities of practice that appealed were the United Nation's Children Fund, Save the Children, and United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations. These organizations and communities of practice were appealing to me because they are all representations of things that I believe in. I agree with the missions of these organizations and communities of practice. The world is a better place because organizations like these exist.

 

 

The United Nation's Children Fund is appealing to me because it protects the rights of children and helps to give them a good start in life. These are both things that are so important in the lives of children. This organization is one that I would be proud to be a part of. Save the Children is appealing to me because it offers the opportunity for people to give back. I think that it is extremely important for people to help improve the lives of children. This organization and many others help improve the lives of children all over the world. The United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization is appealing because it is responsible for attaining a quality education for people. This is something that we should all inspire to do. I am thankful that organizations like these exist in order to improve the lives of others.

 

 

I would like to be a representative for UNICEF here in the United States. I would need twelve to thirteen years of experience in the field. I would need to speak English fluently. I would also need to be able to build strategic partnerships and alliances with other nations. I would like to work with Save the Children in a U.S. filed based position. I think that this would be an ideal job because it would give ,e the opportunity to help improve early childhood programs for children and families in the United States. I would need to be able to work well with others and be knowledgeable about the early childhood field. I would like to be employed with the United Nations education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization in the education sector of the organization because this would give the opportunity to improve the education of people around the world. Education is the key to success, and I would love to ensure that all people have access to a high quality education. A job with this organization would give me the opportunity to be able to do so. I would need to be knowledgeable about the education system, have good communication skills, and be capable of working with others.

 



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

The three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that I have chosen are the National Autism Society, the United Nations, and the Children's Defense Fund. I have chosen these three organizations because they all mean something to me. I chose the National Autism Society because this organization has helped me learn valuable information about autism that has helped in caring for my son. I chose the United Nations because this organization has played a major role in helping to bring attention to very important issues all across the world. I feel that when countries work together to get things accomplished, we can achieve greatness. Lastly, I chose the Children's Defense Fund because this organization has brought attention to many of the issues that our children are faced with. Our children are our future, and we all need to make sure that we do everything ion our power to protect and support them.

The job opportunities that interest me are the director of programs for the National Autism Society, the humanitarian affairs officer for the United nations, and the director of major gifts and planned giving for the Children's Defense Fund. I am interested in the director of programs position with the National Autism Society because I would love to create and be the administrator of programs that will help families like my own overcome some of the struggles that autism presents.

I am interested in this position because I know what families dealing with autism are going through. I think that I would be able to assist because I bring knowledge and passion about this particular topic. I know that this position requires someone who is understanding, caring, knowledgeable, and who is willing to work with families. I am interested in the position of a humanitarian affairs officer with the United Nations because I have always been a person who loves people and wants the best for people. There are so many issues that we are all faced with all over the world. I feel that this position would give me the opportunity to help people which is something that I've wanted to do since I was a little girl. A position wit the United Nations would afford me with the opportunity to be able to help people all over the world. I realize that I would have to be able to work well with others, be a hard worker, be able to communicate well with others, be willing to learn other languages, be able to accept constructive criticism, and work diligently to complete tasks in a timely manner. Finally, I think that a position with the Children's Defense Fund as the director of major gifts and planned giving would give me the opportunity to help children all over the world by getting people to donate to such an important cause. I realize that this job may be very challenging because I always say that I don't like begging people for anything. I am willing to beg if it means that I will be able to help children. This is also a topic that I am passionate about. Therefore, I feel like I will be successful.

Reflecting on Learning

 

My most passionate hope for my future as an early childhood professional is to create an environment in which children and families feel safe and know that it is okay to discuss differences. Also, I have the desire to be an advocate for children and families living with varying abilities. My son's diagnosis of autism has taught me that it can be very difficult to get proper services, especially when you are aware of what proper services are. It is important for children with varying abilities to get early intervention, but many families do not know exactly how to do this. I have had to be an advocate for my son, and I feel that my work is preparing to be an advocate for other children and families. All children need and deserve a high quality education. I want to ensure that they get one.

 

 

I want to take a brief moment to thank all of you, my colleagues and Dr. Pickens. I am truly grateful for the discussions that we have had throughout this course. I have had a very difficult time in my personal life. I was at the point of giving up. However, it is because of all of you that I did not. I wish you all nothing but success throughout your professional and personal journeys! Like Julie Olsen-Edwards said in the media segment, "Children are waiting on us!"

 

 

Resources

 

Laureate Education Inc., (2011). Strategies for working with Diverse Children (Course Media). "Your Commitment to Anti-Bias Work". Baltimore, MD

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

It saddened me to read about the sexualization of early childhood. However, it didn't surprise me at all. We live in a very different world. It seems like the more women show, the sexier society views them. Most celebrities are seen half naked. Therefore, people are trying to look like the celebrities. Parents don't realize that their children are observing everything that they do. Parents are the first teachers. It is sad that children today have to grow up in a world in which everything is so sexualized. It's like they are being exposed to all of the wrong things, and this is forcing them to grow up way too quickly.

One example of young children being exposed to a highly sexualized environment is the television show Toddlers and Tiaras. I used to watch this show frequently because I could not just believe that parents could actually append so much money on pageants. I was amazed at just how much some of them would spend on those pageants. Eventually, I stopped watching the show because I became disgusted with how grown up the little girls looked. Some of the girls wore clothing that was way too revealing, and the moms stood in the audience cheering their daughters on. Many of the girls wore fake lashes and hair and had tons of makeup caked on their faces. I just felt that they were being forced to be adults before it was time. It's almost like they were being robbed of their childhood. I could no longer continue to watch such nonsense.

Another example of children being exposed to highly sexualized environments is the videos that I see on television. My daughter absolutely loves music. She is only two years old, but she is wise beyond her years. All day long she says, "I wanna dance, Mommy!" I don't mind allowing her the opportunity to express herself through dance because it is something that she enjoys doing. However, I am very cautious when it comes to what I allow her to watch and listen to. Some of the entertainers and singers are just ridiculous. I realize that sex sells and most of them are just trying to make money by any means necessary. That's why I have to be mindful of the things that I let my children hear and see.

The final example of children being exposed to a highly sexualized environment is the lack of positive examples from parents. many parents aren't setting positive examples for their children. They are dressing provocatively and using vulgar language in front of their children. I know that I have to be mindful of the things that I say and do around my children, especially my daughter. Children are like sponges. They are constantly soaking up everything that is going on in their environments.

 

All of these example could have a negative impact on gender identity because they could give the wrong idea about what it is to be a boy or girl. Therefore, adults have to make a conscious effort to set positive examples for our young children. If not, it easy for children to get the wrong ideas about gender identity. Early childhood professionals have to take a proactive approach when it comes to tackling these issues. first, it is important for early childhood professionals to talk to parents and families to get a better understanding about their views in regards to these issues. Once this happens, the ECE professional will gain a better understanding of just how to approach these issues. I think that one of the best things that can happen if for adults to address these issues with children so that they are not confused or misguided.

References

Levin, D. E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). [Introduction]. So sexy so soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp. 1-8). New York: Ballantine Books. Retrieved from: http://dianeelevin.com/sosexysosoon/introduction.pdf

 

 

 

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

 

 

The ism that I have chosen is ableism. I chose this particular ism because although I am not directly affected by it, I have to deal with it because of my son who has autism. I often deal with stares and whispers. People often automatically assume that my son is an unruly child who is totally out of control. I think they do that because he looks like a typical child. Therefore, you wouldn't know that he had autism just by looking at him. I often say that this is something that is a blessing and a curse. He doesn't have to deal with people being cruel just by looking at him. However, he doesn't get the sympathy that others with physical disabilities may get. Either way, every day is a new adventure. It's one of the most difficult things that I've had to endure.

 

Because I have not yet embarked on my journey as an early childhood professional, it's hard to say exactly what things I may have to deal with from children and families when it comes to ableism. I would hope that they are understanding and accepting. Dealing with my son's varying ability has caused me to be much more sympathetic to those individuals living with varying abilities. I understand that every day can be a struggle. Therefore, I think that my personal experiences will give me the opportunity to relate to children and families with varying abilities. I definitely hope that this is something that will be embraced by children and families. One of the challenges that I may face having experienced ableism is that children and families will think that I will treat those children with varying abilities differently. I will have to assure children and families that I am there to serve all of them equally. There are simply certain accommodations and needs that children with varying abilities may have that others will not have.