March 1, 2014

Time Well Spent

One hundred years from now it will not matter 

What kind of house I lived in, How much money I had, Nor what my clothes were like.

But the world may be a little better

Because I was important in the life of a Child (author unknown)

Obtaining my M.S. in Early Childhood Studies has brought about many positive changes. Personally, I know more about myself as a human, parent, friend and teacher. Issues that may have interested me in the past, now create a burning passion within to be a leader that facilitates in creating positive changes concerning the well-being of young children and high-quality early learning centers for all.

As my journey to obtain a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Studies comes to an end, I am thankful for the strong support I received from my fellow classmates and instructors. Throughout the journey, whenever I needed help with ideas or academic struggles it was my classmates and instructors that helped inspire me and encourage me to look at issues in ways I may never have done. The interactions I received were uplifting and made me feel connected to a group of professionals that shared many of my dreams and goals for young children around the world. It was exciting to learn about places other classmates lived and realize that in many ways we all share the same struggles and want to improve early childhood education for everyone.

To my classmates, I wish you all the best as you leave this chapter of your life and soon begin a new one. One that entitles you to make a difference, create changes and lead others. The children of this world need all of us to be their voice and help make it a better place to live, grow, and learn for everyone. We have made that commitment and I look forward to learning about what all we have accomplished over the next few years.

To my instructors who are passionate about their jobs and truly believe in what they do- Thank-you!!!! Many of my classes had instructors that seemed not only like the "teacher", but also like a friend. This type of relationship made it enjoyable and kept me motivated and pushing onward. Dr. Teri- your style of teaching is what I consider an "art". You hold high-expectations and yet make yourself available on a personable level to help each and every student meet those expectations and beyond. I can only hope to carry forth your style and methods as I move ahead in my career.

My contact information is- Donna DiMillio-tutugardenmail@yahoo.com (www.tutugarden.com). Please stay in touch. I would love to hear about projects involving early childhood that any of you may become involved with. New ideas and funny quotes always make my day too!!!! 

Good Luck & God Bless You All,

Donna

February 15, 2014

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

* Department of Defense-http://dod.usajobs.gov

Job Title-Child and Youth Program Assistant (Entry Level 2, Skill Level 3, & Target Level 4)

Department: Department of the Army

Location: South Korea, Germany, China, Japan

Experience and Skills Needed: Bachelors or Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Education (K-3). Experience teaching children in the areas of pre-reading, early childhood development etc. 

The ability to plan and organize work, analyze problems to identify significant factors, gather pertinent data and recognize solutions. Must possess comprehensive oral and communication skills and analytical writing skills, and the ability to present ideas and proposals to a variety of audiences

Department of Defense Child , Youth & School Services recognizes the challenges of our Soldiers and their Families. By offering quality programs for children, youth and students. CYC supports the Arty Family Covenant by reducing the conflict between mission readiness and parental responsibility.

I chose the Department of Defense because of the many international opportunities available working with and for the benefit of children.

UNICEF- Humanitarian Action for Children Program

Job Title-Humanitarian Action for Children Program

Location-New York, NY

Experience and Skills Needed: Master Degree in Education, Early Childhood Education or a closely related field. Responsibilities include: Develop all components of an emergency simulation workshop for students and faculty. Overseeing the development of curricular materials to accompany the Humanitarian Action for Children Program. Managing progression development, and workshops in conjunction with the Humanitarian Action for Children Program.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children's lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more.

I chose UNICEF because of the mission behind and the incredible work they do to help children around the world. It would be a dream come true to work for this organization.

International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

Job Title- Program Coordinator

Location- Aurora, Colorado

Experience and Skills Needed:Minimum 5 years experience in all aspects of management, development, planning and implementation. Master's degree in related field a plus. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, ability to effectively multi-task, cultural sensitivity and a collaborative and team player attitude are all essential.

ISPCAN is a nonprofit, multidisciplinary professional membership organization focused on providing education, research, practical training and information to individuals and organizations working to protect chidlren from abuse and neglect worldwide.

Helping abused and neglected children has been something I have been interested in doing for many years. In the past, I was a volunteer at a local shelter for abused and neglected children. Many years ago, I volunteered for Child Protection Services. This sounds like a challenging, yet fulfilling job that I would greatly enjoy. The organization is something I would like to know much more about.

References

Website: International Society For the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. (n.d.). Retrieved from:  http://www.ispcan.org/

Website: United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://secure.unicefusa.org/

Website: United States Department of Defense. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.defense.gov/

January 30, 2014

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

 

 Make- A -Wish Foundation

Mission-Serves a unique and vital role in helping strengthen and empower children battling life-threatening medical conditions.

Make- a -Wish Foundation is a national non-profit corporation fulling life-long dreams and wishes for children. It all started in 1980, when a U.S. Customs agent living in Arizona wanted to do something special for a friend's 7 year old son who was dying of  leukemia. The little boy (Chris),wanted to be a "crime fighter" and with the help of friends, he was made Arizona's first and only honorary DPS officer. Chris was flown by helicopter to the DPS station where he was presented with a uniform and badge. Chris and his family spent the day touring the facilities. A few days later still surrounded by all of his DPS gear and full of smiles and stories about his special day, Chris passed away at the young age of 7. Today, Make-a-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children in the United States on average, every 38 minutes.

 I chose them as a Cop that appealed to me because of the Mission behind this wonderful non-profit organization. Everyone I have ever met that works with Make-A-Wish, has a strong compassion and commitment for helping children in need. Make-A-Wish foundation members go through extensive training on a regular basis in order to better serve  young children and their families.

Current Job Opportunities- Director of Philanthropy

The Director of Philanthropy will support the efforts of Make-A-Wish Foundation of America (MAWFA) to grow individual philanthropy by building a strong pipeline from the Annual Fund to support major and planned giving efforts. Through identification and cultivation activity, this position will focus on stewarding existing donors into greater investments at the $10,000 and beyond level. S/he will have an initial annual goal of raising $600,000 along with identifying donors who should be moved to major and planned giving officers for further cultivation.

Skills/Experience Needed: Master's Degree or comparable experience

• Proven ability to relate well to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and different motivation.
• Successfully build and maintain relationships with chapters.
• Demonstrated leadership with volunteers, administrators, and development staff; motivation to aggressively develop and maintain relationships with donors and prospects.
• Creativity and resourcefulness in helping develop methods.
• Willingness to function as part of the MAWFA management team in achieving identified priorities.
• Understand and communicate the funding needs of the organization.
• Discretion with confidential materials.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a deadline-oriented team environment.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Dexterity to operate computer equipment.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office.

Having spent several years for a volunteer at the Make-A-Wish Foundation, I know first-hand what a incredible foundation it is. This would be a "Dream" job for me. I would be part of a team that works hard for the benefit of young children who are suffering tremendously. Make-A-Wish Headquarters is located in Arizona, close to where I reside.

First Things First (FTF) 

Mission- To increase the quality of, and access to, the early childhood development and health system that ensures a child entering school comes healthy and ready to succeed. 

FTF would be valuable CoP member for my team. The child care center I am working with for my Capstone Project has multiple citations, many that include not  having age-appropriate materials. FTF focuses on training staff on how to prepare children for success when they start kindergarten. During and after the training process,  FTF holds early learning centers accountable in accordance to their performance standards. 

 
 Current Job Opportunities-Research and Evaluation Data Analyst
This position works in collaboration with the Senior Director of Research and Evaluation division at FTF. Responsibilities include: Conceptual and technical research and data related support to all research and evaluation efforts. Management of divisional project workflow and supervision of evaluation and project specialists. The ideal candidate must support the vision and mission of FSF and possess the personal qualities of integrity and credibility. Master's Degree required in related fieldwork. Experience in early childhood education also desired.

National Association For the Education of Young Child

Mission-To serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources (NAEYC Bylaws, Article I., Section 1.1).

Having NAEYC as a member of my CoP would be a dream come true. Personally, I have been a member of NAEYC for many years. The resources and support available for just about anything having to do with young children can be found on their website. Over the years, I have utilized their sources for various topics. Also, I have referred parents to their site as well.

Job Opportunity-Writer. I did not find this job currently available, but would most certainly like to have a job writing for NAEYC. They do have an area where you can submit work for possible publication. However, my dream job with them would be to go around the country and world and observe various early learning centers and write about them. I could travel, spend time with children and also get paid for it. Now that is a dream come true!!!
Experience needed: Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Previous experience working in the ECE field and a true love and compassion for young children.

References

First Things First. Retrieved from:  http://www.azftf.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Make-A-Wish Foundation. Retrieved from:  http://wish.org/

National Association For The Education of Young Child. Retrieved from: http://www.naeyc.org/content/about-naeyc