Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

 

The first organization that I want to share with my colleagues would be PAEYC (Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children); it is a local affiliate of NAEYC.  I am currently a member and enjoy the trainings, sessions, and resources that this organization provides to its members.  The communities members are close knit, the majority of directors in the Pittsburgh market are members of PAEYC.  PAEYC allows members the opportunity to become board members, currently one of my colleagues at work is a board member!  I would love the opportunity to become the Community Outreach Specialist or Director of Community Engagement, but these opportunities are not currently available.  Based on the knowledge I have about the people currently in these positions, advanced degrees in Early Childhood or Human Resources are needed, proven experience in community related organization and or special projects. 

 

In Pennsylvania, child care centers, family daycares, and group centers can be accredited through KeyStone Stars (PA Keys).  Centers are rated based on certain criteria and then awarded 1 to 4 stars.  Participating Keystone Star centers need to have a certain percentage of their students receiving subsidy care.  Each year these centers also receive a substantial grant to be used for center improvements, professional development, etc.  Teachers are also required to complete 24 hours or more of professional development each year.  I would enjoy working for PA Keys as a technical advisor; this person goes into centers and conducts their assessments for KeyStone Stars.  Typically, to become an advisor you must have at least a Bachelors in education, experience with the KeyStone Stars accrediting process, and have been a Director of a program for more than 3 years. 

 

The last organization I found is through a program called LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders).  The program is called Early Childhood Partnerships (ECP), it is “a University-Community service and research collaborative dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families, especially those at developmental risk and/or with disabilities (birth to 8 years) and to enhancing the practices of the professionals who support them” (www.lend.pitt.edu, 2014). This program is comprised of professionals and students from the University of Pittsburgh who are in the Schools of Education and Medicine.  As far as career opportunities all I was able to find was the following, “Early Childhood Partnerships (ECP) has unique opportunities for ongoing practica and internships for Masters and Doctoral students from local and state universities; and some professional staff vacancies for skilled and committed professionals who thrive on interdisciplinary teamwork with community partners,” (earlychildhoodpartnerships.org). 

 

References

Early Childhood Partnerships.  (2014).  Retrieved from www.earlychildhoodpartnerships.org

            PA Keys.  (2014). Retrieved from pakeys.org

           

            PAEYC.  (2014). Retrieved from paeyc.org

Profile of a Volunteer

I have elected to profile my work as a volunteer.  My volunteer efforts started when I was younger.  I loved working with children and animals.  I was never old enough to volunteer at an animal shelter, so I started volunteering at a local hospital in my town.  I delivered meals to rooms, read books to sick children, sat and talked with patients and their families.  I also helped check in visitors to the hospital and learned so much about the hospital system and how important it is to be a volunteer.  In college, my sorority and I were active in volunteering and fundraising efforts.  This compelled me to continue giving back to the community.  I joined Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2011 and was matched with the most incredible little girl.  We are more alike then I could have imagined, she's my mini me.  I know that as a big sister, I would teach her a lot, but she has taught me more than I thought possible.  I bring her to every community event my center hosts or decides to participate in.  I think it is important for her to understand her role in giving back to the community and making a positive impact on others.  She enjoys these events just as much or even more than I do.  We often talk about other ways we could get involved and she is excited to start her role as an advocate and volunteer, once she is old enough to join. 
My role as a volunteer and the experiences I have had, influence others to get involved.  Several of my friends have started their own volunteer journeys, even my mom has become an active member of UNICEF, holding monthly meetings and fundraisers at her corporation.  My work as a volunteer has helped show my little sister that people out their care and has given her the strength, courage, and drive to continue to be a productive and good member of our society. 
The vital "take-away" message relative to this work in terms of my own volunteer efforts and advocacy work in the fostering the well-being of children and families is, it only takes one person to make a change.  One donation, one hour of your time, one hug, one encouraging word, to start the cycle of giving back to our communities. 

Using Social Media to Get Connected

I have been using social media for years, some experiences have been positive and others have been downright awful.  But, for the most part I can say that the majority of my experiences have been beneficial.  I have connected with lost friends and family, become more aware of things going on in the community, country, and world, and have had the chance to really educate myself on the inner workings of social media.  Social media tools like basic search engines, blogs, FaceBook, and certain apps have allowed advocacy efforts to strengthen and flourish.  I know that on FaceBook, I am able to get hourly updates from advocacy groups that I follow such as "Pre-K for PA".  The ability to access this and easily share this information with others has helped others get involved.  I am also able to show and share major accomplishments or issues affecting early childhood which then brings others into the world of early childhood. 
What are some other ways that would be effective in getting others involved through social media?

Advocacy Messages

I found the following ads that are effective in communicating their advocacy messages:


http://bcove.me/p9imoggq

This video is short and simple.  A mother is making a teachable moment while at the laudry mat with her infant.  The video shows that learning is not as complicated as most make it out to be. 

http://bcove.me/sb2p8r2i

I am sucker for military home comings, this video shows the importance of a father being involved in their child's life. 

http://bcove.me/53pdh287

And this video is just adorable.  Again a short and sweet PSA about the little moments of being an involved father!

Reference:National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD). (2009). Safe sleep for your baby: Reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Retrieved from http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/safe_sleep_gen.cfm

My Role as an Advocate

• What motivated you to start advocating for very young children?
• My whole life I was more concerned about whether or not things were fair than really finding a solution or answer to why this happened.  After getting involved in early childhood education, I realized the disadvantages that very young children have. 
• Why is it essential to acknowledge and foster advocacy efforts at the micro as well as the macro level?
• It takes more than just a child's immediate environment to give them the best possible opportunities in life.  So, involving the outside environments, including local and federal government bodies, can open up more doors and opportunities for children. 
• What does it take to be a community leader on early childhood issues?
• It takes committment, drive, passion, and the ability to connect with various people. 
• What resources does it take to be a state leader on early childhood issues?
• You have to be able to connect with all people, you must have the financial resources to implement new programs or efforts, and above all be passionate about truly doing what is best for young children. 
• What tactics or strategies do you use to mobilize others?
• You have to get people to see your vision and then follow through with your ideals.  I am a very outgoing and passionate person, I encourage people as I can but also provide constructive criticism with coaching. 
• What advice would you give to someone who was interested in taking a leadership role in advocating for young children and their families?
• Read, research, and go for it!  Tomorrow is too late!

Personal Advocacy Reflection

My father grew up in Camden, NJ where the majority of the children are not given the best foundation for success in life.  My grandparents noticed that there was something special about my father and began sending him to Catholic school even though they were not Catholic.  While in this environment, the nuns took my father under their wing, teaching him the value of hard work, being honest, and getting a good education.  The lessons and values they instilled in my father kept him off of the streets and away from the bad influences of the area.  Because of this he has experienced much success in his life. 

It really only takes one person to help you get on the right track in life.  I mentor a young girl and I try to be the best influence as I can for her.  Advocating and mentoring is something I am destined to do.  It gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning and the strength to get through my toughest days. 

When I Reflect About My Collegial, Professional Learning Community

Three consequences of my experience being a part of a caring, collaborative learning community for my professional growth and development are:

• I am more educated and versed in public policy and advocacy avenues for the children and families in my care
• I am more motivated to make a difference in the lives of young children not only at my own center but across the state
• I have found an endless supply of support and resources that will help me in my own educational journey

One goal for using this collegial experience to enhance my advocacy, policy, and/or system development work on behalf of young children, families, and the early childhood community is:

• To eventually work for a early childhood accreditation agency where I can continue to hold professionals in the field to the highest standards, help in their development professional and personally, advocate for our smallest citizens, educate families on the health and development of their children, and hold everyone, including myself, accountable for providing the highest quality care and education.