Farewell

Time Wll Spent

Farwell:  To my instructors at Walden, it has truly been a learning experience.
One I will remember the rest of my life.  I appreciate all the knowledge and
professionalism that all of you have shown during my time spent with you.

Three deeply felt learning's

a.  This program has taught me how to merge my vision, passion, and advocacy efforts to
make a difference in the lives of children, families and the early childhood field by becoming a catalyst for change.

b.  This program has also enlightened my professional abilities by inspiring, motivating and modeling the skill set and awareness of pedagogy.  If have been able to utilize techniques and strategies within my classrooms and they have enhanced the learning environment and motivated my students.

c.  The third deeply felt learning was the lesson on leadership and the power of effective communication characteristics.  The characteristics that I have learned about authentic and transformative leadership qualities shall be my focus as I lead while attempting to make a difference in the lives that I touch.

Long term goal

I plan to make an impact on families living in poverty while raising awareness and preventive measures to assist them with education and living conditions.

Colleagues

Colleagues, what can I say?  Thank each of you for your class participation, your sharing and caring spirits.  I wish each of you many blessings.  Let us remember the children, and our reason for becoming a catalyst for change.   BEST WISHES!!

Dr. Teri,

Your patience and understanding is a virtue.  Thank yo for being you.  Your guidance and participation within our discussions and on line chats were encouraging.  I needed the support of a caring instructor.  Than you again.  I finally got my Wordle to look like I wanted.

The following quotes are for you.

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of wisdome but rather leads you to the threshould of your mind.  Kahlil Gibran

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.  Benjamin Franklin

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

1).  WESTED

www.wested.org

This organization resonated with me because its mission is to promote excellence, achieve equity, educate and improve learning for children, youth and adults. Their affiliations are national and abroad, which also appealed to me because that means they are looking out for children all over the world.  They work on assessments, standard, and accountability, which is an area our children seem to be struggling with passing achievement test in our area.   The salary is definitely a plus for working and advocating for children and families.

Job Opportunity: Senior Program Associate

Salary: $82,700 -$103,400

Skills & Experience needed to fulfill this position:

·         Graduate Degree in related field

·         Excellent leadership skills/work collaboratively and independently  toward program goals

·         Ability to design communicate face to face and with online environments

·         Ability to facilitate the work of diverse stakeholders across education sectors

·         Be committed to providing effective client service

·         Excellent communication skills

·         Ability to multitask under time-restricted conditions

·         Application skills in: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Online learning environments

 

2).  UNICEF

http://www.unicef.org/

The United Nations Children’s Fund is a national organization that provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries.   UNICEF was  created by the United Nations General Assembly to help provide emergency food, healthcare to individuals who had be devastated by World War II.   It has since been renamed the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, but still operates under the popular acronym.

This organization resonates with me because they advocate for children’s rights, development, protection and survival.   They are an international organization whose headquarters location is New York City, NY.  I like what the organization stands for and the goals that is strives to accomplish.  Some of the countries are Africa, Chili, Afghanistan and others countries that sound like interesting places to visit.

Job Opportunity: Temporary Appointment: Information Management/GIS Specialist, P-3, Bamako, Mali

Salary:  Not Listed

Skills & Experience needed to fulfill this position:

·         Master’s Degree in information management, GIS or related field

·         Five years’ experience information or data management

·         GIS and/or monitoring and evaluation

·         Previous experience with UN preferable, particularly with UNICEF/No mandatory

·         Fluency in English

·         Experience working in a similar capacity

 

 3). Save the Children

http://www.savethechildren.org

Save the children is an international organization that I’ve observed over the years because of their relief efforts to children and families.  They are one of the leading advocates raising funds and finding ways to feed and educate the children and families in perished countries.  They are constantly fighting poverty, disease, illiteracy, hunger and other struggles that children face on a daily basis. This organization resonates with me because of my love for children and families.  Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in over 120 countries.  I enjoy and respect the work that this organization provides for the poor.

Job Opportunities:  Specialist, Program Development & Reporting

Salary:  Not Listed

Skills & Experience needed to fulfill this position:

MS Degree or equivalent in a development and/or humanitarian related field

Experience developing proposals for key donors

Knowledge of basic grant compliance/management

Computer skills: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel required

Excellent verbal and written interpersonal communication skills, willing travel 20% field work

Maintain reporting schedule

Leadership skills/collaboration and communication effectively with groups

Establish integrated quality M&E & reporting systems for the respective field offices

Improve monitoring and evaluation systems

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community

National Head Start Association

Position: Director of Early Childhood Programs, HS/EHS

Salary:  88,004

Location: Salina, Kansas

Job description: not listed / application can be retrieved at www.nhsa.org

I like the salary and the position is working with programs and possibly policies that affect the wellbeing of children in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. I have a passion for the well being and education of children.

Southern Board Community & Junior Colleges

Position: Asst. Executive Director for learning & Instructional Technology

Salary: Commensurate with education, training and experience

Job Description:

The primary function of the administrative position is to provide innovative, visionary leadership and administrative direction for the Mississippi Virtual Community College (MSVCC).  The MSVCC is a consortium of Mississippi’s fifteen Community Colleges which provides access to education through advances technology and shared resources, including host infrastructure, course content, and faculty and student services.  The incumbent must be a self-motivator, dependable, and committed to the highest level of professional ethics.

Applications can be retrieved at www.mccb.edu

I desire to lead in a administrative position dealing with the education of student. I presently have contact with members of the Mississippi Community College staff and I would like to work in an environment that has possibilities for advancement.

Delta Health Alliance

Position: Parent Educator

Salary:  Negotiable based on education & experience

Job Description: Reporting to the Project Director for Maternal and Family Outreach, the Parent Educator will provide monthly home visits and group connections to families with the goal of reducing and preventing child developmental delays by assessing the needs of families and indentifying support services to pregnant women and to families/caregivers of children under the age of 5 years, particularly those at risk for abuse and neglect. The individual will serve as the primary contact for the caseload provided. Duties include: Conduct family home visits, and address individual family’s needs. Complete accurate statistical data on families as required by program. Provide evidence based curriculum and emotional support for the families. Analyze, support and reinforce positive interactions.

Application can be reviewed at www.deltahealthalliance.org/

This organization works with families and children by changing healthcare in the Mississippi Delta by improving access to healthcare and providing education.  This organization resonates with me because they address the issue of health and well being of the poor. They also implement practices and policies that educate and provide assistance for poor families. This is done through a partnership with other advocates and agencies interested in the fight against poor healthcare and insurance availability.

 

 

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local & State

My three roles: Executive Director, NAEYC/ Superintendent of Education/ Educational Specialist

NAEYC

Position: Executive Director

I chose this organization because it resonates with me and my desire to work and advocate for children.  I understand that the 501(c-3) status of non-profit status has allotted for a nice compensation for the position of director.  Washington is a place that I’ve never been, but will to relocate depending on the compensation.

NAEYC is dedicated to serving and acting on behalf of the need, rights, and well-being of children from (birth to 8), with primary focus on the provisions of Educational and developmental services and resources.  The Headquarters is located in Washington, D.C.  NAEYC has an annual operating budget of $20 million with a staff of 100.

Qualification: B.S. degree in Education, business or related field is recommended, an advanced degree is desirable, and designation as a Certified Association Executive is an asset Candidate must have strong communication skills, and the ability to foster creative, inclusive, and transparent and engaged relationships with members and staff.

Apply for position at www.assnstrategies.com/current_searches.php

Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI)

Position: Educational Specialist

I chose this COP because they adhere to the practice and education of young children by following the teachings of Maria Montessori. We have a school located within our community and it is the only one in Mississippi. Its teachings and principals have produced children with the necessary skills to succeed, by building a strong early childhood foundation. My niece is ninth grade and has scored a 24 on her ACT Test the first time out. This is because of the foundation she received at the Montesorri School in Jonestown.

MEPI offers education programs across the US, and in 7 foreign countries. In addition, MEPI insures cooperation with MACTE by having a seat on their board, and working in conjunction with MACTE through periodic reassessment and revision of policies, procedures, standards, and criteria.

MEPI fosters and generates authentic Montessori education by developing and offering programs to educate and certify Montessori professionals and provides continuing development and networking opportunities.

MEPI aims to promote the rights of all beings, particularly children, and to bring about peace in the world through Montessori education.

 Job Requirements:
In order to be considered for this position, you must meet all state licensing requirements, including:

Educational Specialist with Montessori Certification and experience, as well as Special Education training and experience preferred.

Visit:   www.msnv.org/about_jobs.html

 

Mississippi Department of Education

Superintendent of Education/ Jackson, MS

No position available

I chose this position because I want to make vital decisions about the education and welfare of our schools across Mississippi. Although there is currently no position listed. We presently have an interim Superintendent of Education, Lynn J. House, PHD.   The office is located in Jackson, MS.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) provides resources and technical support to Mississippi’s public school system. The department also functions as a resource for federal education requirements and funding.

The Mississippi Board of Education elects the State Superintendent of Education, sets public education policy and oversees the MDE. As the administrative arm of the Board, MDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance and licensing all educators.

The MDE seeks to create a world-class educational system that gives students the knowledge and skills to be successful in college and in the workforce, and to flourish as parents and citizens. To make this vision a reality, all students must be given multiple pathways to success, and teachers and administrators must continue to meet the challenges of this ever-changing landscape of public education.

Experience: Must hold a PH.D.  Have extensive experience in educational classroom setting.

This website can be found at: www.mde.k12.ms.us/state-superintendent-of-education

 

Capstone "Final stretch"

I'm thankful that we all have made it to the last course of this program. I wish all of you the best of luck.  I've grown more passionate about the strategies that we can use to inspire learning and engagement in our classrooms. I've also found passion about the homeless and how in today's societ our children are still suffering from lack of food and shelter.  Even in my home town, we have homeless families, and not shelter to hourse them.  I look forward to continuing our educational endeavors.

Keeping Communication Open

It has been a pleasure working and collaborating with each of you. During this course I have learned a great deal about collaborating and communicating with groups. I feel as though we all have grown. I especially like how respect was shown during our class discussions and our blog post. Walden prides itself on building a community of learners, and I've enjoyed collaborating within that community.

I wish all of you the best, and I look forward to continuing our journey through our chosen profession at walden. It has been a journey, but one worth the effort. My mother use to tell me that "nothing ventured, nothing gained". We have ventured and we have gained knowledge and skillsets that will be beneficial to our professions.  Good Luck! It's been a pleasure.

Adjourning Groups

I personally file that adjourning any group where active participation has taken place is somewhat hard because ties and connections have been made and new found friendships have occured. When you belong to a high performing group who has made it through the norming and performing stage, you pretty much know a little about the person. I once belonged in a group through my job. I became acquainted with the people within the group at a best practices workshop. We had a week to work closely together. We had to come up with a group presentation to present before the class. This was a high performance group. We followed the five steps that I've became acquainted with this week. At that time I did not know about the steps, I just know the procedures we went throught. Although my group did not make everyone feel valued, I was happy and sad at the end of the week. One group was to be chosen for the best project, and we would have won if they had let everyone talk, like I suggested. They wanted the young man from the group to talk and represent us all. After the session had come to an end, the professor said that we had the best project, and would have won if we all had something to say about the project and the contributions toward the final project. I believe that when you work with groups in a high performing status, you become familiar with each member and creating bonds. By the time the group comes to an end, you hate to see everyone go their seperate ways. Only rarely do you continue networking with your acquaintences. While attending Walden, I have networked with a variety of people. The group participation has been great and the bond are meaningful ways to meet the educational task we have to meet. I believe that at the end of our educational journey I will wish everyone good luck and congratulate them for a job well done, and for their participation within each course. Adjourning is an essential stage because all good things must come to an end. Closure is always adequate for showing appreciation and gratitude. I also think is is important for closure, because you never know when you will need to contact people again, so it's best to adjourn properly.

Managing Conflict

Recently I had a conflict with a colleague. The conflict was about a conversation that was held about her recent lost due to a house fire. Her fiance was in our area discussing the situation. I came in on the discussion,ut for some reason he went home and told her that I was inquiring about her personal business. She confronted me the next morning at work. I'll admit, I was kind of surprised since I was merely a listener. I could tell that she was upset, so I listened until she got finished. Then I told her that I was sorry about the misunderstanding, but that I was not the one inquiring. I couldn't understand why he would go back and lie about the conversation I wanted to confront him, but instead I asked the other co-worker about the conversation and she said I should have told the lady that she was the one asking personal questions. Then I started reading about how to resolve conflict, and one of the positions of NIV is to be an empathetic listener. I believe I did that in the onset of the disagreement. The next step I took was to wait a couple of days, then I brought her a card that gave her praise, while also expressing sympathy about her recent loss. When she got the card, she phoned my office and was very appreciative, and expressed that she was not angry but that she couldn't understand why someone would get all in her business like that. After she finished, I simply said, people will be people, and that I really don't have time to strategies about her problems because I have some of my own that needed attending too. Based on this weeks assignment I understand that part of defusing an argument or confrontation is to be an emphatic listener. Respect the person for their feelings and views about the situation, because it might not be that situation that has them upset. A good listener will allow the person to vent without verbally attacking them back. Another way to prevent conflict is by implementing the 3 R's when involved in conversations, respect, responsive, and reciprocal behavior. It is o.k. to disagree, but respect the person's opinions, while also being responsive in a respectful manner. Finding a way to resole the conflict in a way that emulates respect toward the person and their feelings will lead to a more peaceful solution to the problem. Yelling is not the answer.

As a Communitor

This week's assignment lead me to explore and find out how people viewed me as a communicator. One things that surprised me was that myfamily members said that I don't think before I say things that may hurt others feelings. If I think it, I say it. This surprised me, because I thought I was a careing individual. I thought it was o.k. to relax when communicating with family. Now I'll have to reconsider my communication skills with them. The second surprize was with my co-worker, she said that I talk with my eyes and if I don't like something, or even if I'm having a bad day, she can look at me and tell. I found out that she could read my moods through my fascial expressions without even saying any words.

In our resources we read about self-concept and self esteem. These two terms play a major part in my ability to communicate effectively. Self-efficacy describes how I'm able to deal with stress & failure in my live. In my readings I discovered that  depending on the situation, my communication skills differ because I have built up a defense machanizm to strike out before being hurt. Mainly because my self esteem must be low.

Learning about my self-concept and how people are able to read me by my facial expressions has caused me to think about my communication skills and my opinion of myself. Understanding that people can tell what I'm thinking without talking will affect the way I'm able to communicate with families and co-workers. I've also found out that it's not o.k. to say what I feel without considering the feelings of others in both my professional and personal life. In order to succeed, I must be able to sell myself as well as my opinions. I believe that being an effective communicator is one of the major areas I must work on for my future succdess.

situation

Communication & Diversity

Considering my family structure, colleagues, community, and neighborhood, I find myself adjusting to the situation. With family and friends, I can be who I am even with my flaws. When communicating with colleagues and people from the workplace, I tend to be more professional in my delivery. Not that I am two different people, but in the workplace, I want to be professional and mindful of what I say and how my body language contributes to my message.

While being careing of what you say and how you say it, people may still receive a different message that the one you intended. I had a conversation with one of the custodians, and a colleague. I didn't think anythng about the conversation, but the custodian went home and told his girl friend that I was asking her personal business. It was not I who asked but my colleague. I don't know if my body language or facial expressions gave a different response, but my mouth did not. One strategy that I will use from that encounter, is to avoid sitting in areas where people discuss their personal business.

When I conversate with my family, I just say what I feel without any reservations. On a job the situation is different. I must be mindful because children, families, and other professionals may be impacted by what and how I express myself. I have some diversity in my family in regards to culture, race, religion, political affiliations and sexual orientations. Some strategies I could use would include, better listening skills,  avoid stereotyping, and working on any perceptual barriers that I might have that will prevent me from being an effective communicator with my diverse family and working environment.

Communication Observance of Grey's Anatomy

The television show that I watched was Grey’s Anatomy. I have never watched this show so I am not familiar with the characters or the plot.

This episode opened with a plane that had crashed. I looked like people who were co-workers from a hospital. Their facial expressions were that of fear, anxiety, surprise and then happiness. Watching the episode without sound caused me to assume they were looking for other people who were traveling with them, but were unaccounted for after the plane racked. It seemed like their voices could have been raised as if calling for someone. I also saw a look of discuss, from one of the victims toward the pilot, as he was talking to her.

After watching the episode with volume, I found out that two of the women were sisters, and one of them had a husband that was also traveling with them on the plane, but had not been found. One of the ladies had gotten her arm broke but was assisting the others who were injured.  The expression that I saw on the Chinese girl’s face as the pilot addressed her, was one of discuss. He was complaining while other people were more severely injured and needed some assistance. One of the passengers lost her sister, but her husband appeared out of the wreckage.

Based on my observation during total silence, I could have been more correct and even able to name everyone if it had been a show that I watched and was familiar with the characters. My “aha” moment came when I found out the some of the passengers were related. Their facial expressions and movements of the body let me know that they were experiencing fear, anxiety, and pain. I could also sense a slight moment of disgusts at the pilot, which turned out to be valid. Another “Aha” moment was when I found out that they people on the plane crash were interns and doctors.

From watching this episode, I learned that facial expressions are somewhat readable, and that even a person who may be deaf can sense fear in a person’s eyes. I also learned that you can tell if someone is hurt by their body movement as well. What you can’t tell from looking is if the people are related, when no fiscal contact is seen.

Communicating Effectively

It's interesting to be discussing communication on a week when the democratic party is stating the forum, and nominating President Obama to represent their party. But I choose former president Bill Clinton as a person who I feel knows how to communicate effectively. As I watch former president Clinton deliver his speak, the first thing that I noticed was his smile, that facial expression. I also listened to his words, but I also watched his body language. His movements and his words, seemed to capture the  attention of the audience. He also talked about ventures that he had undertaken which made his delivery more credible. I would definitely have to say that being knowledgeable about the content matter is a plus, when addressing a crowd of people.

As a person who attends church and sometimes being given an opportunity to speak, I understand how important it is to be informed about the issues you will be discussing.
I would like to model some of his behavior in order to become a competent communicator, buy being knowledgeable, poised, confident when I'm placed in front of an ordience.  That winning smile, helps to ease the fears of the audience. I just think he did a marvelace job with his speech delivery. This is not intended to start a denomination debate, but to merely point out his characteristics, and communication delivery.

Dare to Dream

Working with families from diverse backgrounds is a certainty, especially if you are in an area were growth is present. As an early childhood professional one of my hopes and desires is to be an effective entity in the lives of children, and to be able to communicate with the families of the children regardless of the backgrounds, religious affiliations, ethnics, or social standings. People are people regardless of our differences.

As for my goal, I want to educate the children by making a difference in their lives one at a time. As I think about the early childhood field and the issues of diversity, equity, and social justice I want to help the children and families understand that not everyone holds the same views and desires and that I may not have all the answers but when we work with one another we can accomplish anything. I desire to be given an opportunity to make a difference in their lives. Diversity is prevalent, and people from all over the world are wanting to enter the United States with hopes, dreams, and desires of a better life, and diversity is here. Diversity is real and so is equity, diversity and social justice. We must learn to live with diversity and thrive in spite of our differences.

To my fellow colleagues, I wish each of you the best in our future endeavors, and I look forward to communicating, and collaborating with you in our future classes. Thank you all for your comments, participation, and continued cooperation. It has really been amazing. Good Luck! 

Welcoming Families from different cultures

Each time I'm giving the assignment to include diversity about families around the world it seems to devaste me because of my lack of knowledge about the families origin.  Through this course I have been enlightened about diversity and the difference between surface culture and deep culture. To truely learn and understand diversity and the origin of the family I choose I will have to explore deep culture.

The family that I choose origin has rootes from Chilie. In order to understand and make them feel welcom in my classroom I will have to learn about their language. This can be done through research and collaboration from fellow practitioners. I will also have to understand their family bonds and relationships with extended family members. I can read about this, but the best examples will come from watching them interact with each other. While home visits are rarely done, I will visit the community where they live to observe their interactions and roles. I will have to understand their values. The role of children within their culture. I need to know whether they value education, and desire their children to have access to educational opportunities. To me, it is important to understand if the parent's understand how important and valuable a good education can be for the child. Even though the parents may not speak the language, can I help them understand the value of learning.

As a practitioner, I understand the value of an education. By  learning about the diversity of the families that I will be servicing, it will enable to center activities, and the learning environment around things that will help them feel culturally accepted and be able to embrace. Going to a new environment is overwhelming within itself, having things put in place to show that you are at least willing to learn and accept them helps ease the culture shock that comes along with diversity and migration. 

A glance at Prejudice, Bias and Oppression

I watched the story of Dr. Ben Carson on television and the story showed examples of prejudice, and oppressions that he and his family encountered because he was black and lived in a single parent household.   Ben’s mother was illiterate, but didn’t want her children to know that she was struggling with this fact. She was determined that her children would rise above prejudice, bias, and oppression.

When Ben finished eighth grade at the top of his class, his teacher told the children that they should be ashamed that a black boy with so many obstacles in his life received the highest academic award. She did this in an open assembly with parents, faculty, and students present. When Ben first came to the school, he was getting failing grades. His mother pushed him and his brother to strive to do better. She made them read. Out of that, Ben expanded his knowledge and desire to earn.

In this story, the teacher showed that she had personal feelings and bias of prejudice and oppression. She expressed them openly. No one in the auditorium addressed her statement they all sat there as if she was right in what she was saying. Ben’s mother felt insulted, and removed the boys from that school, and neighborhood to another district and school. Not all the teachers felt as the one who spoke openly, because his science teacher became impressed with Ben’s knowledge about rocks and asked him to stay after class for what turned out to be a demonstration and praise of his knowledge he had acquired. I felt that the teacher who spoke of her bias, prejudice feelings openly showed that they didn’t want the black boy in their school, and she definitely did not approve of him learning and exhaling beyond the Caucasians who were also attending the same school. Education is free, and every child has a right to receive a free education to the fullest extent regardless of color, origin, or family background.

As an educator, she should not have expressed her feelings openly. If I could turn that incident into an opportunity for a greater equity, I would have spoke up against such bias and open prejudice. Her feelings of open prejudice turned into opportunities for Ben and his family. His mother moved, and the young men attended another school. Ben had to face his rage, that he harbored due to open prejudice and bias statements that others had always expressed to him. He studied and with the encouragement of his mother, he went on to college and became a famous brain surgeon. He would always see and hear visions from his past that would motivate him to succeed. His mother had taught him to have dreams and visions. As educators we should focus on education and not the color of a person’s skin. Encourage all children to strive for excellence.  After watching that movie I can see some changes I can make in my own family situation with my grandson. I will start encouraging him more, and make him read more instead of watching television and playing video games. Reading can be fun and very informative.

Microaggressions (Those hidden messages)

This week in bible class the minister was talking about hidden messages. I found myself answering with some of the information I've learned this week. I wasn't sure what I was going to write about until it happen on Friday.

My husband and I were trying to find a window unit air conditioner. We had went to several places, only to be sent further out, only to find no units the size we wanted.

We were in an area which was unfamiliar to us, and no signs were posted, but if the driver was paying attention he would have knew which way to go.
My husband of course was the driver, he pulled out of a Lowes parking lot going down a one way, the wrong way. I said, Elbert, but by then traffic was coming. The first vehicle was an ambulance, but the lights were not flashing, thank god. Then their were several more cars, about six. I don't know why he turned the truck across one of the lanes, blocking one of them completely. He seemed to be waiting until the traffic had passed.  Several of the cars went on around just looking at him like he was crazy, but then there had to be one; An elderly white man can by and said; "that's just like you niggers", blowing his horn. I just waved, my husband blow his horn. I wondered what hidden message was behind his statement. I said to myself, now what was his hidden message. I know whatever his message, anyone could have made that mistake by not paying attention. I could have been a costly one, but thank god, no accident happened.

I found myself observing people actions, and seeing if their were any hidden messages of discrimination, prejudice or stereotypes being conveyed. I just want to make sure that I don't judge people by preconceived notions of ethnicticity or background, because the receiver of those hidden messages are not always silent and unresponsive.

Defining Diversity & Culture

I asked three people about the terms diversity and culture, their replies are as follows:

Daughter: culture is ethnicity, religion, beliefs and where we come from, our surroundings.
Diversity is people maybe within your culture but the practice difference beliefs, like religion.

Retired teacher: Culture is ones background, beliefs, customs, nature, religion, where we come from., the area.
Diversity is a term used to describe differences in people, beliefs, customs, religion.

Grandson: culture is where we come from like some of the students come from Bangladesh.
Diversity is the difference that exists between us.

Gathering the information from my three people, seems to align with what my resources have taught during this week and the previous weeks. Smidt, S. (2006) gave examples of cultural beliefs and practices of different ethnic groups of people and the customs that they practice regarding work and family. This is similar to the definitions that we given to me. All three discussed people, family. and differences.

Some aspects that have been omitted were the specific practices that their culture practiced. They gave broad definitions. They also didn't discuss specifics or any practices that they believe were unique to their culture, such as the one discussed by Smidt, S. (2006) when the girl fell in love with someone outside her race/culture but choose to follow the customs of her family and submit to an arranged marriage.

Thinking about others and their beliefs that they practice in regards to culture and diversity made me think about people within my family that fit very specific situations. Diversity is prevalent, and it does not single people out, but it does shed light on differences. A persons culture reflects who they are and how the family, community, religion, school and life influence who we ultimately become. I thought about diversity, as a child that word was not used as much as it is now. I really don't remember it at all, that simple tells me that education is growing and diversity is on the rise. My ten year old grandson new exactly what I was talking about and went on to tell me about the children within his classroom and how his teacher includes diversity in class discussions.

My Family Culture

A description  of the three items you would choose:

1. Family Bible (The family bible has signatures and a list of family births, deaths, and some photos attached within the bible).

2. Family photo album (The album has pictures of my family members. It has baby pictures as well as pictures of relatives that are deceased. It also contains memorable moments of things we've done as a family).

3. Birth Certificate ( This is to prove who I am, and who my parents are. It also proves that I was born in the United States of American).

How would I explain to others what each of these items means to you

I would explain that the words of God is good no matter where you live. It is food for thought and nurishment to the soul. I choose the family bible because it has special meaning to me, because it belonged to my grandmother, and I have added to it over the years. It has special meaning to me about her and my culture and heritage. The family photo album is for me to remember my relatives, and how they looked. It is a guide for my children to remember their roots. The birth certifica is a symbol of my birth as a citizen of the United States. I always want to remember that I was born in a nation that allows freedom of choice and religion. A nation that fought for freedom.

Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item

It would be a devastating blow, much like the one that caused me to be up rooted to a foreign place to live. I would have to make a choose, one that I could live with the rest of my days. I would not be an easy task, but one I would endure, because I would still be alive.

Insights

I have had to take a closer look at myself and my culture. I had not thought about why education was so important to me and how my mother and grandparents promoted education even though they have very little. I have even had to take a closer look at my religion. It is what helps me to continue to persevere. i was brought up in the church and those values are dear too me. When I was asked about a choice of the items I would keep, I decided that I should study more, because there will come a day I won't be able to read and meditate on God's word. Cultural diversity is a part of life, and I believe that our differences is what we can share and help others to understand.

Overview & Thanks for the Support!

As I look back over the issues of this course, I must first thank the professor and my fellow practitioners for your support during this course. It has truely been an experience. I really appreciate everyone, and I wish you all continued success!

As for the course, I've learned that research is a complex issue, and one that should be taken seriously.  During this course we've discussed and undertaken a practice research simulation. It has opened my eyes to the valued accomplishments that have been made in the field of early childhood education. during my studies I've gained insights about the nature of research. I've come to understand the importance of equity as well as the difference in quantitiave and qualitative research, as well as mix method methology. I've reviewed information that taught how researchers can actually manipulate research findings from the beginning to the end, to fit their desired goal for the research simulation.

As I recall how planning and designing a research simulation, I can recall that the best way to determine which model of research to use solely depends on the type of study and the information you a seeking to obtain. When researching early childhood education it is best to insure equity and fairness guidelines are followed. We must also be midful when using children as subjects and be sure that euity guidelines are followed. As with any research, challenges may occur, One challenge was narrowing down the topic and stating a hypotesis. For an amature researcher these could and did cause some problems, but with the help of the classmates and instruction, along with the course material I was able to work through the process.

While continuing my educational journey, my perception of the early childhood profession has been enlightened from the information aquired within this course. It's important to understand that research is important and how it is obtained is equally important. As and educator, we must seek ways to help our children become more knowledgedable about education and the world. Research is one way to help find alternative learning methods to help ensure our children's ability to succeed. I also believe that while researching early childhood education is important, so is thhe issue of knowing something about child development and learning. This course has also taught me how to distinguish between various methologies and the importance of validity and realiability of the research question. Again, I have enjoyed each of you and I wish you much success.

International Research

I choose to search European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) http://www.eecera.org/

I also viewed Early Childhood Australia, http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Searching through the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERRA) website, it took me to the Eric database, which is also a database that is used in the United States. Some of the descriptors are child development, cross cultural studies, cultural differences, day care, early childhood education and intervention, financial support and others. Research Methodology is also a descriptor.

Research topics:

a. The beliefs behind the teacher that influences their ICT Practices.

b.  Examining the sustainability of an evidence-based pre-school curriculum: The REDI Program

c.  “I Don’t Really see Where Their Going With It”: Communicating Purpose and Rationale to the First Year Students.

d. Speaking up about Advocacy: Findings from a partnership research project.

e.  Enhancing quality learning through Experience of Research-Based Learning; Implications of Academic Development.

It wasn’t really surprising to see that education and our youth are a concern all over the world. The even have articles about advocacy for young children. I was somewhat surprised about Eric database being the search engine to generate the articles.  Even though I was surprised about the database, it was a good choice because it tells you whether the articles are peer reviewed or journal.