Time Well Spent

 

 

I was intrigued to find early childhood opportunities in other countries. I plan on creating relationships with other countries to develop exchange programs to provide early childhood professionals opportunities to collaborate. 

 

 

I have also learned that I should not be leery of making a mistake though using the experience as an opportunity to grow.

 

No matter the project, I should take into account the intended as well as the unintended consequences of the way the issue is approached and who will be affected.  

 

Leadership does not only apply to administration.  Leadership skills can be used in any capacity.  I have made the choice to be leader in informing my community about my passion dealing with young children that have disabilities.

 

My long-term goal is to open a Montessori School in Dorchester County.  A quote that inspires me by Dr. Maria Montessori is our care of children should be governed not by the desire to make them learn things, but by the endeavor always to keep burning within them the light which is called intelligence.

 

I would like to thank Dr. Teri and my classmates for the encouragement and feedback that I will take with me in my future endeavors.  Good fortune to you and many blessings in all you do.

 

 

 

Thank You and Congratulations!

 

Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.

 

-Maria Montessori-

 

Free the child's potential, and you will transform him into the world.

-Maria Montessori-

 

Tell me and I forget.  Show me and I remember.  Involve me and I understand.

-Chinese proverb-

 

 

 

 

Rohzawne Jackson's Contact Information

 

rojackson1976@gmail.com

 

 





 

"It takes a village to raise a child." -African Proverb-

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

 

UNICEF is committed to providing the most unique protection of children that are affected by war, disasters, poverty on the extreme, those which have been witness on victim of violence/exploitation and young children with disabilities.  They have a community of practice that caught my eye.  ISSA is also international learning community that works in collaboration with UNICEF.  It is a learning community that allows professionals to share their ideas.  ISSA works on-line communication as well as meetings in person. 

 

I would be interested in working as a policy analyst.  In order to be competent in this position, I would need to be up-to-date with policies and current issues.  I need to be able to research various points of view to understand the thinking of early childhood professionals globally.

 

www.unicef.org

 

 

The International Early Childhood Education was established in India.  It was developed to find ways to fix the major issues that exist in early childhood education in India.   The ICF understands the culture in India to help develop the best solutions for early childhood education.  Research is needed to assess the progress children are making in India in early childhood education.  I would be interested as a professional development trainer.  In order to be competent as a professional development trainer, I will need to be effective and understand how culture affects me directly.  I need to understand the adult learning theory.  As a trainer, I will be teaching adults ways to implement their ideas to benefit the young children and their families in India.  In order to be competent at this job, I need to be a reflective listener to hear all points of view.  I need to be able to build relationships and collaborate.

 

www.icfi.com/markets/education/campaigns/international

 





Education International represents teachers and educational staff around the world.  They play a large part in uniting teachers globally.  Education International speaks up for those who work in the field of education.  Their goals are to help with quality education, bring the interests of teachers includes those working in education and creating an equal society.  Education International appeals to me due to their passion of being the voice for professionals that work in education.  Currently, they have a receptionist position available in Brussels.  The position requires me to be able to speak English fluently and be able to speak French or Spanish.  I need to be able to work collaboratively and build relationships through my skills to communicate.  I need to have the ability to work in a fast pace atmosphere. 

 

www.ei-ie.org

 



 

MAASE is a community of practice which collaborates with all educators and community partners to find ground breaking techniques that will assist students wit disabilities reach their full potential.  MAASE is a professional educational organization in the state of Michigan.  This organization is a part of the Special Education community.  They work collaboratively with the Council of Exceptional Children.  MAASE gives opportunities for professional development to the leadership staff involved with special education.  They currently have a position to be the Early On and Family Services Supervisor which interests me.  I need to be able to collaborate with various department and agencies.  I need to be able to conduct research to find the necessary information from professional journals and be able to write reports or procedure for manuals.  I need to be able to communicate clearly and continue to be reflective in order to communicate clearly. 

 

www.maase.org

 



"It takes a village to raise a child." -African Proverb-

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

The National Center for Learning Disabilities have a similar vision as mine to teach parents the skills necessary to advocate for their children while helping people with learning difficulties and disabilities.  The historical overview explains that Pete and Carrie Rozelle wanted to increase public awareness, identifying financial support through grants for research and is a leader which began in 1977.  I would be interested in being an advocate to reach policymakers.  It is important to know the law and keep up-to-date with the last research or articles.  I would need to learn the terms the legislation is using.  I would also need to research current practices and read comments from parents and staff.

www.ncld.org

The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center improves systems and outcomes for children with disabilities.  They have been established to help states with research-based interventions which will improve the outcomes of infants, toddlers and preschoolers in order for them to reach their full potential.  I would like to be a part of the staff as a research assistant to help with technical assistance to meet the needs of children with disabilities through implementation of very important components.  I need to use my communication skills to build relationships with various professionals in order to collaborate.

www.ectacenter.org

 

The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities have a plethora of information for the nation.  They are considered the central location for information to help families that have children with disabilities.  I would like to be a researcher to help early childhood professionals find technologies to handle challenging behaviors associated with disabilities.  I will need to understand the law and the revisions policymakers would like to implement.  I need to understand the policy makers view to conduct research which appropriately handles the policies that are not beneficial to the population it affects directly.

www.nichcy.org

 

The National Council on Disability Living, Learning and Earning works with policies that affects people with disabilities.  The National Council on Disability Living started as a small advisory council which was a part of the Department of Education in 1978. They serve as an advisor in regards to policy, programs, procedures and practices for people with disabilities.  I would like to serve on the advisory council as a full-time professional.  The skills I would need is organization, communication skills and knowledge about policies effecting young children with disabilities.  I will need to understand how to communicate in a persuasive manner.  I need to be a team player and collaborate with a variety of disciplines.

www.ncd.gov

 

"It takes a village to raise a child." -African Proverb-

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Maryland Association for the Education of Children

 

The MDAEYC's mission ties into what I believe in by "empowering" early childhood professionals while educating young children.  It is also disappointing that society does take teaching young children as seriously as it needs to be since they are our future.  MDAEYC shares a similar vision to help early childcare programs recognize the importance of having high quality early childhood education standards.  MDAEYC would like to change the status of the early childhood profession with education and compensation.  As early childhood professionals, we have the responsibility of informing society about the importance of early childhood education.  The gift of teaching young children is a skill.  Highly skilled early childhood professionals deserve to be compensated for their hard work.

 

I would be interested in filling the position of Accreditation chair.  I feel in order to be competent in this position, you need to be organized and understand various policies and standards associated with what the state of Maryland expects from an early childhood program.

 

www.mdaeyc.org

 

 

Maryland Family Network



MARYLAND FAMILY NETWORK

 

Maryland Family Network supports my current position as Parent Coordinator for families which have children with disabilities from birth.  Individuals with various experiences and backgrounds can collaborate to improve early childhood education.  Maryland Family Network provides parents the resource of finding child care resource center in their area.  I have a passion to help parents with resources which will help their child reach their full potential while assisting the family.

 

A position I would be interested in wit the Maryland Family Network is a consultant to coordinate a summit to help meet the needs of young children with disabilities and their families as well as young children without disabilities including their families.  This is something I am interested in pursuing within the Maryland Family Network.  In order to be competent in this position, you would need the similar skills that the late Ms. Skolnik possessed as the first hired with the program.  She understood the demands placed on families with young children and had a passion to develop ways to help them within their community.  She was able to connect with the public, which is a huge attribute to have in this position. 

 

www.mdchildcare.org

 

Association for Childhood Education International

 

Association for Childhood Education International shares the same ideas I have to improve early childhood education not only in the United States but throughout the world.  They are committed to the well-being of all children whether the children are at home, school or in the community.  I believe the community is essential in part of teaching children how to be productive members of society no matter their ability.  The Association for Childhood Education also believes in the importance of keeping early childhood professionals about with new ideas and techniques.  Another concept I am passionate about is that he Association for Childhood Education International practices is helping the public understand the rights and needs of children including the programs necessary to meet these needs.

 

At the Association for Childhood Education International, I would be interested in being a Professional Development and Research Specialist.  The skills needed for this position is organization and a passion for research.  In order to get the desired results, it is necessary to repeat the idea in a different manner until the desired results appear.  Patience is another skill need for this position.  You need to be a listener and observer to identify areas where early childhood professionals need the most assistance in order for them to feel confident in their skills.

 

www.acei.org

 

 

National Early Childhood Teacher Training Association, Inc.

 

The National Early Childhood Teacher Training Association, Inc.(NECTTA) is designed to serve the professionals working with young children and their families in the state of Maryland including other states as well.  This site provides various workshops and classes which are mostly held in Maryland.  I love how their mission is to use technology to allow professional development to be more accessible.  They have presentations in more than one language for a bi-lingual opportunity.

 

I would like to be a presenter on the NECTTA staff.  In order to be competent in this position, you would need to very comfortable with technology and various ways to use technology for training opportunities.  It would be beneficial to have partake in a webinar or taken an on-line training in order to understand what your audience may feel like which will affect the way the presentation is organized.

 

www.nectta.org/moddle/





 

"It takes a village to raise a child." -African Proverb-

My Wordle

"It takes a village to raise a child." -African Proverb-

Profile of a Volunteer

The person I have elected to describe as a volunteer is a close relative, my Aunt.  She works as a Sunday School teacher and Girl Scouts leader.  She has a good spirit and good heart.  She works tirelessly to teach young children how to respect themselves and their community.  The African proverb, "it takes a village to raise a child", is what she practices.  The families in her church community needs assistance and resources to care for the members in their families.  The concerns families have in this community forces families have in this community forces families to work more than one job which do not allow them the opportunity to do activities with their children.  Many families need the Girl Scouts and Sunday School as a resource.  Sunday School and the Girl Scouts provides financial assistance for families and their children.  The Girl Scouts take trips and Sunday School has various activities where the volunteers celebrate with children including their families.  The volunteers like my Aunt make it possible for children to participate in a safe activities in their community which helps families know their child is safe in their absence.

 

The message I "take away" from volunteer's efforts is that their work is tireless and endless.  In a volunteer position, we need to support each other and celebrate each accomplishment.  Volunteers also have the potential to become burnt out since they work tirelessly to help families and young children. 

 

 

 

Celebrate!   Celebrate!    Celebrate!

 

 

Celebration will help the volunteers feel important and that their role is meaningful to the cause.



"It takes a village to raise a child." -African Proverb-

 

 

Using Social Media to Get Connected!

 

I use social media to keep my family abreast of what my children are doing.  I send pictures, videos and statements about their achievements including activities.  It give my family the opportunity to view them at their earliest convenience an respond.  They can save the pertinent information.

 

 

 

Facebook and MySpace are the social networks I have used.  Now, I can add blogs to my repertoire.  I could post pictures of family gathering where my family could tag a picture or comment which was posted.  I am able to keep up with the most current events posted. 

 

www.hfrp.org/evaluation/the-evaluation-exchange

 

There were several social media tools which were given that I could use.  I can subscribe to newsletters of non-profit organizations that can help my cause.  I can create a Twitter account to follow organizations and stay current.  YouTube is a great resource for me to discover additional organizations which believe in my cause.  I will continue to use blogs as an addition to find up-to-date results for my cause.

www.eadvocate.wordpress.com/

 

Social media can be used to see how the community feels about the issue I am advocating.  I can provide links informing the community about the issue.  Videos about how young children with disabilities have confidence and build friendships when they have the proper supports in the classroom.  My blog can be used to show the progress my son has made form starting with the infants and toddlers program to his current station in school, third grade.  My experience can help the issue become more real and I hope other parents will feel free to share their experiences also.

 

 

Are there any other resources with social media I can use to help the community and policymakers understand the need for additional training to meet the diverse needs of young children with disabilities?

 

"It takes a village to raise a child." -African Proverb-