Time Well Spent

As I approach the end of this journey, my feelings are bittersweet.  I am proud of my accomplishments throughout this process, and I feel a bond and rapport with my Walden classmates.  On the flip-side, I am saddened as this chapter closes.  Early Childhood has been one of my passions for quite sometime, and over the past eighteen months, I feel a great contentedness and unity. I will miss the discussions and topics of interest we all share.

Three items I have learned through this journey is a deeper respect for diversity, a vision for educating adults, and a longing to make the ECE profession better for both professionals and our children.

This course made me take a look at the biases in life as well as within myself As I pursue my future endeavors,  these  aspects will be a lasting influence.  I have also come to realize that educating adults is both a blessing for both parties, instructor and student.  We have so much to learn from our students, as they do from us (this is a definite correlation to how I feel regarding children as well).  Finally, this Capstone Project has allowed me to realize that ny cause for change is attainable with a great team and hard work. I look forward to utilizing these lessons in my future causes.

One long term goal I have is to become a Master Teacher in the field.  I love working with children, and I love sharing my passion with other educators.  Becoming a Master Teacher is that wonderful "happy medium" between the two.

Lastly, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to my classmates and my wonderful instructors. I leave this institution with wonderful memories.  I can honestly say that all of my instructors have been of the highest caliber regarding genuine care and concern.  Their fairness and equity has made this journey positive and one which I would recommend to anyone.  I am proud to be a Walden graduate and I will miss the bond with my classmates, but I wish each and everyone of you the best that life has to offer and we will forever be connected.

International ECE Jobs and Roles

The first organization I have chosen is Association for Childhood Education International http://acei.org/ .  ACEI promotes the optimal education and development of children in a changing world through various programs and projects with a commitment to support and advocate for access to education, equity in educational settings, quality educational content, and the child's right to education.  ACEI offers internships for graduate students during the summer months, and also has opportunities for volunteering.  I chose ACEI because this organization is reminiscent of NAEYC with many similarities regarding positions and stances regarding young children.

The second organization is Save the Children http://www.savethechildren.org . Save the Children is an organization dedicated to giving children in 120 countries the opportunity to grow up happy and healthy.  They impact education, health and nutrition, hunger, disaster relief, and many other areas.  I chose this organization because of its commitment to children, including our children of the US, and their influence on preschool and early learning.  Employment opportunities within the US are based in Washington DC and Connecticut.  These jobs range in all sectors including education and healthcare. Additionally, job opportunities are available worldwide as well. 

The third organization I have chosen is the International Step by Step Association http://www.issa.nl/.  I chose this organization mainly because I never heard of this organization before.  Their vision is to have a society where families, communities, and professionals work together to empower each child to reach their full potential.  ISSA was started in 1999 in the Netherlands, but has since stretched across the globe and covers 50 countries, with most located in Europe and Central Asia.  They strive for equal care and access for all young children, and quality for birth to ten years old.  I was unable to locate job opportunities or even volunteer opportunities, however they do offer a membership and donor options. 

Resources

http://acei.org/

http://www.issa.nl

http://www.savethechildren.org