Fostering Classroom Communities

• • The title of the dissertation
  Promoting a positive learning environment school setting investigation. 
  • The early childhood problem researched in the dissertation along with a brief explanation of the study—study purpose, population/participants, methodology, data sources, and conclusions
  The problem of the study is the effects poverty has on children in regards to their living environment and poor performance in the classroom as a result.  It also touches on how poverty in children lowers self-esteem and motivation inside of the classroom, sithole, (2017).  The purpose of the study is to “investigate the causes and consequences of a school’s setting in promoting a positive learning environment and discussed the benefit of a positive learning environment in schools,” Sithole, (2017). 
  The participants used for this study were 2 Principals, 8 Heads of department, 12 Teachers, 2 Administrators and 120 students.  The methodology for the study focused on the research design, population, sample and sampling techniques, and Data collection and analysis.  The data collection used evaluated the perceptions and attitudes of different people on how they view a positive learning environment.  The data collection was done through interviews and questionnaires given to the different participants.  In conclusion for the study the success of students in their academic performance lies in creating a stimulating and effective teaching environment, Sithole, (2017). 
  • 3 resources used by the author, and why each was relevant to the study
  Alhojailan, M. 2012. Thematic analysis: A critical review of its process and evaluation. West East Journal of Social Science, 1, 39-47.
  ·         This resource was relevant to the study because it focused on analysis which is important to the research and most research.
  Anderson, C. (2003). The research for school climate: A review of the research, Review of Educational Research, 52, 368-420.
  ·         This resource is important because it talks about the school as a whole and education which is important to the study. 
   Andrew, T. (2014). Creating a learning environment that promotes respect. Retrieved from http://www.suite101.com/article
  ·         This resource is relevant because it helps in knowing how to create a learning environment that is beneficial to both the student and teacher, which both can learn in. 
  • How the information gleaned from this dissertation may further your work related to fostering supportive learning environments through positive classroom cultures and classroom communities.
  The information that I received from the dissertation will help me as I continue my career in fostering supportive learning environments.  I will know how to support children who are of all statuses and classes in life and what different effects poverty has on their learning in the classroom.  This will also help me with strategies to use for those children inside of the classroom.  Knowing that my teaching sets the tone and can overcome any adversity a child is facing will also help in my work in supportive learning environments. 
  Reference:
  Sithole, (2017).  Promoting a positive learning environment: School setting investigation. Retrieved from: http://uir.unisa.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10500/24348/dissertation_sithole_n.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Time Well Spent

This program has taught me so much about the early childhood education field and has guided me to learning what really makes me passionate about this field and where I see myself in the field.  there are a few important things that I am taking away from this course and the first thing is learning how to build a community of practice. Before this course I had never heard the term "Community of Practice" and had no idea what it was.  Through learning more and even constructing my own community of practice I realized how important and effective it is to the early childhood education field. 

Another learning that will stick with me from this program is the impact that all of the organizations truly have on the early childhood field and how important is is to me to someday be a part of those such as NAEYC and UNICEF I learned more about what these organizations stood for and the part they play in the early childhood field doing further research on the sites and seeing who is behind these organizations.  it opened my eyes to wanting to build my own organization.

The last thing I want to mention that I learned from this course is the real Value of team work and working with like-minded people and how important it is.  there was one quote I took away from this course that will stick with me forever in my journey "“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history” (Laureate Education, 2011). 

One long term goal I have for myself in this field is to Development manage and build my own organization that helps aid families and children in poverty nationally and internationally.  I want to start locally in my own community and build from there and I know the time and effort it will take to make this happen, but I am up for the long rewarding journey.  I also want to thank you all for you advice and feedback on my posts and helping me along the way I appreciate all of my colleagues and professors in this journey and I wish you all much success in the future.  

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Practical application in the early childhood field: Being mindful of outcomes and consequences. Baltimore, MD: Author. 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

There are a few international organizations that appealed to me are:

UNICEF- I chose this one because their mission is strong and they focus on defending the rights of every child all over the world, in regards to education, to their everyday needs supporting the child in all aspects and I think this is important so that the child can grow healthy and happy.

 http://www.unicef.org/

Save the children- This organization is great and appealed to me because it allows individuals to donate to children who are in need and also you have the option to sponsor a child that is in need which helps focus on a specific child and giving solely to them and this is amazing and a different way of helping them.

 http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

ISSA (International step by step association)-  This organization appealed to me because it focuses on the child's quality care and education and helping the child to reach their full potential as they need to with healthy environments for success.

http://www.issa.nl/index.html

Job Opportunities:

Head Start Child development and Education Specialist:

Los Angeles County Office of Education, Head Start – State Preschool Program, has two immediate openings for Head Start Program Development Specialists. Our Head Start – State Preschool Program is the largest in the nation and contracts with 17 delegate agencies to provide services directly to children from birth to five years old and their families within diverse communities throughout Los Angeles County.

The Head Start Program Development Specialist is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of ERSEA processes and procedures, which includes community assessment and eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance; maintaining accurate program development and planning information; and reviewing monitoring data to ensure program compliance.  The incumbent in this position will also be responsible for collaborating with representatives from outside organizations to improve the outreach and recruitment process for eligible Head Start families. 

The Well Qualified Candidate Will Possess the Following

Knowledge:

---

• Methods in assessing and evaluating the quality and delivery of child development services
• Related local, state, and federal regulations
• Child development with an emphasis on social emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children in infancy and childhood
• Ethics in relation to child and family-child development
• Staff development and in-service methods and techniques
• Early learning and parenting curricula
• Community resources including family support services, emergency and crisis services, and child protective services
• Cultural differences that influence parenting skills and family environments
• Qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques
• Operations of applicable computer hardware and software as related to report writing, record keeping and analysis.
• Confidentiality of records 
  

Competencies:

---

• Professional & Technical Expertise – Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Analyzing & Interpreting Data – Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative and/or qualitative data
• Critical Thinking – Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Decision Making – Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation – Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Using Technology – Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Adaptability – Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Oral Communication – Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Writing – Communicating effectively in writing
• Professional Impact – Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Relationship Building – Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Group Facilitation – Enabling constructive and productive group interaction
• Cultural Proficiency – Modeling communication and interaction that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions and cultures
  

Required Education and Experience

---

Education: A bachelor's degree with major coursework in child development, early education, education, educational psychology, or a closely related field from an institution of higher learning accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, with an additional 40 hours of training on topics related to early learning and development such as:: CLASS certification, Environmental Rating Scales, prenatal development, parenting, families in poverty, children's literacy and social-emotional development, Creative Curriculum, DRDP A master's degree is desirable.

Experience: Three years of child development experience in a multi-disciplinary setting, including at least two years' experience in administering and/or coordinating comprehensive child development programs or child development departments in a Head Start program or similar agency providing services to low-incomevfamilies. One-year experience assessing quality in early learning settings using research-based assessment tools.

Additional Requirements: Certification as a Teachstone CLASS™ reliable observer is highly desired. A valid California driver's license, proof of insurability, and the availability of private transportation or the ability to provide transportation between job sites is required.

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

There are 3 government/federal agencies that stuck out to me while doing my research for this blog assignment that I thought were important in the world of Early childhood and Education in general her they are:

NAEYC (The National Association for the Education of Young Children) -  This is probably one of the highest in early childhood education, the reason I chose this one is because it is focused solely on the growth and development of young children from birth to age 8.  They have a clear and focused mission on promoting high quality education for young children.  

http://www.naeyc.org/content/about-naeyc

NEA (National Education Association)- This organization is focused on the advancement of public school education and the reason I chose it was because I feel it is an important organization and I feel that advancing public school is important because I went to public school and saw so many things that we lacked and I feel all children should have an equal opportunity for quality education all over the world.  

https://www.nea.org/home/2580.htm 

NCCA (National Childcare Association)-  This one stuck out to me because its mission is to support policies that are beneficial to children, such as Equal opportunity, funding, regulations and Early childcare in general.

http://www.nccanet.org/ 

Job Opportunities in The field:
Head Start Child Development & Education Specialist

Los Angeles County Office of Education, Head Start - State Preschool Program, has two immediate openings for Head Start Program Development Specialists. Our Head Start - State Preschool Program is the largest in the nation and contracts with 17 delegate agencies to provide services directly to children from birth to five years old and their families within diverse communities throughout Los Angeles County. The Head Start Program Development Specialist is responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of ERSEA processes and procedures, which includes community assessment and eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance; maintaining accurate program development and planning information; and reviewing monitoring data to ensure program compliance. The incumbent in this position will also be responsible for collaborating with representatives from outside organizations to improve the outreach and recruitment process for eligible Head Start families. The Well Qualified Candidate Will Possess the Following Knowledge • Methods in assessing and evaluating the quality and delivery of child development services • Related local, state, and federal regulations • Child development with an emphasis on social emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children in infancy and childhood • Ethics in relation to child and family-child development • Staff development and in-service methods and techniques • Early learning and parenting curricula • Community resources including family support services, emergency and crisis services, and child protective services • Cultural differences that influence parenting skills and family environments • Qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques • Operations of applicable computer hardware and software as related to report writing, record keeping and analysis. • Confidentiality of records Competencies: • Professional & Technical Expertise - Applying technical subject matter to the job • Analyzing & Interpreting Data - Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative and/or qualitative data • Critical Thinking - Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims • Decision Making - Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner • Legal & Regulatory Navigation - Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations • Using Technology - Working with electronic hardware and software applications • Adaptability - Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires • Oral Communication - Engaging effectively in dialogue • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing • Professional Impact - Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization • Relationship Building - Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships • Group Facilitation - Enabling constructive and productive group interaction • Cultural Proficiency - Modeling communication and interaction that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions and culturesRequired Education and Experience Education: A bachelor's degree with major coursework in child development, early education, education, educational psychology, or a closely related field from an institution of higher learning accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, with an additional 40 hours of training on topics related to early learning and development such as:: CLASS certification, Environmental Rating Scales, prenatal development, parenting, families in poverty, children's literacy and social-emotional development, Creative Curriculum, DRDP A master's degree is desirable. Experience: Three years of child development experience in a multi-disciplinary setting, including at least two years' experience in administering and/or coordinating comprehensive child development programs or child development departments in a Head Start program or similar agency providing services to low-incomevfamilies. One-year experience assessing quality in early learning settings using research-based assessment tools. Additional Requirements: Certification as a Teachstone CLASS™ reliable observer is highly desired. A valid California driver's license, proof of insurability, and the availability of private transportation or the ability to provide transportation between job sites is required. Selection Process Candidates who meet the minimum requirements above, will be invited to participate in an examination that may consist of Traninig and Experience evaluation (T&E), Performance and Structure Interview examination.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Here are some communities of practice that I found to be interesting to me:

Advocates for diversity-  This intrigued me because its a group focused on inclusion with diversity and sustaining that inclusion. I am a huge advocate for diversity already so this stood out to me

http://astc.org/profdev/communities/currentCOPs.htm

Early Childhood- This one stood out for the obvious reasons of early childhood.  It focuses on children and their education and everything that comes with that.  I know that there are many challenges in the field and issues that need to be addressed so working with like-minded individuals to accomplish those goals and getting ideas and inspiration is something I would want.

http://astc.org/profdev/communities/currentCOPs.htm

Research and Evaluation-  I chose this community of practice because research and evaluation isn't my strong point, I'd love to gain tips and see how others go about their research and evaluations to see what works for me.

http://astc.org/profdev/communities/currentCOPs.htm

Job Opportunities for me:

Head Start Child Development and Education Consultant


Under general direction, provides technical expertise, consulting, support, and ongoing monitoring and oversight to the LACOE Head Start State Preschool, delegate agencies, and other public and private child development agencies in essential areas of development and learning used to establish school readiness goals for children, monitor children's progress, align curricula, and conduct program planning; provides support in the content, structure, and delivery of child development services for children and families enrolled in the Early Head Start, Head Start, or State Preschool programs.

The Well Qualified Candidate Will Possess the Following

Knowledge:

---

• Child development curricula and trends
• Community Care Licensing (Title 22) regulations, Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, Title IV, and related legislation
• (QRIS) Continuous Quality Improvement Pathways and California Department of Education Quality Continuum Framework – Rating Matrix
• State preschool methods in assessing and evaluating the quality and delivery of child development services
• Human development including prenatal, infant, toddler, preschool, and maternal development
• Ethics in relation to child and family-child development 
• Staff development, in-service, and adult learning methods and techniques 
• Instructional methods, classroom interactions, and Teachstone's Classroom Assessment Scoring System™ (CLASS™) observation tool and implementation 
• Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), Environmental Rating Scale (ERS), and other assessment techniques used to identify strengths of children and families
• Community resources including family support services, emergency and crisis services, and child protective services 
• Cultural differences that influence parenting skills and family environments
• Techniques for counseling parents in child development
• Best practices in providing technical assistance, coaching, and mentoring child development and education staff.
• 
  
• Required Education and Experience
  

  ---

  Education: A master's degree with major coursework in child development, early education, education, educational psychology, or a field closely related to the job requirements of this classification, from an institution of higher learning accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Foreign degrees and credit units require translation and equivalency established by an agency recognized by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
  
  Experience: Four years of child development experience in a multi-disciplinary setting, including at least two years of experience in administrating or coordinating comprehensive child development programs or departments in a Head Start program, or similar early childhood education agency providing services to low income families
  
  Additional Requirements: Certification as a Teachstone CLASS™ reliable observer is highly desired. A California Child Development Director permit is desired. A valid California driver's license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation between job sites is required

• Site Director Training & Research Foundation Head Start - Los Angeles, CA $27.52 an hour The Site Director supervises all teaching staff and oversees all education activities for their assigned site. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Planning and Program Implementation Supervises, coordinates, and evaluates the teaching of children within the classroom environment. Coaches/mentors assigned teaching staff regarding curriculum. Participates in actual teaching and demonstrates and applies appropriate methods, materials, and accepted practices. Provides direction and tracks adherence to individual lesson plans. Assures regular reporting of child progress and child center activities. Provides mentoring based on classroom observation. Involves parents and promotes knowledge of educational activities and student development goals. Considers student health and safety and effective learning and reinforcement techniques. Monitors parent conferences, and develops and informs parents and staff regarding IEP goals. Maintains current knowledge of teaching techniques through child development classes, workshops, and membership in professional organizations. Prepares and maintains necessary and mandated records and related documents. CCL/Head Start Completes daily head counts and ensures that ratios are met at all times. Completes paperwork and reports any symptoms of child abuse to the Child Development Specialist and Child Abuse Hotline, supports teachers to make necessary reports. Completes and maintains Licensing forms as needed. Ensures site compliance with all CCL requirements and Head Start Performance Standards Ensures monitoring of classroom quality with CLASS Supervision Schedules supervision meetings with teachers on a monthly basis or as needed. Develops/monitors Professional Development Goals for all teaching staff. Participates in the orientation of teaching staff. Conducts annual evaluation of teaching staff/floaters. Responsible for reviewing/approving timesheets, work orders, purchase orders, and other supporting documentation. Completes and follows up with all site visits for Community Care Licensing Completes and ensures all required reports are maintained and submitted to appropriate parties. Developments and monitors goals for the site and individual classrooms. Completes reports and communicates problems directly to supervisor as needed. Supervises and monitors child files and assists staff in the compliance of file requirements. May perform other duties as assigned by supervisor Education/Certifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Education or Child Development, including more than 12 semester units or equivalent quarter units in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. California Site Supervisor Permit. Experience working with at risk populations and/or experience working with children or families served by Head Start.

Reflecting on Learning

My greatest hope for the future as an Early childhood professional and for the families and children I come across is to provide hope and be able to change the lives of the families and children I come across.  There is so much to be done in this field to continue to create a change and deal with the issues of inequity in the system.  I just want to make sure that every family, and every child I come across I make some sort of positive impact on their lives so that they too can be positive and have a great outlook on the future of their children.

I want to say a special Thank you! to all of my colleagues and teacher for making this class such an amazing experience for the feedback and insights provided they have definitely allowed me to retain great information to push forward in this field.  I want to wish you all much success in you future endeavors and finishing here at Walden it was a pleasure to work with you in learning so much!

Impacts On early emotional development

The Region that I chose to study is Eastern and Southern Africa. The reason why I chose to learn more on this region is because I know that part of the world does suffer from a lot of struggles especially in the children and I wanted to learn more about what exactly they have to deal with.  One of the most known struggles that the region suffers from is low income mostly in the regions of (Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia).  Children in low income can suffer from many things, they may not get the proper food and clothing they need and it can affect them mentally.

 A lot of low income families go without the essential things that they need in life and a lot of times the children go without and this can affect their growth and development.  Another thing that this region suffers from HIV “ Eastern and Southern Africa is home to half the world’s population living with HIV; 48 per cent of the world’s new HIV infections among adults; 55 per cent of the world’s new HIV infections among children” UNICEF (2011).  This sort of infectious disease can affect the child’s longevity in life and because children’s immune systems aren’t as high as adults they can suffer from the disease more heavily than adults can.  Their real chances of survival as a young child are slim with this disease.

 One last thing I wanted to discuss that children suffer with in this region is their education, a lot of children are deprived of the proper education in this country whether it be their families not caring enough to put them in school or it not being available to them.  Education as we know is very important especially when you reach the school age and are supposed to be at a certain level, with this lack of care it can seriously hold a child back from their full potential and growth.  A child must grow progressively and not getting the proper education can seriously stop that and take a mental effect on the child, especially when around children who are at a higher level. 

Reading and learning about the children of Eastern and southern Africa really opened my eyes to what children suffer with from around the world.  It is really sad to hear about and read, but it just makes me want to go harder as an educator for the children I come across and beyond to help ensure they are cared for properly and get the right opportunities to help promote healthy growth for them.  I will continue to learn about the struggles faced everyday by children and do my part to help begin to prevent and alleviate what I can, because change can be made with us. 

Reference:

UNICEF (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/