Capstone Completion

Three deeply felt learnings from this program:

1.  Dreams are not frivolous.
I have revisited the same dream over and over throughout my career- usually at times of transition (or a need for transition).  When contemplating a topic for my capstone project, I was hesitant to choose this dream because it felt foolish to apply all of this thought and energy toward something that may never happen. 

2.  Dreams come true.
However, just as I was choosing my topic, the opportunity to bring this dream to reality presented itself.  I realized for the first time that dreams are not frivolous when they are built on passion and service to others.  In fact, I had been mistake- I was not dreaming, I planning a solution!

3.  We are all in this together.
My community is a living, breathing force that has taught me so much about what it means to have a home.  We are a small town of under 10,000 people in a rural setting.  We don't have a Target, a Starbucks, or a mall.  What we do have (in addition to clean, sandy beaches, stunning sunsets and a charming downtown) is a wealth of smart, generous people who know what it means to work together to do our best.  I am so honored to serve in the role of early childhood professional in this community and feel lucky to support and be supported by my neighbors.  It takes a village, and I love mine.

A long-term goal:

I intend to continue to learn how to best collaborate with others.  My leadership vision is one that does not include competition or solitude; as I gain and practice the skills and perspectives necessary I hope to facilitate growth and progress in every interaction I have with my community.

Farewell message:

Thank you for being members of my community during the past eight weeks.  The interactions and guidance I've enjoyed throughout this course have both informed and inspired me!

Heartfelt best wishes to you all as we go forth from here!

Early Educaion Careers on the International Scale

The first organization that caught my eye is Fhi360.  This organization is hard at work affecting change for children through locally-driven projects.  One current job opening that I find interesting is the Early Childhood Education Specialist.  This role includes providing Technical Assistance and training to Head Start grantees.  This role also includes assisting grantees in program planning and staff selection.  Requirements include a BA or Masters in Early Childhood Education, experience in the field, knowledge of early childhood theory, experience work with/in AIAN Head Start, experience providing TA and working with teachers.  This position interests me because I enjoy program development, working with adults in the field, and travel.

A second organization that interests me is Save the Children.  This organization has multiple initiatives all over the world to create positive, permanent change for children.  I am reading about the Associate Director of Policy & Advocacy, Early Childhood Development.  This role includes working with the Director and other partners to impact policy efforts. This position requires a degree in Early Childhood or policy, experience and knowledge of policy and legislature, and experience, relationships, and navigation skills in upper-level Washington political circles.  This position interests me because of its role in impacting educational policy at the federal/national level.

 

Thirdly, I explored the website for Plan International, an organization that works all over the globe to empower children and improve their ability to be self sufficient and successful.  Plan currently has Education in Emergency positions open.  In order to fill these positions one must have education, crisis intervention, humanitarian, and emergency preparedness expertise.  I find this position interesting because of the opportunity to assist children in continuing to benefit from the security of the routine of school during crises.