Congratulations  Ladies on achieving this wonderful milestone!  It has been a journey for all us of reaching this goal in our lives.  I pray that you each continue to make children first and always advocate for what they deserve.  Use your experience and knowledge to make a difference in early childhood education.  Assisting just one child means you have been successful! May your passion and efforts continue to multiply.  It hard to for me to think that next Wednesday I won't have an assignment due?!!!






My goal is to complete my capstone vision with my current program and hope to make a difference in the community that I am employed in.  I hope to see an increase in education in the community, increase in the amount of developmental screenings completed and increase in the amount of children on our reservation receiving early intervention services.


 

Dr. E,

Thank you for pushing me! I struggle with wanting you to just make it easy and give me answers but you challenged me to use my own abilities and knowledge.  Your belief in me and what I can achieve in future is truly inspiring.  I did horrible in my undergrad studies.  To have attained a master's degree was unreachable.  In the beginning of the courses I doubted myself and didn't realize what knowledge I have gained and will always gain working with children and families.  I have had some really strong mentors in my life and for that I will internally be grateful.  I have learned that I can and will achieve anything I set my mind on!  This isn't the last time you will hear my name!!!!

Nikki

Jobs/Roles in ECE Community: Internationally

UNICEF is one program that I have always admired.  The organization goes to great depths to ensure “the promise of equity, to women and children (UNICEF, n.d.).  They work with every with countries that are burden with extreme poverty to ensure clean water, to lessen maternal/infant fatalities and violence against woman and children.  UNICEF’s website is a wealth of information including data and statics to show how their efforts are successful.

UNICEF. (n.d.).  The Promise of Equity.  Retrieved February 13, 2016, from http://www.unicef.org/

 

International Justice Mission is a program that works to save families globally from violence: recusing victims, victim advocacy, strengthening judicial systems, and holding criminals accountable.  They work with many countries with relentless efforts to ensure safety.  Their data shows that currently they have save 25,ooo people from violence and their goals are focused on saving 21 million globally (IJM, n.d). 

International Justice Mission. (n.d.).   Who We Are.  Retrieved February 13, 2016, from https://www.ijm.org/who-we-are

 

Save the Children works to assist children both internationally and U.S.  They strive on ensuring children receive a healthy start, access to fresh water, safe environments and opportunities to learn (Save the Children, 2016).  Currently, with the Flint Crisis in the U.S. the access to clean water is such a grave concern and a true disappointment in government.  I don’t know if they are assisting in that area but it does look like a project they would be assisting with.  We take for granted having clean flowing water where these families can’t even bath or cook with lead infested water.

Save the Children. (2016).  Global Action Fund.  Retrieved February 13, 2016, from https://secure.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6239401/k.C01C/Global_Action_Fund/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?msource=wexmsgaf1110&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ms-branded

          PHOENIX SOUTH

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

First Things First (FTF), also known as the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board, is a public agency that exists to increase the quality of, and access to, the early childhood development and health system that ensures a child entering school comes healthy and ready to succeed.  Passed by voter initiative in 2006, First Things First operates through a tax on tobacco products.  Governed by a State Board and Regional Partnership Councils, First Things First is a decentralized organization that engages diverse constituencies to accomplish its mission.  Organizational values include a focus on accountability, transparency, coordination, collaboration and on the outcomes that will ensure young children start kindergarten ready for school and life.  First Things First acts in accordance with our Beliefs, Actions and Performance statements, which are attached.

Job Summary:                                                    

The Regional Director is responsible for the overall management of the First Things First PHOENIX SOUTH Regional Partnership Council.  Office Location:  4000 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, 85012.

 Master’s degree in early education, social work, education, health or other related field preferred;

·       Background of progressively responsible managerial or leadership positions in public, private or non-profit organizations, preferably with such experience in the area of providing early childhood development and/or health services to children and families;

·       Possess a thorough knowledge of early childhood development and health issues, with knowledge of the particular issues facing Arizona.  Demonstrate the ability to develop successful strategies to address those issues;

·       Demonstrate a strong record of leadership in early childhood development, literacy and/or health programs;

·       Possess a demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic long-range plans that promote program goals such as increasing early childhood development opportunities; increasing access to preventive health programs and health screenings; and providing training and education to support early childhood development providers;

·       Possess a collegial leadership style and an ability to work effectively with staff; parents; community leaders; tribal leaders; local governments; public and private entities and faith-based groups to improve the quality of and access to early childhood development and health programs in the region;

·       Exhibit highly-developed interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability  to effectively articulate the goals, strategic direction and programs of the Regional Council;

·       Show a commitment to uphold high ethical standards and promote sound business practices;

·       Demonstrate the ability to ensure public accountability as well as measure and improve outcomes appropriate for program goals;

·       Demonstrate knowledge, skill and success in generating financial support from both the public and private sectors; and,

·       Have competence in working effectively with a citizen governing board and volunteers to advance the interests of programs.

·       Experience in, and understanding of, the regional area and the communities to be served.

·       Strong communication skills including the ability to write and speak clearly, succinctly, and in a manner that appeals to a wide audience.

·       Detail oriented with the ability to manage and meet competing deadlines.

·       Strength in abilities to work independently and in maintaining multiple responsibilities.

·       Creative and solution driven.

·       Cooperative in working relationships.

·       Reliable, regular and punctual attendance at work during core business hours.

·       Flexibility to attend evening or weekend community or Regional Council events.

The Child Development Content Specialist provides support to the Help Me Grow team by developing a series of informational handouts on various early childhood development, learning and behavior topics. The specialist will also explore free, high quality, research-based literature on child development and create a collection of resources that can be used to address informational needs of parents and provide developmental guidance. The specialists will work with staff to develop content priorities and distribution strategies and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Bachelor degree in communications, child development/early childhood education, education, social work, public health or related field.

And

Experience
Minimum of two years full-time experience in the field of early childhood working directly with families. OR a minimum of two years full-time experience as a content writer on early childhood health and development.

Early Childhood Consultant -United 4 Children

Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of PAQ Services: provides classroom consulting on best Early Childhood practices, creates and facilitates training, coordinates and facilitates community events, works closely in a team of other Early Childhood Consultants.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must possess training experience and be technologically literate. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or field related to early care and education, three to five years experience working with children in a child care setting, knowledge of adult education; experience presenting training and willingness to prefect the craft, or equivalent combination of education and experience.