Time Well Spent

     I must admit this has been one of my favorite course's at Walden University. I have gained great insight on how to create a Community of Practice and the definition of what a Community of Practice is within my community. A Community of Practice is a group of people that share the same vision, goals, and resources. I also learned a lot about Leadership Roles and the importance of inspiring and motivating your team members. A leader should always lead by example and create a pleasant working environment. I learned about the Challenges that I may encounter in the field of Early Childhood as it relates to my Community of Practice. The challenges may occur when bringing awareness to the community about prevention of Gun Violence among Young Children. To collaborate and share resources with families and leaders in the community. My long term goals are to obtain my Masters Degree in the field of Early Childhood. To continue to advocate for young children and work with professionals in developing solutions for poverty, gun violence, and poverty within our community. I would like to wish all my colleagues a successful journey in the field of Early Childhood. My favorite quote is "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows."- Sydney J. Harris

                                                           Thanks: Stephanie Rickenbacker

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

            The three International Organizations that I have chosen are listed below:

1. Children's Defense Fund (CDF).
2. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
3. Rainbows

          The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is an non-profit organization for child advocacy. The Children's Defense Fund works to help eliminate poverty among children and families. The Children's Defense Fund is also geared towards protecting children from abuse and neglect. The Children's Defense Fund also works to provide health care, and education for children. I choose ''The Children's Defense Fund'' because I am currently a member and this organization does keep me current on the latest issues that relates to young children. The job opportunity is currently located in New York City the job title is called Health Policy Associate. The Health Policy Associate will conduct research on health policies for children this position requires a Bachelors Degree.

         The United Nations Children's Fund ( UNICEF) helps to improve and save the lives of young children. The UNICEF provides health care, clean water, and immunizations for children and families. I choose this organization because they are an organization that helps children and families living in poverty. The UNICEF works through advocacy, education and advocacy within the United States. Job opportunities are located in New York City and the job titled is Manager Volunteer and Community Partnerships. This is currently a full time position requires a Bachelors Degree and 5-7 years of experience with volunteer management skills. This position reports to the director, volunteer, manages and supports the efforts for UNICEF.

             Rainbows is one of the largest international non-profit organization which helps children and teens that are in the grieving process. I choose this organization because Rainbows is an organization that provides support for children and teens that are experiencing grief as a result of a divorce or loss of a love one. Rainbow does partnership with schools, social service agencies, and faith based communities. Job opportunities are volunteers, and facilitators which must posses attentive listening skills, and presentation grief skills.

Resources:
http://www.rainbows.org

http://www.unicef.org

http://www.childrensdefense.org

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community : National Federal Level

Federal Organizations and Communities of Practices are listed below:

The National Children's Alliance is a professional membership organization that is geared to helping local communities. When responding to the allegations that pertained to Child Abuse and Neglect. The National Children's Alliance believes in putting children first by providing professional training and support. The National Children's Alliance also provides technical support and leadership skills on the National Level. The National Children's Alliance also support local children's agencies in the communities in responding to the reports of Child Abuse and Neglect. The National Children's Alliance has a link for membership. The membership link gives us an opportunity in becoming an advocate for young children. Becoming an advocate helps to educate and bring awareness as it relates to Child Abuse and Neglect.

Family Connection of South Carolina is statewide non-profit organization that support families of children with special healthcare needs and disabilities. The Family Connection of South Carolina also provides support for premature birth, and children with physical limitations. The Family Connections supports families of children with autism, ADHD, and Cerebral Palsy. The Family Connections also has a network of over 600 volunteer support groups, and family Partner Programs.

The Mentoring Center is a National network of locally based mentoring partnerships of non-partisan. The Mentoring Center is also in partnership with public and private companies. Provides technical assistance and training for companies such as school districts and local colleges.

The experience that I will need for the following companies above is knowledge in the field of Early Childhood and obtain membership. Become an advocate and bring awareness within the communities. I am currently a mentor for young children, and I work with children and families within the community.

Resources:

Retrieved: http://www.mentor.org

Retrieved:http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org

Retrieved: http://www.familyconnectionsc.org

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Level

  
   
   
    The three local Organizations and Communities of Practice that appealed most to me was the United Way of the Midlands , Columbia Urban League, and The Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands. I chose these three community based organizations because they assist children and families in creating a strong community. The United Way of the Midlands of Columbia provides the necessary resources to help empower the community. To assist children with educational opportunities, and helping families become self sufficient. The Columbia Urban League is an organization that is closest to my heart because of Social issues within the African American Community. The Columbia Urban League encourages people in the community to get involve with public policy and leadership. That our voices are heard that our children and their families have equal opportunities and a quality of life  The Columbia Urban League is an organization that prepares African American children for the 21st century. The Columbia Urban League also provides Scholarships and After School Care Programs for children in the community. I became interested in The Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands because our young children needed an After School Program. An After School Program assisted children within the community with recreation, educational skills, and assist children with their homework. I work the After School Program in my school district/community. What I like about the Boys and Girls club is that they have a motto that our young children are tomorrow's leaders.

      The current job opportunities with the Boys and Girls Club is that they provide a job link in which you fill out the application. The website didn't list any current vacancies but does state that they will do a current back ground check. The Columbia Urban League has a job link that request if you have computer skills, marketing, research. The United Way of the Midlands has a link for volunteers. The skills that I would need to fulfill the current roles with the organizations is leadership skills, communication skills, and early childhood experience. And experience working with children and families from diverse cultures. One must become an advocate for children and families within the community.

Resources:
Retrieved from: http: www.columbiaurbanleague.org
Retrieved from: http: www.united way.org/take-action/volunteer
Retrieved from:http://www.unitedway.org
Retrieved from: http://www.bgcmidland.org