Time Well Spent

I have enjoyed getting to know all my colleagues and you Dr. Dartt.  To my colleagues: Thank you for all of your feedback and thoughts you have provided to me during the Master's program at Walden University. Thank you Dr. Dartt for all the comments, suggestions, and guidance you have given me and all my colleagues during the course. I wish you all the best as we make a difference in the world as social change advocates.  I have three deeply felt learnings from this program I want to share. 
1. You can accomplish even things that you think are out of your reach with the right resources and determination.
2. Dream bigger than what you think you will be able to accomplish in the future.
3. Don't give up on your dreams.
My long term goal is to one day work with an orphanage to impact the lives of children and help provide them the basic necessities of life.
Thank you again for everything you have contributed. I wish you the best in everything that you do as social agents of change in the early childhood field.  Crystal Bragg clwchildren@yahoo.com 

Jobs and Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Save the children

I chose this organization because they are working to make a difference in the lives of children in several different areas. Some of the areas that mean the most to me include nutrition, hunger, education, and child protection. I always felt like I had a passion for poverty and once my Grandfather died, the issue of nutrition became extremely important to me. My Grandfather died from a disease that he got because he was unable to eat or drink anything.  The goal of the organization is: “We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters” (Save the Children, 2011). There are many children out there that is affected by many different issues that need our help.

The open position that I was interested in was the Early Childhood Coordinator.

Early Steps to School Success program   provides early childhood education services to pregnant women and children birth to five years of age, education services to their parents, and ongoing staff training to the community early childhood educators. The program goals are: 1) children will enter school with the skills necessary for school success, 2) parents will have the knowledge and skills to support their children’s education, 3) home/school connections will be strong and 4) early childhood knowledge and skills in communities will be significantly increased. The job of the Early Childhood Coordinator is to implement the Early Steps to School Success program in the assigned community. 

Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Impact

Accountable for day to day execution of job. Organizes self and manages time to get things done. May exercise independent judgment and discretion on operational matters related to specific tasks. Requires supervision to review work progress and results. Keeps manager informed of important issues. Builds effective relationships within their immediate or peer workgroup.

Provide regular home visits to families (twice monthly) using agency approved home visiting curriculum (40%)

Recruit families with children ages birth to five into the program (10%)

Develop and schedule the program activities, including home visiting, parent/child groups, transition to school activities and other programmatic activities (10%)

Organize and conduct regular (minimum of one per month) parent child groups (10%)

Conduct child screenings and make referrals (5%)

Participate in training and technical assistance activities, including site visits, conference calls and web-based resource sharing (20%)

Participate in the evolution of Early Steps, including data collection, interviewing and videotaping activities (5%)

Required Background and Experience, Skills and Behaviors

Minimum 2-3 years’ experience required. High School diploma or equivalent required; Associates degree in related field preferred. Requires learned knowledge, technical skills and attention to detail to support semi-complex tasks. Highly motivated, flexible, and non-judgmental individual who is eager to learn. Experience working with pregnant women, children ages birth to five, and families in rural areas. Experience with home visiting and leading parent groups. Demonstrated early childhood knowledge, including infant/toddler knowledge. Energetic, motivated and creative. Able to work independently.

Available and reliable vehicle for visiting families (Save the Children provides mileage reimbursement). Competency with computers including previous experience with Windows programming and use of the Internet. Willingness to travel within the state for trainings. Willingness to collect data and participate in the program evaluation.  

 

I found an organization through charity village to be very interesting. I was interested in this organization because they are using the love of art to improve the lives of others by making living conditions better. The international charity is located in Mount Albert, ON.   ABCD: Art Building Children’s Dreams. This charity raises funds to help children in rural Tanzania complete their education. They pay school fees directly, and also fund breakfast programs, school libraries, teaching resources, computer classrooms, new toilets and kitchens in schools, and other school infrastructure projects.

Child and Youth Worker/Foster Parent Role

Hanrahan Youth Services is a long-term residential treatment agency located in the Region of Peel with satellite settings in York, Halton, Niagara and Toronto regions. We began providing residential services in 1995, and during the past 20 years have evolved into a comprehensive and well recognized residential treatment program. We currently operate 22 residential settings and are seeking suitable individuals to fill Foster Parent positions in our AGENCY OWNED homesin the Peel Region. Hanrahan Youth Services provides competitive per diem rates with relief and support packages. Per diems range from $70-$80. Necessary training will be provided. At this time, we have positions available for Foster Parents/CYW’s willing to run agency owned, 4-bed, mixed modality settings.  Candidates should possess CAS experience and a CYW diploma or related experience.

I was interested in this because it is related to adoption and foster care services.

Academy for Educational Development.

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions.  I chose this organization because they see that key issues affects people all over the world and they want to make a difference by providing solutions to the problems.

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Duties and Responsibilities

The M&E Specialist will assist with the development of M&E plans for the project, data management and analysis, and program reporting through use of the standard forms and tools described above. She/he will represent the END in Africa project within the USAID Portfolio, the wider NTD community, and also within the 5 supported END in Africa countries. She/he will work within the regional End in Africa team located in the FHI360 Ghana Country Office in Accra under the direct supervision of the FHI360 Technical Advisor and will be based in Accra, Ghana. She/he will liaise between the supported countries and the USAID NTD Program (especially the USAID M&E Advisor for NTDs) and the ENVISION project to ensure that all data/information needed from countries are appropriately collected and uploaded in the web-based database after they are approved by the MOH. She/he will have the responsibility of reviewing DSA protocols, provide technical support in the execution of DSAs and analysis of DSA results for making decisions on future actions. She/he will have to analyze countries’ epidemiological profiles and support countries in making decisions on whether to stop MDAs or not based on WHO guidelines. She/he will also conduct trainings to introduce the DQA surveys and guide countries to implement these surveys within the next 2 years. While working within the regional END in Africa team, the M&E Consultant will have to maintain a good working relationship and proper channel of communication with project staff based in Washington DC (the Project Director, the Senior Project Officer, and the Knowledge Management Specialist), with other advisors in the regional END in Africa team (the Technical Advisor and Health Financing Advisor), the USAID M&E Advisor for NTDs, M&E specialists within the ENVISION project, sub grantees and national NTDPs of the 5 END in Africa implementing countries.

Qualifications:

•At least a Master’s degree or its equivalent in public health and/or epidemiology.  A strong academic formation in epidemiology is preferred.

•Demonstrated understanding of WHO M&E guidelines for NTDs.

•At least five (5) years of experience on M&E in the health sector/systems in any country.  Experience performing M&E activities for infectious diseases program in Africa is necessary.  Experience on NTDs is a plus.

•Demonstrated leadership in the development and implementation of an M&E strategy and/or implementation plan for a project or program of similar magnitude.

•Demonstrated knowledge of information and communications technology and its application to M&E - at least proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Power point and access) is required. Knowledge of other M&E software such as SPSS, SAS and EpiInfo will be an advantage.

•Excellent management and interpersonal skills.

•Fully fluent in English and French, both verbally and in writing.

•Strong ability to plan, organize, prioritize work, and multi task to meet tight deadlines.

•Availability to travel at least 50% of the time.

References

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.aed.org/en/index.htm

Academy for Educational Development. (2011). Retrieved from https://jobs-fhi360.icims.com/jobs/15506/monitoring-and-evaluation-specialist/job

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from https://chc.tbe.taleo.net/chc01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SAVETHECHILDREN&cws=1&rid=3255

https://charityvillage.com/directories/organizations-i-z/international-relief-development-peace.aspx

https://charityvillage.com/jobs/search-results/job-detail.aspx?id=314028&l=2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jobs/ Roles in ECE Community: National Level

I found three different organizations and jobs that I found to be interesting this week.
1. American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. I have been interested in maybe teaching family and consumer science classes at the high school level since this also includes child development and other areas that I am interested in. A job available is a health and Nutrition specialist. The position is directly responsible for ensuring health and nutrition services in all child development centers are in compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Head Start Performance Standards. Monitors health and nutrition services in child development centers, and maintains records as required by the Child Care Food Program. In collaboration with Early Head Start Partnership Directors, the Health and Nutrition Specialist provides technical assistance to center staff that meets funding source requirements and to ensure program outcomes. The standard operating hours are 8:30 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.; however, must be flexible to meet program needs. Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in nutrition, public health, or child development. Two years of relevant experience. Computer literacy, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and internet and e communications is highly preferred.
2. Zero to three. This organization provides a wealth of information for parents about the importance of the first three years of a child's life and child development information. I chose this organization because I love the documents they provide to parents and the first three years are very important for brain development. A job I found to be interesting was called Senior Training Specialist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 Train trainers with backgrounds in early childhood education, child welfare/child abuse prevention, and early identification and intervention as well as physical health.

Contribute to high quality written content (curriculum, trainings, on-line modules, webinars, journal articles, etc.)

 Implement and follow up on activities involved in grant/contract funded work.

 Travel as needed to provide training and/or attend meetings.

 Research, design, develop and deliver workshops, webinars and technical assistance for multi-disciplinary professionals.

 Convert previously written materials into on-line electronic modules

 Collect and organize data related to both on-line training and in person training and TA work.

 Assist in maintaining records of team’s activities.

 Assist in developing reports for funders.

 Co-facilitate training for trainers with other ZERO TO THREE trainers and consultants.
3. National Association of Social Workers. I have been interested in social work for a while. I am most interested in being in adoption part of child services. I have found a position called child and family therapist. This position will have responsibility for providing clinical mental health services to children and families in an outpatient community mental health clinic. Responsibilities will include:  intakes, diagnosis, child and family therapy, case management, and mental health treatment services to identified children and families in the most appropriate environment.

Referenceshttp://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/careers/jobs/

http://joblink.socialworkers.org/jobs/6992919/child-and-family-therapist

http://www.naswdc.org/

http://www.jobtarget.com/c/job.cfm?job=22902202&vnet=0&site_id=347

http://www.aafcs.org/

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The three local and state organizations that appeal to me are Parents as Teachers, Social Services, and Baptist Children's Homes. When I was working on my Associate's degree in college I chose to observe a worker that had a job as a case worker as an parent educator.  She went into the homes of her clients and played with the children for a few minutes with an activity and then talked with and educated the parent about development issues and questions that the parent had about their child. I thought this would be an interesting job to have one day. I have always been interested in the adoption and foster care part of social services. I started to take classes for social work but was not able to complete the classes due to work and scheduling. I have wondered what it would be like to work in the childcare part of the Baptist Children's Home or work as a counselor/ case manager to the children that live their. There is a few of the homes within a short drive of my house. I have volunteered there one time to help do some cleaning for the home.

Job opportunities that I would be interested in include: adoption or foster care case worker ( I feel I would be more interested in the adoption aspect), parent as teacher educator, case manager for Baptist Children's Home.

Skills and experience needed to fulfill each of these roles:
Case Manager BCH -

	The Case Manager performs duties and responsibilities related to the function of the Human Services Ministry enabling the assigned cottage to function at the highest level of competency in carrying out the Agency’s policies, procedures and programs. These activities relate to teamwork, group work, work with family according to the developed plan, family and custodian contacts, community resources, and case record management.
Duties:	Supervision: •Prepares for and participates in regular supervisory conferences •Participates in 90-day and annual staff performance evaluations •Keeps supervisor informed on current status of total work responsibilities Policies and Procedures: •Functions within the guidelines of the Manual of Operations and the Program of Intentionalized Services •Represents the agency’s philosophy, purpose, and programs to groups, individuals, and referral agencies in a professional and objective manner Professionalism/Teamwork: •Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to work as a member of the cottage team •Has knowledge of and supports the roles of other team members •Respects the right of the team to be involved with the child and his/her family •Shares with their team members information necessary for cottage and Treatment Team decision making •Supports the team in providing daily care to meet the needs of children and maintaining a therapeutic cottage environment •Participates as a team member in team meetings and other staff meetings •Participates in ongoing monitoring of effectiveness of the team’s functioning •Researches and conducts staff training on appropriate subjects as assigned •Provides leadership in creating and maintaining therapeutic milieu •Respects the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of staff members and children in care and strives to create a positive relationship within BCH. •Participates in the agency’s Performance Quality Improvement (PQI) program as needed. Clients: •Facilitates FAC, admission, intake, transfer, and discharge conferences •Provides leadership role in child and family conferences and coordinates and implements the Plan of Service and Plan of Service Reviews with each family •Provides support, encouragement, recognition of feelings and problem-solving which compliments family work and family therapy •Arranges family contacts, emergency contacts, financial accounting, scheduling of appointments, behavior infractions, obtaining consents, in-home plans, and in reporting medical, school, and other daily events •Establishes and maintains relationships with resources for client systems and assists family/custodian in securing appropriate internal and external community resources to meet the family’s needs •Conducts psycho-educational groups to include but not be limited to peer pressure, social skills, anger management, independent living, group building initiatives, communication, decision making, chemical dependency, self esteem •Supports medical, dental and other appointments for youth in care •Keeps the focus on the custodian to be responsible for parenting the child’s placement •Supports the custodian in being responsible in the parental role during child’s placement •Sets the tone that clarifies BCH’s “Family Systems” approach to family work •The Case Manager’s workload is not to exceed 15 cases and is assessed and adjusted according to special circumstances. Record Keeping: •Keeps all client files and documentation of case activities current this includes, but is not limited to, Admission Documents, MIGS, Plan of Service, Plan of Service Review, Summary Dictations, Individual Crisis Management Plans, Outcome Measurements (including Duke Study), Consents, Progress Notes, Admission, Transfer, Discharge Memo’s, Alerting Slips, Court Reports, Aftercare Plans Knowledge and Training: •Continually increases knowledge and skills by taking steps necessary to stay in touch with current trends in the field of residential child care and programs for children and families •Has a body of knowledge and skills necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position •Demonstrates a knowledge level of current trends in the area of services to families and children •Develops a pool of external resources for supporting services on an as needed basis •Demonstrates and implements a working knowledge of skills in working with family systems, individuals and groups •Participates in Family Systems Trainings
Qualifications:	•Bachelors Degree in Human Services or related field, from an accredited University or Accredited Seminary •Two years of experience is preferred •Minimum of 21 years of age. •Must have the capability to manage, plan, organize, implement, monitor and maintain agency programs as well as adhere to accreditation standards and N.C. licensing requirements. •Meets the general qualifications for employment as outlined in the institution's personnel policies •Respects the cultural diversity of children, and strives to create a positive relationship •Valid drivers license and safe driving record so as to be able to operate an agency vehicle to transport children.
Only thing I could find on social services but not directly with adoption and foster care. Included child protective services. MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative; or Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work plus one year of directly related experience; or Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work and completion of the Child Welfare Collaborative (Child Welfare positions only) plus one year of directly related experience; or Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work plus two years of directly related experience; or 4 year degree in a human services field plus three years of directly related experience; or 4 year college or university degree plus four years of directly related experience. (Directly related experience is defined as human services experience in the areas of case management, assessment and referral, supportive counseling, intervention, psycho-social therapy and treatment planning.)   Parent as teacher educator     POSITION QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS: Education and Experience Required: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development or related field is preferred. Minimum of 60 college hours in early childhood development with a minimum of two years experience directly working with young children under the age of 5 required. Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or 5 years experience in a pre-school setting preferred. Required continuing education to maintain certification. Skills Required: Ability to receive supervision and work independently, problem solve and be solution-oriented. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a positive rapport with children birth through age 5 and their parents; effectively communicate developmental issues to families. Knowledge and skill working with diverse populations. Bi-lingual Spanish strongly preferred. Display a positive, outgoing and flexible professional demeanor and be resourceful, non-judgmental and tactful in dealing with both children and adults. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from parents or community. Demonstrate good organizational skills. Ability to write reports, correspondence and maintain accurate records. Ability to perform CPR and First Aid. Advocate and Support Mission, Vision, and Core Values of KidsFirst. Intermediate level of proficiency in MS Outlook and MS Word. Must be willing to undergo background check and drug testing. Must possess a valid California driver’s license, provide own transportation and have a clean DMV report. Other duties as assigned.

  References
http://ssw.unc.edu/dssjobsnc/index.php?q=jobs_list&distance[postal_code]=&distance[search_distance]=

http://bchfamily.org/

http://www.nprcenter.org/job/parent-educator-parents-teachers-pat-program

EDUC 6990: Practical application Class

Welcome everyone to our last class in our master's program! Week 1.

Thanks

I just wanted to thank everyone for sharing their ideas with me during the course. I have learned
things about communication that I was not familar with during the course. We learned about communicating and building leadership skills. Effective communication takes time and commitment. Thanks again.

Adjourning

I think the hardest part of adjourning from a group is saying goodbye to the coworkers that you have built a close relationship with over the years. It is hard to say goodbye to those you have learned to trust and depend on. Team members that are supportive and willing to help in any way make it difficult to say bye. I think that groups that are supportive, dependable, and have clear expectations are hard to adjourn. I have found that for me, the Christian settings have been the hardest for me to leave. The people that I work with at those settings have treated me much better than the other settings I have been to. I wish I could have been part of closing rituals where people would have said "I will really miss having you around". I have only had one setting that I felt was somewhat like this. I will adjourn from my Master's colleague's by telling them I wish them the best on their school work and their new adventures to come. I am thankful for all the insights they have shared with me over the last few courses. I feel adjourning is an essential part of teamwork because it is how we can express or feelings and have closure on that part of our life.

 

References

 

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html