Time Well Spent

Time Well Spent

            I am so happy that I took the initiative to obtain my Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Studies. This is has been quite the experience and a journey. As a result of studying in this program, I have learned more about my role as a leader in the early childhood field and the importance of acquiring leadership skills. I am committed to ensuring that our Head Start and Early Head Start continues to provide high-quality services to the children and families that we serve. I learned that it is important to stay knowledgeable about the issues and trends in the early childhood field because of changing initiatives, mandates, guidelines and regulations. I have also learned that collaboration with colleagues, organizations and various communities of practice in the early childhood field is a great opportunity to associate with people to strengthen your skills.

            One long-term goal is to become an Executive Director for a Head Start and Early Head Start program and seek funding to add two more Early Head Start programs in the either of the six counties that the agency serves. I want to continue helping people become self-sufficient and change their lives. I want to continue serving and helping children and families from low-income families succeed in this world.

            I would like to thank Dr. Teri Davis and my colleagues for all their insightful responses, resources and suggestion throughout this course. I wish each and every one of you the best in the future. I have enjoyed learning with and from each of my colleagues. Thank you so much for what you do in the early childhood field.

“Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world.” ~ Maria Montessori

 

 Robbie Hurt, Early Childhood Manager

       Central Mississippi, Incorporated
       Head Start/Early Head Start Program
                        101 South Central Avenue
                          Winona, MS 38967
                           (662) 283-2227

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

            Three international organizations that appealed to me are the Division for Early Childhood (DEC), International Step By Step Association (ISSA), and Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).
The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, or gifted. It promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children who have or are risk for developmental delays and disabilities. This organization appeal to me because of its efforts to identify practices that result in better outcomes for young children with disabilities, their families, and the personnel who serve them.
ISSA's Values


International Step By Step Association (ISSA) organization connects professionals and organizations working in the field of early childhood development and education. It promotes equal access to quality education and care for all children, especially in the early years of their lives. ISSA organization appealed to me because it provide resources, technical assistance, and training in early childhood development and it supports programs that provide a comprehensive set of educational services and advocacy tools intended to influence policy reform for families and children.

Association for Childhood Education International (AECI) organization is interested in sharing new approaches to the education of children and ensuring that these approaches are delivered in ways that enhance children’s individual skills and abilities and provide opportunities for success in life. It is a global community of educators and advocates who unite knowledge, experience, and perspectives in order to exchange information, explore innovation and advocate for children. This organization appealed to me because of their vision that every child in every nation has access to a quality education.

            An international job opportunity that interests me was the position for a Regional Child and Youth Program Director located in Washington, DC. This position was located under the Division for Early Childhood organization website. The Regional Child and Youth Program Director will provide oversight to Child and Youth Program. Major duties and responsibilities include program operations/management, budgeting and financial management, personnel management, policies and procedures, and compliances. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science degree or a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field of study and three years of experience working with children and/or youth.

 

References

Association for Early Childhood Education International. Retrieved from http://www.acei.org/

Division of Early Childhood. Retrieved from http://www.dec-sped.org/

International Step By Step Association. Retrieved from http://www.issa.nl/