Time Well Spent

This has been an amazing journey! I have enjoyed the time I have spent learning in this program. It seemed so far away to the end when I began this journey, but looking back it seems like it has been quick! At times I felt I was going to have to give up because I was feeling overwhelmed by working on my Masters, working full time, and raising three children and a husband who made me feel like I had four children! At his point I can say now that I am so glad I didn't give up! I am even planning to continue on for a Doctorate. If I made it through this, then surely I can make it through that. I feel one of the greatest things that I learned from this program is to care about all children. I can't just focus on the ones that I am in direct contact with. An effective Early Childhood professional is one who works to improve all children, not just the ones in their area. Second, the next greatest thing I learned is how to put personal biases and stereotypes to rest. I even realized I had some personal biases that I didn't even know I had! Lastly, an important lesson that I think will change me in a great way is that everyone has something to bring to the table. There is power in numbers and I can do a much better job by considering the opinions of other professionals. So no more being Miss do-it-my-way, and not asking for others' opinions. A long term goal I have is to be in our state administration building as an employee. I want to be in the midst of where laws and regulations are made and can positively impact the lives of young children and families and their futures! I have enjoyed being a part of this group of students in this class. I feel like I have been afforded the opportunity to read and discuss things with a wonderful group of intelligent individuals. I am thankful to have learned from them. Dr. Meyers, thank you for comments on my papers that were encouraging and uplifting. I always doubt my abilities for things and always worry that I didn't understand the assignment correctly or second guess what I have written. The positive remarks have built my self-esteem and encouraged me to continue on to my Phd. Thank you for all of your support. I wonder is anyone in our group planning to continue on in a Phd. at Walden? Please keep in touch sbrown@pcdcva.org

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

http://www.atlascorps.org/partners.php Currently only have openings for fellowships and Volunteer positions http://www.children.org/home2.asp?sid=75F1975E-AD64-4D35-891E-60E1D3985641&dcsref=http://search.iminent.com/SearchTheWeb/v4/1033/toolbox/Result.aspx Currently have jobs open for an art director, Regional gift officer-West coast division, Bilingual sponsor services representative, Program officer-youth development and education. This job sounded like something I would be interested in. The position is responsible for providing oversight and technical assistance on global program activities in the areas of youth development and basic education, including vocational preparation, leadership, and life skills development programming. The position works closely with regional office program staff and the Director of Programs in the design, monitoring and evaluation of partner agency education and youth development programs. This includes technical assistance supporting initiatives within the organization’s school completion and youth development program goals. Responsibilities are: Maintains a thorough knowledge of the rationale, purpose and scope of existing youth development and education programs, and aligns these programs with global best practices. • Reviews annual program plans and periodic agency proposals in the areas of youth development and education, in coordination with regional office program staff. • Organizes and conducts agency/regional/international training for agency and regional staff as needed. • Conducts data analysis on education and youth development information to determine appropriate measures for program improvement and to report on program achievements. • Assists in the preparation and presentation of program monitoring reports. • Identifies and works to establish complementary programs/partnerships in the areas of education and youth development. • Develops program policies, proposals and other documents as required. • Performs other administrative duties as assigned, including composing non‐routine correspondence, trip reports, financial reports, and assisting with annual budgets. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are: Spanish‐English bilingual required. • Two years international experience required, with strong preference for developing country experience. • Knowledge of and experience with institutions and organizational alliances related to youth development programs strongly preferred. • Master’s degree in international development or related field strongly preferred. • Experience in program design, monitoring and evaluation, including quantitative data collection and analysis, strongly preferred. • Must have superb verbal and written communication skills. Proposal writing experience preferred. • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications. • Flexibility and sensitivity to work with multiple cultures and languages. • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and take on new projects as assigned. • International travel up to 30% is required. https://charityvillage.com/directories/organizations-i-z/international-relief-development-peace.aspx Community Outreach worker with Youth Link was an available position that interested me. The salary looks good! Community Outreach Worker DATE: June 5, 2012 Community Outreach Worker LOCATION: 747 Warden Avenue,Toronto REPORTS TO: Manager, Community Programs & Wraparound Services DESCRIPTION: The incumbent will initiate, develop, implement and participate in community outreach activities with youth in the priority neighbourhoods ofScarboroughto promote assets, develop competencies and resiliency. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in working with high risk youth, their families and/or caregivers and high need communities Experience in developing and implementing positive youth development programs Knowledge of youth engagement practices in relation to diverse populations and communities Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team Knowledge of newcomers, diverse cultures andScarboroughresources Good written and oral communication skills EDUCATION: Relevant Degree or Diploma from University or College and a minimum of 3 years related experience HOURS OF WORK: 35 hours per week – evening work required & occasionally weekend work. SALARY: $41,523 to $43,188 per annum APPLY IN WRITING TO: communityposting@youthlink.ca - quote File #802 CLOSING DATE: June 18, 2012