Time Well Spent

I can't believe this journey has come to an end and many more will begin. I have learned many new things throughout my time spent at Walden through instructors and colleagues.

1. My passion for early childhood education has grown in a different way than the norm of teacher. I feel I am a true advocate for this profession.

2. I feel I am able to explore new career options because of the courses and information gained from the courses taken.

3. The best interest of children and how I can help them will be my goal for a long time to come.

My Goal:
I want to write a children's book. Just as I commented in my speech, I do have a plan for this dream to happen. I also want to become more active in our local and state chapters of NAEYC.

To all of you who have made the journey through Walden and especially to Dr. Teri:
This last week has been one of the hardest experiences. I took my daughter to college last Saturday and am now facing empty nest. It's been a time of reflection and learning as I watch her test her wings. Her enthusiasm has made me feel that I too, can do anything. Both of my children have taught me that dreams do come true.
You have all been a wonderful support system the past 8 weeks and even though I fell off last week, I am here to say that I was able to pick myself up and keep going to finish. I may not get the perfect grade but at least I finished the race. I hope each one of you finds what you are looking for in your life and that you continue to inspire those around you. I know you did for me.
Dr. Teri, I do appreciate all you said to us throughout this challenge. Your encouragement was just what I needed many nights.

These are my two proudest accomplishments!

One final quote:
Eric Butterworth Don't go through life, grow through life.

God Speed to all of you!
Your friend always,
Lori Madsen

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The first international organization that I chose was United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This organization has helped millions of children and families around the world. Their focuses include Child Survival and Development, Basic Education and Gender Equality, HIV/Aids and Children, Child Protection, Policy Advocacy and Partnerships. Their Early Childhood Education and Readiness stance helped me to realize that all children, wherever in the world, all need the same opportunities to succeed in school and in life (United Nations Children’s Fund, n.d.).

I was able to find temporary assignments and consultancy assignments through the provided links.  The varieties of assignments can be found in many places and for all types of positions working to ensure the best interest of children.

The second organization I chose was Save the Children. This organization is similar to UNICEF’s focuses and missions but they also have “Sponsor a Child” which includes supporting a child through monetary donations so they are able to attend school and have the proper nutrition and housing for their development (Save the Children, 2011).

There was a couple of positions in the United States that ranged from an Early Childhood Coordinator to an Early Childhood Development Specialist that required a Master’s degree and experience in early childhood education.  One position was in Needles, California and the other was in Washington D.C.

The third organization that I chose was the International Step By Step Association. This organization connects professionals and organizations in early childhood development and education.  They are interested in the youngest of children, to families, to educators. It was established in the Netherlands in 1999 and has a network across the world. There are books, tool kits, conferences, membership of different levels, and other pertinent information for anyone who is involved in the early childhood profession (International Step By Step Association, n.d.).

I was not able to find any job opportunity here which was disappointing.

References:

International Step By Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html

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

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/