Time Well Spent

Deep felt learning I have gained from the Early Childhood Studies Program are a more in depth knowledge of the early childhood field. An understanding of how important a person’s culture, values and beliefs are to who they are as an individual. I have also learned the importance of establishing relationships between children and their families. Finally, I have realized that standing up for what you believe and staying focus is a characteristic of being an effective advocate.

Long term goal
One long term goal that I have as an early childhood professional is to continue to be passionate towards the early childhood field and be an effective advocate for children and their families.

Farewell message

A special thank you to Dr. Teri for all the support and opportunities you have provided me with to be successful in the Capstone course.  I would like to also thank my colleagues for the positive feedback you have given to me during this Capstone course.  I appreciate the insight and ideas you've shared during this period.  My wish is for you as a colleague to fulfill your desires in life on your professional journey as an early childhood professional.

Wordle Ebony's Whohoo

http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/7204379/Ebony%27s_Whohoo

Quotes

"Alone we can do so little together we can do so much." Helen Keller

" It takes a village to raise a child." African Proverb

"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven."Henry Ward Beecher

Ebony Williams

Contact information is:

williams606@att.net

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

One of the organization I chose to explore was the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).  The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is passionate about promoting the equal rights of children, and supporting their full participation in the political, social and economic development of their communities. UNICEF is the driving force that helps build a world where the rights of every child are realized. They have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality.  That makes UNICEF unique among world organizations, and unique among those working with the young. UNICEF believes that nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress.  UNICEF was created with this purpose in mind – to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. UNICEF believes that together we can, advance the cause of humanity.

Save the Children is another organization that caught my attention. They are the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. They were recognized for their commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, they work in the heart of communities, to help children and families help themselves. Save the Children works with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining their own independence without political agenda or religious orientation.

The last agency that appealed to me was Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).  The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The OECD provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems.

 The jobs that I am interested in at UNICEF are Child Protection Specialist in Iraq and a Planning Specialist in Kenya both jobs are available and no skills were listed. Save the Children organization have opportunities for forming partnerships to assist with funding and advocating for children and their families. At the Organization forEconomic Co-operation and Development (OECD) the position I am interested in is Research Assistant is Paris.

The skills I would need to fulfill the roles of the positions will include need effective verbal and written communication. I would also need to be able to speak and translate the native language, possess skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.  An excellent written and oral command of one of the two official languages of the OECD (English and French) and working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the other. A  knowledge of other languages would be an asset to assist children and their families.

 

 

References

www.unicef.org

www.oecd.org

www.savethechildren.org

 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

One of the agencies I chose to explore was the National Headstart association I like the nationalHead Start Association because it encourages all children to reach their full potential; they believe every child can succeed. They also strive to impact the success of at risk children while trying to make a difference in the lives of children and families they serve.

Another organization is Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital. I like Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital mission is to keep children healthy and well. I like Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital because they try to keep the children and their families healthy by educating them on their illness or disease with strategies that help keep them healthy and well. They also provide classes that are helpful and activities to keep the children entertained in the hospital setting when they have to stay due to an illness are relapse. The last agency that appealed to me was Texas Health Human Services. This is a state agency that has an interest in the safety and welfare of young children.

The jobs that I am interested in working for are the National Head Start Association as developmental specialist, early childhood education specialist and Headstart education & disability service manager. With the Texas Health Human Services the job that was appealing to me is as a childcare license inspector and at Our Lady of Lake Children's Hospital the job that call my attention was a child health education specialist.

The skills I would need to fulfill the roles of the position of developmental specialist, early childhood education specialist and Head Start education & disability service manager are a master's degree in early childhood. I would also need affect of verbal and written communication. I would need to possess skills in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

References

www.nhsa.org
www.hhsc.statetx.us
www.ololrmc.com

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

One of the agencies I chose to explore was the Department of Health& Hospitals Early Steps Program in the state of Louisiana. I like the early steps program because it provides services to families with children from birth to age three who have a disability or if they are developmental delayed. These services are provided to children with delays in cognitive, motor, vision, hearing, communication, social-emotional or adaptive development may be eligible for services. These services are designed to improve the family's capacity to enhance their child's development. The services are provided in the child's natural environment, so they feel comfortable.

Another agency is the Children's Defense Fund (CDF). The Children Defense Fund is a child advocacy organization that ensures a level playing field for all children. I am fond of this organization because it lifts children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, and a quality education. The last agency that appealed to me was the Louisiana Early Childhood Association (LAECA).This is a state agency that has an interest in the welfare of young children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.

The jobs that I am interested in working for are the Louisiana Department of Education as an Early Childhood Coordinator, an early interventionist with the early steps program and special education supervisor.

The skills I would need to fulfill the roles of the positions as an early interventionist and early childhood coordinator are to have strong organizational skills, to be flexible in nature, and to have an energetic and engaging personality. Effective communications and collaboration skills are essential, when working with parents, family and teachers. Be able to coordinate with the team of multidisciplinary service professionals working with the same family. Be able to come up with appropriate learning and developmental goals and supports for the child and their family. Also be able to document the child’s progress. An interventionist test will have to be passed in order to work as an interventionist.

References

www.louisianabelieves.com

www.earlysteps.dhh.louisiana.gov

www.childrensdefense.org

www.laeca.org

 

Reflecting on Learning

One hope that I have when working with children and their families from diverse backgrounds is that they will be treated equally by everyone. Every individual should be afforded the same opportunities as others. One goal I would like to see in the early childhood field regarding diversity, equity, and social justice is that every child and their families would receive the same fair and equal treatment at all times. As an early childhood professional I would not let bias views, discrimination, race, sexual identity, gender or varying abilities hinder me from creating a nurturing environment that produces successful outcomes for all children and their families.

I would like to thank Dr. Myers and my co-learners for the feedback they have provided me with during the Strategies for Working with Diverse Children course. I appreciate the insight and ideas you have shared during this period. My wish for you as a co-learner is to fulfill your desires in life and on your professional journey.

Impacts on Early Emotional Development

The region I chose to explore was South Asia. The reason I chose South Asia is with all the fighting going on in that region I wanted to know where they stood on implementing early childhood education.  Some of the challenges this region faces are support young children, their families and communities, in all the areas where the child is growing physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. The funding for the early childhood education is another problem this region faces. Expanding quality early childhood education, particularly to the most marginalized, therefore could help promote equity and inclusion in education and society in general. There are over forty-two million children that are not going children that are going to school the education are unsatisfactory.  Children are not receiving proper medical treatment that is needed like immunizations against polio and measles. There are many that do not get the proper nourishment they need and are malnourish.

The first eight years of a child’s life is a critical period when incredible growth and development occur. Exposure to a quality early childhood education is crucial because it helps with tremendous brain development that lays the foundation for latter learning. The growing evidence that children who have participated in high quality early childhood education programs exhibit considerable gains in social, educational, health and intellectual spheres than those who have not participated (UNICEF, 2012).

South Asia is home to more than a third of the world’s children who lack a basic education.  As an early childhood professional I think South Asia is lacking in many areas for the children of that region to have a productive environment for them to be successful.  In reviewing the information from the website I think about how we stress to the families we serve about our children’s health. We stress that if the child is healthy they we be able and eager to learn. By taking a look at South Asia I am very thankful for the programs and services that are available for our children and their families to take advantage of in the United States. In the United States our children have the opportunity to receive free medical treatment and not be impaired by the childhood diseases they are faced with in other regions of the world. UNICEF is a great organization that tries to bring some of the same opportunities our children have in the United States to other regions of the world.

 

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/index.html.

The Sexualization of Early Childhood

“There is growing evidence that premature exposure to adult sexual images and values has a negative impact on the psychological development of children, particularly on self-esteem, body image and understanding of sexuality and relationships (Manocha, 2010). As an educator and parent I think the early childhood years should be spent providing a foundation that would be effective in our children being ready and successful in school. They should not be worried about how they look or learning about sexualization they are babies.

I have encountered young children who have been exposed to sexualization in the early childhood classroom. Once I had a student that used words that referred to parts of a women’s body that children should not use. He would tell the girls to come and sit on his private area. Another incident was a student that loved to play with stuffed animals in the quite area. From time to time I would catch her lying on top of the stuffed animals.   Last year I had a student that would wrap her legs around the pole of the swing and tell others this is what you do in the club.

Sexualization may contribute in girls defining their self-worth and popularity in terms of sexual attraction and their body structure, with a negative impact on self-esteem. I would try to provide school based literacy programs that have a positive effect on body images. I would supervise children’s media exposure and make sure it is age appropriate.

The topic of sexualization in the early childhood field has informed me about what’s going on with young children. Before reading the article ”So Sexy So Soon” I really did not know that young children knew the vocabulary and meaning of different sexual terms that were used in the article. I will be careful to what I expose my children to through television, books and other media sources. So I can prevent the exposure of sexualization in my early childhood setting. Television has the potential to generate both positive and negative effects, and many studies have looked at the impact of television on society, particularly on children (Pediatric, 2003).

 

 

References

 

Manocha,R. (2010). The impact on children of sexualisation in the media.

Pediatric Child Health. (2003). Impact of media use on children and youth: May-Jun; 8(5): 301–306.

Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice

As individuals our values, beliefs, religion and culture are different. The consequences I might expect for the children and families for whom I serve would be language barriers and communicating effectively with families. Culturalism would be an “ism” I might expect consequences in with the children and families I serve from experience. What I believe may be different from what they believe. So as an early childhood professional I will need to be sensitive and non-judgmental towards their views. One year I served a family whose religion did not observe holidays and birthdays. During orientation we talked about the different activities we would have during the year. So this child and their family would be included and would participate we renamed some of the activities. The Easter egg hunt was called a scavenger hunt and Mardi Gras parade was called the shoebox float parade. If the child was not able to participate we would send home the same treat bag as the other children received but it would be up to the parent to give it to the child.

Two years ago I had the opportunity to serve a Spanish child and their family. I felt bad because I only knew a few words in Spanish and did not understand any that were spoken to me. The first time I met the parents the only thing the mother did was smile and nod her head. So I didn’t know if they understood what I was saying or not. During that time I felt like I was not in a position to help the child nor their family because I could not communicate effectively with them. To try and understand I would use the Spanish dictionary, google for phrases and translate newsletters in Spanish for the family to understand what was going on in the classroom. After several months passed the district hired a translator. I felt comfortable knowing there was someone to translate for the family and I if there were concerns or activities going on in the class. The translator was able to attend conferences to keep the family abreast of what the child was learning. We also implemented Spanish into our curriculum with months, days of the week, numbers and color words. Our learning environment was labeled in English and Spanish too. These are consequences I might face while working with children and their families.

Observing Communication

I was at a Back- to- School Expo event on Friday when I observed a mother and her child interacting with each other.  They were talking about what kind of backpack she would get for this upcoming school year. They engaged in several conversations about school clothes, supplies and what they were going to do after the event was over. She also asked her mother why were they at this event?

As adults we often think we need to take the lead on conversations with children. Instead of listening to what children have to say. Some things that could have been done differently in this adult –child interaction is the adult could have listened more to what the child was saying instead of telling her to be quite.

My thoughts in regards to the communication I observed at the Back-to-School Expo are that the mother could have asked open-ended questions and once the child answered she could have continued the conversation on to enhance the child’s thinking.

By not letting a child express him or herself makes them have no sense of self- worth. This would decrease their self-esteem and lead to issues with self-worth. The child may feel what they have to say is not important.

When interacting with children it is important to get on their level. By getting on a child’s   level they are not inferior of your presence or having a conversation with an adult. Another was the back and forth exchanges between both parent and child they were short sometimes only using one word. Those were the observations made at the Back-to-School Expo with the interaction between the mother and her daughter.

Some things I would have done different is to let the child take the lead in the conversation, listen to what is being said and continue the conversation while incorporating ways to enhance the child’s thinking. I would use open-ended questions and juicy words that will provoke their thinking while making connections to real-life experiences (Dangei & Durden, 2010).

Ways I can improve on my interactions with children to be a more effective communicator are to notice my body language, make eye contact, speak with firmness, use positive directions and allow children to make choices appropriate to their level.

References

Rainer Dangei, J., & Durden, T. R. (2010). The nature of teacher talk during small group activities. YC: Young Children, 65(1), 74-81.

 Child Welfare League of America. 2000. Communicating with young children

 

Creating Affirming Environments

First thing I would do is state my philosophy and mission statement for my in home childcare setting acknowledging my stand of implementing an anti-bias education. I would welcome the families and let them know I have an open door policy as long as their child is participating in the center. Every morning and evening I will greet the children and their families to let them know how much I appreciate them choosing my childcare center to provide the service of caring for their love one. Adriana in the media presentation greeted the families daily (Laureate, 2011). Poster and pictures of the families and other backgrounds and cultures will be displayed throughout the center. One of the best tools you can have for anti-bias work is a camera, which will permit you to make posters (Sparks & Edwards, 2010).

A display board will be placed in the front of the center on the wall to let families know of upcoming events, menus (meals/snacks) policies, procedures, important numbers and things that are going on around the community. I would make sure all correspondence or translated for the families that are non-English speakers. A form would be implemented by the center to monitor children’s behavior and give families feedback upon arrival of incidents that may have occurred the night before. Adriana in the media presentation used a dry erase board for parents to inform her of things that has gone on the night before (Laureate, 2011) but because of privacy issues I would use the form.

My childhood setting environment will include two quite areas so if a person does not want to be bothered they can cuddled up with a teddy bear, pillow or book in a chair or on the floor until they are ready to join the group.

Other centers that will be included in the early childhood setting are a library, writing, dramatic play, block, manipulative, cutting, music, art and science center.  The centers will include a variety of multicultural doll, clothing, puppets, books, different abilities, homemade and store bought puzzles (Sparks & Edwards, 2010) and folder games that will be used in helping children explore the successful outcomes of an anti-bias education. The materials will be changed out weekly to provide different learning experiences for the children.

 

Each of these centers is important in a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. It is important that children have the opportunity to explore and create on their own in each center; this will help them develop creative thinking, problem solving skills and enhance teaching to their strengths.

 

 

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). "Welcome to an Anti-Bias Learning Community"

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

What Have I Learned

One hope that I have when working with children and families is that as an educator and member of society I will be sensitive towards their needs and be willing to go the extra step to help them. I will put aside any biases that I may have and be ready to do my job which is to serve children and their families to give them an opportunity for successful outcome.

One goal that I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity and social justice is that every child and their families receive the same fair and equal treatment at all times regardless of the race, religion, gender and or sexual orientation.Many children are unfortunate and do not have access to the “basic human rights” due them (Sparks & Edwards, 2010). I want to make sure that every child has access to the services and resources that they are due.

I would like to thank Dr. Klein and my colleagues for the feedback they have provided me with during the Diversity, Development Learning course. I appreciate the insight and ideas you have shared during this period. My wish for you as a colleague is to fulfill your desires in life on your professional journey.

Reference

Sparks, L. & Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. NAEYC: Washington, DC

 

Start Seeing Diversity Blog: Creating Art

Why Different and Not The Same?

Created in His image accepted for who we are

As individuals we are diverse

We are unique in our own way

Why different and not the same?

So we can teach and learn along the way

With our own taste, style and sense of self

           
                       

Characteristics that set us aside from anyone else.

 

"We Don't Say Those Words in Class!"

My son is six years old at age four he began to show a fear towards individuals with physical disabilities.  My oldest child would often tease him by pointing out these individuals. He would react by becoming very scared and hiding behind me while screaming and hollering. On day I remember us eating at a local eatery and my daughter spotted a man in a wheelchair. She tells my son to” look that man he’s looking at you. He’s fixing to come and get you.” I explained to her she should not make fun of others because everyone is unique in their own way. We should not judge or look down on others because they are different from you. I asked her if she had a disability would she want people to react to her that way.  Her answer was no, I didn’t think about it like that.

 

The message received by my daughter is that it is not nice to talk or make fun of others. It does not matter what’s going on with them their size, sexual orientation, gender or abilities. Everyone has feelings and we should be sensitive to others.

 

An anti- bias educator might respond by saying we should encourage children to create a positive change, become sensitive to the feelings of others. We should teach children to respect and an appreciation for differences by providing opportunities for interaction with people of diverse groups, make sure your children understand that prejudice and discrimination are unfair. Also we should help children recognize instances of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination (ADL, 2001)

 

References

Anti-Defamation League. (2001). What to tell your child about prejudice and discrimination.

Sparks, L. & Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. NAEYC: Washington, DC

Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

How you would respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child.

I would start by letting the family know that I understand their concerns at the same time I would assure them that everyone that works in the early childhood center is trained and is able to work with each individual child and their needs. I would also let them know that we are a group of diverse individuals. We have to treat everyone with respect without discriminating on their race, culture, sexual orientation and or religion.

 

If you have ever used or heard homophobic terms such as "fag," "gay," "homo," "sissy," "tom boy," or "lesbo" as an insult by a child toward another child? Or, by an adult toward a child? Describe what occurred. How might these types of comments influence all children? (Note: if you have not had a personal experience, ask a family member, friend, or colleague)

Growing up I have heard the homophobic terms “fag”, “gay”, “sissy” and “tom boy” used. One boy in particular in my neighborhood growing up other children would call a “fag”. This young man was nice, friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand. He always preferred to hang around girls and not boys. The other children in the neighborhood and at our middle school called him “fag” to his face and every time they saw him it did not matter where he was or with. I believe what they spoke of him had an influence on his life. This young man is now in a relationship with another young man and dresses like a female.

Note Of Thanks

I would like to thank Dr. Thomason and my colleagues for the feedback they have provided me with during the Communication and Collaborating in the Early Childhood Field course. I appreciate the insight and ideas you have shared during this period. My wish for you as a colleague is to fulfill your desires in life and on your professional journey.

My Email is: williams606@att.net

Working In Groups/Teams

The adjourning stage makes me think of my colleagues at the end of a school year and my graduate school colleagues at the end of a course. In both groups expectations are established and we should be high in performance. The groups that have clearly established norms would be the hardest to leave because the expectations are known and goals have been voiced.

When we end a school year we go out to eat and enjoy each other we talk about individual plans we may have during our vacation. My colleagues in graduate school we end up by thanking each other for be supportive with comments they have provided during the course and wish them the best on their educational journey. My hopes are to wish everyone future success on their educational journey and for them to be prosperous and obtain all the goals they set.

The adjourning stage is where we evaluate what happens and capture lessons learned. This will provide an opportunity to say goodbye to each other and wish each other luck on future endeavors (Abudi, 2010).   

Reference

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study.

Conflict Resolution

Our school district is one of many in the State of Louisiana that are faced with losing state funding. Remind you that our school district is number two in the state with Leap and ACT testing we have an overall grade of A out of seventy other school districts. On last week the Superintendent of our school system met with us and told the employees they would be laying off 18- 20 teacher for the next school year. Other districts do not offer a free universal Pre-K program they charge parents monthly for those services. Employees have voiced their opinion stating maybe they should charge a fee Pre-K programs so you would not have to fire these teachers and it would also bring money to the district.

I work with the Head Start program that is federally funded and the school board is our grantee this would not affect us unless the school board decide to stop being the grantee for the program. On the other hand the sequester that we are dealing with Congress cutting 5%of funding for all Early Head Start and Head Start programs will have an effect on us. I made a suggestion that if parents provide supplies such as pampers, milk, wipes, paper towels, crayons, markers, playdoh and ziploc bags plus if we let an employee drive the bus route that has a CDL license we can cancel the contract and this would help out with money’s being spent and save the program.

I can implement the win/win approach of the conflict resolution kit and their strategies of going back to the underlying needs and attack the problem not the people.

Now I would pose a question to my colleagues for suggestion with these issues we are faced with.

Conflict Resolution Network. (n.d.). CR kit. Retrieved from http://www.crnhq.org/pages

Who Am I As A Communicator?

What surprised me the most with the assessment results is that I was observed as being a people oriented individual that is empathetic and concerned with the emotions of others. This helps in building relationships but it can interfere with proper judgment and cause me to be very trusting of others. The evaluators observed the same characteristics in me. This is a little surprising because I treat everyone like I would want to be treated. I am trusting of others until they give me a reason not to trust them.

Insights I have gained from the communication assessments are that engaging in verbal aggressiveness does not mean you don’t respect others. Another insight gained is that  individuals should maintain a balance between respect and consideration for others views and the ability to argue fairly by attacking the facts of the position and not the person holding the position. In being an effective communicator I can implement some of these suggestions into building relationships with the children and their families I serve.

 

References

Rubin, R. B., Palmgreen, P., & Sypher, H. E. (Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge.

Rubin, R. B., Rubin, A. M., Graham, E. E., Perse, E. M., & Seibold, D. R. (Eds.) (2009). Communication research measures II: A sourcebook. New York: Routledge.

Communication and Culture

By utilizing the learning resources this week I have gained ways to effectively communicate with others from different cultures, religions, genders and political groups. The ways in which I communicate differently from other of different cultures may include language, the wording of verbal communication, the non- verbal communication cues are different and I have learned to be sensitive in the way I communicate with others.

Strategies I can use to effectively communicate with others are to use the “Platinum Rule”, do to others as they themselves would like to be treated. Build strong relationships that are truthful and positive. Also I should be precise and detailed when communicating with others to make sure that I am understood and that others may understand.

 

References

Gonzalez-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

 

Observing Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication

The experience I gained from watching the show with no volume is that I had to rely on non-verbal communication and cues to gain understanding of what the plot of the show is about.  I had to pay attention to body movements, gestures and facial expressions to gain an understanding of the show. This process of observing non-verbal communication requires more time and all of your attention must be given, to the show you are watching. I misunderstood several scenes in the show and gathered my own thought of what was going on. Later I realized my assumption of what was happening was incorrect.

 

Once I began to watch the show with the volume on I was able to gain true insight of what the show was about. Verbal communication skills are important to us as individuals in many aspects of our lives. We are able to know what is being said and also understand the reasoning for the characters actions. From verbal communication I was able to gather that the plot of the show was that you should never judge a person for their pass because you never know when secrets from your pass will come to hunt you and cause you to loss and hurt the people you love. Listening plays an important role in communication as well you are able understand, learn, analyze, evaluate, comfort and enjoy what is being said.

I enjoyed this assignment it made me realize how important verbal and non-verbal communication are to us as individuals and how we must rely on them to function in life.

 

O'Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2012). Real communication: An introduction. New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Competent Communicator

I have an aunt that is a metro council member for district five in the state of Louisiana. Ronnie Edwards has served her district faithfully for the past five years. She listens to her fellow citizens that make up the district where she serves. Ronnie Edwards hold community forums monthly, visit churches, schools and businesses to hear the voice of the people.  She is a very effective communicator.

Ronnie Edwards exhibits behaviors of being a verbal and non-verbal communicator. Advantages serves her well when communicating with a diverse audience. She adjust to the needs of others while effectively getting to a good result. Ronnie Edwards believes that mutal respect is a key element of a conversation

I would like to model some of my own behaviors after my aunt. In every community and council meeting she is complimented of how well she relates to others and how productive she is throughout her district. Every event held is for the betterment of the people throughout district five. She is invited to attend and speak at other functions that are held outside of her district to support uniting citizens of the Greater Baton Rouge area. Ronnie Edwards is a good listener as well as an effective community with all who comes in contact with her.

Professional Hopes and Goals

During the Perspectives Diversity and Equity course I have gained new and helpful insights pertaining to diversity, social identities, microagressors, isms, equity, and social justices. One hope that I have when working with children and their families from diverse backgrounds is that they will be treated equally by everyone. Every individual should be afforded the same opportunities as others.

One goal that I would like to see enforced in the early childhood field regarding diversity, equity, and social justice is that every child and their families would receive the same fair and equal treatment at all times. As an early childhood professional I would not let bias views, discrimination, race, ethnicity or religion hinder my ability to create a nurturing and environment successful outcomes for all children and their families.

I would like to thank my colleagues for the feedback they have provided me with during the Perspectives Diversity and Equity course. I appreciate the insight and ideas you have shared during this period. My wish for you as a colleague is to fulfill your desires in life on your professional journey.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

I chose Paraguay as my family’s country of origin. I have never heard of this particular country before. Our nation is made up of many cultures and diversities.  Ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards the Paraguay family is to first recognize my own culture so I will be able to understand my family’s culture.  Then I would take steps to examine my attitudes toward people different than me. Next, I would gather information about Paraguay family’s culture, values, beliefs and traditions to be able to communicate with the family to find out more. I would implement strategies to bring rich cultural content into my classroom and teachings to expand their knowledge also incorporate their interest.  Finally, I would help children and families develop their own culturally sensitive skills to be successful in our diverse and global world.

I hope that the family from Paraguay and I would benefit by gaining a better understanding of cultures, values beliefs and traditions. This knowledge would provide an opportunity to further develop my internal biases and inform my relationship with others while helping the family to develop their own skills to be success in our nation.

 

References

Sparks, L. & Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. NAEYC: Washington, DC

Miranda, E. (2010). Going global in Arlington, Virginia. Journal of Education for Sustainable Development 4(2), 219--226

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

The movie “Queen” by Alex Haley had examples of racial prejudice in it. In the movie there was a biracial girl name Queen that is the daughter of a slave and slave owner. She is being mistreated by the slaves and slave owners family because of her color and position.  When Queen turned five years old her slave owner father moved her to the main house so she could learn to serve and be a lady’s maid. The slave owner’s wife didn’t accept that his daughter from a slave would be living in the same house and being treated the same as them. The daughters grew up as playmates queen also served her half- sister until her death. Everywhere Queen went she was resented by others.  Towards the end of the movie Queen ended up going crazy and having a break down because she was so busy trying to please and be accepted by others. Queen’s grandfather died and she wanted to bring her children so they would know where her life started at. There were still negative comments by the slave owners family member towards Queen so she told her children” that home is where you are loved.”

 

The racial prejudice treatment that Queen received because she was a black slave diminished equity when she approached some slaves because she was hungry. They made fun of her because of the way she ate and because she knew how to read and right.

There was an incident where she met two ladies that hired Queen to work in their home because of her qualifications. Once she started working with the ladies they tried to push their religious beliefs on her and wanted her to stop attending her church and attend theirs.

This movie brought back how there are still prejudice people in the world today of every race. There are still organizations that represent the klu klux klan in the south. Parishes in Louisiana within the last five years just started holding High School Proms and taking senior trips together.

We as a people should become more united to bring about a change. We as a nation would have a greater equity if we can come together for the good of the people. Learn to get along, share views and ideas to bring a greater chance for change.

Reference
Haley, A. (1993). Queen

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

The conversation I observed between two students in my class identified gender microaggression.  A girl and boy student wanted to assist in putting up nap cots. The boy student told the girl student she could not pick the cot up because she was a girl and did not have any muscles. The boy student felt because the other student was a girl she was not capable of lifting the nap cots.

My feelings toward gender microaggression are that it is wrong to have preconceived standards of any individual. Children model adult’s behaviors and actions and begin to develop microaggression that they may hear or see other do

The observation between the students show me that at a young age we start to develop and gain prejudice biases against particular groups, sexualities, genders, disabilities and race. We as individuals build relationships that are supportive of our children and their families without any biases.

Perspectives On Diverssity and Culture

I questioned three of my friends about their definitions of culture and diversity. These were the answer I received:

Culture

The way in which people live that makes them different from others.

The belief in things you are taught and things you do.

How you are raised, heritage, where your family is from, recognizing language, Religion, social standards and the way you live.

Some examples of culture are values, traditions, Religion, education. Some families believe in their children getting a college degree. Some families may believe only in high school education only. A family may believe in God. Other families may believe in Buddha.

Things that I recognized that were omitted from culture that I have learned in this course include our parenting patterns, the way we eat, talk, play and our living arrangements. People may feel they don’t need a house with three bedrooms and a bathroom to make them feel comfortable they can live in an apartment, or a trailer as long as they have a roof over their head that’s what counts.

Diversity

Divided by, defending, separate.

When you have a lot of different cultures blended together.

What makes us different from each other, race, sexual preference, political views.

Diversity is recognizing, appreciating, respecting, and utilizing a variety of attributes, not just race and ethnicity. It creates performance advantages through synergy of diverse ideas and people.

Some examples of diversity include attributes of individuals, their experiences and backgrounds.

Things that were omitted from diversity that I have learned in this course include identity formation and the benefits. There is a benefit of being different from others you will learn characteristics such as traditions, opinions of politics and others family views and they can learn from you.

The influences that my friends views about culture and diversity has really help me see what is important to them and how we all or different and have our different opinions about these issues.

My Family Culture

Three items I would bring with me if there was a major catastrophe and I was relocated to another country without any say so would include a Bible, family portraits/ identification and insurance papers.

The Bible is important to my family and me. It reminds me of the faithfulness of God. God reminds us in the scriptures of the promises he has for those who are faithful to Him and His word.

I will always be reminded of the people that are dear to my heart with family portraits and identification. This would give me the strength to continue on the journey of life taking one day at a time. Hopes of there being a better day when our lives will be back to normal. If anything was to happen and the family was separated are lost identification would be shown in hopes of reuniting lost members of the family.

Insurance papers would be of importance if a family member or I was to die. I would not want them to be burdened down with how they are going to deal with the cost of burial. They would have insurance papers that would be submitted to take care of expenses that occur when someone dies. They would even have some money left over for themselves.   

If upon arrival could only keep one of the items I brought that were dear to me it would be the Bible because my family would be that with me. The Bible is very uplifting and I would be able to view scriptures that remind my family and I that we are not along and that all of our steps are order by God.

Insights gained would be how committed to our religion and how my family and I rely on the word of God to get us through every situation we may face. Also how we rely on the word to function and get us through life.