I have learned so much over the last 8 weeks that has made me more capable of having a successful career as an early childhood education professional. I have learned how to form a confident and capable community of practice. I also was able to pinpoint a challenge that I want to take on in this field, and through this course I was able to really understand this issue. I also learned the steps that it would take to take action against my challenge. This really put things into perspective for me, because I was able to explain exactly how I would accomplish my goals. 

My long term goal is to do my best to be advocate for the early childhood community. I have a passion to help people, and I want to help children who are not getting the support they need. I also want to either open my own center or run a childcare center. I am finally ready to start my career in this field, and I am confident that I can accomplish these goals. 

To my fellow Colleagues,

I wish you all the best of luck in whatever you do. One of my favorite books is by Dr. Seuss and it is a great book to read when you are ending one journey in your life and looking into the future. 

I hope you all find your niche in your career, and do great things. We know that we are capable of making a difference in the early childhood community, we proved this through our dedication to completing our Masters.  Lets take a moment to recognize what we accomplished and give a sigh of relief because WE DID IT! Congrats everyone!

Anna Castiglia

Albany NY

email:acastiglia33@gmail.com, find me on facebook, twitter and linked in. reach out to me if you ever need anything :)

Blog Assignment: Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

1. At least three international organizations or communities of practice that appealed to you and why you chose them
2. Job opportunities (currently available or not) that interest you
3. What skills and experience you would need to competently fulfill each of these roles

The three international organizations that are most appealing to me are:

Save the Children

International Step by Step Association

United Nations Children s Fund

I chose these three organizations because I agreed with with the beliefs and values that they stood for, and their efforts in helping children throughout the world.  They are also a great organization that steps in during natural disasters and crisis' helping families and children throughout the world. 

A career opportunity that I would want to pursue is Coordinator  of  Early Step. For this position i would be working with pregnant women and young children 0-5. I would assist them with educational needs, services and also become an advocate for them. This position would require me to have good collaboration skills with other early childhood professionals, keep records accurately and attend home visits.  This position appeals to me because I enjoy working with children who are under five, helping them as much as possible because those are the years where so much learning takes place. I also have a passion for helping new parents/single mothers. I want to be a resource for them to help and guide them through the difficulties of parenting in an urban environment. 

http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6146405/k.C7E9/About_Us.htm

International Step by Step Association is an international organization that connects professionals an organizations working in the early childhood education community. They have a passion to have equal access to Quality ECE for all children. I can  relate to this organization because I believe in the same values that they have for early childhood education. I also want to see all children gain a good quality education throughout the world. 

They do not currently have any job opportunities that I could see, but I did see you can become a member of this organization. They have two types of memberships a full member ship or an affiliate membership. I think it would be a great opportunity to look into becoming a member of this community and making them a part of my Community of Practice since we share similar beliefs. They would be a great resource to have in this field, and they are doing great things for the ECE community all over the world.  

What I like about the United Nations Children's Fund is that they are an international organization that helps in a variety of different areas. They are not only helping in the realm of early childhood education but also many areas including gender equality and health issues. One area that particularly stuck out to me was child survival and development.  What I love about this organization is there effort to get children the protection they need for survival  So many children all over the world are not getting the vaccinations and health care that they need to live, and the world is seeing many deaths in young children because of this. UNCF is working hard at getting this problem fixed and getting children the help they need. 

I would be intereded in their Junior Professional Programme. This is a program that they have designed for young professionals who are interested in getting experience with the UNCF.  I think it would be a great opportunity to start working with this organization, getting the skills and experience needed to pursue a potential job with the UNCF after completion.