Module 3 -Diverse Perspectives From The Field

It is always interesting to get a dissimilar opinion to something that means a lot to you and has become your passion.  You get almost defensive over the topic and your beliefs.  But as an early childhood professional it is imperative to not only be open minded but maintain an open heart as well.  When we stop and listen to someone else opinion, especially those that differ from our own we can begin to visualize their perspective through their eyes.  I have a colleague that truly believes that inclusive classrooms are disruptive and take away from the advantages of a normal classroom for students without disabilities as well as takes away from the advantages of the students with disabilities to get the individualized attention they may need or desire.  She feels that many times the teachers focus must be on the student with disabilities therefore her other students fall through the cracks.  This is especially true when dealing with children that fall under the ASD umbrella.  There are different things that may set any individual off, but these students tend to be set off more frequently.  When discussing this topic with her I felt threatened by her closed minded approach to early childhood education.  Once she explained her position on the topic I could see where she was coming from.  Although I think inclusive classrooms are a positive.  Understanding her feelings as a classroom teacher who has experienced it firsthand I had to respect her opinion and outlook on the topic.

Personal Introduction for Global Perspectives on Development and Learning

Hello everyone!  I have not had to do a blog for a class at Walden in quite sometime.  I am currently on the fast track to complete my Ed.D by taking two classes a semester.  I work better when I am totally 100% engaged in something so I actually think it is easier to take two at one time.  I know that sounds nuts, but as an owner of an early childhood facility I have ample opportunities to develop current knowledge and research with a hands on approach.  I have two children Connor who is 8 and McKenzie who is 6.  They are a full-time job of their very own between all of their activities.  I look forward to blogging with you all and exchanging tidbits of interesting facts we are gathering through this process.  Best of luck to you all!
Respectfully,
Brooke Downs

Final Post

Well this is it!  I cannot believe that I am finishing my master’s degree.  It is always interesting where life takes you and the challenges that you can push through in order to achieve success.  I plan on continuing to advance my personal knowledge by beginning the doctorate program January 6^th! 

Week 6

Three international organizations that I was interested in looking into to investigate any available jobs were the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Save the Children as well as UNICEF.  All three of these organizations value the education of young children and truly make a difference in the early childhood field as a whole.  Three potential jobs I identified with these organizations were a research-analyst which was a program for international student assessments, Specialist Early Childhood Development as well as an Education Specialist.  Unfortunately all three of these jobs require that I speak more than one language.  Although I took three years of a Spanish and French I do not feel that I am fluent enough to efficiently perform the job.  All three of these occupations would be immensely educating and exciting. 

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

Three organizations that interest me and I would be so grateful for any job at would be NAEYC, National Head Start Association as well as National Association of Early Childhood Educators.  Although I would love the experience of working at these different organizations my true passion is to be in a college classroom directly assisting future early childhood educators.  The jobs I located on these sites would require me to have additional understanding of national standards and criteria.  As an owner and director of an early childcare facility I am knowledgeable when it comes to these different issues, but I feel that I would need a deeper more complex understanding to actually work at these organizations.   Three specific jobs I would be interested and currently have the education required to fulfill are Public Policy Associate, Program Coordinator, as well as a Human Resource. 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community:Local and State Levels

There are different varieties of communities of practice that appeal to me personally.  This is due to the fact that I have an intense desire to better the field of early childhood education for young children as well as educators.  With this said three communities of practice that appeal to me in my local area is the early learning coalition, episcopal children’s services as well as Putnam provider association.  These three communities of practice deal with implementing successful practices that will continue to improve the field of early childhood education.  The reason I began the educational journey I am currently on is to implement effective practices for future educators in the early childhood field.  My desire is to teach on the college level.  I have not had a lot of experience trying to get my foot in the door in this field however. I will continue my education when this journey is complete by beginning my doctorate degree in January.  I currently own a local preschool and have been successful in maintaining excellence in the preschool for our small rural community.  I feel it is essential to strive to educate professionals in the field and that it is a duty to continue to push for early childhood educators to be educated!  

Dear Classmates

Dear classmates….I look forward to getting to know all of you through the different 

activities that we will engage in during this last class.  I can’t believe that this is it!  

Good luck to all of you!

Brooke Downs Guy