5 Stages of Team Development …. (Week 6)

5 Stages of Team Development

        The adjourning stage in team development is when the project or task has come to an end. I’ve been in several groups, and some of them have been the hardest to say goodbye because project went so well, and it was effective. There is one group in particular I was in at training where we had set roles in the project, and everyone had the same goals. Everyone had expectations, and it was followed through by everyone. One of the closing ritual was we reflected on what we could have changed before presenting it to the group. Everyone was still happy on the job we did. Also, we did exchange information in order to keep up the professionalism among each other. This training was almost a year ago, and only 2 out of 5 I’m still in contact with, I wish it was all group members.

              In this master’s program, I’ve became connected professionally to many colleagues. I would like to keep the professional relationship going because there are so many colleagues with great experiences and passion for children. I would like to continue to learn from my colleagues. The adjourning stage is very important as professional that want to continue to grow. As professional, it is always good to look back and reflect on the task at hand. Reflecting can lead to growth within yourself and having the opportunity to learn from each other.

Conflict Resolution….. (Week 5)

Conflict Resolution

          My colleague and I were had a conflict with our contract childcare center director about changing the diapering process in that childcare center. We have always used the ITERS Diapering Process, but the director wanted to change the process to one she came up on her own. The discussion went from bad to worse within 10 minutes. There were frustrated looks on everyone faces and feelings were becoming hurt. It seems like either side forgot about the issue at hand which lead into other concerns. After reflecting on this situation based on what I’ve learned, this meeting could have gone a different way. For instance, as a partnership in the childcare center, everyone should have looked at the situation as, what can we do to come to a solution? First I should approach the situation as trying to find a solution from a “win win “strategy. This is where both sides could have a compromise on the diapering process. We could have examined each process to see where could trade off. Also, my colleagues and I could have been empathic to the director’s needs. It would have been an opportunity to be an active listener; we could have gathered the information, and acknowledging by talking through the information. By using this approach, the center director would have been willing to resolve the problem.

       After talking with my colleague, we both agreed the conversation could have gone better. I shared with her some information I’ve learned in class, and she is open to using some of these conflict resolution methods. We are going to have another meeting with the center director on next week, and we will be using these new methods learned this week.

 

Conflict Resolution Network. (n.d.). CR kit. Retrieved from http://www.crnhq.org/pages.php?pID=12#skill_3

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



SIMILARTIES AND DIFFERENCES IN COMMUNICATION…. (WEEK 4)

SIMILARTIES AND DIFFERENCES IN COMMUNICATION…. (WEEK 4)

Surprising…..

Ø  On the Verbal Aggressiveness Scale, my mom scores me in the moderate level. She says I’m respectful and considerate of all view points, and I know how to argue fair. She reminded me as a young adult we would discuss things with my father, and I would listen to their side before making a decision. I believe my mom is able to notice these attributes, because she knows my personality.

 

Insights…..

Ø    It was amazing to learn how others see my communication skills differently from what I see for myself. I’ve learn that I’m a skilled communicator, but there are areas I need to improve to be an effective communicator to others.

·          I’ve learn I need to improve my communication skills with my particular context encounters to lower my anxiety level in my personal life, and professionally life to work effectively.

·         I’ve learn I need to improve my listening skills by focusing on more details in order to help my communication with my family members and colleagues.



Communicating in Groups……(Week 3)

Communicating in Groups

 I’ve always believe to keep my personal life and professional life separate. I believe you have to a level of standards of professionalism when interacting with colleagues. In my currently position, I’m a part of a management team which I’m the minority. During meetings, my communication is always professional using high language (formal) and gestures. In my home environment around my friends and family, my guard is down, and I’m more relaxed. I use more low language (slang) when talking to friends and family. Also, when I work with families in the early childhood profession, I try to avoid speaking to families use words that could be intimidating. For example, “YOU NEED TO……!” Using a phrase like that with families can set the tone of the relationship and hinder building a quality relationship with the family. Also, it gives the impression that I’m tell them what to do. In my family culture, I may tell my children, “You need to clean your room", which is acceptable in my family culture. So I believe communicating should be different based on the situation.

Communication Interpretation…..(Week 2)

Communication Interpretation…..(Week 2)

 

“”The Big Bang Theory” is a cable show I’ve never watched but seen so many commercial for it. I thought this would be a great opportunity to watch the show to interpret the communication. The show consists of friends that are scientists that are not the coolest guy to communicate with others outside the science world.

Watching the show without sound was very interesting; I started to play close attention to the nonverbal cues such as gestures, movement, and eye contact to interpret the plot of the episode. I could interpret the relationship between the characters are close friends and they had similar interest.  I could tell the expression between the characters is friendly and could be serious at times.

Watching the show with sound gave it a new light. There was a particular scene where one of the characters was actually telling a joke but his facial expression was so serious, but it was actually funny. Without hearing the joke I missed it the first time I watched the show. If I would have watched a TV show I was more familiar with I could have did a better job assuming on the plot and characters. The familiarity of watching previous episodes would lead me to interpret the show.

What “”aha”” moment I had during this experience was, everything is not what it seems. It is important not prejudge from a gesture or look, but to examine the situation. Verbal communication can bring new mean to a conversation.



Competent Communication….Week 1

Competent Communication

My fiancé sometimes goes on business trips where we have solely relied on technology to communicate. We send at least 3-4 emails per day so our competent communication is very important. His communication is very detail where I can decode his message without any problems. He will tell me about his day and I can almost visualize the moments by just reading his words. I strive to be a competent communicator. Sometimes when I email things he will say, “What are you talking?” Then I will have to send an email if I did not email something clearly. Talking to him face to face is different from email because you have to be more detail and clear on your message so the receiver can understand. I feel my fiancé’ does an outstanding job communicating with cognition ability to send a message able to be decoded. I strive to learn how to be a competent communicator in the same matter.

 

Professional Hopes and Goals....(Week 8)

Hopes…..

"We live now in a global village and we are in one single family. It’s our responsibility to bring friendship and love from all different places around the world and to live together in peace."

------Jackie Chan, Chinese Actor, Philanthropist

Goals…….

My goal for the early childhood field related to diversity is create an early childhood environment that represents a variety of cultures. Also, my goal is to train early childhood professionals on the importance of being an anti-bias teacher. The training will give them the knowledge of culture sensitivity and the understanding of social identities in children and families.

Thanks…..

Welcoming Families From Around the World..Week 7

El Salvador

Ø  At least five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family.

1.  Research the gender roles in the family.

2. Learn basic words in the family’s language such as, “Hello" and "Goodbye." Also, label some important areas in the classroom of the child's native language.

 3.  Learn some home culture dynamics by home-visits with the family. Seeing the family in their natural environment can give an insight on the child's identity.

 4.  Learn their views on education since the child is starting the child care center. This will give a sense of the direction the family wants for their child educationally.

5. Learn the family’s religious belief. The family may chose not to immunize their child because of religious reason.

  



     Starting with the preparation process, this will give me a sense of culture in El Salvador. Some of the cultural identity could be a part of the family’s social identity. Children learn culture through family and friends that are pass down. Coming to the child care center, the staff can learn aspects to understand the family’s culture without judgment. For example, if the child is 2years and still being breastfed, we cannot judge the mother for her chose, it could be cultural. Also, the family may feel comfortable about their new surrounding to see how the staff is embracing their culture.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppresion.....

I BELIEVE THE MEDIA HELP SHAPES THE WAY OF THINKING OF SOCIETY….

 

Ø  This morning I was watching one of my favorite re-run TV shows, The Golden Girls. The Golden Girls is based on the lives and interactions of four older women whom have all been divorced/widowed, and are now roommates. This episode was centered on the main character Dorothy teaching a group of students that was unmotivated except for one person. An Asian man where his character was characterized to be an overachiever and out do everyone in the classroom. When Dorothy sees the difference between the students, she makes the comment to the Asian man, “We are never going to beat you people." This comment was gear towards the Asian stereotype that they are smart and will always be on top.

Ø  This example shows how the others students of other races are not as motivated as the Asian character. Also, I believe making such a generalization of the Asian student, to the non Asian students is an example of distinct bias.

Ø  Watching this is episode before this course I would have thought it was an harmless comment. Now, I feel sad for the Asian student that he was characterized in such a stereotypical way.

Ø  If the character Dorothy did not make that comment and view the Asian student’s achievement as a way to bridge the class together, this would have been an opportunity for equity.

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions...(Week 4)

     As an African-American woman, I’ve always had to prove myself as an educated person. When I first moved for New Jersey to South Carolina I learn that people still judge you on their own biases and stereotypes. First I was judged for being from the North; southerner would say comments jokingly, but it wasn’t funny to me. A most recent example of microaggression is in my current profession. I’m Program Specialist for an early childhood program where I’m surrounded with colleagues of the dominant culture. Our program serves a variety of families, but the majority is American-American families. I was developing a newsletter on summer safety for children where I was addressing the need for sunscreen outsides. As the program director (Caucasian woman) reviewed the newsletter she comments, “Black people do not use sunscreen.” As African American woman, I was appalled! I immediately corrected her in an intelligent and proper matter. She felt assume and embarrassed, and I felt disrespected and offended. I looked at her differently for that point. This experience taught me that many people are judged on their own biases and stereotypes.   I’ve vowed to treat everyone the same regardless of whom they were.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture....(Week 3)

                                    Indian Store Owner…..

(Culture) My belief is that culture starts at home with family. Such praying and the way we dress in our Sari.

(Diversity) People that has different beliefs.

                                            My Sister….

(Culture) The way we are taught to do something. For example, cook certain food item and our beliefs.

(Diversity) Different type of thinking and beliefs from our own.

                   Caucasian Co-Worker (Early Childhood Professional)

(Culture) Culture starts at home where a variety things goes into developing cultural views. It is not what you see; it is what you we do.

(Diversity)  This is difference that can be embraced as a teachable moment for everyone.

Reflection…..

I like my co-worker explanation of diversity and culture. Her explanation reminded me of looking beyond the surface to culture. For example, it is not what we see, but what is deeper. Some professionals look at culture as what they see and taste. It was surprising to hear a deeper understanding.

One aspect that has been omitted is social identities that can be developed from the culture. Our cultural identity also influences how we live our other social identities (Derman and Edward, 2010).

Listening to other people definition of culture and diversity influenced me to learn more about culture and diversity to an effective early childhood professional. I think everyone needs to look at culture and diversity as a positive aspect in our society.

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

My Family Culture….. (Week 2)

(This is my Aunt Cassandra’s Painting-“Baby Quilt”.  http://www.cassandragillens.com/index.html)

Quilt…..

My grandma has always sewed quilts as a part of her culture. The handmade quilts are a symbol of individualization and strength that our family is bonded together. For instance, a quilt is a gift my grandma gives as a wedding gift to family. The quilt will give me conform as a reminder of my family culture is still a priority in my life.

Grandma’s Holy Bible…..

My grandma’s bible has a lot of family history in it. Not only is there great knowledge of our religion, but there is a lot of my family members’ date of birth and date of death.  This is important because it is a history of my ancestors. It will remind me of my foundation and my religion.

Childhood Photo Album…..

My childhood family album means a lot to me. The pictures are family birthday parties, church events, and family gathering. Looking at the pictures would give a connection to my roots. It will remind me how important it is to be close to my family.

 

• Overall, these items give me a sense of a connection to my family culture and know important it is for me to remember how I was raise, values, and beliefs. If I had to give up 2 of my items, I would feel a little lost and broken. I would feel like I’m leaving a piece of myself behind. I would try to remain strong, but I would be hurt inside.

• As a result of this exercise, I was able to reflect on what really matters to me. It is not about money or materialistic items.  It is about items that have richer meaning, such as representing my culture and family values.



When I Think of Research……

Insights….

During this course, I learned that I can be a researcher. I understand there is a process to follow, and I’m capable to master being a researcher by following the process. Also, I learned there are a lot pieces that go into a research study. It is not just forming a question it is examining resources, such as other studies for comparison.

Ideas….

The research process should not be taken lightly. I thought research was just looking up some facts and analyzing data. I understand each piece that goes into the research project is important.

Lessons…

During this process, I’ve learn when doing an early childhood study you to have a “blueprint” before doing the study. For example, deciding if the study design will be qualitative or quantitative study. Also, understanding you have to have a process when selecting participants for the study.

Challenges….

One challenge I had is after week 2 I decided to change my research topic. After choosing my first topic, I was unsure if I could build a quality research simulation after reflecting on some articles on the topic. I made the decision, with guidance from our professor to change my topic, and was able to build a quality research simulation study.

Perceptions…

 Since going through this course, I see early childhood as a research base field. A lot of practices, curriculum, and process are based on research data. As an early childhood professional, I’ve learned research plays an enormous part in our profession because it predicts what we do.

“Research Around the World”-Week 5

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Current International Topics....

·         Assessing the Influence of Different Early Childhood Development Models on

Pre-School Children’s School Readiness in Kenya.

·         Assessment of Interaction and Stimulation in Single-Mother Low-Income Families.

·         Assessment of the Caring Practices in Two Motherless Babies’ Homes in Abia State, Nigeria and the Development and Delivery of a Nutrition Training Program to the Staff of These Homes to Improve Nutrition of Children in Their Care.

Insights.....

As I was exploring the international website, I’ve learned the well-being of children and family is the focus. Also, some of the concerns and issues are the same one we have in the U.S. For example, in Nigeria, there is a project, which looked at people’s understanding of “effective collaboration,” is the development of a guide on effective parent-school collaboration (ECDVU, 2005).  In the US, you can find several studies on how to build partnership with parents and the school.

Noteworthy....

What was a great add to the website was the different publication on early childhood in Africa. I was able to find an article dealing with, strengthening Africa’s contributions to child development research. With the variety of dated publication, it gives a good understand of child development. 

ECDVU. (2005). Early childhood development virtual university (ecdvu) sub-saharan africa (ssa). Retrieved from http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

Research that Benefits Children and Families (Week 3)

        Currently I work under a school readiness program, and a research study was conducted to evaluate the program.  The readiness program was designed to help prepare children for school by providing funding support for early childhood services through community/county collaborations that address the unmet needs of young children and family (High/Scope Educational Research Foundation, 2006). The research study examined the quality of services provided to the children and families through home visitation programs, child care initiative programs, and 4K programs. The outcome was to continue identity the neediest families to help. Also, participants in all programs showed significant increases in their pre- and post-assessments.

        I believe the study was able show children and families in quality care programs, can lead to stronger developmental skills for the child to enter 1^st grade ready. With more pressure for children to succeed, it is imperative for program initiatives for our children’s future.

High/Scope Educational Research Foundation.  (2006). From implementation to impact: An evaluation of the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness program: Executive summary. Columbia: South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness. Retrieved April 29, 2009, from http://www.scfirststeps.org/docs/2006HSEvalExecRpt.pdf.

My Personal Research Journey (Week 2)

RESEARCH JOURNEY

Starting on this journey, I didn’t know what to expect. My experience working on the simulation research process was intriguing because I learn how to select a topic look through a different lens. There were questions I learn I had to ask myself to narrow down a topic such as, “How can we best use this knowledge to optimise children’s learning, growth and development?”   Through the research chart, I realize how important it is to know terms used in the research process. For instance, I was unaware triangulation is the format that can be used to compare and combine different form or different source. Now that I understand this term, I will be able to understand a study that uses it. Also, I realize data and analyzing is a part of the research process I will enjoy. Having the opportunity to analyzing data that will show real information can lead to outcomes to the early childhood field. What advice do you have a new researcher in the research process?

Colleagues, please check out this resource to help with the research process:

Google Scholar

Naughton, G., Sharne, R., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research international perspectives on theory & practice. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

 

Doris Cheng, P. (2010). Exploring the tactfulness of implementing play in the classroom: a Hong Kong experience. Asia-Pacific Journal Of Teacher Education, 38(1), 69-82

Gaffan, E. A., Martins, C., Healy, S., & Murray, L. (2010). Early Social Experience and Individual Differences in Infants' Joint Attention. Social Development, 19(2), 369-393.

Greenhoot, A. F., Tsethlikai, M., & Wagoner, B. J. (2006). The Relations between Children's Past Experiences, Social Knowledge, and Memories for Social Situations. Journal Of Cognition And Development, 7(3), 313-340.

International Early Childhood… (Week 8)

Consequences of Learning

Ø  I’ve learned many of the issues in the US, such as poverty are in other counties. For example, in India the cycle of disadvantage starts at birth and continues through childhood to motherhood and the next generation.

Ø  I’ve learned you can partner with other counties to learn how to improve our early childhood field. For instance, In Chile, the UBC (Un Buen Comienzo) is working toward a push for quality to improve early childhood education through teacher professional development.

Ø  I’ve learned anyone can be an advocate for early childhood.  A health economist, Günther Fink focused on early childhood development issues in Zambia.

MY GOAL….

 My goal would be open-minded aware what going on in other parts of the world. As a professional, I will keep current on issues and trends not only in the US but abroad.

Global Children’s Initiative” website (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative

The Childhood Poverty Research and Policy Centre (CHIP). (2007) Country Overviews Retrieved   from http://www.childhoodpoverty.org/index.php?action=countryo



Professional Goals……(Week 7)

(Alternative Assignment)

v     Knowledgeable….

   Early Childhood Development in the Asia-Pacific region -----I’ve learned a Regional Conference on Early Childhood Development (ECD) was held to discuss the importance of early childhood learning experiences for children under age of 3 years; an age group often neglected in a region where the focus tends to be on pre-school and primary school years. 

I would have loved to attend this conference to learn new techniques to use in an Early Head Start program (0-3).

v     Advocate…..

 Regional Seminar on Early Childhood Policy Review: “Sharing and Learning from the Policy Review Process-Big gap between public/private provisions (mostly, better quality in private programs with trained teachers, teacher-learning materials, and better facilities).

It was interesting to learn that other countries have the same problem we have in  the US. This has encouraged me to advocate even more for equally quality programs.

v     Leadership….

The Participation Programme functions as a vital complement to UNESCO’s regular activities by analyzing, evaluating and facilitating the implementation of national, sub-regional, inter-regional and regional projects directly related to the activities of the organization.

 

I could be an active member of the organization where I could make a different in a leadership role.

UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/)

Sharing Web Resources- (Week 6)

 

Cost of Child Care

 

Improving access to affordable, quality child care is one of NACCRRA’s top goals (NACCRRA, 2012).

Insights

Ø   The high price of child care in every community strains household budgets and forces parents to make compromises about the quality and safety of the care they choose for their children.

Ø  The average annual cost of full-time child care for an infant in a center in 2010 ranged from $4,650 in Mississippi to more than $18,200 in the District of Columbia.

Ø  NACCRRA recommends that Congress-Reduce barriers that prevent families from easily accessing child care assistance.

Office of Child Care…



As I was searching through the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, I notice Health and Human Service Office of Child Care part of the resource section.  The Office of Child Care supports low-income working families through child care financial assistance and promotes children's learning by improving the quality of early care and education and afterschool programs (Dept. of HHS, 2012).   On the website, I found information on section for child care research. This section has the list of child care consists of grantees and contractors who have worked on research projects and partnerships funded by ACF, and Research Connections which is a web-based, interactive database of research documents and public use data sets for conducting secondary analyses on topics related to early care and education.

Cost of Child Care | NACCRRA.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.naccrra.org/public-policy/cost-of-child-care

Naccrra, the national association of child care resource & referral agencies. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.naccrra.org

Office of Child Care - Administration for Children and Families. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/occ/

Department of Health & Human Services: Office of Child Care. (2012). Retrieved from  http://www. acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/