Time Well Spent

Well here I am…my last blog post as a graduate student pursuing my master’s degree.  Ion one hand it feels great to say that and cannot wait for what the future holds, on the other hand…what will I do without professors and colleagues by my side cheering me on?

This process has taught me lots about myself personally and professionally.  I have grown as an individual and have identified that as educators we need to adapt much of what we do to meet the individual need of student. 

This program has also taught me about strength in numbers and the affect that collaborating with others can make.  Take our Capstone Project for example; overcoming issues that affect the well-being of children and families takes more than one person to accomplish.  It takes the collaborations of many people and organizations to raise their voices and stand up for what is right.  

Thirdly I have learned that there are endless job opportunities when you look locally, state wide, and nationally.  The opportunities are endless whether you are looking to volunteer your time or for full or part time employment. 

One long-term goal that I have for myself is to obtain a rewarding job that fulfills my passion on a daily basis.  Teaching adults about the field of early childhood education and the importance of early education is my passion.  I love to train adults and watch them get excited about children learning as well.  To obtain a job where I can witness this excitement everyday will rewarding.  

As this journey comes to an end I think about the many ways that I have been supported both by instructors and colleagues along the way.  Obtaining a master’s degree in any field is a great accomplishment.  As my husband has told me over and over, while I cried over assignments, “If obtaining a master’s was easy, then everyone would have one!”  Each of you should be so proud of your accomplishments.  The growth both personally and professionally that I have gain is amazing.  I owe much of that to the collaborative efforts of my peers.  I wish each of you luck as you continue life’s path.  

“It takes a village to raise a child.” 

- Nigerian proverb

"Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand."
- Chinese proverb

Erika Riesinger

14301 Cimarron Ave. W.

Rosemount, MN 55068

612-964-3219
riesinger@charter.net

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

In researching International Early Childhood Organizations, I found that there a many organizations that I have never heard of in the past.  Many of which have great missions and visions for children and their education.

The first website that I visited was Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).  Their mission is to promote and support the optimal education, development, and well-being of children worldwide, and to influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society.  Throughout their website I found valuable information about children around the country and professional development opportunities.  I could not find any listing for specific job postings, however I did find on the website where they are seeking manuscripts for publishing.  ACEI is seeking articles from around the world on timely topics of interest that stimulate thinking, rather than advocate fixed practice.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in 190 countries and territories to save and improve children's lives by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.  The work that UNICEF does is very inspiring.  There are several job postings for UNICEF, however none in my area.  However the one job posting that I found interesting was Integrated Partnerships Manager.  This position would cultivate, manage and grow key programs with a portfolio of corporate partners which leverage in-kind donations of products, services and expertise, as well as grant funding.  The qualifications require a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years’ experience, in developing and managing complex partnerships between the corporate and non-profit sectors, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world.  When disaster strikes around the world, Save the Children is there to save lives with food, medical care and education and remains to help communities rebuild through long-term recovery programs.  Save the Children serves impoverished, marginalized and vulnerable children and families in more than 120 nations.  In looking for jobs available at Save the Children I found a position of interest:  Early Childhood Coordinator.  For this position I would provide:

• Social/emotional development, language development and pre-literacy education activities for children and parents through regularly scheduled home visits. 
• Parent/child support and education groups in schools and community settings
• Screening and referral for children at risk for developmental delay or health care issues.
• “Transition to school” activities that connect parents and children to the preschool or kindergarten they will attend.
• A book exchange literacy program for enrolled children and parents. Books are available for children from birth to five years of age.

This position seems very interesting and one I would definitely apply for if it was in my area.  No additional requirements are necessary for employment. 

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

1.      

Established in 1948, the Annie E. Casey Foundation fosters public policies, human-service reforms, and community supports that more effectively meet the needs of today’s vulnerable children and families.  One initiative that I found interesting while researching the Annie E. Casey Foundation was the Family-Centered Community Change.   This initiative “supports community development in low-income neighborhoods while also helping to create programs that focus on healthy development, growth and education for children, as well as services that concentrate on parenting, job skills and financial security for adults” (http://www.aecf.org).  They also have talent development opportunities for staff, grantees, and communities.  This helps ensure that the talent is ready for the transitions up and coming for years to come. 

In searching for job opportunities, there were several positions available.  None of which I am currently qualified for, but were interesting.  The position available I found most interesting was Program Associate, Information Technology and Child Welfare.  This role primarily focuses on promoting the valid and reliable measures of child welfare outcomes.  The educational requirements necessary for this position is a Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, business, law, statistics or related field.  I found this position interesting for the fact that the main focus is child-welfare.

2.       The National Child Care Association “promotes the growth and safeguard the interest of quality early childhood care and education focusing on licensed, private providers of these services" (http://www.nccanet.org).  They offer professional development and training opportunities because they recognize the importance between well-educated teachers and high-quality education. 

In searching for job opportunities, I was not able to locate any.  I was however able to find how to become a member of the NCCA.  Many states are a part of this organization and offer a multitude of training and development opportunities.   

3.        ZERO TO THREE disseminates key developmental information, trains providers, promotes model approaches and standards of practice, and works to increase public awareness about the significance of the first three years of life (http://www.zerotothree.org/).  ZERO TO THREE is also a non-profit organization that was founded in 1977 by top experts in child development, health and mental health.  The have since evolved and plays a critical role in promoting key issues effecting young children and their families.    

I found two job positions available on the ZERO TO THREE website.  One position sounds very interesting; A Technical Assistant Specialist.  This position requires a master’s in early childhood and eight years’ experience doing home visits.    

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Minnesota

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Minnesota

Children’s Defense Fund – Minnesota’s mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.  Although there are not any current positions available, this organization appeals to me due to the fact that they focus solely on the needs of the children.  The Children’s Defense Fund collaborates with families and the community for the benefit of children.  There are many programs and campaigns to help raise awareness about the significant challenges that children in the state of Minnesota face on a daily basis.  You can find additional information about this organization at http://www.cdf-mn.org.

Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children, also known as MnAEYC, serves and acts on behalf of early childhood care and education professionals in Minnesota. MnAEYC strives to enhance quality training opportunities, support program improvement, as well as advocate to public change in early childhood education.  Again, there were no current jobs posted on their website, however, there was a link for applicants interested in teacher positions throughout the state on Minnesota.  You can find additional information about this organization at http://www.mnaeyc-mnsaca.org.

The Minnesota Center for Professional Development (MNCPD) goal is to provide professional development to raise the competencies for those providing early care and education.  I am currently a registered trainer in the state of Minnesota, but unsure how to utilize this.  Reviewing the website, I have become more informed on how to utilize this asset.  I have the ability to create trainings, get them approved and list them in the registry in order to present them.  This is a process that I would like to learn more about in order to tap into my ability as a trainer.  Outside of personal and professional resources, I could not find any job postings.  You can find additional information about this organization at http://www.mncpd.org.

All of these organizations interest me for future job opportunities. Each of them has vision and goals built around creating better lives and education for children.  I have twelve years’ experience working in early childhood management as well as training adults.  I feel strongly that my passion and strength align during training adults.  I have a desire to build awareness and partnerships while being the voice for children.