Time Well Spent

At least three deeply felt learnings from this program:
1. I have learned about nurturing and building relationships with families and their children. This is very important for the early childhood field. You want these families to feel comfortable so they are comfortable about leaving their children. You want them involved in their children's education. This program has made me realize that nurturing pays a big part in these families lives.
2. I have learned the true meaning of passion. I have always been passionate about my work. When I start collaborating with my colleagues, I learned that so many of us had the same vibe. I found out that there are other teachers that share the same passion I have for families and children. The program has inspired my passion to where there is no limit.
3. The last one for me is leadership. I have learned different learning styles to become a great leader. I know what it takes to be a great educator in the ECE field. I know what I have learned will help me in continuing my career journey.
At least one long-term goal
I have a long-term goal and that is to continue to be passionate in what I am doing. I will continue to find ways to get parents involve in our program. I will get my parent group together and my number one goal is to work hard to become a Master teacher and help other teachers. I want everyone to be a success in their classrooms.

 

My Farewell Message

 

To my colleagues,

 

I want to thank you for all your support! I have enjoyed the collaborations, sharing ideas, and the motivation from each and everyone of you! I can honestly say that it was because of all of you that I have made it to the finish line. I remember there were days I wanted to just give up. I had some of you telling me to keep moving. I will use and take what I have learned from each one of you. You are some smart, ambitious and unique group of scholars! I wish all of you the best luck in the whole wide world. Remember that there is nothing that you cannot do! God Bless Everyone!

 

To Dr. Darrt,

 

I want to thank you for providing the feedback that you have given me. I have learned so much from you. Thank you for all your support!

 

Images that reflect my experience and learning in the program

 

 

 

 

 

Wordle

 

 

Favorite Quotes

 

 

Contact Information

 

Guadalupe L. Hilliard

Email: glhilliard@caddoschools.org

 

 







Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

 

Save the Children

 

Contact Information: Save the Children U.S. Headquarters

501 Kings Hwy E. Suite 400

Fairfield, CT 06825

1.203.222.4000



 

I chose this organization because they focus on making a positive change in the lives of children that are in need around the world and in the United States. They have been active since the 1930's. I like the way they support and advocate for children. They also have different program and take donations to help their organization. The organization is also a voice for these children. I like one of their goals which is to motivate and mobile Americans in making children a success.

 

Job Opportunities

 

Assistant teacher II, Bus Driver/Custodian, Teacher I, Teacher III, Teacher EHI, partnership manager, Director Global Sponsorship, Senior Specialist. They had multiple job opportunities. I was interested in the Teacher EHI position.

 

The Early Head Start Teacher is responsible for the general and day to day operations of the Early Head Start classroom assuring regulating and legal compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and communication with parents. The EHS teacher is also responsible for overseeing and providing educational, relational and social experiences for infants and toddlers to foster growth and development in all developmental domains. The EHS Teacher reports directly to the Center Director. The EHS teacher responsible for creating and nurturing strong partnerships with families and ensuring that program standards, compliance and quality are of the highest standards (Save the Children, 2011).

 

International STEP by STEP Association

 

Contact Information: Hooglandse Kerkgracht 17-R

2312 Hsleiden

The Netherlands

Tel: +31 (0) 71 516 1222

Fax: +31 ) 71 516 1220

 

This organization is an association that serves as a learning community that focus on quality and equity for all children and their families. I chose this one because they value education and quality care for young children. The association members work together and share the knowledge and work towards developing best practices on the ECE field. They had no job opportunities at this time.

 

 

UNESCO

7 Place Fontenoy

75007 Paris, France

P: +33 (0) 14568 1000

http://www.lenesco.org

 

I chose the UNESCO because their focus is attaining quality education for all lifelong learning, addressing emerging social, and ethical challenges which is also a challenge in the United States; fostering cultural diversity and building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication. that also have major programs like cultural, education, natural sciences and human sciences.



The job that was interesting to me was a Programme Specialist

Domain: Education

Qualifications: advanced university degree in education, policy, science, economics, or a related field.

Skills: Coordination and interpersonal skills, ability to collect synthesize and analyze information, excellent written and oral communication, manage skills, and very good IT skills.

 







 













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

 Family Service of Greater New Orleans

2515 Canal St. Suite 201

New Orleans, La. 71109

Ph. 504.822.0800

 

I have always said that I would like to live in New Orleans to see what it was like to be in a city that offers many career opportunities. When I was searching for different organizations, I saw this one program that caught my eye. I chose Family Service of Greater New Orleans because I really want to make a change in people lives. It is very important that children need their families to be emotionally healthy and self-sufficient so that their children can become self-sufficient and be healthy so that are able to learn. The family Service of Greater New Orleans is a program that help families to become individuals that can provide for their families and maintain emotional heath as well. They help families that are dealing with depression, anxiety, and a parent that are without healthy child-rearing, domestic violence and if they do not have a home.

They offer programs like, general counseling, anger management community based counseling, victims of crimes, diversion programs, active parenting, domestic violence and health relationship program. Family of Greater New Orleans help children, couples, adults and families that want to succeed in life. They take donations from communities that want to help to make a difference in these families lives.

I would like to be a School-based Youth Prevention Specialist. My duties would be to work in schools and the communities to facilitate substance abuse prevention education services and activities. My qualifications would be to have a degree in education, counseling, social work or related field is required. I have to be able to work with a diverse population with various socio-economic backgrounds. As a School-based Youth Prevention Specialist, I would attend special trainings, collaborate with schools, community organizations, and parent-teacher groups, make referrals for student substance abuse and participate in drug awareness campaigns. The job did close on August 7, 2017. 



 

LA Parenting Education Network

4334 South Sherwood Forest Blvd. STE. 155

Baton Rouge, La. 70816

Email: lapen@selahec.org

 

 

I was interested in this organization because they play a big part on helping keeping parents as wells as educators knowledgeable about education. I think that all parents should think about continuing education opportunities. The organization  is funded by the Louisiana Department of health and Hospital, Bureau of Family and Office of Public health. They are an association for parent educators in Louisiana. The people that make of their ideal community of practice are professionals from different backgrounds, that all share an interest in providing quality and effective parenting education. They would like for parents to become educated with education services, and promote best practices in parent education.  They didn't have any jobs available, because you can email them and join, and they keep in touch and communicate through emails.

 

 

NAEYC For Families

1313 L. St. NW, Suite 500

Washington, DC 20005

(202) 232-8777 (800) 424-2460

 

 

The NAEYC has set standards for ECE programs that can help families make the right choices when they are looking for pre-k-kindergarten programs and a child care center. I think this is great for first time parents, because it will help them ease their minds and answers questions when they are looking for ant ECE program. I am already a member and I love learning new things about ECE. I chose this community of practice because this organizations gears to helping families  they offer many resources that will educate families about ECE education. I really enjoy being a member of such a purposeful organization.







 



Exploring Roles in the ECE Community:Local and State Levels

Volunteers of America

                                                                              

900 Jordan St. Suite 102                                  

Shreveport, La. 71101

(318) 429-4413

 

I chose the organization because we have so many youth that is getting arrested daily for minor offenses. We need volunteers to help these youths to stay out the system. They all become repeat offenders and we need to help these youths. This program have different programs; Facts of Life, GEMS & GENTS Youth Mentoring, Jumpstart and Teen Court to assist these youths.

I am interested in being a volunteer. The qualifications: No special background or experience; just a heart to serve and desire to make a difference.

 

The YMCA

400 McNeil St.

Shreveport, La. 71101

(318) 647-9600

I chose the Y because I love helping families and their children. I want to help them overcome their challenges and reach goals that they have set for themselves. They focus on youth development, counseling, healthy living, and social and responsibility. I would like to apply for the Afterschool Child Care Director. I would have to oversee youth and the enrichment after school program. I will have to have leadership skills, be motivated and committed. I will need a 4 year degree in education and have 5 years of experience with children.

The Women Safe House

 I chose this because I have had friends and family members that has or is dealing with violence in their family and their children are getting involved in the abuse along with their mothers and fathers. They had no positions available at the time. I would love to volunteer. I can volunteer I the Children’s program. I can read to the children, help with homework, and help feed them. I become there friend. My job is to make them feel safe. The only qualification is to be patient, kind and loving.

 

 

 

 

Stay On The Road To Sucess My Colleagues

I just want to take this time out and thank all my colleagues. I have enjoyed each and everyone of you! I know each and everyone will be successful in whatever you choose to do while you are on this journey.

I would like to say to Blessing Biambo; When I first saw your name I said, "I am not the only one with a unique name. I really have enjoyed collaborating with you. You have taught me things about the education in your country. We started out together. I have enjoyed sharing new information and learning new ideas from you! Sometimes when I read your post; I would smile. I wish you all the success! Keep pushing forward, and keep sharing your knowledge. Here is my personal email: gshun42@aol.com. If you need anything call me at 3186550896. May God continue to bless you and your family!
                                                                                                              Guadalupe Hilliard


Hello Tracy Ehlert,
I have missed you in my group. I have enjoyed your ideas, knowledge and commitment in what you do. I thought I had a lot on my plate; you are doing it all! I commend you. I have enjoyed your posts. You introduced me to different organizations that I haven't heard of. After reading your blogs; I would always go and research the organization. I wish you all the success! I know that you are going to do extremely well. You can email me or call anytime. gshun42@aol. or 3186550896. Good Luck!!!
                                                                                                                       Guadalupe Hilliard

Monica Owens-Davis,
You have been my inspiration since the beginning. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have been in this program. You have always knew exactly what to say. Your kind words, friendship, and commitment is well appreciated. I love the energy you bring into our friendship! You are my ride or die friend, and sister!!! I have enjoyed your ideas and knowledge as well! I wish you the best! You will make an awesome, superfluous teacher!! Love you by the pound! In my Catdaddy voice!!! Lol
                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                        Guadalupe Hilliard
Dr. Williams,
I would like to thank you for feeding me knowledge on communication and the help with the APA format. I have really enjoyed your class! I have learned a lot from your feedback. Thank you!!!!
                                                                                                                        Guadalupe Hilliard

The FIve Stages of Team Development

I was working for the juvenile system in Louisiana. I was put on a committee to help girls that have self-esteem issues and have been in the system. The group was called, “Volunteers of Youth Justice.”  I can see this team went through the five stages process. The committee was made up of teachers, counselors and policeman. I remember us going through the first stage, “Forming.” We all introduce ourselves and stated why we were interested in making a change with these youths, as well as sharing our past experiences and interests. I can honestly say we did not go through the storming stage. We all had the same vision, and all ideas were put into place.

This group was hard to leave, because it was a group of people that started something and completed it; which made it very successful. The youths graduated from the program and were very successful. I saw changes throughout the program. Our team did establish a work ethic that was awesome. We took each other’s ideas, and worked as a team to see it through. Our vision became one.

Volunteers of justice were like a family. There were days we cried when we would hear these youths speak about the struggles they have been through. I worked with people that were very passionate and we all had one goal, and that was to make sure these girls were successful.

I believe I have bonded with all my colleagues since being in the Master’s program. We leave each other at the end of each course, but some of us see in each in other courses or down the line. When we get to the end, I will feel like I will be missing a part of my family. We have shared information, ideas, and disagreements throughout this program. Yes, it saddens me. I have met some smart and knowledgeable colleagues. I wish everyone the best!

Disagreements and Conflicts

I have disagreements and conflicts with a colleagues on my job all the time. She is a lead teacher. I always get called on to do her job, or she gets upset, because my idea is better than what she opposed. Then she can never remember when she said something. Let's not for get she always have a personal problem, as if I don't. I have tried to figure this woman out, but I have came up empty.

I think one strategy that I can say is that I have learned to is to listen closely when she speaks. My other strategy is not to be ready to attack or assume what she is going to do, before she does it. I have in the past found myself tensing up when I see her approaching me. I think this body language occurs, because we always bump heads. I have suggested that my colleague, not hide behind what she has said. I have offer her to record herself when she speaks, so there is no miscommunication.

I have looked for broader range of solutions, like let someone else take that position. I have suggested that she say what is on her mind, and not take it to individuals. I have asked my supervisor to speak to her. My supervisor says, "This is our last year with her." Really?

I can use the 3R's by being more respectable to my colleague. For as response, I can show that I am more caring, and not let my body language show. I can work on our relationship, by spending some one on one time with my colleague. I would like to be able to work together without confrontation.

Communicator

When I think about they way I communicate. I see myself as a leader when I am communicating. I was so surprise that some people saw me as controlling; stating that I have a way of influencing people. I have been told when I speak its hard for people not to follow me. I ask was this question; is this a bad thing?  I was told it can be good or bad, because everyone needs to feel comfortable when they are communicating. I was shocked, because I am the one connects with other people. I look at it as expressing myself when I speak.

I have learned a lot in this course about communication. The one thing that I have learned this week is how to improve my perceptions. I need to learn how to look beyond first impressions. As the old saying goes, "Never judge a book by it's cover." This is so true! The most important thing I learn; question your assumption. I think we all need to work on this one. We are always assuming. We need to ask questions and go from the questions. We need to understand that that world we live in a diverse world.

 

 

 

Communicating

We all have to remember that communicating is what we do everyday. In the workplace, at functions in stores; we exchange information among each other. I believe the key to communication is to listen and understand that each individual is different. We all find ourselves communicating different, especially with different groups. I noticed that I speak differently at work than I do when I am with my friends. At work, I am more professionally; the language is spoken correctly and I am more attentive. When I am with my friends, I'm not under a microscope. I can be more relaxed, and my body language changes. I find my self using slang sometimes. I use more facial expressions; I'm just out of the norm.

My first strategy........I need to work on lack of focus. I am the one that is always doing more than one thing at a time. Multi-tasking when there is communication. I'm listening, but my mind is wondering. I need to be more attentive to the person that is speaking.

My second strategy....... work on being mindful of my nonverbal communication. I have to understand that each cultural is different. I need to understand that everyone has an opinion and it's important as well. This has always been a challenge for me.

My third strategy....I need to be a effective listener. I need to work on not judging and assuming. Cultural diversity is definitely in the school system. Everyone is coming from all aspect. I need to value their ideas and beliefs.

Culture, by definition, affects the majority of a group in a consistent direction; the intensity of this effect on the individual, however, is moderated by the individual's perception (Vuckovic, 2008).
                 
                                                                                  Reference
Vuckovic, A. (2008). Inter-cultural communication: A foundation of communicative action.
            Multiculture Education and Technology Journal, 2(1), 47-59.

The HAVES and the HAVENOTS

I have learned that communication comes in all shades and fashions. I have language is the key and how we use it can be effective or ineffective. I know that communication is very important, especially in the early childhood field. I love to watch ‘The Have and the Have-nots, because you can read the characters just by watching them. These characters use a lot of nonverbal communication. I see a lot of them using the channel discrepancy by using the nonverbal unintentional communication. The characters show that they have some ethnocentrism communication, because they are viewing other cultures in their own view and basically labeling the ones that they think doesn’t fit in their world. I also observed some intercultural communication challenges. While watching the show with the volume on; I saw some frustrations, dominating, aggressiveness, uncertainty and some multitasking in the communication area. I would like to let my colleagues know that nonverbal language can be tricky. Being knowledgeable about communication skills will enhance your learning. It will behoove my colleagues to learn the different characteristics for communication.

Michelle Obama......My Inspiration

Michelle Obama

When I first saw Michelle Obama speak, I thought: Wow! I said this woman reeks professionalism and eloquent. She is very knowledgeable on whatever she talks about. I have not yet seen her ponder over her words when she speaks. She stands attentively and gives direct eye contact. I really like the fact that she is very confident. She is an inspiration to all women and very inspiring. When she speaks everyone listens. I like that she speaks what is on her mind, and speaks correct English. This lady speaks and walks SUCCESS! These words that she spoke will forever stay with me. “One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals.”

I chose her because she is a phenomenal woman. She is educated and has great communication skills. She is not afraid of people. She is the reason why I can speak in front of a lot people. She is a leader with awesome communication skills.

                                                                  

                                                                              

Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that I have about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that I want to remain anti-bias. I want my families to know that everyone is unique in their own way. One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity ,and social justice is to let each child be who they are and always be a voice for my children and families. My goal is to always teach each child to be fair.

A brief note to my colleagues:

I would like to thank each and every one of my colleagues for sharing their knowledge on equity, diversity and social justice. I have learned a lot from each of you. I was glad to learn that I am not alone, and believe that we should treat our families and children fair. We all have learned not to assume. I wish each and every one of you on your road to success! Thanks for having a listening ear.

See you in the next class.

Welcoming Families From Around the World

                                                                                       
             

Mexico

Five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family.

1.      I would make sure diversity in integrated in my curriculum that the child could relate too.

2.      I will make sure the parents know that they can be involved in their child’s learning.

3.      I would ask the parents about concerns that they may have, and we can decide how we can addressed them.

4.      I would research the early childhood programs in Mexico.

5.I would let the parents know that they are encouraged to participate in their child’s learning.

I hope the five ways that I have chosen will help the family understand that as a teacher, I will embrace their diversity. I understand what feels is like to come somewhere and not feel comfortable. I hope my ways make the feel that they are able to be a part of our school and community. I would let them know that it is okay to get to know other children, because I understand that family comes first with them. I understand that it’s their culture to be close to each other. My ways will help me feel better, because I have done my research. I will know what to expect when I meet this child.

  

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudices, and Oppression

 

 

OPPRESSION, PREJUDICE, AND BIAS; CAN WE FIX IT?

 

I have witnessed president Obama being a person that was a part of racial prejudice four years. When he became the first black president; prejudice became real and very visible among Americans. This man has dealt with so many untrue rumors like, he is a Muslim, or he was not born in America. There were so many people that tried to break this man, because they were prejudice.

There was a reporter stated some violent attacks were happening to teachers in Minnesota public schools. The reported stated these schools were being linked to the adoption of the Obama’s “equity” policies. It stated these policies have made certain racial and ethnic groups “untouchable” when trying to use disciplinary action.

My feelings about this incident are I think it is unfair that teachers are not protected when un-rule children are involved. I do believe that something needs to be put in place. I think that when some officers are school authority figure is involved with discipline children; they should not get away with abusing, or brutally hurting them. I believe this should apply to all children.

I believe America is going to have to change to make greater equality for an issue like this one. The prejudice is going to have to be set aside when people are involved. The government and policy makers are going to have to come together and figure out what can we do to protect ourselves from children with major disciplinary problems.

 

Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions

             I can remember being out a couple of years ago with some friends and other associates. We were at a steak restaurant having dinner. One of my friends had a problem with her steak. I suggested that she tell the waitress so she could get her another steak. The waitress came over and she explained that she wanted her steak medium rare. The waitress apologized and took the steak back to the kitchen. I remember some of our friends staring at her like she had done something wrong. The waitress returned with another steak. This steak was pink all the way through. My friend said, "I can't eat this either. " I called the waitress back, and complained about this steak. The waitress roiled her and snatched the plate off the table. As she was walking away; I heard her say, "Black people is always trying not to pay their damn ticket!" The manager came over and I told him what she had said as she was walking off. He laughed as I was being funny, and said, "She is such a jokester!" I was very upset, and told him that I didn't see anything funny, and I wanted an apology from her, because I considered that a racist remark. The manager made her apologize, and I called their main headquarters and complained.
            First of all, I didn't know what the word microaggressions were until I saw the video this week. I see that microaggressions comes in all types of ways. This week's lesson has taught me to think before you speak. They say words cant hurt, but microaggressions can.  We should stop being prejudice, stop discriminating each other, and stereotyping one another. It is safe to ask, than assume. We all know that no one person is the same; we should embrace everyone.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Three people I talked to about their definition of culture and diversity. One person that believes in some ways  culturally different from me.

Family Member- Patricia R.-My definition of cultural is the way we stick to family rituals. The color of my skin. The beliefs that my family believe in, and our values. Our body language, the way we talk and present ourselves. Diversity is a typical ethnicity; being able to adapt to your surrounding, but don't change your identity.
Nail Tech- Tim N.- I am from China. I am a Chinese. Cultural means family. It's what we value like homes, statues, and Chinese rituals. Diversity is just being different.
Acquaintance-Rodney C. - Culture is our family history. It is sentimental things passed down through different generations. It's the way we perceive life. Most of all is the way we value family.
Diversity is looking at things or people different. Nothing is the same.

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received- what are some examples?
In this course I have learned about the definition of culture. I believe some of the people I talked to see culture the same way in some aspect. The book states that when we hear the word culture; we think about surface culture and deep culture and how certain groups of people live. For example, The Chinese believe that everyone should be under one roof. The live in packs in one house. The African American is a group that is related strongly to their ethnicity.

Which aspects have been omitted-and what are some examples of such omission?
I believe that a lot of the deep culture aspects has been omitted. For example, no one that I talked to said anything about any community connection with their culture. Education, role of children and gender roles.

In what ways has thinking about the other's people's definition of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?
I see that we all have some similarities about culture and diversity. These two topics are very broad subjects. I have learned that we respect our own beliefs and is very strongly opinionated and defensive when we speak on these subjects. After speaking to these people, I have learned to reach out and learn from other cultures, and especially dominant cultures.

My Family Culture

 

If I was told that my family and I would have to evacuate to another country where the culture is different and could only take three items; the first item that I would take would be my family's bible. The bible is made from burlap, which was passed down through many generations. Some of the pages are torn and the words are very big. This bible has gotten our family through the roughest and toughest times. My next item will be a picture of my grandmother’s mother’s mother and her family, because they were slaves. The picture reminds my family and me how close we are. The picture shows strength and love. The picture is very faded, but it states that nothing can break us down, and we can make it through anything. My last item would be a black angel. She is wearing a beige dress and her wings are spread very wide. Her eyes are like black coals. This angel reminds out family that we are always taken care of, and she is always watching the family.

I would express the meaning of these items by explaining what each item represents as a stated in my first paragraph. I would like for everyone to know that these items are the reason why our family culture is important to us. These are the items that have made our family bond stronger than life itself. If I was told that I could only keep one; it would be the family’s photograph. I would choose this item because the people in this picture have been through it all, and lost their lives for protected their families and other people as well. It was their beliefs that made them strong. It was their encouraging words that push me, built the look in their eyes in the picture, and reminds me that no one can take what I have been taught away from me.

My new insights are that I have learned from this week’s reading, that family culture is very important to everyone. It’s not the color of their skin that solely matters; it’s the way they were brought up, how they walk, how they carry themselves, body language, values, and their beliefs. I also have learned that it is okay to accept other family’s culture, cultural differences and diversity, because this is who they are. I also learned that you can learn from other cultures.