Assignment task: In your response post, response on why you agree. Respond to at least three of your peers' posts. In your responses, make at least one personal connection with something your peers shared in their personal or program connections. Each response should have a minimum of 150 words and be respectful of others' opinions and beliefs that differ from your own.
DISCUSSION 1 (Roberta)
My name is Roberta. I'm 44 years old and reside in Bergen County, New Jersey, with my three children. I've recently graduated from the University of Arizona Global Campus with a dual bachelor's degree in healthcare administration and early childhood education. As a graduate student, my degree focuses on early childhood education leadership. In my current profession, I am a Field Assistant Director for a reputable childcare organization, Bright Horizons. I have been working in early childhood education for 27 years as an educator and began my new role in leadership in April of this year. As a new leader, I enjoyed the training process of traveling to different centers and working with other directors and assistant directors. I've acquired an ample number of skills that will help me become successful in my new role. As I continue to learn in my profession, I aim to help other new field assistant directors and assistant directors with the knowledge and skills they would need to become successful leaders. In terms of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a professional, I believe in acceptance of others by refraining from being biased and judgmental based on my own beliefs or experiences.
Part: Program Connection:
In your discussion, address the following:
- Describe the expectations you have for yourself as a MAECEL graduate student.
As a MAECEL graduate student, I expect to gain sufficient knowledge to fulfill my leadership and professional roles. I understand my commitment to obtaining my graduate degree and must adhere to the requirements and expectations while completing my academic studies. This includes completing my assignments on time and maintaining my attendance by responding to my peers and professor.
- Describe the expectations you have for others as MAECEL graduate students.
I expect others, such as my peers and professors, to support my responses, allowing me to implement positive feedback into my academic learning and as a professional.
- Identify two courses that you feel excited about.
The two courses that I feel excited about are ECE 600 Leadership, Innovation, And Social Justice In Early Childhood Education and ECE 672 Personnel Management & Staff Development For Early Childhood Administrators
- Discuss how these two courses influence your professional goals.
These two courses influence my professional goals because we live in a diverse society with people from all over the world who have different values, beliefs, and practices from mine. As an early childhood leader, I must understand and respect each family's uniqueness in the childcare organization by modeling positive behaviors and recognizing cultural traditions. In addition, these two courses would influence my approach when managing the center and staff. I would be able to conduct professional development with success and partner with families to help foster their children's learning development throughout their experience at my learning facility and beyond early childhood education.
In your response post, response on why you agree. Respond to at least three of your peers' posts. In your responses, make at least one personal connection with something your peers shared in their personal or program connections. Each response should have a minimum of 150 words and be respectful of others' opinions and beliefs that differ from your own.
DICUSSION 2 (Shalita)
I am a 44-year-old mother of two daughters who has been in the early childhood field for 28 years. I started here because I felt my daughter was getting mistreated when I had because I was a teen parent. By, being that advocate for her I also wanted to advocate for others. So, I stayed in this field and have worked many jobs in this field, from in the kitchen, to being an Assistant Director, to teaching Pre-k for 9 years. I love what I do that's why as a graduate student, leader, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professional I am someone who is engaged in advanced academic studies while also taking on leadership roles and advocating for inclusive practices. Being an individual that is dedicated to their field of study, contributing to scholarly knowledge, and often balancing coursework, research, and teaching responsibilities. As a leader, I demonstrate the ability to inspire, guide, and support others, fostering collaboration and driving initiatives. In their DEI role, I work to promote fairness, respect, and equal opportunities within my community or organization, addressing systemic inequalities and implementing strategies to create more inclusive environments. My multifaceted role requires a commitment to learning, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex social dynamics.
My personal growth I have started to work on empathy and understanding of others. Engaging with diverse students helps in developing empathy and a deeper understanding of different perspectives and backgrounds and navigating various learning styles and challenges enhances patience and compassion. I started crafting my communication skills to regularly explaining complex concepts in simple terms that improves clarity and effectiveness in communication. I have become an active listener to my students' needs and feedback refines interactive communication abilities.
On a professional growth level, I have expertise and knowledge on continuously updating and deepening subject matter expertise to stay current in the field and engaging in professional development opportunities, such as workshops and conferences, to enhance teaching strategies.
Take on more leadership and mentorship roles taking on mentorship roles, such as Head mentor and helping staff get early childhood education trainings and organizational skills.
The expectation that I have for myself is that I make sure I apply myself and soak in what is being taught in these 6 weeks of class. The expectation that I have for others is the same provide me with feedback to help me build on my learning. Two courses that I excited about is this course and ECE 642 Quality Curriculum of Early Childhood Education. These two courses influence my professional growth by not only making me a strong advocate for children but teaching how to build a quality curriculum for children to learn.