Thanks

I would like to say Thank you all so much for giving me advice throughout the course.  The advice that you gave really help me and sent it me in the right direction.  At times I was a little worried that I did not gather enough information for my research topics, but as colleagues you all provide support by enlightening me about resources and materials that would be helpful to my topic.As I continue my professional as a Early Childhood Educator I will continue to stay up to dated with educational news that are related to the state where I reside in.  I will also stay informed with national news that will impact the local school systems in my community.  As I continue to work with young children, I will work hard to present lessons that will interest all children, while teaching using a variety of methods.  I would also like to give a sincere thanks to our Instructor.  I called and she answered and gave me an enormous amount of feedback.  Thanks for being their for your students. 

Enlisting and Providing Support

• Questions you have with which your colleagues may be able to provide help and support

How can I find reliable information and resources that are beneficial to testing that determines whether the children pass or fail, during certain grade levels.

• Resources and information you are seeking

I am seeking resources that will discuss the benefits and weakness of the  CRCT testing.  I also need more information on how to complete an effective advocacy plan.  I would like to reach my audience and gain their support from the information presented.

• Resources and/or information you have found helpful and insightful

One resources that I found helpful is:
www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/.../advocacytoolkit0110.ppt 
Some people could not view the site but if you google, How to make an effective Advocacy plan, the link will come up, but its a power point presentation.

My Advocacy Journey

The children that I am implementing an advocacy plan inspires me to remain strong and loyal.  I must continue to research and look for resources and materials that will have a positive impact on everyone involved in the process.  I believe that the children are our future and we must prepare them to take the real world on.   The part that excites me the most is meeting so many people that have the same opinion or thoughts as I do.  There are truly alot of committed people to education and they need a voice as well as the children.    The only challenge I am encountering is having a sufficient amount time to commit and campaign for more people to understand the effects of the CRCT testing.  This is a Georgia based test that determines whether a child is promoted from the third, fifth, and eighth grade.  The people that are supporting the advocacy plan will help me overcome this challenge.  I can encourage others by continuing to communicate with others.

Internship 412

Hello everyone,
I am so proud to be a part of this class, because this means that I am well on my way to accomplishing one of my goals.  I am so exicted to be receiving a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.  I hope to learn alot about advocacy.

Observing and Interacting with Families

I interacted with Blue (used for confidentiality) and his family.    He is been raised by his grandmother and his parents are not close by.  The grandmother concern is about his behavior, and lack of concentration.  She went on to say that she is so glad that a Head Start program exist in her community.  She believes that getting  an early start in education is important,and will allow her grandson to grow and develop adequately.  She said she loves to tell others in the community about the positive impact of the Head Start setting.  Two insights I have gained from my observation, is how committed she is to the program and her grandson,  She wants to be involved every step of the way, and also plans to become an advocate for the program, by attending the parent meetings, policy council, and community events.  I also think that the early childhood professionals should support the families efforts in everyway and empower them to support themselves, by using the appropriate resources that are available for them in their community.    Early childhood professionals should stay up to date with family changes and commiunity events.  I enjoyed interacting and observing this family.

Observing and Interacting With Program Director(s) and Other Administrative Staff in Your Setting

I have been observing and interacting with the Family Advocate in my current Internship setting.  The Family Advocate has an important role in the Head Start setting.  She usually goes out in the community and recruit children for the upcoming school year.  She also help make sure the center stays properly enrolled during the year, by having engaging in ongoing communication with the parents.    Her main goal is to serve as the link between the Head Start setting and the home.  She tries to make the transition period hassle free.  She will also find resources and materials that may help the children and their families.    She also reports attendance, and health information to the mangers of the Head Start.    She also acts as a advocate for the children and family, by speaking on their behalf in the community.  She must also receive, obtain, and evaluate the program application materials.  She has to make sure the families that are been served are eligible for the services.  This may means that she has to review the family occupational, financial,education and health status information, on a regular basis.  I have truly enjoyed my observation and learning the role of the Family Advocate.  The Family Advocate  makes the program run smoothly.

Observing and Interacting With Professionals, Children, and Families in an Early Childhood Setting

I gained a lot of insights at the Head Start setting.  I learned the importance of making each child feel unique and special.  The person I spoke with encouraged me to always remember we are there to serve the children and the families members.  This setting is total committed to providing a comprehensive setting that fosters the well being of income eligible children, while supporting the growth of their social, health, physical abilities, emotional and cognitive development.   As I communicated with the educator, I asked her was she aware of the current issues with the CRCT testing that had occurred in the Atlanta Public School Setting.    I learned that this program believes in ongoing training, and as a result maybe they will not face any issues like the Atlanta Public School Setting.