Time Well Spent...

This last course on my way to my Master's has taught me a great deal.  First, it has really shown the ability within myself to make things happen for what I believe to be important in my community.  I have learned that I have the tools, resources, strength, education and motivation to make my goals and dreams become reality for other early childhood professionals in my community.

I have also learned the value of research, connections and relationships throughout the course and throughout my experience at Walden University.  The connections, the learning on research and the resources gained have taught me that they are an invaluable tool and will only aid in my strength to be an agent of change for what I believe in.

Finally, I have learned that there are no boundaries for what I want to accomplish.  The last discussion post really made me think of the future and made me realize that receiving my Master's degree is not the finishing point but only the beginning of a life of future goals and accomplishments.  I want to continue my experiences, share my knowledge and bring about change to my community and I am now prepared to do just that!

My long term goal is two fold.  I want to begin my training and eventually have my training business be recognized state wide within the next few years.  Once that is accomplished, I will go back to school to obtain my Doctorate and work for even more future gains for the benefit of the early childhood community.

A farewell message to my colleagues and professor....Thank you for your hard work and dedication to young children and their families!  Many of you have been in every class that I have attended at Walden and I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn from all of you.  I look forward to seeing and hearing your names in the future as you too become agents of change!  Good luck and best wishes!!

Tammy Sawyer

Job Roles in the ECE Community - International

The Association for Childhood Education International has a mission statement that truly speaks to all that I want to be a part of in my work with young children and families.  They strive to for optimal educational experiences and well-being of all children while also promoting the growth of educators world wide (www.acei.org).  They are located throughout the globe in places like Africa, Asia, Latin America and North America.  One of their primary statements of commitment is; "To raise the standard of preparation for those actively involved with care and development and children" (www.acei.org)."  This statement is exactly what I am trying to accomplish within my Community of Practice and something that I am hoping to increase here in my own community.  They are active in various councils and programs that speak to their vision and missions.
Although I was unable to locate any employment opportunities directly on the website, I have inquired about becoming a member with ACEI!  I feel that this organization could help me grow into potential professional positions and would help me to grow in the field of education and advocacy.

The heart of my educational experiences began at an amazing NAEYC accredited program with Bright Horizons Child Care Solutions.  I adore the missions and possibilities with this company!  All in All; I worked for five years with Bright Horizons from Assistant Teacher on up to Assistant Director.  Their goals and missions are to create wonderful facilities for children with great educational experiences while also helping families to feel safe and comfortable while at work.  A great deal of their schools are corporate sponsored, in other words; on-site child care facilities right where families work (www.brighthorizons.com).  This allows parents to feel close to their children and even see their children during the day while they are at work!  In addition, to its family approach which I have experienced here in the United States; they also offer many programs internationally:  Canada, India, Ireland, The Netherlands and The United Kingdom!  One place that I have always wanted to travel to is the United Kingdom!

Currently, their is a position for a Deputy Manager in London!  This position is similar to a Director position in the United States; full day to day operations, providing leadership to staff, Parent partnership and managing parent relationships.  I would need each of these skills to complete be a candidate for this position.  With that in mind, the fact that I have worked for Bright Horizons in the past and that I have the skills and education to now suffice for the job, I am definitely intrigued!

I also explored Children's Hope International Literacy & Development.   This is an organization dedicated " To transform the lives of children around the world suffering from poverty, hunger, poor education, sickness, and neglect, into lives of hope and possibilities (www.child-international.org)."  What could be a better statement than that!  This is a great mission and they have many programs that they work with around the world.  Although I did not find any employment opportunities on the webpage; I have placed in a 'contact us' request to receive further information about ways to help out - even within my own community!


acei.org, 2011.  Association for childhood education international.  Retrieved from

http://www.acei.org/about-us/about-us.html

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, 2011.  London – Deputy manager.  Retrieved from

http://www.brighthorizons.co.uk/work-for-us/search-jobs-apply/job-detail?vacancy=100125933167000

Children’s Hope International Literacy & Development, 2012.  Retrieved from http://www.child

international.org/