Joyería Artesanal Infantil
Category: Sin categoría
Time Well Spent
The three deep learning’s I learned in the program were:
1. I liked the topic of child development. I learned that the child grows at his own pace and that the problems of maximum stress in extreme circumstances of the environment or at home affect the child sometimes irreversibly. It draws my attention because I always have children with behavior problems and some disabilities, the same children with their mother tongue other than English. All this leads me to analyze if I can change something about their behavior or help them without stereotypes.
2. Another topic that I liked and learned from it is the different curriculums, such as Reggio Emilia approaches. I realized that I was a teacher with this concept since I am very artistic, and I like that my resumes have recycled objects, nature, and art. It opened the doors to identify myself.
3. The third concept that I learned is that we are all different and must respect diversity. The truth was I was more closed to all the topics that we touched on in the classes, but as I understood more deeply, I understood the value of respecting and enforce cultures, religion, gender, skin color. I see life differently. This master’s degree makes me happy to see my positive changes and my future possibilities as a professional in the ECE field.
“A child can always teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to be always busy with something and to know how to demand with all his strength the things he wants.”Pablo Coelho
My message to my colleagues who have accompanied me on this path. Especially my very dear friends Michelle Dodson and Teresa Burns, who became friends on social networks,love you girls and I know that we continúes sticks together. I cannot leave behind all those who shared their blogs and the enjoyable discussions we had. It is sad to leave the University and my group of classmates, but it is a feeling of joy and sadness at the same time. I wish you all the best and many blessings on your path as professionals in the ECE field. I am infinitely grateful for all her feedbacks and teachings to Dr. Darragh, as I have learned a lot from her. I started my first course with her, and now I finish my master’s degree with her, too; it means a lot to me because it was a good beginning and is a magnificent ending.
To all the teachers that I had during my career, I thank you for the time and dedication you were able to educate us, especially Dr. Parrish. I appreciate her very much as a teacher and an incredible human being; she was with me in moments that I was locked up in my country Colombia for two months due to the pandemic in March, without being able to return. She gave me the courage to keep going and helped me a lot by giving me the possibility to turn in my assignments after the time, even if I never stopped putting them on time. She was also with me the two months that I was very sick from COVI-19 in Florida in July and August; although I was too ill and gave me the option to deliver my areas later, I never stopped putting them on time. I am proud of myself for my dedication and persistence to get the best grades. Despite all my limitations, I have to do my assignments first in perfect Spanish, translate them into English, take them to Grammarly, and then return them for translation into Spanish to correct them again. Finish translating them into English; in short, a single task took me four times when someone speaks and writes perfect English. It sounds exhausting, but I had the persistence to do the best I could.
I’m going to turn 60 in February; my age didn’t stop me to persuade my goals. I am proud to show my children, family, and friends that it is never too late or impossible to achieve our dreams. Our example helps others strengthen themselves and go after their dreams, however impossible they may be. Finally, I thank Walden University for giving me the honor of belonging to this institution, an award that I will also take with NSL and graduate with honors. My GPA is 3.77, something that still seems impossible to me.
“It is necessary that we be convinced, we adults before anyone else, that children are not only holders of rights, but also bearers of their own culture. That they have a capacity to elaborate culture, that they are capable of building their culture, and of polluting ours.” Loris Malaguzzi
email mhhamilton711@gmail.com
facebook/Maria Helena Manjarres-Hamilton
Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally
United Nations Children’s fund. (UNICEF).
- Chief Education, P-5, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, #8875
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
An Advanced University Degree in education, economics, psychology, sociology or other social science field is required. A first university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree. Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in programmed planning, management, and/or research in education at the international level, some of which preferably in a developing country is required. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is an asset. Fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
- Individual Contractor – a specialist in drenches de la nines, alterative care and implementation of projects and strategies, Mexico, Mexico City
Academic Background
Degree in social sciences (psychology, pedagogy, sociology, law, social work, international relations, others). Desirable masters or postgraduate degree. Knowledge of the approach to the rights of children and adolescents. Experience of at least five years in areas related to children’s rights. Specific expertise in issues about superior protection and alternative care for children and adolescents deprived of family care Communication skills (written and oral) ability to prepare technical documents Desirable Knowledge of the mandate and work of UNICEF worldwide and in Mexico.
Languages
- Fluency in one of the two official languages (English and Spanish) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.
Organization for economic Co- operation and development (OECD). (n.d).https://oecd.taleo.net/careersection/ext/joblist.ftl?lang=en
Head of the Education Innovation and Measuring Progress Division Job Number: 14029
Academic Background
- An advanced university degree in social sciences, education, economics, public policy or a similar discipline.
Languages
- Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.
United Nations Education, Scientific, and cultural organization. (UNESCO).
“At UNICEF, we focus on attracting and retaining the best talent with the skills and commitment to make UNICEF’s vision a reality. What do you get in return? A meaningful career complete with diverse and exciting professional and personal development opportunities to make a real difference for every child”.
Work that I would like to have in UNICEF would be as International Professional and serve in all duty stations globally. They hold leadership, managerial or specialist functions that require a high level of technical expertise.
Education
International professionals are normally required to have an advanced university degree in a field relevant to the work of UNICEF. In some cases, extensive qualifying work experience may be considered instead. Please be sure to check the academic requirements of the vacancy announcement you are interested
Language Proficiency in English and in another Official UN working language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is required. Knowledge of the local language of the country where the position is located in is an asset.
Resources
United Nations Education, Scientific, and cultural organization. (UNESCO). (2020). Retrieved from
Organization for economic Co- operation and development (OECD). (n.d). Retrieved from
https://oecd.taleo.net/careersection/ext/joblist.ftl?lang=en
United Nations Children’s fund. (UNICEF). (n.a). Retrieved from
Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level
ECKERD CONNECTION
Eckerd Connects Family has always been at the heart of Eckerd Connects. When we were founded in 1968 by Jack and Ruth Eckerd, the legendary power couple was often asked what motivated them to start a non-profit in rural Florida. Their answer was always the same, it’s the kids. Today those words still hold true – but much like other families, ours has grown. Nearly five decades later with a presence in 20 states, our family of services has expanded to include foster care, adoption, workforce development, aid for the homeless, transitional services for troubled youth, and so much more. Opportunities that I find are:
- Placement coordinator.
- Child welfare case manager
- Assistant director-Early head start.
UNICEF: Is focus on attracting and retaining the best talent with the skills and commitment to make UNICEF’s vision a reality. A meaningful career complete with diverse and exciting professional and personal development opportunities to make a real difference for every child. Unfortunately, there is an excellent opportunity to work in my country Colombia, specifically in Bogota. But for now, I cannot live in Colombia until my son, who is 16 years old, finishes high school and decides what he is going to study and where. I will continue to look for opportunities to work at this institution in Tampa.
- Consultancy- Early Childhood Education Programmer Management, ECW, New York.
HEAD START: Since 1982, Lutheran Services Florida has been providing and sharing solutions to protect Florida’s most vulnerable. Today, we are one of the largest nonprofits in Florida touching 1 in 50 Floridians with a wide range of services, including: • early childhood education • refugee and immigration • mental health and substance abuse • juvenile justice • child welfare I currently work for R’Club as Head Start lead teacher. Although R’Club has positions that I would like in the future, my goal is to use them directly for HEAD START, LSF. There are many opportunities to work as a professional in this institution
- Center director, Dunedin fl
- Family and community engagement specialist
- Child welfare case manager
- Behavior support specialist
- Early Childhood service coordinator
- Adoption case manager
- Instructional Coach-Early Childhood
- Early Learning Coach
- Quality Enrichment Coach
Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels
Head Start, R’Club
“Head Start and R’Club (Head Start) programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. Services provided in various settings, including centers, family child care, and children’s own home. Head Start programs also engage parents or other key family members in positive relationships, focusing on family well-being. Parents participate in leadership roles, including having a say in program operations”. Head Start programs are available at no cost to children ages birth to 5 from low-income families. Programs may provide transportation to the centers so enrolled children can participate regularly. Families and children are experiencing homelessness, and children in the foster care system are also eligible. Additionally, Head Start services are available to children with disabilities and other special needs. This non-profit organization helps the community and has the possibility that when I become a professional, I can access a workplace with more leadership for the good of the immigrant community, as is one of my primary objectives.
I would be interested in being a coach, helping teachers to be better every day. There is also support for families as a family worker. Through my years working for Head Start as an assistant, substitute teacher, and now lead teacher, I have acquired the skills and experiences. Upon completion of the master’s degree, I could access more leadership positions within the institution and thus be able to help more my immigrant community, especially the Hispanic American.
Hepempowers.org
Once an individual enters HEP, our first step is stabilization, by making sure their immediate needs are met. You know the basics…food, shelter, clothing and water. Studies have shown that the number of homeless families and children in the country is severely under-estimated by the average person. In fact, the average age of homeless individuals nation-wide is only 9 years old. HEP’s goal is to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness for families, by focusing on the children in our shelters. We provide on-site child care through our Children’s Learning Center. This program includes before-school care, after-school care and a summer camp that runs 5-days each week. This education-based service is free to HEP families, and helps to ensure the children on campus are prepared to face each school day, and maintain good grades and attendance. HEP provides a wide range of family-specific shelter and services designed to make any family’s experience with homelessness and quick and un-traumatic as possible. This organization is close to my work, I found it by chance this week, and I am finding out more about the job opportunities I could have. Working as an advocate in this place would fill me with spiritual peace, knowing that I help those who need it most.
Reflecting on Learning
I would like very much to belong in the future to an institution like the UN or UNESCO, who advocate for children’s rights in the world. I want to participate in days of charity and health aid. I am working on learning languages like French since the UN requires English and French. Through this mastery, I know that doors will open for me to reach my most important goals. I will first look for institutions in my area that advocate for the rights of the child. Above all, work to help my Hispanic community. They need a lot of support since they have many barriers, the most important being the language.
To all my colleagues who have accompanied me through my master’s degree and are doing this Diversity specialization, I thank you and wish you all your goals fulfilled. I also want that if you are young and can do it, get a Ph. D. Do not stay as you are; continue to progress that the higher you are, the more you can serve your communities and the whole world and finally, thanks to Dr. Kien for all the valuable teaching we obtained during this course.
Impacts on Early Emotional Development
The problem of Venezuelan immigration in Colombia has worsened the most vulnerable children’s situation since this causes more poverty and malnutrition, along with many other issues. As stated by UNICEF.” Children’s life has improved, but inequalities persist, with rural indigenous and afro descendants children most vulnerable poverty interns’ conflict continues to put children at risk of violence.” Venezuelan children in Colombia, my home country, suffer very much since they are victims of extreme poverty and society’s rejection. During this pandemic, I witnessed the little help that these Venezuelan refugees receive from the Colombian government. Children have been forced to beg on the streets or prostitute. But more terrible was their situation at the beginning of this pandemic. Nobody went out into the streets, and they passed through the streets, screaming for a piece of bread for their children. They return to Venezuela, walking in caravans, where many children died from malnutrition and lack of vaccines. The way they treated is inhumane, but at the same time, the poverty that the Colombian peoples them cannot afford to have. So much a Venezuelan refugee.
“UNICEF works closely with other humanitarian agencies, national and local authorities, non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations to provide migrant children, as well as children from host communities and Colombian returnees, health services, nutrition, education, and protection. The area that responds to the Mixed Migratory Flow that comes from Venezuela accompanies the institutionalism and its territorial teams in providing attention to the flow of Venezuelan citizens, according to their characteristics: pendulum migrants who frequently cross from Colombia to the neighboring country; population with a vocation of permanence; people in transit who cross the country and go to other nations, and Colombian returnees who decide to return to Colombia”.
Resources
UNICEF
The Sexualization of Early Childhood
As stated by Levin, D.E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). (Pp. 4). “In more extreme cases, Levin and Kilbourne contend that modern sexualized childhood contributes to pathological sexual behavior, including sexual abuse, pedophilia, and child prostitution.” By bringing up the topic of sexualization very early. This article gives parents a guide over the dangers of exposing their children too soon to over sexualized information on television and the Internet, and songs. That allows their children to sing, with a very high content of sexuality and violence. As stated by Levin, D.E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). (Pp. 9). “Sex and violence became the primary marketing tools used in attracting this new child consumer demographic. The amount of sexual content in television programming also grew dramatically during this time.” It is sad to see how parents allow their young daughters to serve as models or beauty queens. Over sexualized children can bring physical and mental problems that the contestants may suffer; the sad thing is the message transmitted: a society that values the importance of the material, where girls live by and for those contests, to be the most beautiful in the place. As stated by Levin, D.E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). (Pp. 5). “Because the media and marketing influences in question are so pervasive, Levin and Kilbourne conclude that the problem is not one that parents can solve alone. It would be a monumental, all-consuming, if not impossible, the task for parents to block all sexualized and sexy images and language from entering their homes”. Besides, this hypersexualization makes the transition from childhood to adolescence more and more accelerated: the early intrusion into sexuality can cause irreversible damage since children are not physically or mentally prepared to take that step. Childhood is one of our greatest treasures; being a child is only once in a lifetime, and the truth is that you only realize this when you are an adult. That is why childhood must be protected, letting children be children when they have to be children because to be adults, they will have the rest of their lives.
In my professional life as an early childhood teacher, I have seen cases where a child comes to school singing reggaeton songs with a very high content of violence and sexuality. I also had a girl in my class who sent to school with Very tight shorts and shoulder-length shirts with a neckline; you could see her navel. It was challenging to make the mother understand that she sent her daughter to school with appropriate clothing. In addition to this, I found her many times pulling down her pants and moving her hips in a much sexualized way, showing her to other children in the class. Fortunately, at the age of 4, children laugh and find it funny, but they don’t think like adults. The problem is if she encounters a sexual predator, this would be catastrophic for this girl. Another case that seemed absurd to me was that of a mother of one of my students, who took her to participate in a modeling company; the girl only had five years. The mother showed me the photos with the girl’s face made up, her hair combed like that of a teenager, and her clothes highly sexualized for her age; I suggested that she wait until the girl was a teenager and I explain to her the consequences. Still, she did not care and continued taking her to the castings. I imagine that money prevails many times more than the health and safety of children.
One of the consequences for children’s health and well-being in early childhood would be: In the first instance, hypersexualization accelerates the transition from childhood to adolescence. Of course, early childhood children into sexuality too early can do considerable damage. Like that, they become very superficial. The minor’s identity and self-esteem is base on image or appearance. They could cling to unnatural and unhealthy canons such as becoming anorexic because of the problem of stereotypes. Thus, differences between human beings are not accepted. Finally, self-esteem problems that could lead to severe depression problems. But the one that worries me the most is that they become easy targets for sexual abuse. As stated by Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010), (pp.13). “These messages are both over and cover and come from many places: from children’s family members, friends, movies and television, books and advertising, and of course, from early childhood programs.” We must protect children and let them be children. There are excellent and threatening messages. As early childhood educators, we must be positive role models and give them the support and love needed to know how to guide them towards the necessary change.
Resources
Levin,D.E., & Kilbourne, J. (2009). (Introduction). So sexy to soon: The new sexualized childhood and what parents can do to protect their kids (pp.1-8). Retrieved from
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
Evaluating Impacts on Professional Practice
It is challenging to deal with any “ism” in our lives, but not impossible to overcome. I currently live with the stereotype of being a Latino immigrant with an English accent like Sofia Vergara, who is also Colombian like me. It is difficult to remove this accent, especially when we learn our second language after 40 years, as in my case. People think that I don’t have mental disabilities or don’t understand what they tell me. I am currently in a new job, and I have to do some training to get some certificates, and my boss has said to me that I can take the tests in Spanish on two occasions. I smile and thank him. I see this with parents who try to communicate with teachers who do not speak Spanish. They suffer a lot because of the language; many of them are graduates with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in their countries. In my case, I am a bachelor in architecture, but due to the language barrier, I prevented from obtaining a decent job in that field.
Although it affects a little, my purpose is to help Latino families overcome these barriers, giving them the necessary support and information they need to study English for free and obtain resources that allow them to homologate their careers. As stated Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Teachers who do not understand or sensitively address this reality will not provide quality care and education to these immigrant children”. As for the Latino children I work with, I am just a Bridge that helps them in an easy and fun way to understand and speak English without losing their identity or culture.
References
Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
Observing Communication
This weekend my five and 6-year-old grandchildren stayed at my house. I watched them as I made them some books, which I have usually made for them since they were 2 and 3 years old. Something that I also use daily in classrooms. The book takes four blank sheets and folds them in two, and then I use a sheet of some color and use it as a cover book. They love these books since it becomes like a personal journal. One of my two grandsons is very resourceful; he just doesn’t put pictures of his imagination; he makes complete stories. He uses each page to describe the ideas he has. He asks me to write short sentences about what he is drawing. The result is incredible, a story with a beginning and an end. One of his words was about a puppy that was afraid of the dark; with this story, I discovered that my grandson Alejandro had a hard time sleeping in a dark room, and I was able to solve why and help him control his fear. Now he falls asleep quickly without the need for the little light that he used to have in his bedroom. Drawing and art are a very effective means of communication with children. If we know how to interpret their pictures, we can understand their fears and needs and fantasies.
I compare it with the resources of this week. I could say that the means that I used to create a book with simple blank leaves is the same as using Mickey or dolls as Professor Eric Hoffman does; you can also use stuffed animals or something that children can identify as part of their fantasy. The objet matters, but what matters most is how we adults can identify or address issues in a simple way that can be part of the game. As stated by Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). “Use personal dolls as a way to bring up conversations about differences that make children more comfortable.” Any tool, such as the use of dolls or drawings, should help us make the child feel comfortable expressing their concerns and feelings.
In my observation, I could see how the proper use of tools, be it dolls or any method, can help to bring out what a child is feeling or any trauma or discrimination that he is going through. As teachers of the first age, it is essential to draw and play a handy tool in the psychological evaluation of children. As stated Jan Pierce and Cheryl Lynn. (, 2010). “Teachers want to use effective tools and strategies, whether they are redirecting aggressive behavior or encouraging self-esteem and friendship.” Accompanying it with simple questions about some of the aspects drawn provides us with invaluable information, and the child experiences it in a very natural, unobtrusive way, which helps him express himself freely. The use of dolls, these accompanied by the right questions and communication, will be a unique anti-bias tool.
Resources
Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Strategies for working with diverse children: Persona dolls. Baltimore, MD: Author
Jan Pierce and Cheryl Lynn. (2010). “Problem Solving with Young Children Using Persona Dolls”. Retrieve on 2010 from
Maria Hamilton Art Designer- MS in EC 