Time Well Spent

"The best way to improve the American workforce in the 21st century is to invest in early childhood education, to ensure that even the most disadvantaged children have the opportunity to succeed along side their more advantaged peers"

~ James Heckman (Nobel Laureate in Economics)

"Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them."

Lady Bird Johnson, former U.S. first lady

"No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure."

Emma Goldman, author

Truly wonderful the mind of a child is.

YODA, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

I have learned a great deal from this program.  I was able to learn more about myself personally and professionally.  This program helped me define my strengths and weaknesses as well as my goals and passion for the early childhood field.  I was able to learn more about my own biases and how they impact others.  As well as how to be an anti-bias teacher and create an anti-bias classroom.  I have also learned more about culture and the importance of learning and acknowledging differences.  Through everything I have learned, I believe it is important to always be true to yourself and to stand up for your convictions. 

As I continue in the early childhood field, I hope to use the new insights and knowledge I have learned to create positive change with families and within this field.

Thank you to all of my professors and colleagues who played a part in helping me complete this program.  I have learned so many new insights and ideas and appreciate the perspectives you have shared with me.  I continue to wish you all the best as you move forward in your role in the early childhood field. 

Contact Information:

Angie McLouth

amclouth@ioniaisd.org

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

After researching I was able to find many organizations that promote social change for children and families.  It was encouraging to find so many wonderful resources for children and families.  I am thankful to have this new knowledge and awareness to share with the families I am working with. 

The three international organizations I would like to share are The FreeChild Project, Children International and Hope for Children. The FreeChild Project advocates, informs, and celebrates social change led by and with young people around the world.  Some of the issues addressed by young people include economic issues, identity issues and social issues.  Actions young people are taking to create social change include cultural, school, government and community actions.  I found this organization to be inspiring as it empowers young children and adults in order to make a positive social change. 

Children International is a non profit organization that help children around the world overcome the burdens of poverty.  In addition to sponsorship they also work to improve living conditions of children and families who live in poverty.  I would love the opportunity to be a part of this organization or one like it.  So many children and families are struggling with poverty and the effects of it and this organization truly makes a social change in society. 

Hope for Children is a small charity that helps some of the most disadvantaged children in the world.  HOPE works in 10 different countries across Africa, Asia and Europe.  They provide education and health care to improve children's quality of life.  They have many volunteer opportunities available such as fundraising, events, and marketing.  This is another organization that would be rewarding to be a part of.