Educational Journey

Throughout this course, I have learned to use my collaboration skills to find 

strategies to for parents and teachers to teach bipolar students.

I have become an effective leader to ensure my students are always on the right 

path.I want to always be there for my students. I believe it is very important 

to stand behind your students in any decision they may make. 

I have also gained the characteristics of an effective leader. 

A leader must always be on top of things when it comes to a team

or group.This course allow me to become motivated to further my career in helping with children with disabilities. 

After gathering more research in this field.I would like obtain a doctoral degree 

in early childhood specializing in special needs. This credential would allow me 

to work with children with special abilities. I have witnessed over time; so many

children are suffering because teachers and parents are unaware on how to elaborate 

to these students.

It is sad to say a farewell to all my colleagues and classmates. Throughout this 

program we have gained an understanding of each other.A farewell goes out to all

 my instructors, thanks for the support and the extra boost. I owe everything to 

those who were always there for me. This has been an awarding winning experience.

 Thank YOU!!!

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

The three international organzations that were intersting to me. They were Save the Children, International Step by Step Association, and United Nations Children Fund.

Save the Children foundation is an organization that helps children that are expressing disasters. Many children experience many tragic in their life. This foundation make sure they are equally stable to follow through many other situations. there was not a job opportunity available for this organization. They are always looking for a volunteer to make sure each child is comfortable. A volunteer has t be accessible to all children. Many of the volunteers help educate the young minds of children. Many children need to see a happy face when they are experiencing rough times.

International Step by Step Association is organization that believes in quality care. Quality is hard to find in some child care centers. This organization really appeals to me because the opportunities they try to do to promote quality care. When ensuring quality care in children lives; everything seems to run more smoothly. This organization is very beneficial in my community of practice. I can use the many resources available to make sure any children with bipolar disorder receive quality care. this program also provide mentoring and training services. These types of services is very much needed in early childhood education. There were no job opportunities available for this organization. There were membership opportunities available for the public. The most important thing I found that were sufficient for members were networking. When it comes to networking; it help others relate on a different level. You can learn a lot about a person by discovering new things.


United Nations Children Fund organization believes in all rights for children. the members share a common to goal to overcome many obstacles they may face in life. this organization was created to provide food, clothing and shelter for children who were facing the war. UNICEF has help millions of people since founded in 1946. Children are their first priority. Many organization as this I look up to. I believed in doing what is right for children. UNICEF not only help through obstacles; they also focus on children as a whole. they are just a lending hand if you every need them. there was one job opportunity available for UNICEF. A Junior Professional Progamme;which allows young people to reach out to others. "The purpose of the JPO Programme is to allow young men and women, sponsored by their respective governments, to acquire experience in international development cooperation activities under the close direction of senior UNICEF officials, while contributing to the implementation of UNICEF’s country programmes"(United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.).

Resources: 
 International Step By Step Association. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.issa.nl/index.html

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2011, from http://www.unicef.org/
 

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: National/Federal Level

National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest working class mental health organization devoted to building enhanced lives for the millions of Americans artificial by mental illness. NAMI sponsors for contact to services, treatment, supports and explore and is dedicated in its obligation to raising responsiveness and building a community of hope for all of those in need. From its foundation in 1979, NAMI has been committed to improving the lives of individuals and families pretentious by mental illness. NAMI had an outstanding job opportunity available.

Help Line Volunteer Information Specialists – Arlington, VA
These specialist duties include answering phone, mail, and e-mail inquiries from the public, providing emotional support, sharing mental illness and recovery information, and offering referrals to community resources. All Volunteer Work must be Done On-Site, Monday through Friday between 10 am and 6 pm. Volunteers must commit to working 4 hours a week for at least 4-6 months. Training is provided. Metro and handicapped accessible; parking provided. A person must have a desire to help others. They need to also have reverence and sympathy for people exaggerated by solemn mental illness. A specialists need to have a basic knowledge of mental illnesses. Having effective oral and language skills is sufficient for this job.
http://www.nami.org/

Equilibrium The Bipolar Foundation

We are an independent, international, non-governmental organization dedicated to improving life for people with bipolar disorders by:

• promote earlier diagnosis and evidence-based treatment
• Encouraging clinical excellence through public and professional education
• Fighting the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness
• Supporting research into the causes of bipolar disorder and safe, effective treatments

Equilibrium aims to become the primary international corporation organization working to precede the sympathetic and treatment of bipolar disorder; it also seeks to concentrate on the dishonor and unfairness that often environs bipolar disorder.

http://www.bipolar-foundation.org/

Active Minds is the only association working to consume the student voice to modify the discussion about mental health on college campuses.  By increasing and supporting chapters of a student-run mental health responsiveness, education, and encouragement group on campuses, the organization works to amplify students’ awareness of mental health issues, supply information and resources about mental health and mental illness, persuade students to inquire about help as soon as it is needed, and provide as relationship between students and the mental health community.

http://www.activeminds.org/

Exploring Community of Practice

While exploring my topic of interest I found three amazing organizations that sufficient to my study of teaching students with the Bipolar disorder. They are listed as: The Balanced Mind Foundation, Mental Health America of South Carolina, and Family Service Center. 

The Balanced Mind was founded by mother who wanted help for her daughter. She wanted to understand and relate to all of her symptoms. Through this program she wanted to help parents and teachers work with children many disorders. This program help parents understand diagnostic of the any disorder. This organization is consists of volunteer workers, parents, counselors and doctors. They all have a common interested in helping children and their families feel welcomed in this world.

Mental Health America was founded by a previous psychiatric patient and Yale graduate Clifford W. Beers to depiction and accurate the unfairness he experienced and witnessed during hospitalizations for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. MHASC has been serving South Carolina since 1954 as a private and non-profit organization. Their goal is to educate the public about any mental disorder. They conduct many services, conferences, and seminars to keep updated information on the bipolar disorder. This program provides many assist for patients throughout the state.  They hold a promising shield to take care of the ones in need.

Family Service Center of South Carolina is a non-profit organization that support families that sufferers with disabilities in their family or household. Their motto is help families grow stronger together as one. This program provides various opportunities and resource for families.  They understand that everyone is different. It is they duty to understand everyone individually.

There were many job opportunities available in these organizations. I found a family therapist was very informative for me. I have always thought about pursuing in career of counseling. Throughout my career I have counsel many friends and families. The qualification for this employment really does not require much. You must complete a doctor's or master's degree in marriage, family and child counseling, clinical psychology or a related area. The degree must be from a Board-approved or an accredited school and must include a minimum of 60 semester units in specified areas of instruction, including a minimum 225 hours of face-to-face counseling. Maybe in the next five or so years ,I will fulfill my other interest in this job opportunity.

Resources

Family Service Center (2011). Retrieved on July 7, 2012 from: http://www.familyservicecenter.com/

Mental Health America of South Carolina (2003). Retrieved on July7, 2012 from: http://www.mha-sc.org/About/

The Balanced Mind Foundation (2000). Retrieved on July 6, 2012 from: http://www.thebalancedmind.org/

Final Thought

Throughout this course, I have gained the knowledge to become an effective communicator.Effective communication helps us better understand a person or situation, enables us to resolve differences, build trust and respect, and create environments where creative ideas, problem solving, affection, and caring can flourish. As simple as communication seems, many of us experience difficulties connecting successfully with others. Much of what we try to communicate—and others try to communicate to us—gets overlooked or misunderstood, which can cause conflict and frustration in both personal and professional relationships.


Effective communication requires you to also understand the emotion behind the information. It can improve relationships at home, work, and in social situations by deepening your connections to others and improving teamwork, decision-making, caring, and problem solving. It enables you to communicate even negative or difficult messages without creating conflict or destroying trust. Effective communication combines a set of skills including nonverbal communication, attentive listening, the ability to manage stress in the moment, and the capacity to recognize and understand your own emotions and those of the person you’re communicating with.


Farewell, Course-mates until next time!

Team Building and Collaboration

Being apart of a team or group for me as build many new friendships. I have lost count of the many times I have been involved in someone else life. I love the idea of being aprt of something. It often made me feel special. Throughout the steps of step building; I believed adjourining were more diffiucult forme. Finalzing anything can be a struggle. In most we you have succeed in a major problem; it can be hard to adjourned your duties. When my committee was decideing on the Valetine's ball; in the begining was a struggle. After hours of planning we made a successful night for our students. Saying all the thankyou was not good enough for the great success we conquer. Sitting around and just examining our expertise was a brisk walk. Working together as team is the best success in the world. Later that night we adjourn the meeting with much needed laughs and conversations. Together as one.

Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Management

When working with children; there were numerous incidents I have witnessed.  I can remember a year ago, when I working with another teacher; and we were covering the theme insects. We had one particular child that were terrified of bugs. So we try many strategies to help her overcome her fear. So this particular day, her father came and pick up early and so the bugs on the table.  He told us that she was terrified of bugs, and we told her this was apart of our lesson and we are using strategies for her to overcome. So the next day, I do not know  what happen ; because he barge through the door and started using bad language and violent behavior. I really did  not know what to do . I instantly try my best to protect the children. Because I really did know what this outcome could turn out to be.  I was a little scared. So I try my best to talk to the parent and ask what was the problem. I also asked him, What are some suggestions to teach a lesson about insects. I stay calm throughout the whole situation. On the other hand, the other was getting upset about everything. So every since I send a pamphlet home, showing all details of any given lesson.

Who Am I as a Communicator?

During this week, I had the opportunity to observed someone and gave my opinions. So I put a picture of myself on a blank document and answer some questions. If I was evaluated my self as a student or educator. This week assignment was very resourceful; especially when meeting new people without any knowledge of their background or history. Many people have evaluated me as being quiet but bossy. They believed I am a well rounded communicator as in I listen to everyone values and beliefs. I believed everyone should have a fair chance in sharing ideas. I have incorporate many of thee ideas with my children and their families.

Communication and Culture

There were numerous of times ;when the opportunity came to communicate with someone not in my culture. I have often found myself talking and listening to them differently. I have learned not to make assumptions  about language proficiency when communicating. People should not assume that a person speaks English fluently, but also do not assume that a person does not speak English based on their appearance or the color of their skin.  I should always speak in clear and straightforward language. Remember, even if a person speaks English fluently, misunderstandings can still arise, and when a person is not proficient in English, misunderstandings are even more likely. People have different attitudes towards health, life, and goals. These attitudes and beliefs have developed over the person’s lifetime, and cannot be simply ignored or quickly replaced with new attitudes. Trying to convince a person to adopt new beliefs and attitudes in place of their old one will likely be very difficult, and could create a roadblock to good communication in the future. Instead, ask a person about their beliefs, attitudes, and experiences and then acknowledge your understanding of and respect for their views and ways of doing things. Another suggestion for communicating would be aware of nonverbal responses. Be aware of someones' body language as it can provide useful cues. You can usually tell whether you have blundered, failed to make yourself clear, or conveyed your message successfully by paying attention to the other person’s nonverbal reactions as well as their verbal reactions. Every culture has their unique way of communicating, it is very important to ask question and do much research as possible.