Time Well Spent

This program at Walden University has helped support my own growth and development on a personal and professional level. This journey has opened my eyes to a bigger picture of early childhood education and how to become the voice and advocate for young children, their families, and early childhood professionals and other professionals that have a profound impact on early childhood education.

I remember when I took my start class at Walden, I was nervous and anxious, but excited to start a new journey in my professional development. This program has increased my knowledge on all aspects of early childhood education and the importance of collaboration and cooperation with each other to make change for those who are in need of the services, for young children, families, the community, and early childhood professionals and related leaders.

I have learned many valuable aspects of early childhood education and my role as a professional in the early childhood field to be the voice and the advocate for all so no one is left behind. One of the deep knowledge I have learned is the value of research and effectively analyze and process the research. I never realized the impact research can have on issues and trends within the early childhood field until you take the time to explore the research. This knowledge has helped me support a child in my classroom currently exhibiting challenging behaviors and the support my teaching team (co-teachers) have given to this child has been rewarding with improved behavior. Another aspect I have learned is the value of verbal, non-verbal, and written communication is as an early childhood professional. This program has developed my written communication skills to use a specific voice, tone, and vocabulary to express the needs and services for all young children, families, and early childhood professionals. The writing was never a strong point for me and through this course, I am proud of my development in written communication to express my passion and love of being an early childhood educator. And lastly, I have learned the value of a community of practice. This was a new idea and concept that I never heard before and it helped support my understanding and importance of collaborating with different professionals to benefit the community of all young children, families, and early childhood professionals. I would like to become part of a community of practice with a passion in early childhood education, family engagement, and challenging behaviors.

This journey has helped support my dream for my future and what I would like to accomplish in my career. Through this process, my position was a toddler teacher, and my long-term goal is to become a center director with a focus on family engagement within my program. I would like to support a family engagement program to benefit all early childhood programs worldwide

to strengthen the parent-child relationship. This program has given me the tools, resources, and knowledge to obtain my goal through my passion and willingness to learn and grow as an early childhood professional.

I want to thank Dr. Embree for her encouragement, advice, and concrete feedback through this course as I struggled to understand different aspects of my Capstone Project. You helped push the door open to ease my frustration and reassure that the answers were inside of my heart and mind the entire time. Your kindness, honesty, and support of the last 8 weeks has given me the courage and confidence to find my voice and speak of the passion I hold dear to my heart. Thank you so much for your guidance, knowledge, and support to help me achieve my greatest accomplishment.

To my colleagues, I want to thank you for your honest and open feedback through the discussions and blogs. Your advice, knowledge, thoughts, and ideas have given me a new perspective lens in supporting all young children, families, and early childhood professionals. I feel we have been part of a community of practice from the beginning and I would not have accomplished my Master’s without your support, guidance, and concrete feedback to see the abilities I have as an early childhood professional. I want to thank each and every one of you for your help all this journey that is coming to an end.

Congratulations to all and I wish you the best in your future. I would like to stay in touch with all of you to share ideas, knowledge, and advice relating to early childhood education.

Farewell - this is not a goodbye.

My contact information is: erin_earley@hotmail.com

Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything they do to help support every child (UNICEF, 2015). With the support from their various partnerships, they work in 190 countries and territories to benefit their commitment into practical action, focusing their effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to help benefit all children around the world, globally (UNICEF, 2015). They take on a life-cycle based approach, recognizing the importance of early childhood development and adolescence (UNICEF, 2015). The UNICEF Organization was specifically created to work with others to overcome the obstacles of poverty, violence, disease and discrimination placed in a child’s path (UNICEF, 2015). They advocate to give children the best start in life, to give them proper care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for each child’s future (UNICEF, 2015). They are part of the Global Movement for Children, a broad coalition dedicated to improving the life of every child (UNICEF, 2015). I found this organization appealing because I hope to help and support each child in my center and community to achieve the best life they can within a safe and loving environment (UNICEF, 2015). I want young children to know they have a voice and deserve the chance to be heard. This program supports all young children, girls, and boys alike, without discriminating against one gender over the other. Each child is unique and their own personality that makes them who they are; these heartbroken children will be given the chance to explore, grow, learn, and develop skills and knowledge to achieve greatness and succeed in life.

UNICEF. (2015). About UNICEF. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/about/who/index_introduction.html.

UNICEF has quite a list for employment opportunities all around the world. Their list is long and large, but as I was looking through it, one position spoke to me. The position is called Adolescent Development Specialist, I would be accountable for the provision of technical support in adolescent mainstreaming, programming, planning, and implementing the child protection program (UNICEF, 2015). I will ensure the child protection program is strengthened by knowledge management through data collection and analysis, including knowledge in comprehensive assessment with review and evaluation of the collected data. I can document the best practices and successful stories of knowledge development and management relating to adolescent protection (UNICEF, 2015). The requirements for this position are:

            “Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Government, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or other relevant disciplines, with specialized training in youth policy design and implementation. A first level University degree with relevant qualification, training and work experience might be accepted in lieu of an advance degree. Five years of progressive experience managing adolescent-related programmes, preferably in education, HIV/AIDS, child protection or other related field. Fluency in English and Arabic.”

UNICEF. (2015). Employment at UNICEF. Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/.

The Association for Childhood Education International is a charitable organization that is interested in sharing new approaches to the education of children and ensuring these approaches are delivered in ways that best enhance children’s individual skills and abilities to provide opportunities for a successful life (ACEI, 2015). They are a global community of educators and advocates that are united and unite knowledge, experience, and perspectives to exchange information and explore innovation and advocate for all children (ACEI, 2015). Their mission is to promote and support the optimal education, development, and well-being of every child in the world (ACEI, 2015). They want every child in every nation to have access to high-quality education; this education will prepare children to become responsible and engaged citizens, to be ready for a life in an ever changing world (ACEI, 2015). This organization spoke to me by the global community of educators and advocates that are united to exchange information on child development and education and care and to advocate for all children around the world. Every child in this world deserves to have an education and develop their skills in a safe and healthy environment with educators who are passionate about them and their success for the future.

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI). (2015). About us. Retrieved from http://www.acei.org/about-us.

I looked throughout the website and I was unable to find any listings for job opportunities, but I did find the opportunity to have an internship with this organization. This is still an opportunity to gain work experience, primarily, online research and data collecting which will contribute to the development of briefing papers and other forms of resources and attend various meetings relating to early childhood education (ACEI, 2015). The requirements to be an intern for this organization are:

        

    “Interns should be enrolled in a graduate degree program that focuses on global education issues with a particular interest in children's education. A focus on one specific aspect of childhood education, such as basic education or early childhood development, is also acceptable. Interns who have had some international experience(s) working or living outside the U.S., are preferred. Internships typically range from 8 -12 weeks. All interns must reside in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area during their assignment and are responsible for arranging their own housing and transportation. Interns are based at the ACEI Headquarters located at 1101 16th Street NW, Washington DC, 20036, a few blocks north of the White House.”

Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI). (2015). Internships at ACEI. Retrieved from http://www.acei.org/internships-at-acei.

ICF International is an organization that provides professional services and technology solutions that deliver beneficial impact in areas critical to the world’s future (ICF International, 2015). Their passion states, “The firm combines passion for its work with industry expertise and innovative analytics to produce compelling results throughout the entire program lifecycle, from research and analysis through implementation and improvement,” which early childhood education is a lifecycle program to benefit the child and family (ICF International, 2015). Education is a market offering to professionals to work towards positive student and teacher outcomes in early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary and adult education (ICF International, 2015). This program supports early to care for infants and toddlers through college and the workforce training, their innovative approaches address critical questions and improve the quality of educational programs (ICF International, 2015). I have never heard of an international organization like this one. It has five topics of education offerings to explore and benefit the early childhood education and care programs around the world (ICF International. 2015). This organization will support my knowledge, experience, and passion for being explored in a professional manner that will benefit the growth and development of every child and family worldwide (ICF International, 2015).

ICF International. (2015). Education. Retrieved from http://www.icfi.com/markets/education.

They have 9 job opportunities under their market of education worldwide. The one that spoke to me and grabbed my attention was Head Start Grantee Specialist (Nationwide) (ICF International, 2015). This position, I will provide high-quality training and technical assistance that will improve the capacity of Early Head Start Programs to meet and exceed the national Head Start Standards (ICF International, 2015). The specialist will work with programs to correct deficiencies through a monitoring system (ICF International, 2015). The requirements to this position are:

      “A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to Program Design and Management, Business Management, Accounting, Public or Non-Profit Administration, or Project Management (with fiscal emphases). 5+ years of demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance required, specifically on issues pertaining to governance, fiscal management systems and administrative issues within Head Start.  Knowledge of management and related issues and demonstrated ability to apply such knowledge. Experience providing training at State, Regional, or National Meetings and technical assistance to individual organizations. Must have valid driver's license and successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check. Master’s Degree in a field related to Program Design and Management, Business Management, Accounting, Public or Non-Profit Administration, or Project Management (with fiscal emphases). Experience in a leadership position within a Head Start program or other early learning program (Executive Director, Assistant Director, Program Director, Chief Finance Officer). Knowledge and experience performing program design management and fiscal management preferred. Working knowledge of and experience with Blackboard Collaborate and/or other web-based instructional applications. Knowledge and experience working with grantees on facilities and transportation issues. Experience in the health field. Data analysis. Bilingual Spanish speaker. American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal experience. In-depth knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Ability to work independently as well as with a team. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of groups including governing bodies, staff, community leaders, and Head Start policy groups (policy councils and committees). Ability to complete detailed paperwork in timely manner.”

ICF International. (2015). Career opportunities. Retrieved from https://icfi.taleo.net/careersection/icf_prof_ext/jobdetail.ftl.

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

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) conducts and communicates research that supports high-quality and effective early education for all young children (NIEER, 2015a). The research help support and enhance education in young children’s physical, cognitive, and social development, which includes the success in school years later (NIEER, 2015a). NIEER offers independent, research-based advice and assistance to policymakers and educators by monitoring and analyze model legislation, standards, regulations, and policies to increase the access to high-quality early childhood programs (NIEER, 2015a). I found this national organization appealing because I want to ensure I offer a high-quality and effective early childhood program for all young children with and without disabilities to reach their full potential. As an early childhood educator, I want to be aware of the research and communication strategies being used to fill in the gaps in the knowledge and to apply scientific knowledge to early education policy (NIEER, 2015a). Early education policies help support and guide early childhood professionals to offer high-quality, effective, and research-based knowledge and policy to maintain the values and benefits of any early childhood program in an ever-changing community (NIEER, 2015a).  

They have multiple positions in two major areas in their belief of research and analysis: Assistant Research Professor and Data Collectors (NIEER, 2015b). I am drawn to the data collectors position, a position to train administer standard preschool evaluation measures (child assessment and classroom observation instruments) (NIEER, 2015b). It will help support my knowledge and understanding on child assessments and classroom observation instruments that would be the best for early childhood programs to use within the early childhood field for all programs. According to NIEER (2015b), the requirements for this position are:

“Applicants should be graduate students, have a BA or be upperclassman undergraduate students with a focus on child development, early childhood, psychology or related field. Knowledgeable about child development and developmentally appropriate early childhood teaching practices (e.g. Teacher) preferred. Experience in classroom settings and/or working with children highly preferred. Must be available to work 2-3x per week during data collection period; days are flexible. Must be available to attend intensive, full-day trainings that vary between 2 days and a full week. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate an excellent academic record (GPA should be 3.0 or better). Must have reliable transportation. Spanish speakers needed!”

NIEER. (2015a). Vision. Retrieved from http://www.nieer.org/about/vision.

NIEER. (2015b). Job Opportunities. Retrieved from http://www.nieer.org/about-nieer/job-opportunities.

The Children’s Defense Fund is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and have successful passage to adulthood with the support from caring families and communities (CDF, 2015a). The institute provides a strong, effective, and independent voice for all young children with and without disabilities who cannot speak for themselves (CDF, 2015a). The Children’s Defense Fund educates the nation on the needs of children and encourages preventive investments to assure all young children reach they are full potential (CDF, 2015a). This national organization appealed to me because they want all young children to have a healthy, fair, safe, moral, and head start in their education to become successful and develop and learn in their own way through supportive and understanding environments to achieve their full potential to be an active citizen in the world. I want all young children to have access to high-quality education in their community and to have the support they need to achieve development growth and learning in different environments that support a child’s understanding of the world.

Currently, the Children’s Defense Fund only has 3 open positions, one of them I am interested in, Foundation and Corporate Partnerships Officer. This position is in the development department in the National Office of the Children’s Defense Fund. The measurements for the success of this position includes a proposal pipeline activity, grant and partnership rates, total value of grants and partnerships, and monitoring activities and accurate reporting (CDF, 2015b). According to CDF (2015b), the knowledge and skills required for this position are:

“Demonstrated passion for CDF’s mission; Demonstrated knowledge of and skills in writing succinctly with excellent grammar, spelling and proof-reading; A minimum of three years past grant-writing and corporate/foundation relations experience; A demonstrated understanding of basic nonprofit marketing and fundraising, and of marketing and communications needs of foundation and, separately, of corporate partners; A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to CDF’s work; advance degree preferred; Demonstrated ability to be a willing, able and active learner; willingness to be taught and trained in professional skills, in workplace protocols and in topics and issues specifically relevant to CDF’s mission and work; Demonstrated skills in organizing multiple projects and priorities.”

Children’s Defense Fund (CDF). (2015a). Our mission. Retrieved from http://www.childrensdefense.org/about/.

Children’s Defense Fund (CDF). (2015b). Careers. Retrieved from http://www.childrensdefense.org/about/careers/?referrer=http://www.childrensdefense.org/about/.

The National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) is a non-profit membership association (NAFCC, n.d.). This organization dedicates themselves to promote quality child care by strengthening the profession of family child care within the early childhood education field (NAFCC, n.d.). According to NAFCC (n.d.), the goals for the association are:

“To strengthen state and local associations as the primary support system for individual family child care providers. To promote a professional accreditation program which recognizes and encourages quality care for children. To represent professional family child care providers by advocating for their needs and collaborating with other organizations. To promote the diversity of the family child care profession through training, state and local associations, public education, and Board Membership.”

This organization appealed to me because, within the Early Head Start, there are Family Child Care Facilities that partnership with center-based programs to ensure the quality of early childhood education to all children. These early childhood educators provide a warm and loving, home-like environment to all young children and offer high-quality and effective early childhood education to the children and families (NAFCC, n.d.). Family Child Care is a form of high-quality of education programs provided to young children and their families to help and support all children to reach their full potential.

I did not find any information about job opportunities in this association.

NAFCC. (n.d.). National Association for Family Child Care. Retrieved from http://www.nafcc.org/.

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community – Local and State Levels

As a teacher, I find it difficult to develop a deep understanding of my community. I live in Methuen and I work in Haverhill; these two areas have completely different communities and what young children and families need for services. For my Capstone Project and the remainder time in this course, I will be focusing my attention on the Haverhill Community. I am still exploring and learning what the Haverhill Community offers to their citizens and I hope to gain knowledge about what the Haverhill Community can truly offer to their citizens.

One state communities of practice that has appealed to me within the Haverhill Community is the Moody School. The Moody Pre-School is an integrated preschool program is open to all children in the Haverhill Community. It offers half-day preschool classes and all classrooms include children with special needs and typical developing children. They have a communities of practice filled with teachers, assistants, and therapists that provide motivation, developmentally appropriate, and exciting learning experiences for the children. The team follows developmentally appropriate curriculum and the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks to support their inclusive education that gives all children the opportunity to learn with and from each other (Haverhill Public Schools, n.d., Moody Pre-School). I chose this organization because many of the children in my class are on an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and when the child becomes 2 years – 6 months there is a referral placed into the public school systems to continue their services past 3 years of age. The Moody Pre-school is a service in the Haverhill Community many children who continue to receive services attend the preschool program depending on the child’s needs and services.

Currently they have 11 job opportunities open in the Haverhill Community for a variety of positions in the school systems. One job opportunity that I would be interested in would be the Educational Support Person. According to the job post, these are the duties and responsibilities of the open position, “Assist in the teaching process and work directly with children under the direction and supervision of the classroom teacher or Special Needs teacher to provide in class support. Assists in implementing the treatment plans for various students in order to create a successful learning experience. Responsible for addressing student behavior and encouraging effort in the classroom. Work as a member of a team with other staff members. Assist in toileting certain handicapped children (if required). Lift and carry certain handicapped children (if required). Responsible for other general duties as indicated by the teacher, principal, supervisors/directors, directives of the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee, and policies of the Haverhill School Committee” (Haverhill Public Schools, n.d., Human Resources). On the job description they share the qualifications that are required for the job. As stated on the job description are, “Passing Score on the Para Pro Test or other state approved assessment program or completion of 360 Professional Training Points. Associate Degree or 60 Credit. Willingness to accept direction and cooperate with staff. Prefer prior experience with children in a school or similar setting. Physical Requirements: Ability to move in and out of office, classrooms, buildings, and up and down stairs. Must possess mobility to work in a classroom and strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds; Strength to lift and/or carry materials/items/persons weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance as the students may need positioning. Ability to climb stairs, kneel and move easily on and off floor mats. Ability to use good judgment and exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with others; ability to respect confidential matters; sensitivity to and respect of the problems of children; traits of resourcefulness, thoroughness, initiative, patience, courtesy, dependability, and enthusiasm. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent of Schools may find appropriate and acceptable” (Haverhill Public Schools, n.d., Human Resources).

Haverhill Public Schools. (n.d.). Moody Pre-School. Retrieved from http://moody.haverhill-ps.org/.

Haverhill Public Schools. (n.d.). Human Resources. Retrieved from http://www.haverhill-ps.org/hr/employment-overview/.

            Another state communities of practice that appeals to me is the Thom Pentucket Area Early Intervention which offers services to the Haverhill Community. The Thom Pentucket Area Program is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and family centered early intervention supports the services for infants, toddlers, families, and the community (Thom Child and Family Services, n.d.). There are nurses, social workers, occupational and physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, mental health counselors, and educators that are passionate about supporting families and young children (Thom Child and Family Services, n.d.). I chose this communities of practice because I have a professional relationship with various therapists that come support and offer their services to infants, toddlers, and families. I am able to meet with them personally to collaborate and implement suggestions, strategies, and techniques that would best support the child’s development within the program. They offer supports, resources, and suggestions to help support the early childhood professionals implement an individualized curriculum designed for each child to develop, grow, learn, and explore the world around them, specifically their community.

They have job opportunities within their communities of practice, but you need to complete an application online stating what position you would like to apply. They hire speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists, educators, and nurses (Thom Child and Family Services, n.d., Careers). The position I would acquire about would be an Educator because I have been an early childhood educator within the early childhood field for 14 years. My experiences with child development, secure attachments, and curriculum implementation will help support my role within the communities of practice to help support young children, their families, and early childhood professionals.

Thom Child and Family Services. (n.d.). Thom Pentucket Area Early Intervention. Retrieved from http://www.thomchild.org/pentucket-area.htm.

Thom Child and Family Services. (n.d.). Careers. Retrieved from http://www.thomchild.org/careers.htm.

            The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that helps to promote high-quality learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research (NAEYC, n.d.). They advance a deserve, dynamic profession and support for all who care for, educate, and work with young children (NAEYC, n.d.). The organization follows their values and beliefs to seek to become a high-performing, inclusive organization that is enriched and grows from our commitment of diversity (NAEYC, n.d.). Their core beliefs are, excellence and innovation, transparency, reflection, equity and opportunity, and collaborative relationships, help early childhood professionals ensure each young child reaches their full potential (NAEYC, n.d.).

            At this moment, NAEYC, is offering 10 job opportunities, which are all located at their headquarters in Washington, DC (NAEYC, n.d., NAEYC Jobs). I was able to scan the list of available job opportunities, but I found they did not peak my interest, though if I was given a chose I would go with Director, Quality Assessment and Assurance. I would be able to manage all aspects of the accreditation assessment process with high quality customer support, accreditation integrity, assessor support, and the use of assessment data to improve quality (NAEYC, n.d.). According to NAEYC, the qualifications and skills for this position are, “Seasoned professional with experience managing key components of early childhood quality evaluation, assessment and assurance systems. Experience with NAEYC accreditation preferred. Ability to positively influence, motivate, and engage staff and other stakeholders. Minimum 3 years supervisory experience leading staff, contractors, and/or volunteers. Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree a plus. Demonstrated capacity to recruit, onboard, support, and evaluate staff” (NAEYC, n.d., NAEYC Jobs). Some of these qualifications, I have not yet personally experienced, but with the support and knowledge I have received through Walden will help to pursue this position. I will use the knowledge I have developed through this program to help guide and support my understanding to fulfil this job opportunity with NAEYC.

NAEYC. (n.d.). About NAEYC. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/content/about-naeyc.

NAEYC. (n.d.). NAEYC Jobs. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/about/jobs/overview.

Wordle

Reflection

It has been a wonderful journey learning the importance of communication skills and styles when communicating with others. How my own schemas and personal experiences influence my perspective when communicating, responding, and connecting with others? I have gained valuable information and knowledge to help guide my professional and personal growth as a communicator. I would like to take the time to thank my colleagues and professor for their support, knowledge, and guidance through the discussions, blog assignments, and applications to help gain insight at becoming a competent communicator in the early childhood field. As we move forward and partake in our specialty, I wish everyone the best of luck in completing their Master’s Program. I am more than willing to stay connected with everyone and you can email me at my Walden account! It was great collaborating with all my colleagues and professor to grow professionally and personally as an early childhood professional in my goals of becoming a Director of an early childhood program in my future!

Team Development – Adjourning Stage

My involvement with a team is mostly with my co-teachers I work with on a regular basis. I never not been a part of a large project or event where the adjourning stage took place. I am able to collect my thoughts and remember a moment in time when I had a hard time saying goodbye to a close team member who was moving on to become a Nanny. The early childhood program setting I belong to, there are a total of 3 teachers who form a teaching team when working and teaching with the young children and their families. It was during the summer months when one team member announced that she would be moving on and working as a Nanny. As her team member, I was proud of her accomplishment on achieving her newest role in the early childhood field. We held a celebration for her and wished her the best of luck on her new adventure and journey with young children. This celebration was of hope, luck, and support for her by making a change on a professional level. As a team, we kept in contact with her and continued to support her journey and professional career choice change. She was successful and happy with the choice of becoming a Nanny. It felt like we were a team within the classroom, even though she was now a Nanny. We shared our thoughts, struggles, and challenges we were facing and supported each other through them. This teacher has recently rejoined the team and it is nice to have her back.

Our teaching team had a strong, high-performing, effective team, that helped guided and supported each other through the struggles and challenges they would face in the setting, as well as their personal journey. It was hard to see her go, especially when she and I were hired at the same time and started on the same day. Each of us were able to express ourselves openly and honestly. As a team, we were able to come together and agree on the common goal and vision for our students. When a conflict or struggle presented themselves, we took the time to work it out together and try various strategies to help us overcome the challenges we faced as a team. We worked will with each other and never questioned the others actions unless we felt the effects were not supporting the children or ourselves as a team. It was a strong team that got along well and supported each other’s professional and personal growth.  

I will miss seeing familiar names as we begin our journey on our specific paths of career domain as we move forth at completing our Master’s. I have been able to connect with my colleagues from around the world on a professional and personal level. I have never met any of my colleagues, but with their guidance, support, and encouragement through our classes have helped me grow professionally and personally as an early childhood professional. Each colleague shared valuable information and experiences with the group that helped myself gain knowledge and understandings of the course material. I will true miss those that I had a connection with over the last 7 classes in this program, I want to stay connected with them and support them through the rest of their journey at completing their program. As a group, we have formed relationships and bonds with another through the experiences and connections we make through the discussions, blogs, and comments we make to another over time. Thank you for helping me achieve my goals and accomplishments and I wish for my team of colleagues to strive for their goals and accomplishments. 

Reference:

Abudi, G. (2010). The five stages of team development: A case study. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/the-five-stages-of-team-development-a-case-study.html