Perspectives on Diversity and Equity (EDUC - 6164 - 6) Professional Hopes and Goals

            When I think about my work with children that originate from diverse places and ethnicities, my hope is that I will be able to teach them something that they can hold onto for their lifetime.  Teachers often times feel unprepared and therefore they need the appropriate trainings to help prepare for the diverse children that will enter their classroom.  Also, teachers should perform a certain level of research to prepare their lesson plans.  Putting thought into the lesson plan allows the children to know that they were important enough to be included.  My hope is that teachers are more open minded and aware of the changes that are taking place within the early We don't want the world to pass us by, so let's start by empowering our children today. 

            One goal that I have for the field of early childhood is that we always stay committed to performing the task that is in the best interest for the child.  Also, we should stay determined to follow the vision allowing our passion to lead us.  I am fully committed to giving the children that I will serve all of me, because I realize that they deserve the best.  I am serving tomorrow's leaders and I will them to be well prepared for the world when they leave my classroom.  Some many people don't realize how important the first five years are, but once you do you will see how effective the first five years are.

            I would like to thank my fellow classmates from the perspectives on diversity and equity class.  It has been a pleasure working with all of you.  I have enjoyed reading your posts and really appreciate you taking the time to read mine.  I really wish all of you the best in your future endeavors.

Perspectives on Diversity and Equity (EDUC - 6164 - 6) Welcoming Families From Around the World

            The challenge this week is to pretend to work in a social service agency with a child that originates from a different country.  I am suppose to list at least five different ways that I can prepare for this new child.  Also, I am asked to list the benefits for the child as well as myself.  So, let's get started...

            The child's name is going to be Maria and she comes to us from Spain.  To prepare for this child entering the program, as her case worker I will find all of the available resources that will offer assistance in any way with classroom curriculum and other skills.  I plan to brush up on the basic level of Spanish.  I need to know the basic colors, the calendar numbers, the greetings and departure phrases, and maybe a few other things.  I want to know enough that the other children can learn the basics in the classroom.  Also, I will ask the teacher to allow me to look over the lesson plan.  I want to ensure that the curriculum will include not only that child's culture but the cultures of all of the children within the classroom.  I plan to meet the parents before the child enters the program to be able to learn more about their family culture and see how the child interacts with her family.  It is important to know if the child is entering the program with a certain level of manners and respect or will they need to be taught more structure.  Finally, upon entering the classroom on the first day, I will be there.  I want to overview the classroom, but I also want the child to see at least one familiar face upon entering the classroom.

            Being adequately prepared for this child will benefit me in so many ways.  I will become knowledgeable of her family culture through simply talking with her parents.  I am therefore able to incorporate the basics into the classroom and the lesson plan.  I am able to ensure that from my standpoint that the transition for the child is as soon as possible into the program.  The children are able to benefit because they can obtain the highest level of knowledge available to ensure they receive their highest level of potential.

Perspectives on Diversity and Equity (EDUC - 6164 - 6) The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

            In this week's assignment, my task at hand is to talk about an incident where I experienced some form of biased, prejudice or form of oppression.  Honestly, I took the time to think long and hard about the answer to this question and I could not come up with anything.  Finally, I remembered how hard it was for me to go back to school -online.  I thought about the fear of being an online student and how nervous it made me.  I actually started Walden twice and dropped twice, and the third time I said I am going to do this no matter how nervous I was.  Fortunately, I had an advisor that was determined to not give up on me.  He seemed to know that I could do this, even when I had my doubts.  My worries were that I would not be able to reach my teacher when I needed her or him, I would not know how to submit my work assignments and I was just completely biased about online programs. 

            Having pointing out all of the bad things about the program, I was not able to see any of the good that was available all along.  I am currently able to work full time, not leaving early or coming in late.  I only have to study for one class at a time, not becoming overwhelmed with learning multiple subjects at one time.  My teacher normally contacts me within forty eight hours of me contacting her.  I have not only learned my way around my classroom, but have discovered how to get around the campus as well...all on my own. 

            At this point in my education I am only five classes away from receiving my degree.  I would recommend Walden University to anyone and everyone.  As a matter of fact, I have already talked to some people about how much they should attend this school.  Today, Walden has empowered me to feel independent, confident and an over comer.  I am so proud of where I am in life and where I am headed.  Unfortunately, some of the people that were so helpful in the beginning have not stuck around to see me hit the finish line, but I know deep down inside that they are happy for my accomplishments.  Walden proves with hard work and determination you can make your dreams come true.