I have worked in the early education
field for over 15 years and most of that time has been for a state funded
program. Recently I had the pleasure of working on a grant that was for
expanding access to full day preschool. I am proud to say that the agency that
I work for scored very high on the grant application and we have just received
all of the additional funding that was proposed. Working on this grant showed
me that even though I help my supervisor out a lot with things she has to do, I
really do not know much about how to go about getting funding or how the many
different systems of our funded programs work.
One goal that will assist me in
becoming more effective and to qualify as a program manager is to learn more
about how the systems of funding work from the administration point of view. This
will give me the knowledge that I will need to understand what funding sources look
for in programs before and after giving them funding. It also will allow me to
learn more of the operational system of a non-profit agency which will help me
understand when and if I decide to start a non-profit.
Goal number two is to learn how
teacher trainings can be geared more towards the need of not only he staff but
of families that are served by non-profit agencies. This would include how
teachers interact with families that are from different cultures than their own
and how they can increase parental involvement in the program.
Goal number three is to gain
experience as a program manager so that one day I can run a complete program
and not just one child care center. My current course Dynamics of Early
Childhood Policies and Systems will help me to develop my understand of all of
the complex systems that make up a child development program, this includes not
only the children but also their families and their teachers.
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ReplyDeleteChenieka,
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to write a grant but there is so much that is entailed in them. You have to know the ends and outs of what they are looking for and have all the information you need but there is so much grant money out there. Since you have had experience with writing a grant this class will help enhance your knowledge of the policies and systems of Early Childhood and help you achieve every goal that you have put into place. I wish you much success in this class.
Hi Chenieka,
ReplyDeleteMany colleges only require two administration classes that are very basic under child development. There are many teachers that would like to get out of the classroom and become administrators, advocates, child psychologist, or grant writers, but do not know how. Colleges should offer as an elective or option, early childhood program management, and grant writing because there are other jobs in the field of child development besides teaching.
In North Carolina and Administrator needs two specific classes and 7 additional credit hours. Ironically, despite how much education you have if you do not have these classes you do not qualify.
DeleteEducation is an interesting beast. I find the more classes I take the less I seem to know. How is that possible? When I think of the idea that people are now looking at me to be the authority of sorts it is scary. I have been working in the field for over 25 years and now working on my doctorate but still cannot see myself as someone to look up to.
ReplyDeleteI would like to be able to develop educational programs that are more effective. Including families in trainings is great. My staff and I participated in a training series, It was a great bonding experience as well as a learning experience. It put parents and teaching staff on the same page.
Hello Chenieka,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the fact that you mentioned focusing on teacher training and professional development that is not only focuses on teacher and staff needs, but the needs of the families that we serve as well. A lot of money is invested in professional development that is not useful and has no immediate effect on current practices. Placing more thought in staff development opportunities will be more beneficial for everyone involved.
Hello Chenieka,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the fact that you mentioned focusing on teacher training and professional development that is not only focuses on teacher and staff needs, but the needs of the families that we serve as well. A lot of money is invested in professional development that is not useful and has no immediate effect on current practices. Placing more thought in staff development opportunities will be more beneficial for everyone involved.
These are good goals, Chenieka, and all point in the same direction - a role of leadership and impact. Keep your eye on that and soak up all the knowledge you can, from every source. I agree that understanding how policies are made and how to make policy change happen is a key piece.
ReplyDelete