The first meaningful thing that I have learned from this program is the importance of being a good leader. “Effective leadership in early childhood education requires individuals to be in touch with the prevailing sociocultural attitudes in their communities regarding child care and child development.” (Scott, 2015). He goes on to talk about how a leader has to understand the science behind childcare and policies. He also talks about the importance of communication and team-building skills. I have learned so many good skills that will help make me a great leader. The biggest thing that has been in every class I have taken is the importance of communication. Being a good leader means that I know how to communicate with my team.
The second meaningful thing I learned from this program is
the importance of a budget and how much it costs to run a childcare center. A
budget for a childcare center is so much more than just bills; there are
hundreds of things to account for. Sorenson & Goldsmith, 2018) taught me
how to create a budget that aligns with my mission and vision statements. They
taught me that budgeting is not simply about money, but it includes how the
center is run and what my goals are for the center.
The third meaningful thing I learned is the importance of
forming relationships with not only my staff but other people in this field. I
learned the importance of collaboration which is something I still talk about
to this day. Collaborating with my colleagues is one of my favorite things to
do because I know they have great ideas that I have not thought of.
Collaborating helps each one of us learn something new and gives us the
opportunity to learn.
My long-term goal is to get a job that focuses on creating
policies and procedures for childcare centers. I want to create policies that
will help create a high-quality learning environment with high-quality
teachers.
I truly cannot believe this is the end; it feels like I
started this program just yesterday with all of you. Thank you to all the
instructors who were with me during this time and taught me things that I will
put to good use in this field. My colleagues throughout this experience have
been amazing, and they have taught me so much. I hope I am able to keep in
touch with some of you as we continue our careers in the early childhood
education field. It would be an honor to work next to each and every one of
you. I will definitely miss interacting with everyone weekly.
Reference
Scott, D. (2005). Leaders on leadership: How do you envision
leadership in early care and education in 2015? YC Young Children, 60(1),
20-22.
Sorenson, R. D., & Goldsmith, L. M. (2018). The
principal's guide to school budgeting (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin
Press.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Mary! This is well thought out and these are great take always from your time here. Each week, your post and discussion boards have always been a delight to read. I can tell you are someone who will go far in this field. I truly enjoyed getting to know you through your writings. I could see us working together as your long term goal is to create policies and procedures for child care centers and mine is to establish a center that caters to displaced, migrant and refugee children. I could use someone like you to aid me in carrying out this dream. I do hope our paths will cross again but until then I wish you the best of luck in your journey.
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteGreat way to end your capstone. I enjoed reading your blog and discussions throughout the course. I can't believe it is the end. I gained a lot of knowledge through other colleagues and professors. I love youre long term goal to create policies and procedures. I wish you the best of luck in your career and future.
Samone
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteAwesome! So many children and early childcare centers need funding and resources to help them become high quality centers and you will do amazing things to make sure that they have what they need to make that happen! I wish you many blessings and much success!
Congratulations! We did it! See you out there!
Kamikka
Hey Mary!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed having you in quite of a few of my classes! I have learned so much from you and have enjoyed our posts back and forth. I am confident that you will achieve all that you set out to do! Thanks for posting your blog early!!!! May God Bless you in all you do! It was an honor to be in class with you!
Virginia
Mary, I have also learned the importance of leadership and how being effective can motivate people to follow your vision. As, I sit and read your blog, I am quite confident that you will inspire the development of many new laws regarding requirements for teachers that enter the early childhood field. Good luck with future goals.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteWow! What a way to go out. Your post is representative of the thoughtfulness that has been displayed with each entry from discussions and blogs. Keep going in your quest to improve the lives of those in your care. Hope to see you on the battlefield. I know we are on the same side.
Travis