Blog Assignment: Professional Goals, Hopes and Dreams

 

Blog Assignment: Professional Goals, Hopes and Dreams



 

  • What issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals are being discussed where you live and work?

An issue regarding quality and early childhood professionals that is being discussed where I live, and work is accessibility. I currently work for 3 childcare facilities on a military base in Sigonella, Italy. Due to Covid-19 restrictions the only families able to receive care are children that have parents that both work mandatory jobs. Families of that have at least one parent at home are unable to receive care. There are currently over 50 children that are on a waiting list to receive childcare services. The 50 plus children that are unable to receive services have at least one parent that is not a mandatory worker.

In addition, due to low staffing 2 of the facilities can no longer accept more children. Also, the Youth Complex that provides care for youth between the ages of 11 to 18 is closed to due low staffing and Covid-19 restrictions. In order to continue providing educational services for youth between the ages of 11 to 18, I have created virtual online educational opportunities for the youth. Due to low staffing, it is difficult to provide children with quality early childhood professionals.

Youth Complex Marinai (navymwrsigonella.com)

Another issue that is being discussed is the annual trainings that are due for all staff members. It can be exhausting and time consuming to complete all the required trainings. However, they are necessary to provide quality care for children. For example, last week I needed to complete 7 trainings related to inclusion support plans. Inclusion support plans are used to help identify children that need accommodations or additional staff support to have a high-quality experience at either of the 3 facilities.

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  • What opportunities and/or requirements for professional development exist?

There are two opportunities and requirements for professional development that exist with my employer they are the 12 Virtual School Labs (VLS) modules and the annual trainings. If a Child and Youth Program Assistant is interested in pursuing their career and becoming a Child and Youth Program Lead an option that will allow to do so without having a college education is by completing 12 Virtual School Lab modules. VLS provides staff members the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that will allow them to provide a high-quality experience for children. VLS provides exercises that teach about safe environments, learning environments, self and cultural understanding and much more. The modules have videos, reflective questions, downloadable activities, and other resources for staff.

Home | VLS (virtuallabschool.org)




The annual trainings are a requirement from my employer. Annual staff are required to complete an in-person training with a trainer at least once week. In addition, to the trainings presented by their trainer there are about 30 trainings that need to completed online by staff. The virtual trainings cover various topics related to childcare.

 

  • What are some of your professional goals, inclusive of goals related to supporting social equity?

My first professional goal is to continue creating online virtual activities and learning opportunities for the youth between the ages of 11 to 18 at my facility. Although they are not able to meet in person due to Covid-19 restrictions. I believe it is vital to provide a service for them. I never want a youth of any age to feel abandoned by their program. I plan to continue providing online services until the reopening of the facility in October 2021. I believe it is unfair that all other facilities open, but the Youth Complex is still closed. Therefore, as a childcare professional I must do all I can to support youth during this time.

 

  • What are some of your professional hopes, dreams, and challenges?

My biggest professional dream at this time is to complete my master’s degree. In order to achieve a higher position with my employer I must have a master’s degree. I am currently in this grey area that does not allow me to change positions. I cannot go backwards; I must continue to move forward. The next options that will become available for me are a CYP Director or CYP Trainer.

In addition, I hope to be able to have the Youth Complex up and running by October 2021. I am excited to create and implement the youth program. I am excited to meet the youth who lives I can impact in a positive manner. I know that there will be challenges and the path will not be easy. However, I have faith that I will continue to increase my professionalism and provide directions and hope in the youth in my care.

An insight that I have gained for researching the website, Save the Children is that Covid-19 is affecting children all over the world in regard to accessibility of services. I honestly believe the consequences of children not having accesses to facilities due to Covid-19 will be shown in the years to come. I believe there will side effects to the situation. Children have been placed at a disadvantage. They have lost educational opportunities and experiences that they will need as adults.

 

Comments

  1. Itze Montejo-HyattJune 26, 2021 at 10:58 PM

    Thanks for sharing and thank you for caring for the children of our military personnel. I am hearing from more and more individuals in the early childcare field that there are fewer individuals applying for positions. Why do you think finding staff has become harder with the pandemic?
    Also, I wish you all the best as you work towards your goals!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Myrna ShakirJune 27, 2021 at 7:14 AM

    As a wife of a sergeant in the military, thank you for all your service to the children and their families. This pandemic has hit everyone hard. It’s sad that if one of the parent’s employment is not considered mandatory than their children cannot participate in the school program. Children need socialization as adults do. I am glad to read that they are providing the staff with training opportunities. You got this. I wish you all the nest on your future endeavors.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Teach the ChildrenJune 27, 2021 at 3:28 PM

    It's great that you have created services to help the children who needs it. I think this is the same problem that's going on in my neighborhood. We've had several military parents to register their children up for the early start program this year. When asked why the change of heart, no one would answer.

    ReplyDelete

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