Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Hello Fellow Educators!!!


As educators, or "World Changes"( As I like to call us) we are constantly finding ways to invoke a positive change in our community. One way to do that is to join like minded organizations in our communities, state, and nation. Throughout my life I have consistently been involved in programs that push for better opportunities for the people in my community. Being raised in an area that is somewhat looked over educationally, I have made it my mission to change the course of our less than positive approach in education.

There are two organizations in my community that I serve on, and I am very proud of the strides that they have made in my community.

The South Carolina Education Association is
"The South Carolina Education Association (The SCEA) is the professional association for educators in South Carolina. Classroom teachers, guidance counselors, librarians, principals, superintendents as well as bus drivers, teaching assistants, lunch room operators, maintenance engineers, clerks and secretaries from Pre-K to 12th grade and Higher Education are members of The SCEA.
If you work in a public school in South Carolina, you belong in The SCEA.
The SCEA is the leading advocate for educational change in South Carolina. We provide our members with support and representation in the areas of employment conflict, political action, legislative initiatives, leadership growth and professional development.
Educators in South Carolina look to The SCEA for assistance in every aspect of their professional life. From career planning as a student to retirement assessment as a career teacher, The SCEA offers assistance, guidance, and inspiration." (https://www.thescea.org/aboutus/)

I adore this organization. I joined when I was an undergraduate at Winthrop University. This organization has linked me to some wonderful people that have helped me along the way. I enjoy the unity, support, and passion that we all have for education. I can ask for advice from them , and gain great wisdom about the issues that I may want to change in my community.

This organization is dear to my heart. This program provides support, education, job readiness, mentorship, and independent living skills to young men that are in the foster care system, and DJJ. The difference that they make in these young gentlemen is phenomenal.

I love this organization, and I desire to become involved in it. NAEYC is
"Vision Statement
All young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential.

Mission Statement
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

Values and Beliefs
Our core values are defined in the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and are deeply rooted in the early childhood profession. In addition, we seek to be a high–performing, inclusive organization that is enriched by and continually grows from our commitment to diversity, as embodied by our core beliefs.

We uphold these values and beliefs in all our interactions and initiatives:

Core Values

Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle.
Base our work on knowledge of how children develop and learn.
Appreciate and support the bond between the child and family.
Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community, and society.
Respect the dignity, worth, and uniqueness of each individual (child, family member, and colleague).
Respect diversity in children, families, and colleagues.
Recognize that children and adults achieve their full potential in the context of relationships that are based on trust and respect.
Core Beliefs

Excellence and Innovation—We are imaginative risk takers willing to challenge assumptions while being accountable to our mission and fiscally responsible.
Transparency—We act with openness and clarity.
Reflection—We consider multiple sources of evidence and diverse perspectives to review past performance, note progress and successes, and engage in continuous quality improvement.
Equity and Opportunity—We advocate for policies, practices, and systems that promote full and inclusive participation. We confront biases that create barriers and limit the potential of children, families, and early childhood professionals.
Collaborative Relationships—We share leadership and responsibility in our work with others. We commit time and effort to ensure diverse participation and more effective outcomes. We act with integrity, respect, and trust." (http://www.naeyc.org/about/mission)


My goal is to become the owner of a premier early childhood program in my state. I want to create a change in early childhood education, parenting courses, and politics (concerning my field). In the future, I would like to teach early childhood college students, mentor them, and create a program that is catered to pruning educators to provide the best education to our children. I believe that the resources, network,education, and experience that I am gaining right now is preparing me to accomplish all of my goals.




Ashley Wilkins-Miller






References


http://www.naeyc.org/

https://www.thescea.org