Through this journey, I had the opportunity to learn whom I was as a professional. I learned I was a
leader with drive and determination to create change. I was able to articulate a problem and
strategically develop a plan to work through it. Another thing I have learned on this journey is to have
a passion for the work you do. Early childhood has always been a passion of mine, but I learn how
deep my passion was for the field. I truly look at myself as an early childhood professional that is
skilled and knowledgeable that can to advocate for my passion. Lastly, over this journey I have
learned to embrace the different perceptive of others and learn from it. As an early childhood
professional, you should look at differences as a teachable moment to be used to broaden your
thinking. Over this time, I have learned what it is to be an early childhood professional, and be
globally prepared for the world.
My long term goal is to educate adults in the early childhood field, trainings, and mentor. I want to be at level in my career where I am looked up for guidance in the field. I want to be able to share what I have learned and researched with other professionals. I want to leave a legacy in the early childhood field.

I would like to thank my colleagues for sharing your knowledge during this class. I've gained so much knowledge during these 8 weeks of class. As we continue our journey, always remember our passion for children.

 

 

  

FIVE STAGES OF TEAM DEVELOPMENT

The adjourning stage in team development is when the project or task has come to an end. I’ve been in several groups, and some of them have been the hardest to say goodbye because project went so well, and it was effective. There is one group in particular I was in at training where we had set roles in the project, and everyone had the same goals. Everyone had expectations, and it was followed through by everyone. One of the closing ritual was we reflected on what we could have changed before presenting it to the group. Everyone was still happy on the job we did. Also, we did exchange information in order to keep up the professionalism among each other. This training was almost a year ago, and only 2 out of 5 I’m still in contact with, I wish it was all group members.

              In this master’s program, I’ve became connected professionally to many colleagues. I would like to keep the professional relationship going because there are so many colleagues with great experiences and passion for children. I would like to continue to learn from my colleagues. The adjourning stage is very important as professional that want to continue to grow. As professional, it is always good to look back and reflect on the task at hand. Reflecting can lead to growth within yourself and having the opportunity to learn from each other.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

 My colleague and I had a conflict with our center director about the hand washing process at the head start center. We have always used the proper Hand Washing Process, but the director wanted to change the process to one she came up on her own. The discussion went from bad to worse within 10 minutes. There were frustrated looks on everyone faces and feelings were becoming hurt. It seems like either side forgot about the issue at hand which lead into other concerns. After reflecting on this situation based on what I’ve learned, this meeting could have gone a different way. For instance, as a teacher at the head start center, everyone should have looked at the situation as, what can we do to come to a solution? First I should approach the situation as trying to find a solution from a “win win “strategy. This is where both sides could have a compromise on the hand washing process. We could have examined each process to see where we could trade off. Also, my colleagues and I could have been empathic to the director’s needs. It would have been an opportunity to be an active listener; we could have gathered the information, and acknowledging by talking through the information. By using this approach, the center director would have been willing to resolve the problem.

        After talking with my colleague, we both agreed the conversation could have gone better. I shared with her some information I’ve learned in class, and she is open to using some of these conflict resolution methods. We are going to have another meeting with the center director on next week, and we will be using these new methods learned this week.