My Eye on International Communities of Practice

The organization Save the Children is one that appeals to me greatly for a variety of reasons. When I was first introduced to this international organization early in my studies with Walden University, I recognized that Save the Children is a group that focuses on the well-being of children across the globe. Although countless other organizations focus on the well-being of children, Save the Children is one that focuses on the basic human rights of children. Rather than focusing solely on education, or health, this organization is one that looks at the basic needs of children, and works to create greater avenues of access to safety and positive learning and developmental environments. 

The International Play Association is another international organization that I admire greatly. With a push for increased emphasis on academics in early childhood, the value of play experiences has begun to diminish. Where developmentalists and play specialists can see the impact that play can have on the health, well-being, and development of young children and their families, the rest of the world may not. The International Play Association has representation in almost 50 countries. All board members and general members are involved in the IPA through volunteerism only. Their work focuses on educating the public, and supporting the growth of, active play experiences for young children. 

The United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is an international organization that stood out to me because of it's strong position on gender equality. With our nation moving in such a progressive direction, it is important that the adults who work with children understand the science behind gender identification, the commercial influence on gender, and the presence of gender inequality around the world. UNESCO works in several countries to meet several objectives: "Attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning; Mobilizing science knowledge and policy for sustainable development; Addressing emerging social and ethical challenges; Fostering cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace; Building inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication," (UNESCO, 2011).

Potential Job Opportunities

Parent Educator with Child & Family Services 
https://child-familyservices.org/parent-educator-bachelors-level/

In order to obtain this job, I have a great head start in my qualifying education: the job requires the parent educator to have a bachelor's degree in a field related to education, and is preferred that a master's degree be obtained as well. Aside from education, this job would require me to be able to utilize productive, effective communication with families participating in the program. Along with strong communication skills to be utilized with families, I would be required to work collaboratively and reflectively on a team of fellow professionals. As this position is involved with families from multiple communities, I would need to be able to utilize culturally responsive interactions when developing and implementing sensitive support systems for families. I would also be required to work within organizational record keeping to maintain clear documentation and communication of each family's involvements within the program. 

Resources

Save the Children. (2011). Retrieved fromhttp://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6115947/k.8D6E/Official_Site.htm

International Play Association. (2016). Retrieved from http://ipaworld.org/

United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (2011). Retrieved fromhttp://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/about-us/who-we-are/introducing-unesco/