Ever since, I was a young child, I dreamed of working with young children as my Career. I used to go Babysitting with my older Sister, and she used to marvel at how good I was with the children, and when I was finally old enough to obtain my own after-school Babysitting job, I quickly grasped at the opportunity.
The first job, I ever had working with young children, I kept from the time I was 12-years-old, until I went away to College at the age of Eighteen. I am still in touch with the Family, where it all began, and my “first baby” is now 34-years-old, and just had his first baby!
My initial College Degree is in Behavioral Science, with a Minor in Political Science, from Grand Valley State University, located in Allendale, Michigan. Grand Valley State University, does offer a Minor in Early Childhood Education, but I was advised against acquiring that certification, because my “Advisor” felt I would never utilize it. All I can say about that is SHE WAS VERY WRONG!
As an Adult, I have diligently worked in the Field of Early Childhood Education, but found that the State of Illinois has strict guidelines, on what you can do in the Field, without the proper credentials. As an Adult learner, I have been able to pursue more credentials, and here is a synopsis of my journey:
For the last seven years, I have procured over 40 credits in post-graduate work in Early Childhood Education. I possess two certificates from Oakton Community College, which is located at 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016. One Certificate is in Basic Early Childhood Education, and the other in Basic Infant/Toddler Techniques. I am presently working towards my Directors Credential as well as advanced Certificates in Early Childhood Education and Infant/Toddler Techniques. My desire is to move towards a graduate Degree in Child Development, from Erikson University in Chicago, Illinois.
As part of my expedition, I have also secured level two credentials through Gateway of Illinois, which is an agency that works directly with the State of Illinois, to make certain Educators are properly credited for the work they have done in the Field.
Another portion of my voyage is to attend as many conferences and workshops as possible, and one that I have returned to several times is the; Infant Toddler conference, which is presented by Oakton Community College in collaboration with Kendall College and Children’s Home and Aid, I look forward to this conference every year, and am already registered for the Conference on March 3, 2012.
As mentioned, when I started my LOVE of Early Childhood Education, I was a child myself, I never expected to turn it into a Career, or that I would have a life-long passion of pursuing more Education in this Field. I am very excited to see all the changes, which this Field has undergone in the last 30 plus years, and am determined to follow the requisite trend.
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