Professionalism | Arizona Early Childhood

Celena Ambrose | PBS KIDS Early Learning Champion

AZ Early Childhood Network
January 20, 2022

TAGS: Professionalism,

A northern Arizona educator who represents Arizona PBS was named one of 11 honorees nationwide for the PBS KIDS Early Learning Champions program, which recognizes and celebrates those who work with children from infants to second-graders. Celena Ambrose of Holbrook serves as an early Head Start teacher for Holbrook Head Start, where she has worked for more than four years. She is known as a caring and dedicated teacher, role model and mentor who has balanced her duties as a…

ASU Nina Scholars Program

AZ Early Childhood Network
December 13, 2021

TAGS: Professionalism,

The ASU Nina Scholars application is currently accepting applications for the 2022-2023 academic year! The Nina Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity where students from disadvantaged backgrounds can obtain the resources and financial support needed to successfully complete their college education. Nina Scholars provides tuition and fees assistance, an annual books and supplies award and an annual living stipend to scholarship recipients. Scholars are also provided an academic mentor. The Nina Scholars Program is highly focused on supporting all aspects…

Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship for Leadership Connections 2022

AZ Early Childhood Network
December 13, 2021

TAGS: Professionalism,

The McCormick Center was founded by Paula Jorde Bloom from an initial grant of just $600. Paula’s legacy supports the competencies of early childhood program leaders and brings credibility to the important and complex role of these leaders, or as she was known to call them, the “gatekeepers to quality.” The Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship Fund, first awarded in 2019, is intended to support emerging early childhood leaders who are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education for…

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College | Job Postings

AZ Early Childhood Network
September 28, 2021

TAGS: Professionalism,

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College (MLFTC) is pleased to share new positions posted to support education among Arizona’s tribal communities. The positions will work on the Preparing Educators for Arizona’s Indigenous Communities (PEAIC) project, which will prepare indigenous educators across Arizona by providing them with access to high-quality teacher preparation programs and funding to cover educational costs. Please share with your networks to help reach a broader audience!Positions:Hiring a full-time program manager with experience teaching and leading in PK-12 environments,…

Create a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Dr. Holly King
October 9, 2019

TAGS: Admin/Director, Professionalism, Program Management,

Continuous improvement seems to be the latest buzzword in early childhood quality, but what does it really mean? The technical definition of continuous improvement is: incremental adjustments to processes, services or programs with the objective of increasing quality and effectiveness. This idea is not limited to programs that are struggling, but is equally applicable to programs that are already demonstrating high quality. So basically, quality happens on a continuum, and there are always ways to keep getting better. When all…

Higher Education Q&A for Early Childhood Professionals

Ysidro Holmes
August 14, 2019

TAGS: Professional Development, Professionalism, Prospective Teachers, Teachers,

Have you been considering going back to school for a degree in early childhood education? Hear from fellow ECE professional Ysidro Holmes discuss his path to higher education and the support available through the Arizona Early Childhood Network. Why did you choose to pursue a degree in early childhood education? I chose to pursue a degree in early childhood education to have autonomy in my profession. I am passionate about my work and I wanted to gain the knowledge that…

How Child Care Center Directors Can Create Positive Work Environments

AZ Early Childhood Network
April 16, 2019

TAGS: Admin/Director, Curriculum and Learning Environment, Professionalism,

Be a good listener, engage with your staff to problem solve and encourage open communication between yourself and all of the staff members. Mary Jamsa As an early childhood education director, you need to keep your staff motivated as they deal with really complex issues. Given limited funds, raising your teachers’ salaries or offering benefits that other corporate jobs provide to employees may be difficult. However, your ability to help them become personally invested in your center is critical.Mary Jamsa,…

Early Childcare Professionals Can Help Provide Quality Care

AZ Early Childhood Network
February 28, 2019

TAGS: Admin/Director, Family Child Care Providers, Professional Development, Professionalism, Teachers,

Did you know that your role as an early childhood professional is key to not only a young child’s well-being but to their healthy growth and development? Simply, you are not just an early childhood professional, but you’re a leader, a champion, and a member of both the local community and the larger community of early childhood care and education. You have an opportunity to make meaningful and lasting impacts in the lives of the children (and families) that you’re…

Intro to the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Knowledge and Competencies

AZ Early Childhood Network
October 17, 2018

TAGS: Child Growth and Development, Child Observation and Assessment, Curriculum and Learning Environment, Effective Interactions, Family and Community Partnerships, Health, Safety and Nutrition, Professionalism, Program Management,

All children have the capacity and an inherent ability to learn, especially in the most informative (early) years of their life. With this in mind, providing children a high-quality early childhood education is of the utmost importance and sets the stage for success not only in school, but also in life. Your role as an early childhood educator is key to a young child’s success, so ensuring that you have the core knowledge and competencies will provide the necessary support…