1. Vallesha Adams Riding on the London Eye

2. A little about me I am originally from the great state of Texas. I have been married to my husband for 16 years. He is an active duty service member in the Air Force of 18 years. We have had the opportunity to have lived and traveled all over the world. I currently live in Mildenhall, United Kingdom. This is our last assignment as it is getting close to 20 yr retirement (2 yrs left). We have just had our little bundle of joy “our miracle” Zaiden Chance exactly 3 1/2months ago and there is also our fur-baby Vera Wang (yes that is her name) Yorkshire terrier.

3. My work experience I chose a concentration specialization in special education because I truly believe that children and families with special needs get lost in the shuffle in the educational system and need someone to be their voice. Spangdahlem Air Base Germany Child Development Center (Preschool) 2001-2002 Travis Air Force Base, CA Child Development Center #1 2002-2007 Monterey Road Child Development Center (Presidio of Monterey) 2007- 2011 where I also obtained my CDA (child development associate credential) in December 2010. Dyess Air Force Base Child Development Center, TX 2011-2013 RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom Child Development Center 2013-present I received my early childhood education BA from Ashford in August 2012 and began the MAED in October of 2013.

4. Work experience I currently work as an education and training technician (Lead teacher/caregiver). I am responsible for the care of children 6 weeks to five years of age (which I have worked in each age group). I care for 11 two year olds with two other assistants. If it were not for us that work in these military centers then our service members could not do their jobs adequately.

5. Why child development centers There are people that think we (who work with small children) are just baby sitters. That is a big huge no! On average we spend more time with these young children than parents as their military careers can be demanding. We see and hear everything that they wish they could be a part of. We have seen their child’s “firsts” but are not allowed to tell them so they can have that joy. We also are the first to recognize any disabilities that may arise with their child and help them get the required and available services they need. So, I am not a babysitter but a stand in mother, friend, counselor, mediator etc…

6. Why special education? As I have worked on military installations for many years I see that military families have a hard time trying to get the appropriate services they need for their child/children simply because of what is covered by the government. At times there is not a voice for them to turn to. With this specialization & being a part of the military community for so long I can give school administrations first hand of what military families so desperately need.

7. Personal goal After my husband’s Air Force retirement in 2017 I intend on finding work in the local school system where I can genuinely use my degree and learn along the way as an aide or substitute while getting my teacher certification ( a bit difficult to do while out of the country). This program has supported me in a way that my current Director has placed me a supervisory role on many occasions. This gives other managers the sight that “yes, she can supervise others”. As part of the MAED program I faced was enduring assignments and journals and 2 discussions due every week. It felt like there was no break. I felt like I had to do homework each and every day. To help with the overload (at least for me since I was very pregnant) I just did a little on Wednesdays & Saturdays but not more than I hour so that by the time day 7 rolled around there was not too much to accomplish. The information, strategies that were learned I know I will be able to use in my future classroom. “A focus on critical thinking, communication and collaboration is essential to prepare students for the future” (p21.org)

8. Reference Framework for 21st century learningFramework for 21st century learning. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.p21.orghttp://www.p21.org

9. Zaiden Chance Before:(36 wks)After:(37w 6d)

10. Daddy & son