Tka Blake-Mills

Bryant and Stratton College

Address:	5405 Windsor Mills Rd, Unit B Baltimore, MD 21207
Phone:	(267)597-7623
Email:	tkablake96@gmail.com
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My BioUpdated: 11-23-24

My Bio: Tka Blake-Mills

WHO AM I?

I am Tka, a proud mom, a loving wife, and a hardworking student striving to achieve my goals. Balancing family life and school, I am focused on creating a better future for my daughters while pursuing my passion for early childhood education. I am also a dreamer with a plan: to open my own daycare and make a meaningful impact on children’s lives. Resilient and ambitious, I am deeply rooted in love for my family and committed to the dreams I am working hard to achieve.

In my downtime, I have a passion for true crime novels and documentaries, which keep me intrigued and fascinated. I love getting creative with arts and crafts, finding it both relaxing and enjoyable. Baking cookies with my family is one of my favorite traditions, it’s a time filled with laughter, sweet treats, and cherished memories. While I am a homebody who enjoys the comfort of being at home, I also have a deep appreciation for the outdoors. There is nothing quite like a breath of fresh air, which is why I love nature walks; they help me clear my mind and connect with the beauty around me. Whether I am enjoying cozy moments inside or refreshing escapes outside, these experiences help me recharge and find balance in my busy life.

AssignmentsUpdated: 03-05-25

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

CAPS265

This portfolio project is a walk-through of my articulation worksheet. I list the outcomes and the corresponding course where each outcome is met. Additionally, I provide a brief description of the project and a summary of how the outcome was achieved.

https://youtu.be/RZT7ZDUrIZE

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

CAPS265

This Multicultural Awareness Project focused on understanding the role of cultural diversity in early childhood education. I interviewed the preschool director of Betty Sterner Y Preschool, who shared insights on how multiculturalism shapes their workplace, curriculum, and interactions with families. The director emphasized the importance of bilingual teachers, cultural storytelling, and open communication to foster inclusivity and strengthen relationships between staff, children, and families. Key takeaways from the project included the impact of cultural awareness training, the need for self-reflection to minimize biases, and the role of multicultural picture books in early childhood education, as discussed by Husband (2019). I also explored research highlighting that young children are aware of racial differences, reinforcing the need for intentional discussions on diversity.

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Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

INFT124 015 Computing Skills

INFT124 015 Computing Skills - Employ strategies for reflection on learning and practice in order to adjust learning processes for continual improvement. This course didn't have a portfolio project.

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

COMM104 015 Learning Communities

COMM104 015 Learning Communities - Transfer knowledge, skills, and behaviors acquired through formal and informal learning and life experiences to new situations.
This course didn't have a portfolio project.

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

SOSC115 006 Career Development I

SOSC115 006 Career Development I -

Transfer knowledge, skills, and behaviors acquired through formal and informal learning and life experiences to new situations.
Participate in social, academic, and professional communities for individual growth and to function as a citizen of a multicultural world.

This portfolio project is a comprehensive plan that consolidates the knowledge, skills, and behaviors I have acquired throughout my academic journey, both formally and informally, in early childhood education. The project involves reflecting on various areas such as interpersonal skills, graphic literacy, applied mathematics, workplace documentation, and more, all essential for career readiness.

The outcome of this project is directly related to the course outcome of transferring knowledge, skills, and behaviors acquired through formal and informal learning to new situations. By integrating both classroom learnings and real-life experiences, such as my time working at a daycare and being a stay-at-home mom, I was able to develop a more comprehensive understanding of what is required in early childhood education. I then applied this knowledge to develop practical strategies for career advancement, including improving my skill set, networking, and setting realistic goals for self-improvement.

250305110226_SOSC115_Career_Development_Plan_Project.docx (.docx) 0.04mb

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

ENGLISH102 Research and Writing for the Workplace

ENGLISH102 Research and Writing for the Workplace - Utilize current technology and resources to locate and evaluate information needed to accomplish a goal, and then communicate findings in visual, written, and/or oral formats.

This course didn't have a portfolio project.

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

SOSC225 022 Career Development II - Theory

SOSC225 022 Career Development II - Theory - Employ strategies for reflection on learning and practice in order to adjust learning processes for continual improvement.

This project highlights how the course has contributed to my career readiness and professional development in early childhood education. The central focus is on the creation of my MyCred professional portfolio, which effectively organizes my qualifications, skills, and experiences. I reflect on my growth in key areas, such as tailoring resumes to specific job postings, building a portfolio, and applying developmentally appropriate teaching strategies. By engaging in regular reflection on my learning and practice, I have identified strengths and areas for improvement, adjusting my approach to enhance my skills and knowledge for continual growth in the field.
The outcome was met by using reflection as a tool to refine my learning processes and further prepare me for success in my career.

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250305111627_SOSC225_Informal_Career_Plan..docx (.) 0.02mb

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

PSYC101 032 Principles of Psychology

PSYC101 032 Principles of Psychology - Transfer knowledge, skills, and behaviors acquired through formal and informal learning and life experiences to new situations.

This portfolio project focused on analyzing two common psychological disorders: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The project involved researching their symptoms, and impact on individuals, and exploring various treatment options.

The outcome was met by transferring knowledge and skills acquired from both formal coursework and personal experiences to a real-world context. The project demonstrated the ability to apply learned information about psychological disorders to understand how they affect individuals in diverse situations. By integrating insights from academic research with personal observations and experiences, the project effectively highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing these disorders in different environments, such as in the workplace or at home.

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250305111950_PSYC101_Portfolio_Project.pptx (.pptx) 21.13mb

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

ECED102 013 Child Growth and Development

ECED102 013 Child Growth and Development - Create respectful, reciprocal relationships with children’s families and communities to foster involvement and support children’s development and learning.

For my portfolio project, I created an informative brochure that outlines child development milestones and atypical developments from birth to 8 years old. The brochure is structured by age groups and highlights key developmental areas, including physical/motor skills, language/communication, social/emotional growth, cognitive abilities, and signs of atypical development. It serves as an educational tool for parents and caregivers, helping them track their child's progress and recognize when early intervention may be beneficial.

The outcome was successfully met by fostering respectful and reciprocal relationships with families and communities. The brochure provides accessible and valuable information, empowering caregivers with knowledge about child development. I encouraged family involvement in their child’s learning journey by designing a clear and engaging resource. The inclusion of Sunflower Academy further supports families by connecting them with educational resources and guidance. This project demonstrated my ability to communicate essential developmental information effectively, strengthening collaboration between educators, families, and the community to support children’s growth and success.

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250305112457_ECED102_Portfolio_Project.pdf (.pdf) 1.68mb

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

ECED104 006 Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child

ECED104 006 Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child - Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices according to local, state, and national standards.

For my portfolio project, I developed three wellness activity plans focused on health, safety, and nutrition for different age groups. These lesson plans included Playground Safety for preschoolers, Teeth Flossing for early school-age children, and Texture Exploration for toddlers. Each plan incorporated engaging, hands-on activities aligned with national wellness standards to promote children's well-being.

The outcome was successfully met as the activities integrated health, safety, and nutrition practices following local, state, and national standards. The Playground Safety lesson adhered to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's guidelines, teaching children how to use equipment safely. The Teeth Flossing lesson followed oral hygiene recommendations from the University of Illinois at Chicago, emphasizing proper flossing techniques to prevent cavities. The Texture Exploration lesson supported the Whole Child Approach by fostering sensory development and emotional well-being. Through these activities, I effectively designed and implemented developmentally appropriate lessons that promote children's health, safety, and nutrition in early childhood settings.

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250305112910_ECED104_Portfolio_Project.docx (.docx) 0.03mb

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

MATH201 042 College Mathematics - Quantitative Reasoning

MATH201 042 College Mathematics - Quantitative Reasoning -

Utilize current technology and resources to locate and evaluate information needed to accomplish a goal, and then communicate findings in visual, written, and/or oral formats.
Transfer knowledge, skills, and behaviors acquired through formal and informal learning and life experiences to new situations.
Employ strategies for reflection on learning and practice in order to adjust learning processes for continual improvement.
Follow established methods of inquiry and mathematical reasoning to form conclusions and make decisions.

This portfolio project focused on evaluating financial readiness for applying for a mortgage, with an emphasis on understanding budgeting, debt management, and savings. The project involved using current technology to access resources like online mortgage calculators, financial planning tools, and articles on debt-to-income ratios. These tools helped gather relevant data to assess current financial habits, evaluate expenses, and determine mortgage affordability.

The outcome was met by utilizing modern technology to locate and evaluate the information necessary to make informed financial decisions. The project incorporated quantitative reasoning to calculate key financial metrics and communicate findings through written reports, visuals like graphs, and analysis of current financial status. This approach allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of financial readiness and provided clear, actionable insights into how improvements could be made to ensure successful mortgage applications.

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250305113540_MATH201_Portfolio_Project_Tka_Blake_Mills.docx (.docx) 0.06mb

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

ECED201 002 Curriculum Planning and Assessment

ECED201 002 Curriculum Planning and Assessment - Incorporate developmentally appropriate guidance strategies to positively impact child behavior and social-emotional development.

The course portfolio project focused on incorporating developmentally appropriate guidance strategies to positively impact child behavior and social-emotional development. The project required the application of various techniques and approaches to support young children's behavior while fostering a nurturing environment that encourages emotional growth.

To meet this outcome, the project included creating lesson plans, activities, and strategies aimed at promoting positive behavior and emotional regulation. Specific guidance strategies, such as positive reinforcement, redirection, and fostering empathy, were integrated into the daily interactions with children. Additionally, observations of children’s behavior were documented to assess the effectiveness of the strategies used.

The outcome was successfully met by demonstrating how these strategies helped children improve their social interactions, regulate their emotions, and build positive relationships with peers and adults. The project highlighted the importance of using individualized approaches and the significance of creating a supportive environment to enhance both behavioral and emotional development in young children.

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250305114427_ECED201_Portfolio_Project.docx (.docx) 0.05mb

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

ECED106 004 Family and Community Connections

ECED106 004 Family and Community Connections - Create respectful, reciprocal relationships with children’s families and communities to foster involvement and support children’s development and learning.

For my portfolio project, I explored contemporary family patterns, trends, and relationships across different cultures, social classes, and ethnicities. This project examined how cultural norms, economic status, and ethnic backgrounds influence family structures, parenting styles, and household dynamics. By analyzing similarities and differences in how families function and adapt, the project provided a deeper understanding of the diverse ways children are raised and supported in modern society.

The outcome was successfully met by emphasizing the importance of fostering respectful, reciprocal relationships with families and communities. By recognizing and valuing diverse family structures and cultural perspectives, the project reinforced the need for inclusive and responsive approaches in early childhood education. Understanding these variations enables educators to build stronger connections with families, encourage active participation in children's learning, and create a supportive environment that respects each child's background and experiences.

ECED106 POWERPOINT PORTFOLIO PROJECT

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

ECED103 007 Creative and Language Arts for Children

ECED103 007 Creative and Language Arts for Children -

Design, execute, and assess meaningful, challenging curricula that promote comprehensive child development and learning outcomes for every child.
Incorporate developmentally appropriate guidance strategies to positively impact child behavior and social-emotional development.

For my course portfolio project, I designed and implemented a lesson plan titled "I Spy Sensory Bin" for toddlers aged 1-3. This activity was developed to enhance children's observational skills, vocabulary, verbal communication, and sensory exploration. Through engaging in an interactive game of "I Spy," children practiced identifying objects based on descriptive cues, thereby strengthening their language development and critical thinking.

The outcome was successfully met as the lesson provided a meaningful and challenging experience tailored to the developmental needs of toddlers. By executing the lesson, I ensured that children were actively engaged in hands-on learning, demonstrating curiosity and comprehension. Assessment methods included anecdotal notes and portfolio documentation, which tracked each child's progress in recognizing objects, exploring sensory materials, and verbalizing their thoughts. Through this process, I effectively designed, implemented, and assessed an enriching curriculum that supported comprehensive child development and learning.

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250305115213_ECED103_Portfolio_Project.docx (.docx) 0.03mb

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

ECED107 008 Early Childhood Practice Experience

ECED107 008 Early Childhood Practice Experience - Observe, document, and assess to support young children and families' teaching and learning.

For my portfolio project, the outcome focused on observing, documenting, and assessing how teaching and learning can support young children and families. I documented interactions in both infant and toddler classrooms, carefully noting activities and caregiver strategies that aligned with key developmental theories, such as Piaget's sensorimotor stage and Bowlby's attachment theory, as well as Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory. Through observation, I was able to assess how different activities fostered sensory, physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

The outcome was met by evaluating how the caregivers' intentional actions and interactions supported the children's growth and well-being. I also emphasized how the caregivers created safe, nurturing environments that encouraged secure emotional bonds and developmental progress. Furthermore, I documented how these interactions and activities aligned with CDA Competency Goals, including promoting safety, social-emotional development, and effective communication with families. By observing and documenting these aspects, I was able to assess how a supportive environment and developmentally appropriate practices contribute to holistic learning for both children and families.

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250305115613_ECED107_Portfolio_Project.docx (.docx) 0.05mb

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

ECED105 007 Child Behavior, Observation and Evaluation

ECED105 007 Child Behavior, Observation and Evaluation - Observe, document, and assess to support young children and families' teaching and learning.

This portfolio project involved observing, documenting, and assessing the developmental needs of three young children—Alex Cleary, Tanya Blake, and Janice Charles—to create individualized intervention plans. The goal was to identify developmental delays and implement targeted support strategies, including speech, language, occupational, physical, and behavioral therapies.

The project met the course outcome by effectively integrating observation, documentation, and assessment to support the children's development. Using standardized checklists, we were able to identify potential delays early, ensuring timely intervention. The comprehensive records collected guided the creation of individualized intervention plans, fostering structured learning environments. Continuous assessment, along with collaboration with families and professionals, ensured effective support through the various therapies. Ultimately, the project highlighted the critical importance of early observation and assessment in promoting children's growth and learning.

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250305120101_ECED105_Portfolio_Project.docx (.docx) 0.03mb

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

ENGLISH202 001 Research and Writing

ENGLISH202 001 Research and Writing - Utilize current technology and resources to locate and evaluate information needed to accomplish a goal, and then communicate findings in visual, written, and/or oral formats.

The course portfolio project focused on utilizing current technology and resources to gather and assess relevant information to support the argument for bilingual education in preschools. The project involved extensive research using online databases, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources to evaluate the cognitive, cultural, and global benefits of bilingual education. Tools such as academic search engines and online libraries were used to gather the necessary evidence, while visual aids and written formats helped present the findings in an organized and accessible way.

The outcome was met by effectively using available technology to access reliable information and then synthesizing the data into a clear, coherent argument. The project demonstrated how to evaluate the quality of sources, select pertinent information, and communicate findings in a structured, written format. Through this process, I was able to demonstrate how modern resources can be leveraged to accomplish academic and professional goals, ensuring that the information is presented in a way that is both informative and persuasive.

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250305120412_ENGL202_Portfolio_Project.docx (.docx) 0.02mb

Assignments: Tka Blake-Mills

ECED202 001 Early Childhood Program Administration

ECED202 001 Early Childhood Program Administration - Organize work effectively to create a purposeful, responsive program, including the preparation of written plans, progress records, parent communication, and various reports.

The course portfolio project focused on building the management and leadership skills essential for operating early childhood education programs. Key areas included budgeting, staffing, policy development, and regulatory compliance. The project required creating and organizing written plans and documentation to ensure the program ran efficiently while meeting the needs of children, families, and staff. This included developing lesson plans, progress records for children, and communication logs for parent interactions, as well as generating staffing schedules, budget outlines, and compliance checklists.

The outcome was successfully achieved by demonstrating how to effectively organize work to create a purposeful, responsive program. By preparing detailed written plans and clear communication records, the project showcased how to maintain a high standard of quality and transparency. This approach not only ensured regulatory compliance but also fostered positive relationships with families and supported the overall success of the program.

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250305120938_ECED202_Portfolio_Project.docx (.docx) 0.04mb

Courses TakenUpdated: 12-05-24