Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community:National/Federal Level

This week blog assignment is quite interesting and I am feeling elated because I am given the opportunity to look for national organizations or community of practice that appeals to me.

The first organization is Zero to Three. This organization is a national non-profit organization that provides parents, professionals and policy-makers the knowledge and the know-how to nurture early development. Their mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life.

They believe that early experiences set a course for a lifelong process of discovery about ourselves and the world around us. They also encourage that you to learn more about very young children, early development. Within this noble organization they current have the job of a Senior Training Specialist available. This sounds very interesting as this job calls for one to have strong knowledge

of early childhood development and early childhood systems;with a specific focus on infant and toddler development, ability to work collaboratively with individuals representing a range of backgrounds and skill levels, strong interpersonal skills. The requirements for obtaining such position/ job title is having a Masters degree in early childhood development or related field.

I am interesting in such position as I believe that true advocacy calls for one to work beyond their call of duty.

The second organization is the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children. Their mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources. They believe that all children have access to a safe and accessible, high quality early childhood education that includes a developmentally appropriate curriculum; knowledgeable and well-trained program staff and educators; and comprehensive services that support their health, nutrition, and social well-being, in an environment that respects and supports diversity.

Currently, there is a job opportunity available for the position of a Senior Director at NAEYC Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation. The roles include maintaining the NAEYC program standards as the gold standard of excellence in early childhood education, reflecting current evidence from research and practice; Ensuring that NAEYC Accreditation supports continuous quality improvement, is rigorous but not unduly burdensome to programs, and provides a valid and reliable assessment of program quality; Staff the work of the Council for NAEYC Accreditation which is delegated authority by the NAEYC Governing Board to ensure the equity, integrity, and accountability of NAEYC Accreditation of programs for young children. Just to name a few. The requirements for such position is demonstrating leadership and management skills administering early childhood systems and quality improvement initiatives. Demonstrating track record of staff supervision that motivates excellent performance and supports ongoing staff development. Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Strong conceptual and analytic skills and talent for innovation. Advanced degree in non-profit management, business administration and/or early childhood education/child development preferred. I am interesting in thus as I have experience in leadership and management and is a prospective holder of a Masters degree.

The third organization is the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP).They are one of the nation’s leading public policy centers dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children. They use research to inform policy and practice with the goal of ensuring positive outcomes for the next generation. They also promote family-oriented solutions at the state and national levels. Their vision is family economic security; strong nurturing family and healthy child development. I am interesting in this organization simply because of what I have observed have been going on with young children from a diverse perspective. However, there are no job opportunity at this time within this organization that I could be a part of. 

                                                       References 

http://www.nccp.org/about.html

www.zerotothree.org

www.naeyc.org

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Three local or state organizations or communities of practice that have appealed to me are:

1. A social worker. In order to qualify for thus I have to study a three-year undergraduate degree or a two-year postgraduate degree in social work that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Second, have a Masters' Degree in Child Study or its equivalent. I chose this community of practice as I am passionate about the welfare of children an their families. Second, I like to lend a hand in providing positive advice and support to vulnerable individuals, families, and those living on the margins of society. I also like to be responsible in helping young children to get access to the services they need to improve their situation and well-being or their way of living on a hold.
2. A Regional Director at the Child Care Agency. In order to do thus I have to have at least six years experience in Child Care in which I have, be able to direct, assign, coordinate and monitor the work team leaders; officers and other staff of the Region to achieve the Agency's goals and objectives. I chose this career as for far too long too many young children have been abused and treated unfairly both in and out of the home or school environment. Therefore, in being a part of this organization I am capable of being an active advocate for children so as to act in their best interest.
3. An Early Childhood lecturer. I would have to obtain a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Studies. This I am currently doing at present. Second I have to demonstrate knowledge about child development; child growth and development, including planning and implementing developmentally appropriate early care and education programs Plan and implement strategies that are geared towards teaching prospective practitioners about their roles and responsibilities in educating the nation's children. I chose this as it has always been my dream to become a lecturer from an early stage in life. There is an opening for this position currently.