Exploring different options to join and becoming involved in
National organizations is an opportunity that is amazing. There are many organizations out there that
will support your passions. I have
reviewed many and these are the organizations that I chose.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children
(NAEYC) is an association that supports high-quality early care and education
programs that lay the foundation for school readiness, academic success, and
adult achievement. There are many resources
that support providers and centers in doing this. NAEYC offers opportunities to
network, receive discounts on conferences and books and to be involved in
changing the world with children. NAEYC
has the latest research based ideas to inspire and inform you for your work
with young children.
As I was searching the website I found a new tab that is
about careers. It is not with NAEYC,
however, they have jobs posted that are throughout the nation. I thought this was helpful in looking for a
job opportunity. At the moment I am not
looking to change jobs until I am complete with my education. It is nice to know that is available.
There was
a job posted that if I were looking I would look at. It is Director, Early Childhood Center at John Hopkins School
of Education, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Early Childhood Center, Baltimore,
Maryland
The Skills I would need are:
- Master’s degree in Early
Childhood Education, Child Development, social services administration or
related field with 18 credit hours in ECE or CD required. Five years'
progressively responsible administrative and/or supervisory experience,
including three years of experience in operating a child care center with
experience setting strategic direction and program development.
- Knowledge and experience
with comprehensive, state of the art curricula for preschool children.
- Knowledge of developmentally
appropriate practice for early care and education.
- Knowledge of city and state
licensing requirements.
- Knowledge of Head Start Performance
Standards and Early Head Start and Head Start programs.
- Ability to lead an interdisciplinary
team of professionals.
- Ability to communicate in a manner
that demonstrates and fosters cooperation, respect, concern, and openness
to change.
- Familiarity with community culture
and knowledge of community resources and services.
- Ability to work with diverse staff
and varied community cultures.
- Knowledge of basic principles and
practices of program management and staff supervision.
- Advanced knowledge of computer
software, including but not limited to Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Ability to utilize and provide
reflective supervision.
- Willingness and ability to obtain food sanitation certification.
I have been a member of NAEYC for over 15 years. NAEYC not
only accredits centers nation wide they accredit University so that there is a
reference that professionals can review to know that they will receive a
education through an accredited school Walden University is on that list of
valid schools.
The National Headstart Association is an organization that
supports training and involvement with parent engagement. There are many other opportunities to take
advantage of on this website. They offer
opportunities to trainings and conferences and advocacy. I joined this association because I am
involved as a Head Start Teacher and would like to learn more about what Head
Start has to offer. This website and
association offers great information for me to become actively involved to
improve my skills to be a better teacher and leader. My passion is to involve and parents and
empower parents to take on their lives and be a part of their child’s life as
well. Knowing how to create those relationships
is a great skill to learn.
I did not see that they have job opportunities, however with
the mission and goals it will help in improving my skills to look at other
opportunities.
Zero to Three is a national nonprofit organization that
provides parents, professionals and policymakers the knowledge and the know-how
to nurture early development. Their mission is to promote health and
development of infant and toddlers. This is an important website that supports
my vision and passion. Children need
that early beginning education and support.
This website is a place that policy makers, parents and professionals
visit for different resources. Zero to
Three has much research that is important to all. I also have a passion because I have a close
colleague that works there as a Senior Writer/Trainer. She is an Author of a book that she wrote
named “Brain Based Early Learning Activities; Connecting Theory and Practice”
by Nikki Darling Kuria. This is just one
resource that is helpful for my interest.
Zero to Three has a few career opportunities. As I have said right now I am not
looking. It is important that I finish
my education and then decide where I want to be. Most of the opportunities will take me away
from my hometown, which is a huge struggle for me at this time in my life. However
I am open for all.
I am excited to be involved in these organizations. I meet new people on a regular bases. Being involved with these different organization
will keep me informed of the skills that I need to fine tune to get to the
ideal job that I want. I am sure that
there will be many opportunities and challenges in reaching that ultimate goal.
