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

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.

http://www.naeyc.org

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.

http://www.nhsa.org/professional_development

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.

http://www.zerotothree.org

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.