Jobs/Roles in the ECE Community: Internationally

As I continue through this journey in the early childhood field it is important to network and reach out to many sources to grow and see outside the box of learning and teaching.  This week I have searched and read about different organizations that are international.  Something that I have always  been interested is how others live in other countries and their culture.  By expanding my feelers to other organizations this will give me more knowledge on how to teach and lead other whether they are young children or adults.

Below are the associations I visited:

Save the Children gives children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves – a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When disaster strikes, we put children's needs first. We advocate for and achieve large-scale change for children (Save the Children, n.d.).

I have been involved with Save the Children through participating in the many conferences that they offered in Atlanta Georgia in the early 1990’s.  This is where I actually realized that this is the field that I wanted to excel and continue my education in.  I have passion for their mission and goals.  I believe that every child deserves a healthy start and opportunity to learn.  The end results of this opportunity will in turn make our nation and our world a more harmonious world where we will feel safe and valued.

As I searched there career path, I could not find a position that I could participate in at this time in my life.  However, I am thinking seriously of finding out how I can volunteer. The area of interest of jobs here in the United States would be to work in  a field-based position to work with local and national partners to implement programs in Early Childhood and Education, Literacy, Nutrition and Exercise. I feel that I have great knowledge and experience and great room for adventure and growth in those subjects.  I will keep checking the website to see when there is an opportunity to send my resume in.

UNICEF is a large organization that works with communities and governments, civil society, communities and other stakeholders to design and implement intersectoral evidence-based ECD programs and policies that help young children reach their full potential by supporting families and communities, and by increasing access to quality early childhood care and education.

As I browse through the jobs for UNICEF I am finding that there is not a position at this time that I would qualify for.  I looked into my local community and I can volunteer with UNICEF here in Salt Lake City, Utah.  I will take time to put a few hours a week in to researching and seeing what I can do  I would like to work with this organization to see what they can do for our Head Star program here.

  

Exchange is another organization that interests me. Exchange is committed to supporting early childhood professionals worldwide in their efforts to craft early childhood environments where adults and children thrive – environments that foster friendship, curiosity, self-esteem, joy, and respect; where the talents of all are fully challenged and justly rewarded. I have been a member of this organization for many years.  I support and have a passion for what their mission is.  I feel that it is important as a professional in the early childhood field to support each other and educate each other for the well being of the children.  This organization is also connected with the World Forum as well. Read more about the World Forum Foundation here www.worldforumfoundation.org.

Careers available are mostly for professionals who write the articles. This website has much information and can lead me to many other jobs.  It is a resource based organization to assist professionals in the early childhood field to network and collaborate with others in the field.  I have met knowledgable people within this organization and learned much about the importance of collaboration not only on a local, state, and national level, but to extend your feelers world wide. There was one job posted on there for a Preschool Director.  Qualifications are as follows and something that I might be interested in:

We are seeking a Preschool Director with the following qualities:

A. PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Director will provide leadership and administration which will motivate instructional and support personnel to strive for superior performance so as to provide the best possible opportunities for student growth and development, both educationally and personally.

B. LINE OF AUTHORITY

Directly responsible to the management board of VINCI Schools

C. SUPERVISION OF OTHERS

Direct supervision over:

1. Teachers

2. Support staff including meals, facilities/scheduling and communications

D. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

In addition to the primary function, the Director shall be responsible for:

1. Developing and administering the general school routine, and coordinate all activities within the school building.

2. Participating in the selection of new teaching and classified personnel.

3. Observing, counseling, and motivating professional staff toward performances to attain the educational goals.

4. Utilizing to the fullest extent possible, all available school facilities, materials, and staff service personnel.

5. Continually evaluating existing programs and practices, curriculum content, and pilot or experimental programs.

6. Maintaining an educational philosophy and school climate which encourages a cooperative and participating attitude on the part of all teachers and children.

7. Maintaining a standard of behavior designed to command respect.

8. Resolving teachers and children behavioral problems.

9. Encouraging and initiating continued improvement in curriculum and teaching methods in cooperation with the board of management, subject area specialists, and affiliated faculty.

10. Identifying intellectual, physical, social and emotional needs affecting children success, and taking steps to direct and coordinate the efforts of teachers and parents with staff services.

11. Planning and submitting annual budget needs.

12. Maintaining effective communication to keep the staff, and parents properly informed via weekly newsletters.

13. Orienting new personnel.

Requirements:

1. Minimum 5 years experience in a similar leadership position

2. Can work in classrooms and is passionate about going above and beyond to support children's growth

3. Master's in Education or science/engineering related field.

4. Hands-on with educational technology.

5. Detailed oriented and meticulous

6. Very structured with curriculum design background

7. Great communication and inter-personal skills.

8. Understanding of social media marketing a plus

References:

Feeney, S. R., & Freeman, N. K. (n.d.). Retrieved fromhttp://www.childcareexchange.com

Save the Children. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.savethechildren.org

Unite for children. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.unicef.org/