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

There were three organizations that appealed to me in the community of practice beginning with OMEP a nonprofit advocacy program that works locally, nationally, and internationally to promote the health, development, and education of the world’s children and families.  The OMEP is known for its advocacy for high quality early childhood education for children everywhere and also the education of professionals and others relating to children, families and early education.  This organization is currently working with children who were displaced in New Orleans, children from Haiti and the floods, and making caps for children with cancer in the USA.  This organization is an excellent example of community action and making a difference in children and family’s lives.

The next organization I chose was of course NAEYC and I chose this because of their extensive knowledge and goals in early childhood and their professional development.  NAEYC is known for its vibrant networks locally, state, and regional affiliates.  I am a proud member of NAEYC and I love their magazine. 

http://www.naeyc.org/membership

The last organization I chose was the National Education Association.  I chose this particular organization because of their work in advocating high quality early childhood education.  They believe the principle in which early childhood was founded on that it is common sense to invest in your children the early years.  The National Education Association is known for the Abecedarian Project which shows results of children attending quality preschool program and how they are less likely to repeat grades, need special education, or get into trouble with the law in the future.  This organization is an excellent resource for early childhood professionals and the advocacy for all children.

http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm

I looked for two jobs this week and have applied for on but will apply for the other one this weekend.  The first job I applied for over three weeks ago and it for the training and curriculum specialist at my job.  This position only requires a bachelor’s degree in ece.  This job is one of my goals when I graduate. However, I have been told it was already filled by someone but, they had to open the job for legal reasons.

The next job is being on the accreditation team for Headquarters of Marine Corp.  It only requires a bachelor’s degree but also wants three years of experience working in DOD child development centers.  I believe I have a very good shot at this job.  However, it is in Quantico, VA and about 4 hours from my present home.  I am going to apply and see what they say and then let God lead me from there. 

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

There are three organizations that appeal to me in my community and state and it begins with my local Onslow County Partnership for Children.  This organization is a resource and referral for professionals in early childhood and a referral center for both parents and professionals. This organization appeals to me because it works hand-in-hand with local family and child care centers in star ratings, trainings, and resources in the community.  It is a great place to send parents who are looking for local events or resources in the community involving children.

The next two organizations are state organizations and the first one is T.E.A.C.H. Early childhood National Technical Assistance & Quality Assurance Center and this organization are about giving individuals who are interested in early childhood as a career a scholarship to pay for their tuition.  I like this organization because it is trying to maintain quality and equity in early childhood and alleviate the high turnover rate of early childhood workers, which is such an issue because of the low pay.  The last organization that I am found appealing is North Carolina Early Childhood Association and it is basically a resource for early childhood professionals in attending trainings and conferences in early childhood and also maintaining quality programs.  The advocates on this organization work towards the quality and maintained of early childhood programs in North Carolina.

In essence, jobs that would currently appeal to me would be director positions over a preschool program such as Head Start or NC Pre-K or the current training and curriculum specialist at my job.  As of right now, I have the qualifications for the Training and Curriculum Specialist as I will be receiving my Masters in Teaching and Diversity and it only requires a bachelors degree in early childhood.  The director position for Head Start and NC Pre-K requires more of a supervisory experience so I lack in that position as far as management material but, I do supervise four caregivers in my pod so I know the drama that comes with working with a variety of individuals.  However, it seems that even where I work you don’t need supervisory experience you need knowledge which I have in early childhood.  The job only requires a bachelor degree but prefers a person with a master’s degree.  I am on the hunt for a higher position as we speak and I am hoping between my education and 8 years of teaching experience that I will land a job that satisfies my passion and makes a difference in early childhood.