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

I had a hard time at first looking for jobs in the early childhood education field for the national/federal level. I thought I had to find a job for the federal government. I then realized that I could find a job just on their website but it could be for other places since that was really all I saw posted. 

I did find what I believe is a national job for National Head Start Association. The job I thought sounded interesting was Operations Coordinator. The job duties are "to develop plans, monitor and coordinate operations of Head Start centers in accordance with all applicable guidelines, and to train mentor and support staff to achieve program goals"(NHSA,2015). Since I am not a member of the National Head Start Association I was unable to view more detail on this job. I have chosen this association because Head Start is a wonderful program. I feel they do great things for families that need the help. I would love to be part of that.  

The second organization that I found was National Association for the Education of Young Children. The position I thought sounded interesting was the Director of Quality Assessment and Assurance.  I have chosen this job because I think it would be interesting to look at the assessment scores of centers/classrooms. The qualifications and skills needed for this position are bachelor's degree, able to recruit, 3 years of experience with supervisory, able to motivate staff, and experience with early childhood evaluation.  The reason I have chosen NAEYC is because they are a very well known organization. I believe in everything they work for. "NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children"(NAEYC, 2015).

The third organization that I found was National Children's Advocacy Center. The position I thought was interesting was Family Advocate. This position is in charge of training and consultations to professionals. The education and experience needed is a Bachelor's degree in related field, license to provide mental health services, experience in related field, case management experience. The skills needed are confidentiality, knowledge of child development, able to work any hours, professional and able to speak English. I reason I have chosen this organization is because it has to do with my challenge. "The NCAC models, promotes, and delivers excellence in child abuse response and prevention through service, education, and leadership"(NCAC, 2015). 

The fourth organization that I found was Zero to Three. The position I thought was interesting was Policy Specialist. A Bachelor's degree is need for this position. The skills are strong writing, time management, dependable, able to travel, interpersonal skills, solve problems. Microsoft office, and 2 years of experience. I have chose this organization because I have research it many times and I  always find new facts about them. 

Resources

NAEYC. (2015). Our Mission and Strategic Direction. Retrieved from 

        NAEYC: http://www.naeyc.org/about/mission

NCAC. (2015). Mission Statement. Retrieved from National Children's Advocacy 

       Center: http://www.nationalcac.org/mission-statement/mission.html

NHSA. (2015). Professional Development. Retrieved from National Head Start 

       Association: https://www.nhsa.org/our-work/professional-development/careers

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Ever since I started my Master’s degree I have had a list of jobs in the back of my head that I would be interested in once I graduate with my degree. Below are a list of jobs that I would be interested in working with:

·         Child Protective Services

·         Department of Education

·         Education Specialist

·         Child Abuse Prevention

·         Child Care Licensing Consultant

The first organization that I looked at was Child Abuse Neglect Council also known as CAN Council. I have been interested in this organization for a very long time. The reason the CAN Council has appealed to me is because of the work they do. I would love to work for them and be apart in stopping child abuse. Their mission statement explains everything; “We are building communities where children are free from abuse and neglect” (CAN COUNCIL, 2015). As many of you know I am all about stopping child abuse so I feel this organization would be a perfect match for me. They do not have any job postings that I could find on their website. I did find many volunteer positions that are available at CAN Council. The one position that interested me was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). The skills needed to become a CASA are commitment to children, common sense and persistence, objectivity, responsibility, communication skills, and the ability to talk to a variety of people. It did not state experience was needed to become a CASA. They do put you through an in depth training to become a CASA. After you complete the training you have to do so many hours of training each year.

The second organization that I looked at was Department of Human Services for the State of Michigan. Though this is not an organization it is a Community of Practice. Department of Human Services have appealed to me because they are able to help make decisions. I feel they are higher up and have more control on what goes on in a child’s life. The position I have chosen to do with Department of Human Services is Service Specialist 9-P11 Bay County. The common name for this position is a CPS worker. The education requirements for this position is a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a major human service area such as child development. You do not need experience for this job.

The third organization that I looked at was the one I am currently employed with Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency. I have chosen this organization because I love what they do for the community. Not only do they provide early childhood services they offer assistance in many other forms such as housing and utilities. They are also great to their employees. I am currently a lead preschool teacher for the agency but the job that I would also be interested in is early childhood education coordinator. They qualifications for this job is at least four years’ experience working with children.  You will also need a Master’s degree in child development or another similar degree field. I have chosen this job because I would love to work with other professionals making them a better teacher and training them.

The fourth organization I found was Starfish Family Services. The reason I have chosen this organization is because they want to invest in the lives of children. They want to help solve problems before the problem escalates. Besides working with children they also work with parents to help create a positive parent-child relationship. The job that I have chosen from this agency is a Curriculum Specialist. The skills needed for this position is PQA reliable certification. I would also need to have a Bachelor’s degree in the field of early childhood education. I would like this position because I would love to observe the teachers and classrooms. Where ever I can teach adults and children I would love.