ROLES IN THE ECE COMMUNITY: NATIONAL AND FEDERAL LEVEL

National Association for the Education of Young Children

NAEYC

I chose this organization because of how they are truly involved in the well-being of the young children.  Their mission reflects how they are focused on young children.  They create opportunities for young children to grow and thrive.  They also represent the child in all developmental domains.  NAEYC also focuses on making teachers and parents more involved in the developmental process and outcome of the child.  NAEYC is dedicated to provide quality care for young children.

Job Opportunities

Program Support Coordinator

To support the work of our accreditation system for program for young children to coordinate our scholarship fund for programs engaged in NAEYC Accreditation.

Skills and Expereinces

·         Must have a minimum of a B.A. degree, preferably in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Organizational Development or a related field. 1-2 years customer service experience

·         1-2 years work experience in the field of early childhood or a related field, knowledge of accreditation systems (preferably NAEYC’s), excellent MS Office Suite and database management skills are required

 http://www.naeyc.org/

 

National Education Association

NEA

I chose this organization because it benefits the welfare and the developmental outcome for all children.  NEA represents quality educational programs and believes in continuing the improvement of early childhood education through funding.  NEA believes that our country should invest in early childhood education and programs.  It also places emphasis on the NO Child Left Behind Act.

Job Opportunities

Executive Director - Health Information Network

NEA HIN is an independent health and safety non-profit organization closely aligned to the National Education Association (NEA). NEA HIN advances information, programs, services, and policies that improve the health and safety of NEA members and the students they serve.

Skills and Experiences

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university is required. An advanced degree or advanced degree coursework is strongly desired.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in a related field (such as teaching, school health-related fields, and health policy) and including at least three years in directing strategy and managing staff, projects, partner relationships, and budgets.
• Experience in implementing health policy in real world settings, working with teachers and other public school educators, working with labor unions, building supportive alliances with third parties, navigating complex governance processes, fundraising, and marketing.
• Governance and Leadership

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

 

Voices for America’s Children

I chose this organization because it advocates for young children.  I believe that as adults and teachers and educators that we should be the voice for young children whose voices are not heard.  It is one of the largest non-profit advocacy organizations. This organization is important to me because it focuses on equity and diversity, health, school readiness, school success, safety and economic stability.

Job Opportunities

CASA ADVOCACY SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         The goals of the Advocacy Supervisor position include:

·         (1) ensure that children assigned to CASAs receive the advocacy they need; (2) ensure that the children's best interests are presented to the Juvenile Court;

·         (3) ensure that the needs of the volunteers are met and that the volunteers are satisfied;

·         (4) ensure that the policies and procedures of VFC are followed by all volunteers; and

·         (5) promote the mission of Voices for Children in the community.

 Skills and Opportunities

The ideal candidate shares these characteristics, has a bachelor's or master’s degree and at least two years of professional experience.

http://www.voices.org/about/about-voices/

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

1.       Healthy Homes of Mississippi is an organization that is in MDHS. The job opportunity includes a Family Resource Worker. The job is located in Mississippi Department of Human Services under the Division of Early Childhood and Care and Development.  This practice was appealing to me because it gives me an opportunity to fulfill a career in the early childhood field working with young children and their parents.  This is a job that requires you do home vesting and I thought that was a unique opportunity to work with families outside the home.  The skills and experiences that are need to fulfill these roles include a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and two (2) years of related experience; or sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited two-year or four year college or university and four (4) years of related experience. Acceptable degrees include Family and Children's Studies, Social Work and Family Counseling. This position requires excellent oral and written communication skills, extensive travel, unconventional work hours, computer literacy and the ability to be flexible while working in a fast paced environment with minimal supervision (Mississippi Department of Human Services, 2012).

 

2.      The Salvation Army is an organization that appealed to me.  I feel that this organization benefits the community.  I feel that it is a great organization to collaborate and communicate with to help make the community better.  The job opportunity that interested me was the Community Center Director in Jackson Mississippi. This job opportunity entails that you have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Education or a related field, AND five years’ experience in fundraising, public speaking, and marketing techniques preferred, with a minimum of three years’ experience developing programs, supervising and managing multiple professional staff in a community center environment, OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities (The Salvation Army, 2006).  The person who works this job plans, directs, monitors and provides operational direction and support for the overall Community Center development, programming and marketing processes. Ensures the goals and objectives are accomplished within prescribed timeframe and funding parameters as well as to optimize long term operational efficiency.

 

3.      Knowledge Universe division of Kinder Care of Mrytle Mississippi have job opportunities for a teacher. I chose this job because it gives me an opportunity to work within in the classroom.  I feel that while being in this division, I will have the opportunity to gain experiences and knowledge that I can project within the community that will benefit the developmental outcome and the interests of the family.  The job requirements include a CDA credential or at least 2 years minimum.

References

Knowledge Universe. (2011). Teachers and Center Opportunities with Knowledge Universe. Retrieved March 14, 2013, from Knowledge Universe United States: https://knowledgelearning.tms.hrdepartment.com/jobs/21043/Teacher-ECEWesley-Chapel-Florida

Mississippi Department of Human Services. (2012). Healthy Homes Mississippi. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/eccd_healthyhomesms_jobopp.html

The Salvation Army. (2006). Salvation Careers. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from Sterling Direct Web site: https://secure.sterlingdirect.com/jobboard/default.aspx?JobDetail=157628&JOBBOARDID=89&JobSearch=1

 

 

 

 

REFLECTING ON LEARNING

As an early childhood professional I hope to create an anti-bias environment for the children and families that I work with.  I hope to create an environment for families and children so that they know that they all are important.  I want to implement their social identities within the curriculum and planning.  As an early childhood professional, I want to create an environment that is respectful and responsive to the needs of the children and the families. I want to be an advocate for the social rights of children and families, so that they will all be treated the same.  Regardless, of their race, gender, abilities, or cultures all children deserve and should have the same equal rights.  The information and knowledge that I have learned from this course and the previous courses have taught me the value of understanding and promoting diversity within the educational setting.

 

I would like to thank all of my colleagues for the support that they have given through suggestions and advice as I journey through my professional career.  I would like to thank them for the positive feedback and interaction during blogs and discussion board posts.  I would like to wish all of you good luck as you begin to end your journey at Walden in the next few months.  I wish you all success in your personal and professional goals.  I hope that we all continue to implement the education and knowledge that we have obtained and become effective anti-bias educators.

Good Luck!