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

This week’s assignment was to explore national and federal early childhood organizations, agencies, and communities of practice then share three that appealed to me and explain why, any job opportunities that interest me, and skills and/or experience needed to fulfill each of these roles.

1.       Association for Early Learning Leaders (www.earlylearningleaders.org)

The Association for Early Learning Leaders was previously known as the National Association of Child Care Professionals (NACCP).  “The organization's goal is to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of the people who lead the child care industry by providing membership services and benefits” (Association for Early Learning Leaders, n.d., para. 1).  They work toward obtaining their goal through their National Conference, membership, accreditation, and training.  As a member, there are many opportunities for professional growth, including online training, seminars, and networking with other professionals.

Members are able to post job openings on the site.  One job that I found really stuck out to me, although I would have to relocate.  The position I would love to have is the Director of the Montessori Child Care Center at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.  Requirements for this position include:

·         Bachelor’s degree in Education (although a Master’s degree is preferred)

·         certification in Montessori education

·         first aid and  CPR trainings

·         Chicago Department of Health Food Service certificate

I currently work for an early childhood center at a hospital in North Carolina so I would be interested in seeing the difference in the traditional early childhood setting and that of the Montessori foundation.

2.           McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership (http://cecl.nl.edu)

The McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University “is a nationally recognized resource for building the leadership capacity of the early childhood workforce” (McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership, n.d., para. 1).  I chose this organization because it offers professional development, program evaluation, research and resource library, and other leadership matters.

Right now there is an opening for a Quality Specialist Coordinator.  Qualifications include:

·         a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field, with a Master’s degree preferred

·         at least 3 years experience in providing technical assistance and developing training curriculum

·         must be detail oriented

·         high level of reliability with assessment tools

·         proficiency in certain computer programs

·         strong written and oral communication skills

·         excellent interpersonal skills

·         an ability to relate to people from culturally diverse backgrounds

Although this particular position is available in Illinois, I would love to find a position like this in my area.

3.            Parents as Teachers (www.parentsasteachers.org)

Parents as Teachers was conceptualized by educators in Missouri in the 1970’s.  “Early childhood professionals suggested that a program to provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues, and parent education to help parents understand their role in encouraging their child's development from the beginning could help improve school readiness and parent involvement” (Parents as Teachers, n.d., para. 11).

               

After researching this organization, I would like to be one of the people who go out to the homes and work with parents to improve their parenting skills and give them the resources they need to be the best parent they can be to their child.  Although there is not a current opening for this position in my local branch or through the federal organization, I did find another job that interests me.  They are hiring a Quality Specialist which has the following pre-requisites:

·         Master’s degree or equivalent in social work, health, psychology, or education

·         3-5 years’ experience in early childhood education, social work, home visiting, education, or working with at-risk children and families

·         Experience in managing and/or implementing accreditation, continuous quality improvement or similar systems

·         Ability to analyze, synthesize, and summarize information accurately and clearly

·         Strong written communication skills

·         Computer skills

References

Association for Early Learning Leaders.  (n.d).  Welcome early learning leaders.  Retrieved from               http://www.earlylearningleaders.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=10.

McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.  (n.d.).  About us.  Retrieved from         http://cecl.nl.edu/.

Parents as Teachers.  (n.d.).  Vision- mission history.  Retrieved from                 http://www.parentsasteachers.org/about/what-we-do/visionmission-history.