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

The first organization I chose was the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators.  The purpose of the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators is to “Advocate for improvements in early childhood teacher education and provide a forum for consideration of issues and concerns of interest to educators of early childhood teacher educators” (naecte.org). The association publishes the Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education which provides a place for early childhood educators to exchange ideas about best practices in early childhood education.  They have a job opening at Central Michigan University, (which I would love because all of my family lives in Michigan) for an assistant professor in early childhood development.  Qualifications for the job are as follows:

“Earned doctorate degree in child development, early childhood education, human development and family studies, or closely related discipline;

Competence in subject matter as evidenced by relevant course work;

Evidence of teaching effectiveness;

Affiliation with relevant professional organizations;

Evidence of potential for successful research and/or scholarly activities;

Evidence of effective communication and interpersonal skills”.

(http://www.naecte.org/docs/Fall%202012%20%289-27-12%29%20EC.pdf)

The second organization I chose was the HighScope Educational Research Foundation.  “HighScope Educational Research Foundation is an independent nonprofit research, development, training, and public outreach organization.  HighScope's mission is to lift lives through education” (highscope.org).  They truly allow children to be children and explore the world around them.   This is an organization I am fascinated with and would love to work for.  They have openings for an early childhood teachers in Milan, Italy. Job requirements would be experience and or training in HighScope, minimum two-year contract. 

The third organization I chose was The Division for Early Childhood .  “DEC promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities” (dec-sped.org).  My school district is moving towards the inclusion model, and I have been having increasing numbers of children in my classroom with disabilities.  I also go through the Road To Intervention process with some of my students during the school year to help them qualify for special education services.  This organization will be a great resource for me throughout the school year.  They have an opening for a child development instructor in California.  The job requirements would be: flexibility to work in many different work environments, “a Master’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or Human Development, experience teaching grade K – 3, and experience in the management and administration of Child Development 

programs” (dec-sped.org).  

                        References

www.naecte.org

www.highscope.org

www.dec-sped.org

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

The first organization I chose was the National Head Start Association.  “The National Head Start Association is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in life” (nhsa.org).  I chose this organization because I work in an area with at risk children and families.  Many of the children who begin kindergarten in my room have never been to preschool because their families cannot afford to send them.  I usually have about five or six students per class who did attend preschool, and I notice a huge difference in their school readiness and social skills. They did not have any open positions advertised on their site, but, I would love to work for the organization and help families in at risk areas become aware of free or affordable preschool programs for their children.  

The second organization I chose was the National Association for the Education of Young Children (naeyc.org).  “NAEYC's mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources” (naeyc.org) This is an organization I discovered through my first class at Walden and I have found it to be an invaluable resource.  They have an entire section of their site and an upcoming conference dedicated to developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education.  I have chosen the topic of developmentally appropriate practices in the kindergarten classroom for my capstone project and am excited to use this site to begin my research.  They have a position open for program coordinator to assist programs with the accreditation process.  This is a job I would ultimately love to have!  The skills necessary for this position are as follows:  “Knowledge of NAEYC’s early childhood program accreditation system, 1-2 years clerical/administrative experience, and experience handling a high volume calls are required.  Call center experience and an Associate’s degree preferred.  Experience in the field of early childhood education and a sound understanding of its practices is plus.  Excellent oral and written communication, MS Office and database skills are also required.  Must be able to meet deadlines, work independently and work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment” (naeyc.org).

The third organization I chose was Zero to Three – National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families.  Zero to Three “is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers” (zerotothree.org).  This is a site I also discovered through my studies at Walden and have found to be a wonderful resource.  I would like to serve on the board of directors for this organization and work to make positive change for young children and their families.  In order to serve on the board I would need to be well versed in research and early intervention programs relating to young children. 

References:

www.nhsa.org

www.naeyc.org

www.zerotothree.org

Reflecting on Learning

I have known since I was a little girl that I wanted to be a teacher.  The dream of having my own classroom is what kept me going through all of my general education courses in college.  I have such a passion for teaching for what is doing what is best for children.  “Anti-bias teachers are committed to the principle that every child deserves to develop to his or her fullest potential” (Derman Sparks & Edwards, 2010, p. 2).  I feel this should be true of all teachers, caregivers, and parents.  My hope for early childhood education is that the people who make the laws and distribute the money begin to value early education and make it a priority.  I hope to see every child have access to quality preschools that allow them to explore, learn, and grow socially.  I hope that the children in my classroom leave my room with a love of learning and have the confidence and curiosity to explore the world around them.  I hope the families of my students understand what a vital role they play in the education of their children and know that I value them and want them to be my partner in the education journey of their child.  

A big thank you to my colleagues, you have been a wonderful area of support and knowledge for me.  While I am sad that many of us are frustrated with the state of the education system right now, I am happy to know that I am not alone in my frustration.  I loved interacting with a group of people who share my same passion and drive for doing what is right for children.  The best of luck in your future endeavors.  I hope to keep following your blogs and continuing to learn from you.    

References:

Derman-Sparks, L., & Olsen Edwards, J. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and             

ourselves. Washington, D.C.: National Association for the Education of Young Children

(NAEYC).