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

Three national/federal organizations or communities of practice that appeal to me include:

NAEYC

The first one I chose that appealed to me is a very popular organization within the early childhood community, NAEYC. I chose this organization because of the fact that it is a well respected organization and provides valuable resources for anyone interested in the early childhood field, especially those who work with children. Their goals include:

1.      Improving professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education.

2.      Supporting early childhood programs by working to achieve a high-quality system of early childhood education.

3.      Building a high-performing, inclusive organization of groups and individuals who are committed to promoting excellence in early childhood education for all young children. (NAEYC, 2014).

NAECTE

The second organization I chose is the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE). While researching this site, what appealed to me the most was their purpose statements that include important issues to help support those in the early childhood field. Some of those include:

• To advocate for improvements in early childhood teacher education
• Provide a forum for consideration of issues and concerns of interest to educators of early childhood teacher educators
• Provide a communication network for early childhood teacher educators
• Facilitate the interchange of information and ideas about research and practice
• Use, as vehicles, the Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, conferences, resolutions, position papers, and other publications
• Cooperate with other national and international organizations concerned with the study and education of young children (NAECTE, 2013).

NEA

The third organization that I chose is the National Education Association (NEA). The reason this site appealed to me was the statements made regarding the importance of children receiving quality education during their early years. This is my life; this is what I believe in and what I strive to do every day. “Research shows that providing a high quality education for children before they turn five yields significant long-term benefits” (NEA, 2014). They further state that children who have had quality education during early years may be less likely to repeat grades, get in trouble with law, or need special education (NEA, 2014).

Job Opportunities:

Head Start on a national level, such as National Head Start Association or Head Start Bureau. These agencies are all related; however, are in different areas of the US. I have also found that if I worked for the US Department of Health and Human Services, I could apply to work for the Administration of Children and their Families. There headquarters are positioned in Washington, DC.

As I was researching positions for Head Start on higher levels, the majority stated that a Master’s in Early Childhood is a must along with excellent written and verbal skills, able to encourage and practice critical thinking, self-reflective and empathic, respectful and accepting approach to others, works collaboratively and creatively with others at all levels and areas.

National Association for the Education of Young Children. NAEYC. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/

National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators.  NAECTE. (October, 2013). Retrieved from

http://www.naecte.org/

National Education Association. NEA. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/home/18163.htm

 

Exploring Roles in the ECE Community: Local and State Levels

Local or State Organizations/COPs

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach

“The mission of Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Services, Inc. is to provide educational, health and direct outreach services to people in need on James, Johns and Wadmalaw Islands and at the Neighborhood House in Charleston, while encouraging and supporting self-sufficiency and self-esteem” (Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach, 2014).

I chose this organization because of the work they do in this area with regards to supporting the immigrant population that is growing in this region. Our Lady of Mercy holds literacy classes for families, GED preparation and has a child learning program for 3 month olds to 3 year olds. There are also ESL classes with child care, life skills classes for parenting, budgeting, health and nutrition and an after school program to help children with homework, they bus the children themselves. Immigrants in this area can take advantage of these services to help improve their way of life and those of their children.

Rural Mission

“Our mission is to restore the foundation of our community – its families – by repairing the homes in which they live. We believe that human dignity thrives in a place that is safe and secure. We are committed to ensuring that no matter how modest a home may be, its residents can sleep easily, knowing they are safe within it. We are strengthened by volunteers, engaged leaders, donors and deserving neighbors who are all guided by something greater than self” (Rural Mission, n.d.).

I chose this organization because it supports an Immigrant Head Start Agency. I work for another Head Start agency and although many problems need addressed, I very much believe in the program. I was extremely happy to see that there is a Head Start program completely dedicated to the needs of the Hispanic families in the area. I did not even know it existed until doing research for this area. It is supported by an agency in Virginia and is open 10 months out of a year. The serve infants, toddlers, and pre-school children.

South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center: A voice for those in need

“SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center wants to share information on legal topics which affect those we serve – the disadvantaged. We have authored a number of pamphlets, bulletins, brochures, papers and manuals on topics which include housing, education, immigration, consumer affairs, public benefits, health and family, with many translated into Spanish. All printed materials are online for consumer and professional use. We have policy papers for the professional on SC laws and state policies concerning our clientele. Most of these materials can be downloaded.

In addition, we offer continuing educational training for the professional and the community, who seeks to update their knowledge on SC law in areas we advocate. Go to our Training page to see what classes might interest you” (South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center: A voice for those in need, n.d.).

I chose this organization because of the legal support they offer for immigrants and their families. One of the main things that caught my attention and that appealed to me the most was the fact that they are concerned about the children who are here, not by chose, but because they are with their families, but in many cases have no rights because they are not citizens.

Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach. (2014). Retrieved from

 http://www.olmoutreach.org/OLM-About-Outreach-Mission-and-History.htm

Rural Mission. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ruralmission.org/about/

South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center: A voice for those in need. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://scjustice.org/brochures-and-manuals/immigrtion/

 

Job Opportunities

I would love to advance within the Head Start Corporation, whether it is here in this area and a local agency or even higher up in a State or Federal agency. The skills I would need would be working experience which I have been gaining since 2006 and the degree I am working on plus some administration classes. I also have been considering continuing my education with a doctorate degree in the Early Childhood field.